It’s never been a cooler time to be a nerd. Big hits in pop culture like The Big Bang Theory, Game of Thrones, and the Marvel cinematic universe have allowed nerds to no longer hide behind computer screens, but be proud of their inner geek.
As comics, video games, fantasy books, and board games become more popular, it’s easier to buy gifts for the nerd in your life. Whether they’re Star Wars fans, can’t get enough Pokemon, or just love all geeky things in general, we’ve found the best gift ideas out there that a true nerd is going to absolutely love receiving.
Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry & Watches
Whether they’re the type of nerd who likes to proudly display their favorite franchise on their T-shirt or the kind that just appreciates something super practical and functional, we’ve got the clothing and accessory gifts for them.
We’ve hand-selected the best clothes, shoes, jewelry, and watches that a nerd is going to geek out over debuting.
Garmin Rugged Outdoor Watch
A nerd will love the tech this watch has to offer. This Garmin Rugged Outdoor Watch ensures you’ll never get lost, even when the weather gets rough. It holds a 3-axis compass, a barometric altimeter, and supports several different GPS systems. Its Trackback feature shows you how to retrace your steps. The battery can last for 16 hours in GPS mode or up to 14 days in smartwatch mode.
Bioworld Zelda Canvas Wallet
Zelda fans will appreciate this Bioworld Zelda Canvas Wallet. This canvas and PU leather wallet has slots to hold credit cards, a clear slot for I.D., and a cash pocket. The front of the wallet bears the Zelda Video Game emblem. This Zelda fan accessory features a chain and faux leather strap to attach to a belt loop. It is 100% authentic and officially licensed.
Uncommon Goods Travel Packable Hoodie
Layered clothing is a must when backpacking. However, when it’s hot, you may wish you left that thick, bulky sweatshirt at home. With this Uncommon Goods Travel Packable Hoodie, you can lighten your load. The comfy sweatshirt folds up into a nice pillow-pouch when not in use. You can use this pouch to store headphones, keys, and more. Or, simply attach it to your backpack with a carabiner loop.
Educational
If piecing together the timeline for the Marvel universe, or figuring out the Targaryan heritage line are their favorite things to do, then chances are these fun and educational gifts will be right up your nerd’s alley.
From brain teasers to a nerd version of Cards Against Humanity, they’re going to love the chance to showcase just how nerdy they are with our top educational gifts.
What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions
Most of us had plenty of why, how, and what-if questions as kids. But, as we grow there may be many questions we still have that we feel are too silly to ask. This book, What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions, answers plausible and wacky questions. The interesting factoids are punctuated with Randall Munroe’s iconic stick figure illustrations.
Of Course! The Greatest Collection of Riddle & Brain Teasers for Expanding your Mind
This Of Course! collection of riddles and brain teasers is perfect for a problem-solver. These pages are filled with 78 quality riddles to tease and sharpen your brain. You can also learn some interesting facts in the process. This book has an answer to how to cross bridges, shoot cyborgs, transport bananas through a desert, and more. Train your brain to figure out solutions to impossible problems.
Cards Against Humanity: Nerd Bundle
Expand your Cards Against Humanity card deck with this Cards Against Humanity: Nerd Bundle. These add-ons include Fantasy, Geek, Sci-Fi, World Wide Web, Human, and A.I. packs. Plus, you get an extra deck of new cards called: “A few more cards for you nerds.” These six (and a half) expansion packs, with a total of 202 cards, can make Cards Against Humanity more fun for nerds.
Electronics
Electronics are typically right in a nerd’s wheelhouse. Testing out the latest gadgets or tinkering with tech is sometimes their favorite thing to do. Don’t have the first clue about what electronics you could possibly buy them? Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
We’ve sourced the coolest, most funkiest, and geekiest gadgets that the nerd in your life is going to have an absolute blast testing out.
Fullight Bluetooth Beanie
Whether a beanie hat is your signature look, or it’s genuinely cold outside, this Fullight Bluetooth Beanie can change your life. Not only does it keep you warm, but you can also play your favorite tunes in-ear through your hat. It has two HD speakers for high-quality sound when you listen to music or talk with friends hands-free. The one-touch Bluetooth system is easy to pair with devices.
Feeke Solar-Charger-Power-Bank
Charge your battery wherever the road takes you with this Feeke Solar-Charger-Power-Bank. This power bank can charge two devices at once with its 36800mAh large cell capacity. It is dust-proof, waterproof, impact-resistant, and compatible with almost all electronics. The power bank also comes equipped with two bright LED flashlights and a compass. This is a great tool to have handy when you backpack, camp, or hike.
Tile Pro Trackers
If you know someone who is always losing their stuff, these Tile Pro Trackers can help them find their things. Add a tile to keys, a bag, luggage, or other important items to track them down easily. If your item is close by, you can ring it through the Tile app. However, if an item was lost or stolen, you can use the Tile app to see where it is on a map.
Petoi Robot Dog Bittle
The Petoi Robot Dog Bittle is a perfect gift for someone who is allergic to real-life animals, or for someone who loves technology. Once you finish building the robot dog, watch it spring to life. Bittle has amazing life-like movements: he’s agile, speedy, loyal – and an all-around good boy. The Petoi Robot Dog Bittle is a fun project for a nerd.
Hatch Restore
The Hatch Restore is a lamp, clock, stereo, and sleep aid all in one. You can use it to play your favorite tunes, get to work on time or relax at night with a story. With this device, you can also set a sleep routine with a sunset lamp feature, soft-glow reading light, and white noise or other soothing sounds. Control this device by pressing its buttons or through the Hatch app on your smartphone.
Cvcbser Dueling Lightsaber
Fight like a Jedi (or Sith Lord) using this Cvcbser Dueling Lightsaber. This lightsaber has a real look and feel with a weighted aluminum alloy hilt. You can change the light to 12 different colors depending on which character you want to play. The saber plays five different background songs, or you can turn the sound off entirely. A Star Wars fan will geek out at this amazing gift.
Logitech Blue Yeti Microphone
Help a nerd follow his heart with this Logitech Blue Yeti Microphone. This microphone is perfect for recording podcasts, voice-overs, interviews, YouTube channels, and music. The Blue Yeti Microphone has features such as a mic mute, adjustable headphone volume, and a desktop microphone stand. This mic has a rich broadcast sound, and it is compatible with both PC and Mac computers.
Anker Foldable 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station
Eliminate the wires running around your nightstand with this Anker Foldable 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station. This one station can charge three Apple devices all at the same time. You can plug in your watch, power your phone, and charge up your wireless earbuds with this stand. The stand folds easily, so you can pack it in your bag for travel.
Entertainment
Unless your loved one is lucky enough to have a nerdy job, their free time is going to be when they really get to geek out. Help make this time so much more fun by gifting them some entertainment that they’re going to love.
From pinball machines to LEGO to artistic D&D dice, we’ve found the best entertainment gifts that will keep the nerd in your life occupied for hours on end.
Arcade 1Up Marvel Digital Pinball II
A lover of classic arcade games will be thrilled to have this Arcade 1Up Marvel Digital Pinball II in his own home. This 3/4 scale digital machine has a 23.8-inch LCD playfield, adjustable sound, haptic touch flippers, and a working plunger. This pinball machine will feel right at home in a game room, man cave, basement, or office.
Uncommon Goods Create Your Own Video Game Set
A fan of retro video games will enjoy a new challenge with this Uncommon Goods Create Your Own Video Game Set. This kit uses beginner-friendly coding and programming for you to create your own game moves based on the golden era of home video games – think mushrooms, plumbers, and turtles. The machine also functions as a smartwatch and pedometer. A nerd will love creating their own 8-bit challenges.
LEGO Super Mario Nintendo Entertainment System
Pour on the nostalgia with the gift of this LEGO brick Nintendo Entertainment System (71374). With this set, you can build a 1980s TV replica with a Super Mario Bros. game on its screen. Not only does it make a great display for a game room, but this 2,646-piece LEGO creation also has interactive functions. Watch the game come alive when you connect it to the NES console and Game Pak.
GameDiceArtShop Dnd Dice Set
This seven-piece dice set from Game Dice Art Shop can add a fantastical element to D&D and other role-playing games. Each die is beautifully crafted and has a solid weight. A wooden box with a latch can keep all the pieces safely together for when you need them. Fans of RPG will love to pull these fancy dice out at game nights.
Home, Garden, & Tools
Everyone likes to reflect a little bit of their personality through their home decor. So what could be a better gift to get the nerd in your life than some homeware that showcases their true nerdiness?
We’ve found the top home gifts for nerds, and have included a huge range depending on how geeky they really are. From an overtly nerdy Pacman light to more subtle Star Wars ice cubes to super practical multi-tool pens, they’ll be eagerly putting these nerdy gifts in pride of place in their home.
Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool
“Be prepared!” we’ve always been told, and some of us never forgot it. With this Swiss Army Knife, you can be ready for any situation. You can open a can, strip a wire, sew, cut wood, clean your nails, take up sewing, and much more with this all-in-one knife. The durable stainless steel pocket knife and accessories are made to last.
K132Store Light Up Portal Bookends
These 3D-printed bookends are perfect for a nerd’s game room or library. The light-up book ends show a figure entering through a blue portal on one side, and exiting through the orange on the other side. Choose from black, gray, or white book stands. Fans of the Portal video game and the character, Chell, will appreciate this unique design.
DenizStudio Star Wars Clock
This DenizStudio Star Wars Clock would be a great addition to a Star Wars nerd’s fan room. This intricate clock summarizes the entire film series in one 12-inch clock. The closer you look, the more characters you find. Yoda, Leah, Chewbacca, a Stormtrooper, and more are on display on the face of this clock. Meanwhile, the Death Star is slowly flying over on the clock’s second-hand.
Masters Traditional Games 3 Man Chess
If you know a master at chess, you can challenge their skill with this Masters Traditional Games 3 Man Chess. This game is anything but traditional when you add a third member to the chess tournament. The round chess board game makes the classic game even trickier than usual and calls for alternate rules. You can take the chess expert out of their box, but can you beat them at their own game?
Just Funky Pokemon Mug
Someone who lives and breathes Pokemon can also drink out of Pokemon with this fun and funky mug. This 12-ounce mug takes on the iconic shape of the Poké Ball. It will hold your coffee and can catch as many Pokemon as you wish. An anime fan can wake up a winner every morning with this Just Funky Pokemon Mug.
Paladone PacMan Ghost Light
He may have disappeared from the arcades, but the iconic PacMan ghost returns in the form of this Paladone PacMan Ghost Light. With 16 different lamp colors, you can change the light as often as you change your mood. You can watch the lights dance to music when the ghost goes into party mode. This friendly ghost will be welcome in any nerd’s home.
Vioesrry Star Wars Millennium Falcon Ice Tray
This Vioesrry Star Wars Millennium Falcon Ice Tray can make detailed replicas of the Millennium Falcon and the Death Star in ice. These BPA-free, silicone molds are freezer and oven safe up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius). A Star Wars fan will enjoy watching these two warring space crafts face off in their glass on a warm day.
Uncommon Goods Floating Moon Desk Lamp
With this Uncommon Goods Floating Moon Desk Lamp, you can moon-gaze even on a cloudy night. The 3D-printed moon floats just above its wooden lamp base. You can touch the base of the lamp to watch the moon lamp rotate and change colors. This LED lamp can change from a warm yellow to a warm white, to a cool white. This beautiful lamp will endlessly fascinate a nerd.
Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook
A nerd can cover the Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook’s dotted pages with notes and drawings. Then, this special notebook allows you to transfer your pen and paper notes to a smart device. Use the FriXion pen to write, let the ink dry for 15 seconds, then, blast your notes to a cloud service, such as Slack, iCloud, or email. Once you save your notes, wipe off the pages and use them again!
Uncommon Goods 5-in-1 Tool Pen
You never know when you are going to have to tighten a screw, straighten wall decor, measure the inside of a pipe, or jot down notes. This Uncommon Goods 5-in-1 Tool Pen can help you in any of these situations. On the outside, it looks like an unassuming pen with a clip. However, it also includes a screwdriver, a touch stylus for smart devices, an integrated bubble level, and a ruler.
Uncanny Star Wars Millennium Falcon Waffle Maker
A Star Wars fan may think they have everything, but do they have this? This Uncanny Star Wars Millennium Falcon Waffle Maker looks like it came straight out of a film. However, unlike Han’s spacecraft, this Falcon can make waffles. This waffle maker is made from durable, non-stick cast iron and leaves a Falcon-shaped imprint on each waffle. Eat them quickly, before they fly off your plate!
ChopSabers Lightsaber Chopsticks
Chopsticks look easy to use, but for the untrained, it does take a bit of skill – or maybe you can just use the Force? These lightsaber chopsticks certainly can add some flair to a bowl of Ramen or sushi night. The LED chopsticks light up with the touch of a button, impressing your guests. This set of four chopsticks comes with a mix of blue, green, purple, and red colors.
Wrapping Up
Getting the nerd in your life a present that honors their love of all things geeky will be a thoughtful gift that they’ll really appreciate.
Whether they’re a superhero savant, a Middle Earth maniac, or wild for wizards, we’ve got gifts for every franchise, as well as some fool-proof geeky items that all nerds would love to own.
No matter the occasion, your budget, or their level of nerdiness, we’ve found the best gifts that will really compute with your favorite nerd.
