Photo by Giftpundits.com from Pexels (photo has been modified)
(Disclaimer: this post contains our affiliate links and they redirect to your local Amazon store)
In this post, we will discuss some gift ideas that lots of developers, programmers, software engineers or a tech savvy people would appreciate. So, without further ado, let us go to our first gift idea.
Rubix cube sets
Regular rubix cubes are now a thing of the past. If you want to take it up a notch, then a rubix cube set is the way to go. Not only are they helpful stress relievers during those demanding scrum estimation meetings, but they also provide you with an interesting and a visually attractive challenge. Check out the set from Dreampark in the link below.
Noise cancelling headphones
Nothing is more annoying than those colleagues who found out that the best place to discuss that new bug is right behind your desk. Like seriously, get a room!
For this, let me introduce you to the Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless, noise cancelling headset. The headset uses adaptive noise cancelling which is better than passive noise cancelling, allowing you to filter out a lot of background noise. Since it is a wireless one, your gift receiver can walk around with it without worrying about wires.
The headset weighs just 8 oz (227 grams), making it comfortable for long usage periods. Coupling that with the Sennheiser brand, and you have a reliable, comfortable and high quality headset. Check out the links below for more information about the pricing and other users’ reviews.
Stress balls
This one is probably an obvious one, but it is also one that needs to be mentioned. A stress ball can sometimes mean the difference between an angry comment during task distribution and a diplomatic line.
Stress balls come in lots of shapes, sizes and colors, so the choice is yours when it comes to picking up one as a gift. I personally found the one below pretty cool. Check out the links for more info.
LEGO sets
Thats right! A Lego set. Lego sets are no longer just for kids. They are for tech savvy adults too. Developers and programmers take pride in building software and solving problems when they go to work.
Providing your tech savvy friend with a Lego set not only provides them with the satisfaction of solving a challenging puzzle, but also with the feeling of having built something. And at the end of the day, you will have a nice decoration piece for your office or home.
There are hundreds of different puzzles that you could choose from them, so you will need to find something that hits close to home for your gift receiver. Ideas include Lego space rockets, shuttles, camper buses, robots, you name it. The nice thing about Lego sets is that you can go as small (and cheap) as you want, or as large, complex and expensive as you are comfortable to spend.
I personally find this transformer looking robot quite cool. Check out the link below for prices and related products. Just don’t step on those Lego pieces!
Coffee mugs
If there is one thing that unites people from the tech industry is their love of coffee. That day cannot start without that first cup of coffee. If you are looking for a gift on the cheaper end, then I would recommend a techie styled mug. It might not be a tech savvy gift, but it will sure put a smile on your gift recipient’s face.
Check out the link below for coffee mugs and similar products.
Computer Programmer Coffee Mug – 6 Stage of Debugging – Tech Savvy Gifts – 11 oz Ceramic Cup
Engineering Gifts Engineer Nutritional Facts Label Science Math Gift Coffee Mug Tea Cup White
Smart watches
If you have some money to spare, then you can’t go wrong with a smart watch. Not only are they now getting more in style, but they are also an essential component in the arsenal of electronics of every tech savvy person out there.
You no longer need to pick up your phone to check your notifications or see who sent you that message. You can simply check your wrist in the same amount of time that it takes to just reach for the phone.
Smart watches can do a lot now days. From checking the time and notifications, to tracking your sports activities and sleep. Just make sure that you pick one which is compatible with your gift recipient’s phone.
Below, you can find some of the more popular devices on the market.
Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS, 44mm) – Space Gray Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band
Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch (46mm) Silver (Bluetooth), SM-R800NZSAXAR – US Version with Warranty
Fitbit Versa Smart Watch, One Size (S & L Bands Included)
Sun lamps
One thing I experienced as a software developer is staying indoors for long periods of time. During the winter months, you usually get to work when the sun is rising, and before you have the chance to leave the office, it is already dark outside.
Therefore, sun lamps can be a nice gift for your tech savvy friend. Not only does it provide a bright light for your office desk, but it provides the illusion of sunlight which can alleviate your mood and your energy levels.
Check out the link below for this sunlamp from Sunrise Sensations and for related products.
Neck massager
Sitting in front of your computer for hours everyday can sometimes take its tool on your neck and your back. Therefore, a neck massager can be a very appreciated gift if your target is a person who spends a lot of time in front of the computer.
There are tons of products out there, with features including neck massaging, heating and massage for other body parts such as the back, shoulders, etc.
Check out the neck and back massager below from Shiatsu for pricing and related ideas.
Wireless phone chargers
If your friend or your colleague is sick and tired of having to unplug and plug their phone charger every time they get to the office, then a wireless charging station can be an ideal gift for them.
Simply install it in their office, and all they need to do is just place their phone on the charging pad, and voila, its charging. No more plugging and plugging the phone to the charging cable.
Just make sure to do your research and make sure that their phone supports wireless charging.
The following charger is compatible with newer iPhone and Samsung galaxy devices. Check out the link for more details and related products.
Power banks
Power banks are portable external battery devices that can be used to charge your electronic devices while you are on the go. These can be ideal for people who have long commutes, are travelling or need their devices to be charged all the time.
There are many power banks with many factors differentiating them. This includes battery size, number of charging ports, types of charging ports, availability of fast charging, weight and size of the device and build quality.
Check out this one from Anker in the link below.
Thug life glasses
If you are looking for a light hearted gift, then you can’t go wrong with the Thug life glasses. If your gift recipient is a fan of meme’s, then this can be the perfect gift for them.
There are a lot of makers of these glasses, so you have a variety of choices, shapes and sizes. Just make sure to tell your recipient to wear them only indoors as most do not provide UV protection.
Check out these ones as an example.
Summary and final thoughts
There are a lot of gift ideas that you can give to your tech savvy friends, software developers in your office or IT staff that you appreciate. In this post, I wanted to discuss the ones that I liked more or ones that might not be so obvious.
Do you have some gift ideas which we did not mention that you find interesting? Please let us know in the comments below!