“J.A.R.V.I.S., make a note. Remind me not to wake up in the morning ever again.” If you feel like that when you start to think about Christmas shopping, then this is the blog post for you.
Back for its regular Christmas slot is my list of presents for those geeks in your life, who when asked what they want for Christmas say “nothing”, although what they really want is a used napkin signed by Leonard Nimoy that may or may not include some of his DNA.
Whilst searching out these gems on Amazon, one thing I did find this year is that too many of the gifts were pitched in the elaborate Amazon URL as “for men” – I have ignored this as I think my selections are for anyone. It is probably all to do with marketing and SEO – not just casual sexism! If any classification applies to enjoy one of these gifts, they just have to be a bit geeky!
I was aiming for 12 but kind of ended up with 13, well so what – it is Christmas!
Let’s get on with the shopping…
Clive
p.s. No affiliate links here it is just for fun.
Evolution
There are apes to men, Lovecraft to Darwinism and toasters to robots evolution T-shirts on Amazon – here is the data storage version. No anti-virus or ransomware resilient back-ups required.
“Everything is better with Bluetooth”
Sheldon says it and here it is. Keep your head warm whilst listening to the audio of your choice via the built-in Bluetooth speakers and you can even answer the phone as it includes a microphone. The batteries and electronics are removable for washing so it is probably best you do not wear this in the rain unprotected. USB rechargeable.
Bluetooth Beanie Hat Gifts Tech Gadgets, Hat with Bluetooth, Headphones and Microphone
A “White” Christmas
In past Geek Present blogs I have included variations on the “James Bond style” multi-purpose pen, however this year I could not find one I that I liked and had not included before (feel free to make your gadget pen suggestions via our Facebook page). What I did find was a snowflake for Christmas – probably, possibly the only snowflake you will see on this year on Christmas Day.
This was one of those gifts advertised for men but I think it works for any gender of geek.
Lots of tools as you can see from the picture – but they do include the hole for a key ring as tool!
Snowflake Multi Tool 18 in 1, Cool Gadget for Geeks
Set blenders to stun
The cover says it all. A fun book with recipes from many of our favourite franchises – except Star Trek is not mentioned, so sorry for the title.
Dead tree and electronic versions are available
But Star Trek has wine
Star Trek’s Jean Luc Picard’s family owns a French Vineyard, Château Picard. It features in many episodes and films and is where Picard retires to when he is done (almost) saving the Federation. Now you can buy (and drink) that wine and other Star Trek wines from the aptly named Star Trek Wines.
If you want the Star Trek wine experience but with the cheap plonk from the supermarket, try this gift. Although these glasses etc are not a cheap option, that must be because they do not use money in the Federation.
Star Trek: Picard Chateau Picard Wine Bundle – with no wine
There is a real Château Picard.
There is always a mug on my list – proof coffee is a super power
Do you know how many “amusing” mugs there are available on Amazon?
I had a poll around my family and friends and this was their favourite. The dishwasher safe bit is important as as a family we have had several dishwasher/mug incidents where the decals have shrunk and washed away.
When you let your coffee go cold because you are busy, the mug and cold coffee can go in the microwave.
Whatever the blurb says I consider this a gender and age neutral gift – usual conditions apply, you just need to be a bit of a geek to appreciate it. Large or small feet is another issue. You could keep your phone or Christmas chocolates in the socks!
Marvel Mug and Socks Avengers Gift Set
For aspiring film directors
Everything you need to start producing more serious videos on your smartphone. Although aimed at making movies many of the accessories work just fine for improving your still images. Android and iPhone compatible but you will need a 3.5mm jack adaptor for some smartphones.
All supplied in a useful case so you can get out there and shoot your Oscar movie.
Diana adds – it could be useful in the office as well.
All things Star Wars in ice, chocolate, jelly, Plaster of Paris etc.
Silicone moulds in different Star Wars character shapes – this assumes that the Millennium Falcon and T-65 X-Wings are characters – debate that statement here – please limit your answers to less than 250 words including citations.
The soft silicone moulds can be used to shape a variety of edible things, but ice is the most obvious with chocolate and jelly coming a close second. I can just see Han in Carbonite slowly melting into the Pepsi or Jelly Darth Vaders in the Christmas trifle.
Silicone Ice Tray Moulds in Star Wars Character Shapes
Something that is good for the environment
When Diana and I are out and about we have been known to stop at McDonalds as it is quick, easy and predictable. But one of the predictable things is the amount of litter a McDonalds or other fast-food meal can generate. To help combat this and save having to use the plastic McDonald’s cutlery Diana recommends something like this – her set has red handles.
The included pouch makes it easy to drop these in your pocket, handbag or laptop case and save the one-time use plastic when you stop for a break. Take them with you when you next stay at a hotel and get takeaways or leave the knife at home (or pack it in the hold baggage) next time you fly abroad.
Also useful to the adventurous geek when camping and hiking (14, 27 and Extras). For the adventurous – or not so adventurous – the pouch has a belt loop.
Stainless Steel Folding Cutlery Set with Bottle and Tin Opener
You can play games on your phone but…
I bought similar looking games for our children back in the ‘90s and I can remember driving many miles with the bleeping going on in the back seats – then they got Gameboys.
The 21st Century version comes with 150+, 8 bit retro games. Drop-in-your-pocket fun for anyone – save your phone battery when on the plane or train. Watch out – this gift is probably going to make next year’s Geek Mother’s Day and Geek Father’s Day lists as well.
And don’t forget the rechargeable batteries – do your bit for the planet.
10 Rechargeable AAA Batteries plus Charging Dock
To go boldly where no one has gone before
We are back to Star Trek for the last gift. When searching for “geek Christmas” on Amazon, this T-shirt came up. When asked to wear a Christmas jumper, now you can wear a Christmas T-shirt.
Star Trek TOS Trek The Halls Christmas T-Shirt
There we go my selection of seasonal geeky gifts for 2022. I hope you either found a gift here for yourself or someone else or got inspiration to find your perfect present.
From everyone here at Octagon have a Great Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Clive, Diana and the team at Octagon Technology and Smart Thinking
CSC byline
p.s. The quote is by Tony Stark, aka Iron Man from the animated series Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes although if you were excited by this blog post then you probably already knew some or all of this!
Clive Catton MSc (Cyber Security) – by-line and other articles
