My wife tells me I’m difficult to shop for. I believe it, as I have heard this from a few different sources. As a techy person, tech gifts aren’t something I often receive, and to be fair, when they are given, I probably could have found it better and less expensive! I have found a few things that are less common that other tech people might love. If nothing else, I hope I will ignite the spark of a new idea for your techy loved one… and if you want to send any of these my way, well, that’s fine, too.
Key knife – infinitely useful and stays on your key chain, blending in with other keys. The main purpose I use this for is opening packages, both from Amazon and on birthdays/holidays. Honestly, I use my key knife daily. Most recently, we used it to free a distressed and trapped garter snake from a cheap plastic fence in our local botanical garden/sculpture park! It’s always at the ready and handy. (The snake is fine now, by the way!)
Isis puzzle ball – Looks simple enough but provides hours of puzzle solving enjoyment. Once you take this on you will want the next in the series to solve.
Nerdy Tie Dyes – When my wife found out I was making this blog post, she insisted we include our favorite tie dye shop! This girl does the best tie dyes that are so bright and cheerful! She can do swirls and all that jazz, of course. But her custom designs are where she shines! We have gotten guitars, Darth Vader, rainbows, hearts, turkeys, a peeps bunny, and so much more swirled into shirts. When we had our last baby, we got several newborn onesies that were beautiful. We didn’t find out the sex, so we loved having not only gender neutral clothes at first, but truly beautiful clothes perfect for photo ops (and hiding barf). She is great to work with and we have always been pleased with the quality and craftsmanship of her dyes. We also got a special offer for anyone who wants to order from her through this blog! Enter the coupon code NERDYDYES for 15% off of anything in the shop and free shipping (to U.S. customers)!
Seagull Mobile – makes it onto my list as the most inconspicuous and surprising item that I’m sure no one will have. I have this hanging from the ceiling over my chair at my desk. I get so deep into work that I forget to take deep breaths or blink or whatever. All I do is tilt my head back and try to move the seagulls with my breath. It’s really, really simple, but really effective and calming. Any mobile or thing hanging from a string would work just as well.
Darn Tough socks – I love these socks! Made in the U.S.A., they have a lifetime gaurantee and are so comfortable! They’re just made better than other socks. They allow your feet to breathe, and do such a good job of wicking moisture and smell that I’ve worn them for days… Amazing for traveling, growing boys and stinky feet.
Theraband bands/mini tramp/exercise ball- I’m all about small breaks that make your work day better by clearing your mind, even if the break is only for a minute or two. It’s not enough time to sweat, but an active quick break for mental health!
Lodge Cast Iron griddle – I love cast iron! This griddle is the creme de la creme when it comes to cast iron. It has a grill side and a flat side, which is the one we almost always use. It cleans up so shiny and has a commercial kitchen feel to it; you get more space to cook. Everything cooks so beautifully and quick, even when compared to the rest of our cast iron. We use it for potatoes, eggs, paninis, veggies, pancakes, English muffins, burgers, etc.
GIPF series of games/7 wonders duel – These are some of the best games I have ever played. They are all two person games. The strategy is different in all of them, and I love the adjustment of acclimating to the strategy needed to win. They’re all super simple yet complex, and MOST people don’t have them (nor have ever heard of them)! Each one of us has a different favorite! 7 Wonders Duel was given to me by an great friend and we’ve been playing at least once a week since.
Car trunk organizer – This has been a much needed addition for years. It was one of those purchases that after I had them, we both had this, “where have these been our whole lives?” kind of response. I have two: one for the staples that stay in the car (jumpers, reusable bags, etc.) and one that is used solely for groceries (so we don’t forget anything in the trunk). They fold up nicely and barely take up any space.
Rice bag heat packs – I get these at local artist markets, but you could get them at Etsy or anywhere. They have been amazing for any mild aches, pains, sore muscles, cold nights, etc. There are so many uses for them.
Garden seeds – Request a catalog from this company and it’ll have you dreaming of spring with ambitions of growing your own beautiful harvest this year!
Pump-its – They cut anything you can think of that fits the diameter the tool says it can take. At the time we got them my 6 year old had no trouble cutting branches with these!
Merrell sandals – Hands down the most comfortable shoe! I use these for long periods of time in the kitchen (when my wife has me slaving away without breaks for weeks) and they always keep my feet nice and happy.
Sherlock holmes/mystery book – a good mystery book with great vocabulary and British humor is always a great idea.
Foraging book – getting away from the screen is really important to me, and getting out into nature is fun and relaxing- but we wanted more! Our questions have turned into knowledge and we have had some amazing trail side snacks and meals from food we have found! My favorite is a cranberry and autumn olive sauce at Thanksgiving! But then there’s also wild garlic, morels, ramps, wild black raspberries, sassafras, mint, wild cherries, dandelion, apples, onions, grapes, wild mustard greens, rosehips, and so much more. It’s awakening and inspiring when you step outside and a plant becomes a familiar culinary friend. The books listed are more specific to the Midwest U.S., so maybe find one indigenous to your area! If nothing else, this author is a great writer and he makes for some lovely reading.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re super desperate for a gift…. when everything else fails, gift cards still work 🙂
