

Geeks, nerds, techies, trekkies – you may love one. And you may be trying to find a unique gift for your geek. Well, you’re in luck, because I have scoured the globe of nerdom to find that perfect gift. Yeah, it’s a biased post, but I’m doing it. I really hope you find something here that you like.

This is by far my #1 favorite tech purchase of 2009! This tiny device is amazing. The Roku player is a streaming video box. It can hook up to Amazon online to deliver HD movies in 5.1 channel sound. It can also hook up to Netflix to deliver HD movies. As of yet, it still doesn’t deliver 5.1 channel sound over the Netflix API connection. I think that will be coming in the future, however. Now, I bought the Roku player because it cost me like $100. Then I signed up for the $9/month Netflix account. The Roku player allows you to watch Netflix Instant Queue on your TV. It’s super easy to use and a fantastic value over the short and long term. I have Roku player review in the past and noted that they may be adding some very cool services in the future. Well, the future is now, because they just updated the firmware and there are some fun treats.
The first thing of note is that the Roku player now has Pandora! Woohoo. Now I can have rolling tunes on my home theater system. But Roku really added much more than Pandora. They added a channel suite. This will allow you to add and remove channels. So far, they have added: MLB.com, Blip.tv, Twit.tv, Facebook photos, Flickr, Revision3, Motionbox, and Mediafly. Most of these are free. And I’m sure they are going to be adding a lot more premium channels in the future. It’s basically turning into an ala carte video player. And I love it.
I unequivocally recommend this product.
Okay, this is a little juvenile…..So it’s right up a geek’s alley! All you need is some marshmallows and it’s freakin’ go time.
This is one of Lionel’s top models and it comes with all the bells and whistles, no pun intended. A rare train.
What could get a geek more excited than having a home server at his or her becking call. It will serve all your illegal, i mean legally obtained media.
Well, I know this isn’t a unique item, but I have to post it. It’s just a hugely popular gift idea because it’s so easy to use, fun to use, and relatively cheap. Flip is really innovating the whole HD camcorder arena.
Why look at the time and temperature on a screen when you can project it? Screens, they are so yesterday.
Now this thing is cool. The Plant sensor takes all the guesswork out of gardening. If your geek is also into gardening, this is the perfect combo. Just read this uber geekiness, from the manufacturer:
“This ingenious in-ground sensor reads and analyzes growing conditions in specific spots inside your home or in your yard. It measures sunlight, temperature, humidity, soil moisture and drainage. It even uses the same technology used on NASA’s Mars Phoenix mission to measure the soil.”
Who can pass up having NASA technology in their garden?
Who wants to constantly check their foodstuffs? I would rather be watching the big game! Well, now you can literally do both. Put the probe in the meat and take the digital display with you to the couch. Plug in the meat type,etc. And then you will be alerted by screen and voice when your meat is done. That’s like meat hacking.
Okay, now this is hilarious. But this could come in handy. As the graphic says above, the motion detecting phone will be triggered and dial your phone. Then you can kick back and listen in on whoever tripped it. The options are limitless.
Oooooh, danger signs. Yes, I can’t go without posting a high powered laser. This laser will pop balloons or light matches. Yes, lasers can cost upwards of $3,000, but this one only goes for $100. And it’s good. Mmmmm, lighting matches with light. Serious geek factor, but it’s definitely not a toy!
Okay, so this is simple tech, but it’s still cool. This gift would be a definite hit with any wine lover on your list who also loves gadgets. Instead of decanting wine, this product mixes in the right amount of air at the right time. People swear by this product.
You haven’t cooked rice until you have done it with a computer. Makes it so easy, a monkey super smart geek could do it.
Single cup coffee makers are all the rage these days. This Keurig makes it a super snap. There’s just something really nerdy sexy about getting a metered dose of coffee. Now we need bloodstream injectors.
Boy, it must be the year of wine gadgets. Nobody really enjoys opening wine bottles with cheap openers. Yes, there are some excellent mechanical wine openers, but why settle for mechanical? Your geek wants some piece of tech to open his wine! Here’s a video demonstration:
Now, I have to qualify this recommendation. People hate the PC version. Don’t buy it. But, if you are wanting it for Xbox360 or PS3, then go for it. There is nothing more satisfying than saving the world from the comfort and safety of your armchair.
While I’m at it, another game that is must have for this season. Heck the trailer alone makes you want to play it.

If you have a junior geek in the house, the Mindflex Game may be right up his or her alley. Mindflex is a telekinesis game. Yes, you use your mind to control a foam ball! Um, the geek index just went to volcanic. Here’s a video demonstration from CES:
Again, this one is for the younger crowd, but really fun. Get kids into advent with this hilarious Lego Advent Calendar. Geeky and family building at the same time, mmmmmm.
And now for the astronomer geeks out there. The Uncle Milton Moon in My Room has been a huge hit with kids. Here’s a nice video review:
A geek needs storage. It’s like a geek’s brain – ever expanding. Grab a really nice, well reviewed external hard drive for that brain feeding fiend.
And what is true for computers, is true for cameras as well. Grab your photography nerd this really nice priced SDHC card from Transcend.
How many times does a geek get to be cool and popular? Well the Swivel pico projector from Cinemin will. This tiny little projector can project a 61″ image from 8 feet away. It has a two hour battery life and is amazing for family get togethers or impromptu video showings.
Okay, I actually own these speakers. And let me tell you, if you have an audiophile nerdomatic in your family, these speakers are unbelievable. I simply could not believe the sound they put out. I reviewed them earlier and you can find it by searching on this site. I gave this system really high marks, for good reason!
Mmmmm, really large monitor. Video good. Sorry, I’m having trouble typing through my drool.
Now, I can think of how well this would do removing leaves from your yard. Orrrr, I could think of a million ways I could use the blower for certain “side projects.” **insert maniacal laugh
I hear you, enough of the so called “practical” gifts. Now, let’s just see what we have here. It’s none other than your own racing seat. Ridiculous, perhaps. Geeky. Er, totally. Video demonstration:
Calling all golf nerds. This little GPS unit is going to make you giggle like a school girl. No, you will still be hitting balls into the pond, but at least you will know that you meant to hit it there.
Now geek and nasty, hairy spiders can go together.
For that aspiring graphic artist, or serious enthusiast, this tablet is large and hard to beat.
It’s every trekkie’s fantasy to own one of these. Make em proud.
I’m a doctor, not an amazing gift giver Jim. Think again. Excellent prop for the price.
And while we are on it, here is something that would make your trekkie swoon.
Tough to beat the Garmin Nuvi 260W for features and price. Also tough to find someone who doesn’t already have a GPS these days.
Now this is definitely where technology meets problem. I’m sure you can think of someone who hates to clean the litter box. Well, grab them some automatic kitty litter technology.
Sometimes popular items just make you scratch your head. This rodent on wheels is definitely in that category. Super popular this year – grab it while you can.
Have a kid that is into art and music? You should seriously consider getting him or her the uncreate music box. It’s a highly addicted mixing and sampling station. Yank loops from an ipod. Great fun for young and old alike. Seriously, you may get into this more than your child!
Uncreate is on a roll because the artimation station allows your child to draw characters that come alive on the computer. It’s an interactive art game that does a pretty good job of getting the creativity out.
I know what you’re thinking. The Zoom H2 doesn’t look like much. Seriously, don’t let that fool you. This is an incredibly high rated 4 mic recording recorder that sports the following features:
Speaking of drunk relatives. The breathkey breathalyzer is a very unique and geeky gift. Not only is this thing super small, but it is also FDA certified. That’s because the keychain has a fuel cell sensor in it. This is the same sensor that police forces utilize. I’ve seen other personal breathalyzers, but I liked the size of this one. Also, people commented over and over on the accurate results.
The Breathkey also features a lifetime internal battery. It can last 2500 testings. You can also send the unit in for recalibration for $15. The recommended calibration period is 6 months to a year.
For $69, the Breathkey personal breathalyzer keychain can be a huge peace of mind for folks. Highly recommended.
Here is a great gaming rocking chair that will blow your kids socks off. Specs please:
Compatibility
PS2, PS3, XBox, XBox 360, Wii, Game Cube, Nintendo DS, DS Lite, PSP, iPod, TV, VCR, DVD, and MP3 players
What’s in the Box?
Sound Rocker, wireless transmitter, 9-foot 3.5mm male-to-male audio cable, RCA stereo-to-mini plug adapter, DC power adapter, printed operating instructions
Makes for a really fun gift.
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