8 Unique Father's Day Gifts for Geeky Dads

I know my dad is pretty geeky, and I'm grateful. It's thanks to him I've gotten involved in the tech world, I'm not afraid of new stuff (like Linux), and I'm working part-time writing a lot of technology-related articles. Why not say thanks to your geeky dad this Father's Day with a gift he'll really like, instead of another lame (insert clothing item here) like last year?

The first geeky gift on this list has to be the Swiss Army Knife with USB Drive (1GB model $69.99). This little beauty comes with the standard pocket knife tools, as well as LED light, the USB drive (in 2GB, 1GB capacities), and ballpoint pen. You know what else is cool? The USB drive detaches, so your dad can take it with him during air travel while safely checking the pocket knife part in his luggage.

So maybe your dad isn't into pocket knives, but he still needs a cool way to carry around his files, and you know he looses his regular USB drive all the time. Why not get him this super cool and stylish USB Memory Watch (starting at $34.99)? This lightweight, sleek watch has a built in USB connector that stores in the watch band when not in use. It boast a 3 year battery life, it's shockproof, and has a nice LED indicator showing the status transferring files. And since he'll be wearing most of the time, he probably won't lose it, either!

That watch isn't geeky cool enough for you? Then you need to take a look at the Stainless Steel 8GB Video Watch ($129.99). I don't think this one is quite as slim and sexy as the USB Memory Watch, but it does a whole heck of a lot more. It's got a 1.8 inch TFT LCD that displays video at a 160x128 resolution at 20 frames per second. Of course it tells time and plays your videos, but it's also a photo viewer and it can playback your music files. It also records voice notes! I can't imagine anything geekier. Well, except for this next item.

What if you could have a USB hub and a tape dispenser, all in one cool desk accessory? I, too, am astounded at the possibility. Your dad will love this USB Tape Dispenser Hub ($11.99). Features include 4 USB ports (3 of which can be rotated), no power supply necessary, and a maximum linkup of 127 USB devices!

Another winner for geeks ever where is the Touchscreen Hand-held Sudoku ($17.99). This futuristic and cool device has puzzles chosen by New York Times columnist Will Shortz, an auto-save feature so you never lose your game, the ability to use a stylus to select your square and number, 4 levels of difficulty and a total of 835 puzzles for hours of gameplay.

If your dad already has all the gadgets he needs, maybe he could benefit from reading a book like Electronic Gadgets for the Evil Genius : 28 Build-It Yourself Projects ($20). It'll teach your dad how make stuff like laser listening systems, generators, and (I kid you not) a sonic phaser cannon. If you're afraid of some of these project being turned against you, your dad may also enjoy The Zombie Survival Guide ($11.99) or Hacking World of Warcraft ($27.99) a book with all sort of handy tips creating and using addons for the mega popular World of Warcraft online game.

OK, OK, you're set on getting your dad some apparel for his special day. If you must, go with hardcore geekiness and get him a Binary Dad T-Shirt ($14.99-$16.99). This conversation starter has "Dad" printed in big binary 1's and 0's on the front. It comes in a cool "Dusk Blue' color with white lettering that's bound to please your dad.

Wait, what!? You still want to get a tie? Then don't settle for just any boring silk same ol' same ol' tie. Get The ThinkGeek 8-bit Tie ($14.99). This amazing piece has a stunning "8-bit" effect that will make your dad look like he came straight out of the original Mario Bros. game for NES!

Finally, in case you haven't noticed, all these cool gifts come straight from ThinkGeek.Com, one of my favorite places to browse for new geek gear. So if you just can't decide, you should think about heading over there and getting your dad a gift certificate. He'll love it!