Great Christmas Gifts for Geeky Dads

Are you having trouble choosing the perfect gift for your geeky father? Does he already have the latest gadgets, and all of the Star Trek merchandise his garage can hold?

Geeks can be hard to shop for. Dads are especially difficult because many never seem to want anything in particular, or have already accumulated most of the things they need or want.

Here are a few gift ideas that will put a smile on dad's face.

Pick out some hefty books. Search particularly for large volumes that are encyclopedic in nature, and are related to your father's geeky interests. If your father likes computers, for example, pick out a volume on system architecture, computer repair, or the latest programming language. If he is a history buff, a guide to the Roman Empire or the Civil War is likely to make him jump for joy. And if you can't nail down a specific interest you can always purchase an encyclopedia of general science.

In addition to books, magazines make wonderful gifts for geeks. Dad will surely enjoy a subscription to Popular Mechanics, Wired, PC World, National Geographic, or one of the many science fiction magazines that can be found at your local book shop.

Everyone likes movies. Geeks tend to enjoy speculative stories, which is why so many of them are Star Trek fans. Such stories combine the "what if" factor with science, resulting in great movies that geeky dads can't resist. Look for titles like "Solaris", "Event Horizon", "The Last Mimzy", and "The Chronicles of Riddick."

If your dad is young at heart, video games might be a great choice. Geeks are especially fond of them. Choose titles that have engaging stories and complex gameplay that will allow dad to exercise his brain. Puzzle games and role-playing games are sure winners. The "Fallout" series is an excellent choice, combining post-nuclear war themes with a complex game system; also, this entire series is now available on a single DVD-ROM. Strategy games that involve world building are also popular among geeks. Titles like "Star Wars Galaxies" are classics. If dad enjoys swords, dragons, and other fantasy elements, you can't go wrong with "World of Warcraft." Also, remember that your dad is from a different generation; the games he grew up with are likely now available in vintage game collections that are sure to please.

Tools are another option that geeks will appreciate. Dads are always fixing things, and will appreciate gifts that help them get the job done. You could buy him a new cordless drill, a dremel tool, or a set of magnetic screwdrivers. Wrenches are also a great gift; they are easily lost and always need to be replaced. Also, any organizational products, such as toolboxes with elaborate dividers, would score major points with a geeky dad. And such gifts will make your life easier the next time your car or computer breaks down and you ask dad for help.

If your dad is a major geek, these ideas should help you find a suitable gift. And remember, he is your father, so he'll probably appreciate anything you pick out.