The Top 10 Gifts for the Computer Geek in Your Life

Those who were called geeks back when the word had a derogatory meaning, are now flourishing in businesses that are the envy of all the rest of us. Of the many good qualities that geeks possess, in particular is being easy to buy for. Geeks love cutting-edge stuff and they're always sponges for knowledge. Here are a few gift ideas for the upcoming holiday season - or any time.

10 - Books
You know your geek. Look on his or her book shelf and find out what's missing. If you don't know, just ask. Find out which book they've been dying to get or are waiting for to come to print. If you want it to be a surprise, ask someone else in the same industry or pick up the phone and call the store that he or she shops at most.

9 - Hardware
Whether it's more memory or more bandwidth, the geek can always find a use for more hardware. Since they're constantly upgrading, changing performance or building a new system, hardware is something that always comes in handy. If you don't know much about computers don't be afraid to ask sales people - or at the very least, do an online search.

8 - Software
If it's new - they want it. Software packages range from financial programs to art design. To know what kind of software your geek needs and wants, you may have to dig for information. Be interested in what he or she is doing and ask genuine questions. "What does this do?" "Why do you need it?" In doing so, you may find out some great gift ideas. An answer may be "Well, if I had the __________ software, I could…."

7 - Ergonomic Chair
Ergonomic chairs aren't for everyone; however, those whose bodies sit at a desk for many hours may thank the giver for an ergonomic chair. Don't expect a bargain. These chairs are expensive, but well worth the price. The chairs are shaped in such a way (some like an "S", some with no backs on them) that it relieves the pressure on the lower back and other pressure points. It increases blood flow to the brain!

6 - A Watch
For some reason, geeks love watches. Maybe it's the whole workings of the mechanics behind them, or the many dials and functions they offer in such a small space. Maybe they just like to know what time it is. But, for some reason, most computer people love them. Don't be stingy. Wait for a sale and buy them a substantial model. Don't worry if you don't like it; your geek may own several and will find something to like about the new model. The more dials and moving parts, the better.

5 - A Digital Date Display
This "modern" gift can be found at places like "Target" or even "Walmart". Some of them look similar to a metronome (or music meter for beats). Shaped like a "V", it doesn't look like much. But, when plugged in and turned on a pendulum swings back and forth displaying time and date in a digital fashion in the space between the "V" that one can pass the hand through. Some upscale models have programming so that different messages can be displayed.

4 - Dry Foot Massager
Many stores sell foot massagers that don't require people to submerge their feet in water. "Brookstone" is a store that sells foot massagers that have moving parts for the ultimate massage. Don't expect your computer geek to leave his or her station to enjoy such a gift. Set it up right under the desk. They can use it when they like.

3 - Digital Photo Album
Have you seen these yet? It's a great idea for the person who lives the digital lifestyle. Available for about $250 dollars, this great gift has a 64MB hard drive but does not require a computer. It allows the user to scroll through his or her photos that are downloaded directly from the digital camera.

2 - Head Lamp
Odd as it may sound, the geek in your life will get lots of use from a super bright LED headlamp. You know, it's the kind of gadget that miners wear with a headband-type elastic around the head. Remember, it takes two hands to work inside a system and having a hands-free lamp to see inside those dark places will save a ton of time and aggravation.

1 - Time
The number one gift that the computer geek loves is time. There's never enough time to finish any project because all projects seem to be consecutive to one another. Maybe bring his or her dinner to the desk one night when they're working on a tough project. But, time away can also be as rewarding. Make a date to a comedy club, a casino or a day spa. Yeah, they might be expensive - but the geek is worth it. And, when they return to their desk, they'll have a fresh mind with which to begin the next never-ending project!