Top Ten Gift Ideas for Geeks

During the upcoming holiday season, people will be out shopping for the perfect gift or gifts for friends, family members and even co-workers. However, finding something perfect for the 'Geek' out there can be a pain in the backside to figure out. Rest assured, here are ten top gift ideas that would thrill even the most stubborn 'Geek' you know.

10. Powers of 2 Binary Clock

How about the perfect gift to make people stop, look and then look twice as they try to figure out if it's really a clock and really functional. A novel item that is actually useful, the clock lights up 'buttons' on it and if your geek knows binary, they can tell you almost immediately what time it says, even right down to the second. Having used one personally, I can say that these are perfect for the workplace, too, or just as a novelty item sure to spur some sort of conversation.
Generally, they cost around $30, but for the usefulness and novelty of it - the item is definitely worth purchasing.

9. The Office - Season One

What 'geek' doesn't understand the humor that is portrayed constantly in the hit tv series "The Office"? The Office is classified as a 'mockumentary' and originated on BBC, but came to the United States and became a huge hit. To be blunt, The Office is about a paper supply company based out of Scranton, Pennsylvania and exploits the bizarre and inappropriate behaviors of several of the employees such as the kiss-up Dwight and the sociopathic salesman, Jim. The DVD is a must-have for any person (not just Geeks) who has experienced the overly righteous receptionist or the all-too-caring boss who underneath it all is somewhat insensitive.

8. Weird Al - Straight Outta Lynwood CD

Weird Al has done it again, this time touching base with the internet crowd. This Dual Disc CD has the already phenomenal hit : White and Nerdy, which describes perfectly the 'geekiest' geek there is and how he wants to roll with the "ganstas" however, they see and it's obvious he's too white and nerdy. A mock song of a popular rap hit, the lyrics include mentions of myspace, trivia, javascript amongst other standard 'nerdy' things like an ergonomic keyboard. While not all songs are about the internet or nerdiness, another song upon the song is called 'Virus Alert' and the soon-to-be popular "Don't Download This Song" which probably increased downloads of the song. The album is sure to become a favorite of any Geek and is well worth listening to.

7. Computer shirts

These shirts are brilliant. There are so many styles to choose from in these shirts that you're guaranteed to find one for your geek on the list. From whimsical shirts, (known as a body tag for those wondering) to C: Dos Run shirts along with MY personal favorite "There are only 10 types of people in the world, those who read binary and those who don't". As a play on binary meaning the 1-0 language computers read in, it equals two for those who do not read binary. Not only can you get these styles, but there are others, such as computer game shirts (like World of Warcraft and other popularized games) and absolutely bizarre ones, too.

6. World Of Warcraft

Commonly known as WoW this game is a MUST have for all gaming-geek enthusiasts. It just is. Why? This game has it all. Thousands of different characters of all different levels played by people online. Different fantasy-like worlds.. mountains, deserts.. forests. This game even allows you to individualize your character, up to clothing, hair colors and character classes. Not only that, it's addicting. Very, very addicting. There are new items introduced monthly, along with new quests, adventures and of course, people! However, if you choose to get this for your geek, be sure to get them paid time, the game isn't free to play online. And then don't be surprised if you don't hear from them for a while.

5. South Park DVDs

Any season DVD is sure to thrill the geek. Even moreso now after World of Warcraft and Teamspeak were mentioned in a recent episode of South Park. For those oblivious to South Park, it's a more adult-style cartoon that is played on Comedy Central. It's about 4 boys in South Park, Colorado who have the most bizarre and unique lives possible. From the shemale mother to the welfare-like parents, the show takes it's punches from modern day issues such as the recent Tom Cruise and Scientology episode that raised a few problems with the show creators. As long as your 'geek' isn't easily offended and most aren't by the humor loaded within South Park, they are certain to treasure this gift.

4. Case O' Bawls

For those unfamiliar with Bawls, it is a caffeine drink that is made from the Guarana berry which is located within the Amazon. These drinks are a staple at any LAN (Local Area Network) Party right along side pizza. The taste is somewhat like a fruity sprite, however, it is a distinct one that can only be truly experienced and compared by trying. The drink is available in cans as well as glass bottles and although a tad on the pricy side, it is well worth making the geek smile while they tick-a-tap away at a computer.

3. Bluetooth Laser virtual Keyboard

This handy dandy convention has all the geeks drooling. Why? Who wouldn't want to be able to use a keyboard anywhere? This is top of the line technology. Simply clear your space in front of you, place the small box down and a keyboard image is spread out in front of you. To make it easier, the keys as they are hit are accompanied by a simulated key click noise. Even better, this box fits right in a pocket. Yes, it's that small. However, be certain to check the specifics of the computer prior to buying or ordering, as it's a costly little invention and only compatible with certain operating systems.

2. Heatpipe HDD Cooler

One thing geeks know all about is keeping the HDD cool on the computer. However, fans can be noisy. Very noisy and just downright annoying after a while. However, with technological advances, there are now coolers available to keep the HDD cool and keep your ears from ringing from that constant hum sound. Even better, the best one out there I've found also reduces vibrations and is designed for use with a 3.5" hard drive. Perhaps the best thing about this is the price, it costs generally less than $30 online.

1. Final Fantasy XII

Ahh, yes. What is the staple of gaming nowadays moreso than WoW? Final Fantasy. After the last success of Final Fantasy XI, the new one was just released on October 31st of 2006. Long awaited and very welcomed, the game is already a big hit. Set for the Playstation 2, the game features CG cinematics and cut-scenes in Dolby Pro Logic II combined with real-time graphics to wow the player. Even better, Final Fantasy XII has an Active Dimension Battle (ADB) system enables players to move seamlessly between exploration and combat, which pretty much disolves the waiting period that tends to happen in earlier Final Fantasy Games. All in all, the game has yet to displease anybody that has experienced it and for your gaming geek it's a perfect addition to their game collection.

Be sure before you purchase any computer equipment (not just listed above) that you check the specs on the geek's computer that you're buying for. Also, be sure they have an interest in any games, music or any really bizarre interests. After all, you don't want to find a perfect gift for a geek for them to not like it or be able to use it. Be creative and have fun when shopping for geeks.