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Geeky Valentine Gifts?
WouldUBMine asks: "My valentine is fairly geeky and instead of boring roses or some other generic gift, I am looking for something that may be a little cooler or at least interesting. The only site I know of that targets geeks is www.thinkgeek.com and they don't stock any valentine-specific products. Does anyone have any good ideas?" Valentine's Day tends to be just another day for me (and I'm sure a few of you are in the same boat). For those of you who still take part, what places, both on and offline, have gifts that communicate those special feelings for your favorite Geek, in just the right way?
I know this may sound a tad wierd, but how about dedicating your entire day to your s.o.? When my girlfriend and I want to celebrate something, or even just feel close, we will take a day off work/school and do things we both enjoy.
If you live near Washington, D.C., how about visiting the Smithsonian museums? Or any museums in your area? Here in Tallahassee, FL, geeks (and normals) can go on tours of the National High Magnetic Field Lab (full of cool geeky equipment!) Or perhaps even just going to a book store and letting him/her run free to choose any book on any topic, without a budget? And while he/she is looking, how about picking up some sort of game book (like card games, or the like)? It's a great way to kill a day!
I often find that just spending time is often the best gift, and that the material posessions gained along the way are just icing on the cake.
The New Wazoo
("...yes sir, I am 17 years old.")
See! This proves it!
"Girls don't even like that kind of stuff, man. They want RAM."
Raptor
Raptor
"Procrastination is great. It gives me a lot more time to do things that I'm never going to do."
And your SO is geeky enough to accept and appreciate it...
Make an electronic heart - get a piece of perfboard, a bunch of red LEDs (and other assorted electronic parts - bias resistors, etc) - and wire up a electronic heart.
Use red-flashing LEDs for a trippy effect (might be expensive, but so is a diamond ring). If you are really good set it up to make a rotating pattern with the LEDs (like a marquee). If you want to try something even better, get a 16x1 HD44780 based LCD, a PIC stamp - have the PIC drive everything, put the LCD in the center, and put a scrolling message ("I Love You!" or similar) on it. Or put a picture of you in the middle of it...
One thing I did for Valentines day - because my GF isn't as geeky - was I built an automaton - a box with wheels and belts, pulleys, etc - and waving hearts on the top - powered by a little motor. I made it so you could remove the panels - it was all built out of balsa wood, painted - the whole thing - took about a month to construct and tune. She loves it to this very day (that was a few years back).
Really - anything you take time on, given with your heart - is what you want to give. Something that really says "I love you" - it could be as simple as a card you made - or a piece of jewelry, or a romantic evening out. Take the time and thought - and you will have a day to remember...
Worldcom - Generation Duh!
Reason is the Path to God - Anon
Valentine's Day tends to be just another day for me
:)
Where I come from, it's called bitter singles day. It's usually best spent at home, alone, wallowing in self pity and the anguish of your loneliness.
Have a good one!