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Gifts Ideas For 'Non-Geek' Types?
BRock97 asks: "There is no better activity which sheds light on 'Geek/Non-Geek' interaction than Christmas shopping. As I try and browse Target's online store looking for the perfect gift, I can't help be gravitate back to ThinkGeek in hopes I will find something that the receiver of the gift will find useful AND also remind them of the person who gave it. I was curious as to what other /.'ers were planning on getting their friends and loved ones (parents/grandparents) who live the 'non-geek' lifestyle." We've already told Santa what we'd like for Christmas, now what about the non-geeks in our lives?
Nothing says I love you, even though you're a reanimated corpse, like Tesla coils
I bought two family members those USB keyring drives. Both of them use computers in two places and still use floppies. It's a level of technology that they'll be comfortable with, and it's something that they'll find useful.
A lot of the non-tech's in my life would like to take advantage of the latest technology, but don't know how. So every tech gift should come with free tech support..
For example:
Wireless Router: They'll love surfing the web from the couch on their business laptops -- just be sure to set it all up for them.
Tivo: Most non-techs I know watch a LOT of TV. Tivo is easy enough that they may not even need your help with it.
Universal Remote: Over the years, you've built up their entertainment system with an amplifier, pre-amplifier, DVD player, CD changer, etc but they can't figure out how to just watch TV. Buy a good universal remote and program it to have easy "Watch TV", "Watch a DVD", "Listen to Music" buttons.
MP3 Player: Obviously great for exercise buffs
Roomba: Who wouldn't love a robot vacuum cleaner
Just about anything from Sharper Image or Brookstone, especially the Foot Massager: Everybody loves this stuff but will never buy it for themselves
Non-geeks like jewelry, books, kitchen stuff, etc.
I got my wife a pair of Bulova watches (one for every day, one for special occasions), a book on used book stores, a book on Breyer collectable horses (which she collects), the usual assortment of candy, the new Train CD, a new Williams-Sonoma tea kettle, and some other small stuff. Not a geek toy in the bunch, even if I did order quite a bit of it online.
BTW, if you know my wife (not likely if you read slashdot), don't tell her!
- Vincit qui patitur.
- love,
- friendships,
- memories (that are not measured in MB's or pixels)
- getting away from the computer
- sunshine (one *not* coming from the monitor)
- fresh clothes
- mountains/beaches -- these things in LotR:RotK actually exist!
I was so startled by thier weird tastes that i say kudos to anyone who claims to have mastered their weird ways.There are a couple of easy ones that I use and re-use every year always with good results:
In a hurry: Blockbuster Gift Card. Who doesn't go to Blockbuster? Geeks who use Netflix, right? Well stop trying to convert those poor ole simple folk and give them what they need-- a way to pay off that $15 3-day late fee. Another quick gift (if you are REALLY last minute) is an Instant Prepaid Phone Card. Some companies (NobelCom.com springs to mind) will even send out a gift e-mail along with the Access Number and PIN on whatever day the event is-- for instance, have it arrive on someone's birthday. This is a good gift for people who make a lot of International calls (think H1B workers and non-resident aliens), but other than that, you suck if you are so last minute that you have to buy an instant phone card as a gift.
Gourmet Food: Everyone likes to eat tastey things. Try iGourmet.com for a wide selection on everything from wine and cheese to curred ostrich, and try Dans.com for the best chocolates anywhere.
Flowers: Women love flowers. Gay men love flowers. Heck, little girls love flowers. I sent flowers to my 12-year-old niece for her birthday in October and she loved them! KaBloom.com consistantly has the best presentation when you open the box compared to 800flowers or FTD. Too bad their website is kinda hokey.
Designer Apparel: Nothing says "I know style" like a new pair of Gucci, Christian Dior, or Versace glasses. You can get these in stores everywhere (try Sunglass Hut and Solstice), or for the really good stuff, online at eyewearcentre.com. Beware discount vendors like 'EyeSave', and especially stay away from eBay. There are more fake designer glasses on eBay than there are fake Rolexes in a New York Street Vendor's cart-- and even though you probably can't tell, trust me, your mark can and will notice a fake. The most important things when picking designer apparel are: Get something from THIS SEASON'S COLLECTION. Getting last year's stuff on sale will NOT go over well. Make sure this is a color or style that looks ok on your mark. If you are clueless, look at that person's existing favorite clothes, glasses, etc. for reference. For glasses: make sure that you get the right shape for that person's face type. Again, if clueless, look at that person's existing stuff, or see this nice chart.