A Very Nerdy Christmas: Gifts for your geek

The holidays are approaching and once again it's time to buy a gift for that special nerd in your life. They're usually the hardest to shop for. Everything they like is expensive, confusing, and they usually have really harsh opinions on brands, features, etc. Plus, any gadgetphile worth their salts probably already has one of whatever you're planning to get them. But fear not, your blog captain will guide you to some inexpensive (most under $100) gifts almost sure to give your geek a happy holiday experience.

Roku Streaming Media Player

Let's face it, your nerd already has Netflix and probably already has it set up to stream to their game console, work computer, and phone. But is that really enough? I'm sure there is a TV or two in their life that doesn't give them access to the holy grail that is Netflix. In addition, Roku will connect to several other streaming services for a wide variety of content. Best of all, prices start at just $59.99

Botanicalls Kit

The Botanicalls Kit involves soldering, social networking, and talking to plants. There's no way a nerd can resist. This is a DIY kit that creates a network connected device that when inserted in a plant will detect moisture levels and send out a Tweet when it needs some help. Your plant will tell you when you last watered it, if it needs water, or if it is over-watered. You'll need a soldering iron and some basic tools to assemble it but your geek should already have those. Throw in a potted plant and you've got yourself a fun and unique gift.

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

Something has got to keep a nerd awake during late-night Firefly marathons and it might as well be good. The AeroPress will produce some of the finest coffee around. It has the rich, smooth taste of a french press without the sludgy leftovers lurking at the bottom of your mug. Quick, delicious, gadgety coffee.

Nixie Tube Clock Kit

Nerds like to build things. Nerds like to build potentially dangerous things. Get them a Nixie Tube Clock Kit and let them fashion a piece of desk candy with some awesome vintage looks. Nothing looks better in a guitar amp than a set of glowing vacuum tubes and the same holds true with clocks. Soldering, customization, and the risk of electrocution = awesome.

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The Mobile Geek: Holding yourself accountable

Look at you. You're a mover and shaker in the world who can't be bothered with the doldrums of traditional financial responsibility. Who has time for checkbooks and utility bill statements? Insert Pageonce Personal Finance. With just a quick glance at your smartphone you'll know if you have enough cash in your checking account to cover that next overpriced pint of microbrew (smugness included in price), enough space on your credit card to finance that vintage Apple-1, and whether or not you remembered to add every episode of Mystery Science Theater to your Netflix Instant Queue.

From Pageonce:

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