So you’ve been given a name for a Secret Santa, and your recipient is a bit of a geek. You want to get them something fun, but don’t know much about their interests and don’t know where to start. Never fear, The Geeky Hostess is here! Whether you’re not-so-geeky or are just into different fandoms than this person, you should be able to find something easy and inexpensive that they’ll actually like right here. And bonus: All of these gifts are available through Amazon Prime, so they’ll be here in time for your holiday party.
For the Tabletop Gamer
Does this person have miniature figurines or dice on their desk? Do they mention the phrases Dungeons and Dragons, Pathfinder, or RPG? Then the safest thing to get them is a set of dice. Dice is like jewelry to us: there are so many gorgeous options out there, we can never have enough, and they make great gifts. Get them this set of metal dice for a gift they’ll treasure. (Bonus points if you claim they’re “lucky dice” and will always roll high!)
For the Doodler
Adult coloring books have become a thing. And it’s the perfect gift. It’s something that I’ve personally never purchased for myself, but always secretly wish someone gave to me. A silly luxury that someone can enjoy during holiday travel or boring conference calls. Plus, it’s genuinely supposed to be calming and relaxing. This particular coloring book is one of the most popular. The images are beautiful, and there are bonus activities/puzzles to solve. Gift this with some really nice colored pencils and you’ll be set.
For the Book Nerd
If your co-worker’s nose is always in a book, or you see them updating Goodreads often, then help them prepare for hygge. Hygge is a Scandinavian term for staying in, being cozy, and curling up with a good book. It’s basically an acceptable form of hibernation that happens around the holidays. Encourage some hygge-ing with this delicious smelling candle. The Paddywax Library candles have scents based on different authors. Charles Dickens’ scent is perfect for the holidays, but a variety of authors are available. Pair this with a gift certificate to a local book store, some cozy socks, or some nice tea or cocoa.
For the STEMinist
Is your recipient a developer, scientist, or another STEM profession? Did they encourage the whole office to go see “Hidden Figures” last year? They need this Women of NASA LEGO set. The set is selling out everywhere, so you’re paying a tiny bit of a premium on Amazon, but it’ll be worth it for the look on their face. Between LEGOs, NASA, and recognizing important women in the field, it’s got everything they could hope for.
For the Animation Aficionado
Is this person the type who would love to relive childhood with a big bowl of cereal and a full day of Saturday morning cartoons? are they always watching Cartoon Network and talking about Rick and Morty? Get them some cartoons from their childhood (or possibly before their time, if they’re a young whipper-snapper.). This Nicktoon collection includes 40 episodes of all the classic Nickelodeon cartoons: CatDog, Hey Arnold, Rocko’s Modern Life, Ahh! Real Monsters, and Angry Beavers.
For the Escape Room Champ
If your recipient is always trying to get the team to do an escape room together, this is the gift for them. The Werewolf Experiment is an escape room in a box that will let them recreate the experience at home. I played the first version of this game and it was terrific. So terrific, that Mattel took it and made a version that will be on toy store shelves everywhere. the puzzles are challenging, the writing is great, and it makes an excellent “escape room” experience for a group.
For the Fantasy Fiend
Would your recipient rather live in a world of dragons, unicorns, and mermaids? Turn them into a mermaid/man while keeping them cozy with this adorable mermaid tail blanket. Perfect for the co-worker that’s always a bit too chilly in the office as well!
For the Theatre Lover
This person probably already has all of the swag for their favorite show, and they listen to the soundtracks on Spotify non-stop. So get them something they may not have: Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway. This book tells them the history of Broadway in a super interesting read. Tell them it’s like The Producers meets Smash. They’ll know what that means.
For the Mouseketeer
Bring some of the Disneyland magic home with this Mickey Waffle Maker. They look just like the ones they’d eat in the Happiest Place on Earth! (Plus, you’re practically inviting them to make waffles for you in the future…) If they’re more of a Disney princess fan than a Mickey fan, then they NEED this Chip Mug in their life. I’ve seriously just stared at it while squealing for the past few minutes. Who hasn’t wished they had Chip?
For the Cocktail Connoisseur
If they’re always talking about their bourbon collection or visiting the nicest cocktail bars, get them something to elevate their drinks at home. This bitters bar set has something for any type of cocktail, and Hella Bitters is a delicious brand.
For the Foodie
Fondue is so old-fashioned. Even though it’s been around for hundreds of years, Raclette, or the act of scraping copious amonts of hot cheese directly onto your food, has become a food trend in the US in the past couple years. You’ve probably seen videos of places scraping melted cheese directly off the wheel. Well, this Raclette Grill is a way to do the trend at home. It’s a “cheesy” gift that will be very much appreciated!
For the Social Media “Guru”
If this person has tons of followers and spends more time taking pics of their food than eating it, then they need this. It’s a Selfie Ring Light that doubles as a phone charger. It’ll go over their normal phone/phone case and make all of their photos even better. It even has three different light levels, so it’ll be perfect in any situation! Just make sure they tag you in those flawless pics.
For the Sci-Fi Fan
The new Star Wars movies is coming out, and they’ve already got their tickets. All they need is a lightsaber. And while they’re fun, they’re not super practical in our everyday use. But this Lightsaber water bottle is! It’s perfect for their desk, the gym or carried around in their bag, and it will help them show off their fan status everywhere.
For the Video Gamer
If they have an Xbox One or a PC, get them a copy of Cuphead. The game is a run and gun platformer with art stylings inspired by 1930’s cartoons. Everything is hand-drawn and SO cool looking. The game is snatching up tons of awards for best indie game/art direction in 2017, so you’ll look super in-the-know if you give them this.
For the Wizard in Waiting
Does your recipient often claim their letter to Hogwarts got lost in the mail? Help them live that wizard life with this beautiful Pensieve memory set. It includes a journal, a wand pen, and two memory vials, all in a keepsake box.
For the Political Activist
Your recipient can exercise their rights and their body with this RBG Workout book. Do the same workout Ruth Bader Ginsberg does twice a week. Spoilers: It’s not easy!
For the Comic Book Reader
Turn their office into a comic book with these cute talking bubble sticky notes. Pair it with a comic strip notebook and some colorful markers for a fun gift!
For the Film Buff
Give the film buff their very own cinema light box. It’s perfect for their desk or home–they can let you know their mood, what movie they’re about to watch next, or let the office know their short review of the latest blockbuster.
For the Horror Fanatic
This graphic novel is full of haunting stories in a fairy tale setting. Seriously, these tales will stick with you. I like horror and had to put the book down. Late some nights, some of the stories still pop into my head… The book is beautiful and scary, a great gift for a horror lover or anyone who prefers the Grimm tales to the Disney ones.
For the Comic Con Attendee
This Bag of Holding: Con Edition was made by geeks for geeks, and includes pockets and places for everything you need at a con. It’s a bit pricier than the other gifts in this list, but for the right recipient, it’s totally worth it.
Fellow geeks, help out these Secret Santas: what gifts are you wishing for this year?
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