From Star Wars to Star Trek, and science geeks to role-players, choosing the best gifts for geeks isn’t always an easy task. It’s not like there’s a clearly defined geek store that you can go to, every time. Not only are many of the niches eclectic, but also it can be tough finding the perfect gift to match the tastes of that beloved geek in your life. During our 15 hour search, we searched Middle Earth far and wide to find the best of the best gifts for geeks that match a variety of interests and themes.

Our top pick is the Ohuhu Zelda Ocarina bundle because it not only takes inspiration from the infamous game instrument but it is fully playable. It even comes with a songbook that teaches you how to play some beloved songs from the game. Our “honorable mention” is the Hanes Men’s Humor Graphic T-Shirt, which has a huge selection of geek-friendly phrases and prints. Keep reading to find more information about some of the other best gifts for geeks.

Top 10 Best Gifts for Geeks

#1 Ohuhu Zelda Ocarina with Song Book, Display Stand and Protective Bag

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: This is one of the best gifts for gamers, or more specifically Legend of Zelda fans. It’s inspired by one of the classic games in the series and offers a working instrument with a stand and a carrying pouch.



Pros

Working kiln-fired ceramic instrument

Working kiln-fired ceramic instrument Instructional playbook teaches how to use it

Instructional playbook teaches how to use it Includes display stand and carrying pouch Cons The ceramic is fragile



This all-in-one bundle includes the instrument — a working ocarina — an instructional songbook, a display stand, a neck-strap, and a protective bag to store and carry the system. The instrument is the infamous Ocarina from one of the older games in the series. It’s made of kiln-fired ceramic and covered in a purple-ish glaze that matches Link’s tool from the game.

There are 12 holes spaced throughout the ocarina’s surface, each of which produces a unique, natural sound. The songbook will teach user’s how to play and includes several full-length songs from the game. It’s an excellent gift for gamers both old school and new, even though Ocarina of Time is not available on Nintendo Switch, as it’s easily recognizable.

#2 Hane’s Men’s Humor Graphic T-Shirt

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: Clothing tends to be a solid, universal pick when gifting and this series of tees is no exception. There are many different styles to choose from, some including unique sayings while others have cool graphics, like nerd squared, rollin’ dice with the homies, and part-myth, part-legend.



Pros

High-quality detailed prints

High-quality detailed prints Machine-washable and fade-resistant

Machine-washable and fade-resistant Many styles and sizes to choose from Cons All-cotton is super comfy but may shrink



These all-cotton graphic tees come in many different sizes and styles, allowing full customization for the geek in your life. There are a ton of prints, all with different phrases or graphics. “Rollin’ with the homies,” for example, has dice across the middle and refers to tabletop roleplaying with a local crew. “Mmmm… pie” is another, and has the symbol of Pi instead of the word “pie.” Most use a pun eloquently or have a geek-inspired comment.

The shirts are 100% cotton, with no major seams, and they’re machine-washable, so long as they’re cold-washed. The decoration cannot be ironed, but the rest of the shirt can. Moreover, they’re tag-free so they won’t irritate the neck or upper back.

#3 Magnetic Poetry Words for Refrigerator Geeks Kit

Award: BEST FOR CREATIVES

WHY WE LIKE IT: Creatives like writers, musicians, and other artists love to play with letters and words, and that’s exactly what this kit offers. It comes with over 200 themed and magnetized tiles that can be arranged in any configuration.



Pros

Massive collection of over 200 tiles

Massive collection of over 200 tiles Magnetized to stick to refrigerators, cabinets, boards, and more

Magnetized to stick to refrigerators, cabinets, boards, and more Geek-friendly with words like USB, DSL, and IEEE Cons No organizer besides the box



For those who love poetry, or just enjoy having fun with word and alphabet soup, this bundle includes over 200 geek-themed phrases and images. Every tile is magnetized so they can stick to a fridge, metal cabinets, or similar surfaces. The idea is to create poetry, writings and quips about life, or just to have a little fun with roommates and family. It’s like having a board game that can be played on the fridge.

All of the tiles are made in the USA, with locally-sourced materials. Even so, they meet all national and international safety guidelines necessary for this type of thing. The only downside, if there is one, is that all the tiles are included in the giftable box and there’s no real way to organize the tiles once it’s been opened.

#4 Casio Men’s Vintage CA53W-1 Calculator Watch

Award: BEST RETRO-THEMED

WHY WE LIKE IT: Some long for simpler times when a watch was just a watch, while still offering simple geek-friendly features, such as a built-in 8-digit calculator and a stopwatch.



Pros

Water-resistant up to 165-feet

Water-resistant up to 165-feet Built-in 8-digit calculator with numerical keys

Built-in 8-digit calculator with numerical keys 1/100 second stopwatch with multiple modes Cons 20mm band may be too small for some



Just one look at this watch and you’ll be transported back to the early 90s with glamorous hair, lots of jeans, and lots of plaid. It’s a retro-inspired wrist watch that sacrifices many modern amenities like smart functionality and instead offers more practical support. An auto-calendar mode is available, pre-programmed until the year 2079. An 8-digit calculator complete with numerical and symbol keys rests below the digital display.

The watch also has a 1/100 second stopwatch with multiple lap and timer modes, alongside water-resistance up to 165-feet. Those features combined make it excellent for use while swimming, especially for keeping lap times. Moreover, it has a daily alarm, 12 or 24-hour formats, button tones, and dual-time keeping. This is an excellent geek gift, although, for science lovers, a more appropriate gift might be the best microscope.

#5 ThinkGeek Gift Card

We're sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock

Award: BEST UNIVERSAL

WHY WE LIKE IT: You can’t go wrong with a gift card and this one offers funds to one of the largest, most renowned geek stores there is. Both in-store and online purchases are supported, encompassing every theme, universe, and collectible one can imagine.



Pros

Choose from nearly any geek property

Choose from nearly any geek property Can buy anything in-store or online

Can buy anything in-store or online Available in $25 or $50 increments Cons A physical card which must be shipped



From Marvel to DC, Star Wars to Star Trek, and Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter, this geek gifts website has nearly every theme, universe, and geek collectible out there. There are clothes, toys, true collectibles, useful gadgets, and much more. By giving one of these gift cards, the receiver has true freedom to choose what they want. The best Star Wars gifts are in plenty too.

Like any gift card, there are multiple increments available including $25 and $50. They are physical cards, so they will need to be shipped. Keep that in mind, especially when gifting at the last minute. The geek gadgets website is one of the best, if not the best. Other gifts to consider for Sci-fi geeks are any one of these Star Trek gifts on our review.

#6 NewHiya 3D Illusion Star Wars Night Light with 3 Patterns and 7 Colors

Award: BEST FAR, FAR AWAY

WHY WE LIKE IT: This Star Wars series-inspired night light comes with 3 decorative and interchangeable plates, including R2, the Millennium Falcon, and the Death Star. It has 7 colors, with 3 lighting modes, and a remote to customize its operation. It’s an awesome gift for all ages.



Pros

Comes with trio of recognizable plates

Comes with trio of recognizable plates 7 colors to choose from and 3 lighting patterns

7 colors to choose from and 3 lighting patterns Power via USB or battery Cons Plates are completely flat so up close they don’t look 3D



Every Star Wars fan goes to sleep at night thinking of their favorite franchise. This night light will make that experience so much better, and it scares off the monsters, to boot. It’s no baby Yoda, but it’s still perfect for kids and adults alike just like the best Star Wars logo sets. It has 7 different color modes and 3 illumination patterns like strobe, fade, and flash. The lighting is LED so it doesn’t use much energy, and it can be powered via battery or the micro-USB supply — the power adapter is included.

The light is essentially a base system, with acrylic plates that plug-in to provide the visuals. It comes with plates for the Death Star, Millennium Falcon, and R2-D2, which are all interchangeable. It even comes with a remote, which can be used to swap lighting modes or turn it on and off.

#7 Star Trek Next Generation Bluetooth Communicator Badge with Sound Effects

Award: BEST TO BOLDLY GO

WHY WE LIKE IT: This Bluetooth-enabled pin-on works just like the ComBadge from the TV series. It even works with all voice-assistants to take calls and more.



Pros

Connects to take calls and more

Connects to take calls and more Works with voice-assistants like Siri, Google, Alexa, and Cortana

Works with voice-assistants like Siri, Google, Alexa, and Cortana Strong neodymium magnet holds it in place Cons Battery life could be longer



Trekkies are cool people, so they deserve something truly fantastic as a gift. There’s nothing more enticing than a working communicator that takes inspiration from the show. This Bluetooth device has a built-in mic, speaker, and working sound effects, and it looks precisely like the badges crew members wear in the show. When using it to speak, it plays the classic ComBadge chirp sound from The Next Generation. It also syncs up with Alexa, Siri, Google, or Cortana.

The badge is made of ABS plastic and zinc metal materials, so it’s relatively durable. A strong neodymium magnet backplate is used to attach it to a shirt or vest. It offers up to 48 hours of battery life on a single charge, with a micro-USB port for charging. It’s an awesome little gadget that’s as much function as it is style.

#8 Star Wars Men’s Millennium Falcon Tie

Award: BEST FOR BUSINESS

WHY WE LIKE IT: Working in an office often calls for a button-down, professional attire. This tie adds a little bit of fun to the experience, allowing geeks to show off their true love of the Star Wars franchise, without sacrificing dignity.



Pros

Incredibly intricate blueprint design

Incredibly intricate blueprint design All-polyester material that’s easy to clean

All-polyester material that’s easy to clean Many colors and sizes to choose from Cons Must be hand-washed



This full-size tie is adorned with an elaborate print of the Millennium Falcon, in the style of a blueprint or building specifications. It’s one of the best gifts for men who also happen to be geeks! It comes in several colors from green to brilliant blue and black. There are many different sizes available too, which allows for custom neck matching — be sure to get the recipient’s neck size.

The tie is made entirely of polyester fabric, so it has to be hand-washed but it’s easy to do so. Moreover, it comes in a nondescript gift box. The biggest downside is that whoever you give it to, will have to know how to tie a full-size tie, a skill that’s sadly used infrequently these days.

#9 Mokoqi Magnetic Levitation Floating Globe with LED Light

Award: BEST COLLECTIBLE

WHY WE LIKE IT: Everyone loves magic, and levitation is the best kind. This unique LED light has a floating globe between its arms that looks like it’s suspended in the air. It spins with an LED light show to liven up the experience.



Pros

Authentic model of Earth

Authentic model of Earth Easy to install

Easy to install Perfect display size for desks, bar tops, and more Cons Text on the globe can be tough to read



This desk-sized LED has a globe suspended between its arms, which seems to just float endlessly in the air. The frame displays 3 vibrant colors, including purple, pink, and cyan with a unique light show. The globe in the middle can rotate 360-degrees, with a mode that spins it for up to 25 minutes at a time.

The globe, while small, is authentic and labeled to match a geographic-style map. It makes an excellent gift and display item, not just for desks, but anywhere in the home or office.

#10 ThinkGeek Tactical Molle Apron with Pouches and Adjustable Side Strap

Award: BEST CULINARY

WHY WE LIKE IT: Master griller, gourmet chef, fry cook, they all need a worthy apron and that’s precisely what this is. It looks like a tactical SWAT vest and makes the wearer feel like a badass. It’s also covered in storage pouches to hold seasonings, condiments, and tools.



Pros

Full-body vest is soft and comfy

Full-body vest is soft and comfy Has 2 large pouches and 3 small pouches

Has 2 large pouches and 3 small pouches Machine-washable and easy to clean Cons Not actually bulletproof

Not actually bulletproof Only one size which may be too large for some



Modeled after a tactical law enforcement vest, this apron covers the entire upper body from the neck down. It’s made of 100% cotton and is machine-washable, so it’s easy to clean. That makes it even better as a cooking or grilling companion since splashback does tend to happen on the job.

Scattered throughout the vest are a variety of storage pouches to hold utensils, seasonings, and condiments. There are 3 small pouches, 2 large ones, and some hanging rings. It’s just the right amount of functional storage to hold whatever a master grill sergeant needs. Unfortunately, the vest is not bulletproof, so it probably shouldn’t be worn in the field.

How We Decided

Since many of the best gifts for geeks are varied in form and function, it made our selection process a little different. Each item, for example, matches a particular taste or geek preference, from Star Wars to science geeks alike.

We also looked for items that would make excellent gifts and don’t require anything else, such as additional supplies or add-ons. Every gift you see here is standalone and doesn’t require anything else to use, except for some batteries.

Finally, we tried to choose items at a reasonable price well below $75, some even below $20. When looking for gifts, even geeky ones, most people don’t want to spend an inordinate amount of money. As much as you’d love to, maybe it’s just not possible to buy that brand new gaming console. That’s okay! Every item we selected is compatible with a budget and won’t empty the wallet.

Best Gifts for Geeks Buyer’s Guide

The Most Important Features to Consider