Programmers and tech enthusiasts (“techies”) are very passionate about their work and hobbies. This can make them quite hard to buy for, especially if you’re not into tech yourself.
The best gifts for programmers are those that make their work easier and more enjoyable. Techies also appreciate cool or humorous gifts that communicate their passion.
To make finding great gifts for techies easier, we’ve curated a list of cool gift ideas any software engineer, mobile developer, IT professional, or any other type of tech enthusiast is sure to appreciate.
No matter who you’re buying for, this tech gifts buying guide has you covered. You will find the following gift ideas:
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Table of Contents
Gifts for Programmers, Software Engineers, and Developers
Whether your favorite programmer develops desktop software, builds mobile apps, creates games, or builds websites, they spend a lot of time in front of a computer.
The following gifts that make their work easier, more comfortable, and healthier are sure to be appreciated.
Logitech MX Master 3 Advanced Wireless Mouse
Programming entails a lot of scrolling and clicking and the Logitech MX Master 3 ergonomic mouse is designed to make this more comfortable.
Featuring a comfort shape and intuitive controls, the wheel is easy to spin around and the navigation buttons easier to press.
Any coder will also appreciate the speed, precision, and quietness of electromagnetic scrolling. The mouse works on any surface and can connect to three devices.
Kinesis Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard
Give the programmer in your life the gift of a premium typing experience with the Kinesis Advantage2 keyboard.
With the contoured design and mechanical key switches, the hands and fingers rest in a natural and relaxed position and typing feels effortless.
With the Advantage2, your favorite coder can say goodbye to pain and tingling. Furthermore, it allows remapping and offers plug and play connectivity with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome.
Gimars Keyboard and Mouse Wrist Support and Rest
Any developer will appreciate a soft and comfortable place to rest their wrists as they type, scroll, and click. The Gimars wrist rest provides such a place keeping wrist pain and carpal tunnel syndrome at bay.
Resting hands and wrists on a soothingly soft memory foam rest makes a huge difference in comfort level, improves hand posture, and alleviates stress on the elbows and shoulders.
TechOrbits Sit Stand Desk Converter and Monitor Riser
The TechOrbits sit stand desk converter will improve the health and productivity of the coder in your life.
Alternating between sitting and standing through the day improves health and posture, boosts energy levels, and promotes alertness.
The work station is big enough to fit two full size monitors but the footprint is small enough to fit on a smaller desk. With the gas spring lift mechanism, the desk transitions from sit to stand in seconds.
Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair
The Gaiam balance ball chair can help alleviate the aches and pains your favorite developer experiences after hours upon hours of sitting.
What’s more? It will even boost their productivity. The ball chair is designed to promote micro-movements and constantly stimulate the body.
This alleviates pressure from the joints and back and also results in a heightened sense focus. It’s designed with 5 feet to 5 feet 11 inches tall users up to 300 pounds in mind but you can also purchase leg extenders for taller users.
Bose 700 Noise Cancelling Headphones
Focus is very important when coding and the Bose 700 headphones have the best noise cancelling function. With 11 noise cancelling levels, they will be able to set just the right level of noise control.
The headphones also work well for video conference meetings as the sound and voice pickup are crystal clear.
Additionally, the Bluetooth headphones are compatible with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.
Sitting at a desk all day can play havoc on your back and posture, alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day.
HP Pavilion 21.5-Inch Full HD IPS LED Monitor
When it comes to gifting a programmer, it’s hard to go wrong with a monitor especially when it’s as amazing as the HP Pavilion 22cwa.
Studies have shown that a dual-monitor setup boosts productivity. And the HP Pavilion has all the features coders need and love: a nice 21.5 inch size, a crisp full HD display resolution, and VGA and HDMI inputs.
On top of this, it has a plug and play functionality with Windows, Mac, and PS4 and an adjustable tilt.
VIZ-PRO Magnetic Dry Erase Board
Before writing code, programmers have to brainstorm and visualize solutions to problems. The VIZ-PRO magnetic dry erase board makes a great visual aid for sketching solutions.
It’s nice sized at 36 x 24 Inches, has an easy to write on and erase surface, and the aluminum frame is lightweight yet sturdy. The package comes complete with a handy marker pen holder.
Programmer Nutrition Facts – Glass Coffee Mug
The Programmer nutrition facts glass mug is a spot on gift for any programmer. Every time they use it, they will be reminded about what programming is all about in a humorous way.
Made of high-quality and thick glass, the mug is sturdy and great for both hot and cold drinks. A great conversation sparker too!
Coffee++ Program Ceramic Coffee Mug
A dose of caffeine is a necessity in a programmer’s life. And what better way to enjoy their shot of caffeine than with this Coffee++ Program ceramic coffee mug that’s sure to amuse everyone.
Made of a high quality glossy ceramic and long-lasting ink, it’s a sturdy mug that will be in their life for a long time. It’s even build to survive the microwave and dishwasher. A really thoughtful gift for a coder.
Gifts for Tech Job Hunters
Is the programmer or tech professional in your life hunting for a job right now?
Then there’s no better way to wish them best of luck with their interviews than with these coding interviews preparation gifts:
Cracking the Coding Interview: 189 Programming Questions and Solutions
For someone who dreams of working at one of the big tech companies like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, Cracking the Code Interview is the best gift you can give them.
It’s the most popular programming interview preparation course for good reason. It covers the exact interview questions recruiters for top tech companies ask and offers insights into how they hire developers.
Interview Cake
Interview Cake is another great resource to prepare for interviews with big tech companies as well as startups.
What sets it apart from other programs is that it contains very useful content and follows a structured approach.
It breaks down the process of tech interviews and offers strategies to answer common interview questions. The program starts at $149.
AlgoExpert
No matter what kind of tech job your favorite developer is looking for, it’s hard to go wrong with the Algorithm expert coding interview resource as a gift.
It offers solutions to 160 of the most common coding interview questions in the most popular programming languages including Python, JavaScript, Java, TypeScript, Swift, Kotlin, C++, C#, and Go.
System Design Interview – An insider’s guide
Help the programmer in your life ace the system design round that many consider to be the most challenging technical interview by gifting then the System Design Interview – An Insider’s Guide book.
The book lays down a step-by-step framework on how to tackle system design questions and offers many real-world examples of questions and answers. They will also find insider tips on what interviewers look for and why.
Gifts for Computer Science Majors
As for the computer science student who spends his or her day moving from lecture rooms to computer labs, the following gifts are bound to be appreciated.
Computer Science Student Major T-Shirt
This computer science major t shirt is a perfect Gift for someone that’s pursuing a computer science degree.
Choose between 100% cotton and a cotton blend fabric. The classic style fits all shapes and the sleeves and hem are double-threaded for durability.
Cyxus Blue Light Blocking Computer Glasses
With this trendy pair of Cyxus techie glasses, your favorite computer science student will look cool and gain the ability to spend 8+ hours in front of a computer and watching brilliant PowerPoint presentations without ending up with tired eyes or having a hard time falling asleep at night.
The anti-blue light lens utilize the HEV-Adsorb substrate absorption technology to block harmful blue light and glare. This prevents eye fatigue, blurry vision, and headaches that are caused by prolonged exposure to the blue light emitted by electronic LED screens.
Tzowla Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack
The Tzowla travel laptop backpack makes an excellent gift for any coder on the go, especially a computer science student. It has compartments to hold a 13 to 17 inch laptop, a tablet, books, and tech accessories while still being comfy on the back.
It’s a very well thought out backpack complete with an anti-theft combination lock, heavy-duty zippers, and tough fabric. It even has a built-in USB charging port and a headphone jack.
Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger
One of the most practical gifts for a computer science student is the Anker PowerCore 10000 portable charger.
It will keep their smartphones and tablets charged without having to scramble for the available wall outlets on campus facilities.
The 10,000mAh battery bank is enough to charge a smartphone 3 to 5 times. And the compact and lightweight build means it will be no burden to carry wherever they go.
Gifts for Aspiring Techies Learning to Code
If you know a person who wants to learn how to code and launch a career in tech, you can play a big part in helping them achieve their dream.
Empower them to gain the skills they need with the following learning gifts:
CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 8GB Starter Kit
The Canalit Raspberry Pi kit is definitely one of the coolest coding gifts for both adults or kids interested in computing.
The greatest thing about it is that it makes getting started in computing and programming very simple.
All they have to do is connect it to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse and they can get started building their own mini computer and programming it.
Udemy Courses
Featuring 100,000+ courses, Udemy is the largest online learning marketplace. Best of all, their tech courses are high-quality.
Whether you know a person interested in data science, web development, machine learning, or Python, there are high quality courses to get them started in their learning journey.
Simply visit the site, find a top rated course and click on the ‘gift this course’ button. Courses start at $9.99.
Team Treehouse Subscription
Team Treehouse is another platform that offers great courses in tech-related fields such as web design, web development, mobile development, and game development.
They have a diverse list of beginner-friendly courses, high-quality instruction videos, interactive challenges, and lectures from industry experts.
A Team Treehouse subscription gift will give your friend or loved one access to multiple courses they can learn at their own pace. Subscription plans start at $25 a month.
Pluralsight Membership
Pluralsight offers a wide variety of tech courses including web and mobile development, Python, JavaScript, 3D design, cyber security, and machine learning.
Courses are constantly updated and taught by experts in the field. And the courses won’t put pressure on your favorite aspiring programmer as they can learn at their own pace. Membership plans start at $32 per month.
Tech Gifts for Dads
Funny Programmer Dad T-Shirt
This programmer t-shirt with a funny saying about the cloud is a great gift for a dad who’s a computer nerd. It’s sure to bring a smile to his face.
It’s a well-made cotton or cotton/polyester t-shirt that feels comfortable to wear and holds up well to frequent washes.
MRCUFF Motherboard Computer Chip Circuit Board Cufflinks
The MRCUFF cufflinks featuring graphics of a motherboard, computer chip, or circuit board are excellent gifts for a tech loving dad.
They are unique and a great way to incorporate his passion for technology in his personal style. The cuffs come complete with a hard-sided gift box.
Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller
Is the dad in your life passionate about technology as well as maintaining their lawn in pristine condition? The Rachio 3 smart sprinkler system is an excellent gift for such a dad.
No matter where he is, he can ensure every zone gets just the right amount of water. This sprinkler controller even has weather sensing features. It’s well-built and easy to set up and use.
Tech Gifts for Women
Blue Motherboard Processor Charm Earrings
For a piece of stylish jewelry with a tech twist, this dangling techie earrings with a computing theme fits the bill perfectly.
Not only will she appreciate the thought, but these are actually very cool earrings she will be happy to rock. The ear hooks are plated with sterling silver.
Charging Bracelets with Micro USB Cable
The prayer beads charm bracelet features a micro USB charger, which makes it a cool and convenient gift for a woman who loves all things tech.
The charger is actually pretty fast charging and reliable. And when she’s not using it, she can wrap it securely around her wrist and bring it anywhere.
PhoneSoap 3 UV Smartphone Sanitizer & Universal Charger
One of the best gifts you can buy for a female techie is the PhoneSoap 3 smartphone sanitizer. It’s so much cooler than it sounds.
It uses UV light to sanitize phones, keys, watches, and anything else she can fit in there. Feeling skeptical about its effectiveness? Rest assured it’s clinically tested and found to kill 99.99% of germs.
Tech nerds will also appreciate the USB and USB-C charging port that offer universal charging for all devices. That the PhoneSoap looks good is just a nice bonus.
Women Finest Computer Programmers T Shirt
Are you searching for the perfect gift for a female programmer or techie? The message printed on the women finest computer programmers is bound to make them feel special.
Made of a lightweight cotton jersey fabric, it’s comfortable to wear in any weather and safe to machine wash.
Tech Gifts for Kids
Tech gifts are a great way to introduce kids to tech concepts all while they’re having fun.
Whether the kid giftee is already into tech or you’re looking to pique their curiosity, the following tech gifts for children are spot on.
Fisher-Price Code ‘n Learn Kinderbot
The Fisher-Price Kinderbot interactive robot is a great learn to code gift for preschoolers aged 3-6 years old. It’s very fun way to learn coding, math, letters, shapes, colors, and problem solving.
Kids love that they can make it go where they want. Best of all, Kinderbot has a vibrant personality and is incredibly well made to take the rough handling in kids hands.
Ultimate Coding Kit 2
The Ultimate Coding kit 2 is an award winning tech gift for a future engineer, designer, or programmer.
Designed by teachers, engineers, and designers, it uses a hands-on approach to teach coding concepts to 10+ year olds in a fun and engaging manner.
The kit is packed with easy-to-use electronics, online lessons and videos, and example code to experiment with.
Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World
Do you know a 10+ year girl who’s interested in coding? Want to motivate a girl to consider a career in tech? The Girls Who Code book is the best tech gift for her.
It contains explanations of coding principles and inspiring stories of women working at places like Pixar and NASA. It even incorporates fictional Girls Who Code making it an engaging read.
Ryze Tech Tello Programming Mini Drone
The Ryze Tech Tello mini drone is an excellent gift to nurture the budding explorer, photographer, and programmer.
Besides having fun flying it, kids can program it with Python, Swift, and Scratch. This makes it a fun and educational tech gift for kids.
Equipped with a decent 5MP camera, it shoots pretty great photos and captures 720P videos. The drone is easy to fly, built to take quite a beating, and comes with extra propellers.
Stocking Stuffer (Christmas) Tech Gifts
Finally, these tech gift ideas are perfect Christmas gifts for tech nerds, co-workers, workplace Christmas parties, or as stocking stuffers.
DIMROM Floppy Disk Coasters
Fun and practical, these nerdy floppy disk coasters are the perfect stocking stuffers for a nerdy person or work Christmas party.
Made of BPA-free silicone, they adhere well to surfaces, are effective at protecting surfaces from spills and damage, and they wipe easily themselves.
Laptop Stickers Pack for Developer [50PCS]
This is a fantastic collection of techie stickers. There’s something for your favorite tech enthusiast to show off their favorite technologies.
The pack contains 50 stickers covering different programming languages, operating systems, frameworks, and tools.
The stickers are a high-quality vinyl with a strong adhesive that adheres on any surface and peels off without leaving any residue.
REDESS Wireless Bluetooth Beanie
Most computer geeks tend to love their beanies and the REDESS Bluetooth beanie is one cool gift for a techie.
Equipped with a microphone and stereo speakers, they can listen to music and take calls without wearing earphones.
It connects to all Bluetooth devices from smart-phones to PCs. The beanie itself is stylish and warm.
Mike is the creator of Go With Code and a coder at heart 🙂