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Gifts for Geeky Guys & Gals
Video Games and Etiquette
Amazon and Newegg should have all the gaming stuff covered*, and unless you've heard specifically otherwise, a gamer would rather buy the game he or she is interested in than have someone buy the wrong one. Games are like clothes, so if you decide to buy one, get it from a big chain and get a gift receipt, because some are bound to fit wrong. *You can also buy games from companies like EB and Gamestop, although many gamers consider these outlets to be a blight on the industry, and might, in spirit, object to people shopping there. But better to be able to exchange or return the game than be stuck with Pokémon Ultraviolet. That said, video game consoles are their expensive counterparts, and are universally welcome. Knowing which is already owned and which is coveted won't take much prying, but buying an Xbox 360 or PS3 isn't exactly straight-forward. Unlike the "good 'ol days," most consoles now come in versions. This is the sort of thing that a (big or multiple) gift certificate comes in real handy for. But there's only one Wii, and it's the cheapest of the lot, not counting the re-vamped, but older PS2 (Slim or Lite). (Editor: Good luck finding a Wii, though.) There are also portables, the Nintendo DS Lite and the PSP Lite (aka PSP 2000), which are both awesome, and relatively affordable. Bear in mind that each has its own personality... The DS is particularly playful, rugged, and simple, whereas the PSP is delicate, dedicated, and arguably the more "hard-core" of the two. Getting Better Ideas While you're asking about online stores, ask 'em if they read webcomics. Chances are that they do, and now you've got another handful of websites to check out. Penny-Arcade and PVP will probably come up, and nothing says love like a T-shirt that reads "JESUS is f'ing METAL". VG Cats fans will appreciate the Jenova's Witness message. Or an F-bomb. (Editor: Also check out What the Duck - for the photography geek.) If you're feeling particularly subterfugical, just get on his or her computer, and check out their browser history. Ignore the questionable content. Find a webcomic they read, and then buy a shirt. The lesson here is that for every online activity the geek does, there's some according merch to be bought. And let's be honest, you don't really even have to ask a geek what they're doing online, it'll come up eventually. But I want to stress the cool factor of webcomic schwag: it's subculture currency, and you haven't really lived until you've tried Skullburgers, Zombie Peanut Butter, or lived in beer. Another font of ideas comes from two great websites, Uncrate (for men) and Outblush (for women). Both collect links to stylish, practical, and interesting things you can get in exchange for currency. Don't be dismayed if the first page looks like it's all high-dollar stuff, they're constantly finding new stuff, from inexpensive to outrageous, but all of it cool. Coffee, Tea, and Other Drinks Internet denizens are such suckers for stimulants. Coffee and tea, along with all their accoutrements, make for gifts that will get used. And there's tons of stuff: tea balls, tea sticks, French presses, timers, good kettles...all spot-on. A couple pounds of premium coffee (definitely not Starbuck's--think single-plantation coffee) or a few ounces of private estate tea goes a long way. Plus, it's winter for most of the geeks out there, who, without a good loose-leaf Assam, are likely to mull a nice buttered Rum-Red Bull. (It's better than you'd think.) I personally buy my teas from SpecialTeas and know that they carry gift sets. Straight energy drinks are gift worthy, also. Spike is my first choice among energy drinks, and perfect for doing anything but sitting. Jolt is a classic, but there are so many out there and no reason not to try a new flavor. And though it's probably fair to say that booze isn't geek-exclusive, just because you play Wii doesn't mean you can't enjoy a few fingers of Scotch or a glass of Shiraz. Realistically speaking, it's probably better that way. There are plenty of online liquor stores that ship and even gift-wrap. Make sure it's kosher, first, as some states don't allow it (but the websites will list them).
Page 1: Introduction, Universally Cool Gifts, & Gift Certificates
Page 2: Video Games and Etiquette, Getting Better Ideas, & Coffe, Tea and Other Drinks Page 3: Lego and Other Toys, Chique, and the Moral of the Story is... 
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