Buying gifts for computer geeks can be intimidating if you aren’t sure what they might like. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best gifts for computer geeks available today. Whether you want something fun, functional, or both, these products are sure to be hits with the computer lovers in your life.
Our Review
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The Apple AirPods are the best iPod headphones available right now, and they’re awesome for computer geeks who like to listen to music while they work or play.
The best thing about the AirPods is that they are completely wireless. This is really handy if you spend a lot of time at the computer because there are no awkward wires getting in the way of your mouse and keyboard or keeping you tied down to your desk.
The AirPods have fantastic audio quality, both for music and for calls. with shockingly good bass for earbuds. They also come with a wireless charging case, which serves double-duty as a way of protecting the buds and keeping them charged.
The AirPods on their own have a five-hour battery life for listening to music, but just 15 minutes in the case will give an additional three hours of listening time. The total battery life you can get out of the AirPods and the case together is over 24-hours of music listening—more than enough for two or three days of frequent use at the computer or on the go.
AirPods are easily one of the most popular Christmas gifts this year, and they’re great gamer gadgets as well!
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The Amazon Echo Show 5 is Amazon’s top-selling smart display and a perfect addition to any computer desk setup. What’s great about the Show 5, as opposed to the Echo or Echo Dot, is that the Show is equipped with a 5.5″ touchscreen display that lets Alexa give you visual as well as spoken-word answers.
Ask Alexa what the weather will be like this week, and you’ll be treated to a forecast right on the screen. Ask her for a recipe, and you’ll be able to scroll between her suggestions to find the one that works for you.
When the display isn’t being used for another task, it defaults to an attractive digital clock that shows the weather, the date, and a customizable background image. If you aren’t sure that your loved one would want to place the Echo Show 5 on their desk, it would also make for an awesome bedside alarm clock.
If you haven’t already, I’d recommend picking up a few smart plugs, which will let your giftee power on and off any device using nothing but their voice!
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Mechanical keyboards are all the rage these days, and the Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM is hands-down one of the best. Everything about this keyboard screams of quality, from its rock-solid construction and aluminum finish to its ultra-vibrant RGB LEDs.
The model linked here comes equipped with Cherry MX Speed key switches that perform equally well during high-intensity gaming and everyday computer tasks. If the computer geek in your life is still using the same keyboard they got five or ten years ago, the K95 is a gamer gadget that will bring their computer setup into the modern age in both aesthetic and performance.
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The Yootech Wireless Charger is an ultra-affordable phone charger that makes the perfect gift for anyone who has yet to take the plunge on a wireless charger. It’s a particularly great option for computer users, as it is small enough to sit comfortably on any desk.
Simply place a compatible smartphone on top of the charger and it will begin charging—easy as that. Once your loved one has tried this wireless charger for a few days, there will be no going back!
If you like the idea of a wireless phone charger but aren’t sold on this one’s design, Yootech makes another charger that doubles as a phone stand—perfect for watching videos or reading texts while at your desk.
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If your loved one has ever expressed any interest in trying a standing desk, the VARIDESK Standing Desk Converter might be the perfect gift this Christmas. This converter sits right on top of your giftee’s existing desk and allows them to switch between sitting and standing with ease.
The desk comes with two spacious tiers, one for a computer monitor (or monitors) and one for a keyboard and mouse—with plenty of room to spare. The desk can be adjusted between 11 height settings to ensure maximum comfort, and raising and lowering the desk is effortless due to the spring-loaded handles which assist you as you move.
The Varidesk comes in three unique finishes—black, white, and darkwood—one of which is sure to be a good fit for your giftee’s desk. To get the most out of a Varidesk, I’d also recommend picking up a Topo Comfort Mat, which is the premier standing desk anti-fatigue mat on the market today.
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Many PC gamers have a negative view of video game consoles, but the Nintendo Switch offers features and games you simply cannot get anywhere else.
For starters, the Switch is a unique hybrid console that can be played on a TV as well as on its built-in display. Many great computer games have been ported to the Switch, including The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Minecraft, and Doom, all of which can now be played on the go as well as at home. The ability to play these and other games in a handheld format may allow fans to reconnect with these games in a new and exciting way.
The Switch also has tons of games that you can’t play on any other system, like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and countless other Nintendo titles. So while the Switch can’t match the graphics ability of a gaming PC, it’s still a great gift for computer geeks and one of the most popular Christmas gifts this year.
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The TaoTronics TT-DL16 LED Desk Lamp is equal parts stylish and functional. Sporting an ultra-modern all-metal construction, the TT-DL16 can be rotated or angled at four different points, providing unparalleled flexibility to get the perfect desktop lighting. The theme of flexibility also extends to the LEDs, which can be set between six levels of brightness and five different temperatures. Altogether, this could be the perfect desk lamp for reading, working, or general ambiance.
If you like the overall design of this lamp but aren’t sure about the price, you may want to consider this less expensive model, which offers many of the same features in a slightly less stylish packaging.
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Computer geeks are often obsessed with video, wanting to get the absolute best graphics that their computers can muster, but audio is just as important. The HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset is a stellar headset equipped with 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound audio that makes you feel like you’re in the game.
The Cloud II makes a fantastic gift for any computer enthusiast, but particularly for gamers who haven’t invested in a gaming headset. This model comes with 53mm drivers, a noise-canceling microphone, and memory foam earpads—making it perfect for multi-hour computer sessions. The microphone can also be removed, which makes it more comfortable for use as a pair of everyday over-ear headphones.
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Few things are more frustrating for computer users than slow WiFi, which is why the eero Home WiFi System is one of the best gifts for computer geeks. This WiFi system is one of a new breed of mesh WiFi routers, which boast increased speeds over traditional routers.
The eero is also great because it comes with two range extenders that will ensure adequate coverage for an entire 2-to-4-bedroom house. And if two range extenders seems like more than you need, you can check out this version that comes with just one for a significant drop in price.
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The VIVO Single LCD Monitor Desk Stand lets you lift your computer monitor off of your desk and suspend it in mid-air. This not only looks incredible, but it’s also functional; it clears up valuable desk space and allows you to set the monitor at the perfect height for your eyes, which is surprisingly important for productivity and health.
The VIVO mount is compatible with most modern LCD computer screens and uses standard VESA mounting plates. I have this stand personally and am a huge fan of the product. It’s affordable, has a super-easy initial setup, and does exactly what it is supposed to do. It would also make a great gift, because it’s the kind of thing that someone might not buy for themselves, but they are sure to love.
If the computer geek has two monitors, VIVO also has a great dual-monitor stand that’s available for nearly the same price as the single!
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One of the major challenges faced by people who spend a lot of time at their computers is finding a place to put all of your cords and accessories. The COZOO Headphone Stand with USB Hub is a great little gadget that will help alleviate this struggle by making use of underutilized space underneath a desk.
This smartly designed stand has a shelf for your over-ear headphones and cord slots for holding earbuds. It also comes with 3 built-in USB ports, which are great for flash drives, external hard drives, phone chargers, and just about any other USB device that you would like to access without having to reach behind your desktop tower. Plus, it’ll take those bulky headphones off of your desk and make the surface feel that much roomier.
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The Anker 10 Port 60W Data Hub is essentially a power strip for your USB devices that comes with the added advantage of being able to connect to your computer. No longer will the computer geek in your life need to deal with the frustration of not having enough USB ports! Simply plug the Anker hub into the computer and use the 10 USB ports just like you were plugging your items directly into the computer.
Another great feature of this hub is the three dedicated charging ports, which use Anker’s PoweriQ technology to deliver the fastest possible charge. This is a super functional gift that has the potential to reduce desk clutter and improve cable management for any computer user.
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What better gift could there be for the computer geek in your life than the ability to play the latest PC games on the go? The Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop PC is a top-notch gaming laptop that is available at a great price. It comes with a 15.6″ Full HD 144Hz 3ms IPS Display, an Intel i7-9750H CPU, a GTX 1660 Ti 6GB graphics card, 16GB DDR4 RAM, and a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD.
In case you aren’t familiar with the PC jargon, suffice it to say that this is one powerful laptop for the price! It also has a great backlit keyboard, an attractive design that is cool but not overly “gamery”, and a total weight of just over five pounds. This is one gift that is sure to blow the socks off of any computer geek.
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First released in 2017, the Samsung T5 is still recognized as the best portable SSD on the market, and it makes a fantastic gift for computer geeks. The drive linked here is available in 1TB or 2TB sizes, both of which are likely to at least double or triple the amount of hard drive space currently available on your loved one’s computer. This will give them more room for photos, videos, documents, and of course, games!
The best thing about the T5, though, is its lightning-fast speed. Writing and retrieving data from the drive is unbelievably fast, especially compared to traditional HDD drives.
If the computer geek in your life has never used an SSD before, they will be head over heels using the T5. And given its portability, they will be able to use it at home on their desktop or on the go with a laptop.
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The ThinkGeek LED Potion Desk Lamp is an awesome desk accessory that is perfect for computer geeks who love video games, card games, or role-playing. The lamp consists of a glass bottle, a zinc-alloy charm, and an internal “liquid” made of resin.
The real selling point of this product, though, is the ultra-bright RGB LEDs that can be set to red, blue, yellow, or green. Changing the potion’s color is as simple as tapping the base, and you can even set the lamp to transition between the different colors. This is a one-of-a-kind lamp that is sure to inject life and fun to any computer desk setup.
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The BlissLights Sky Lite Projector can make a plain computer room burst into life. Turn the projector on and you’ll be treated to a visual spectacle of drifting stars against a transforming blue cloud nebula. With controls for adjusting the light effects, the brightness, and the motion, your loved one can create the perfect atmosphere to better enjoy the time they spend at their computer.
The Sky Lite is a particularly great gift for computer geeks who like to stay up into the late hours of the night. In a dark room, the Sky Lite is perfect for coding, gaming, working, and—my personal favorite—creative activities like making digital art and music.
If you want to make the effect even more incredible, you can pair the Sky Lite up with a BlissLights Starport USB Laser Lite or the L8star Color-changing LED Strip Lights included later in this list.
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A good mouse is possibly the most important tool in any computer geek’s arsenal, and the Logitech G900 is one of the best available today. Equipped with a top-of-the-line PMW3366 Optical Gaming Sensor, the G900 is a high-performing gaming mouse that works perfectly for all types of gaming as well as everyday computer usage.
One of the best parts about the G900 is that it can be used in either wired or wireless modes. The mouse has a 30-hour battery life in wireless, which also makes it attractive for laptop users looking for a mouse that they can bring with them for on-the-go use. If the computer geek in your life is stuck using an antiquated wired mouse, the G900 might be the perfect gift to significantly upgrade their computer experience.
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The ASUS 24″ 1080p 144Hz Gaming Monitor makes an awesome gift for computer geeks who love to game. The big selling point of this monitor is its 144Hz refresh rate, which essentially means that it can update the display up to 144 times per second. This is great for gaming, because it makes the video and controls feel incredibly smooth—seriously, it’s a night and day difference compared to a 60Hz monitor.
This gaming monitor from ASUS is a great option because of its affordable price and 24-inch display. It’s one of the most popular gaming monitors available today, and it’s a gift the computer geek in your life is sure to love.
And don’t feel like this is a gift you can’t buy because your giftee already has a computer monitor. If they have anything less than a 144Hz monitor, then this will be a huge upgrade. Plus, they could use this monitor in addition to their existing one to give themselves a proper battle station. Check out this dual-monitor mount which is specially designed for two monitors!
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If the computer geek in your life has still not taken the plunge into VR gaming, the Oculus Rift S may be the perfect gift this Christmas. The Rift S is one of the premier VR headsets available in 2019, boasting improved optics over the original Oculus Rift, an ergonomic headset design, innovative touch controllers, and one of the best game libraries of any VR headset.
The big thing you will want to be sure of before purchasing this product as a gift is that the intended recipient has a reasonably powerful gaming PC, as this headset requires a solid computer to play the most demanding games. If you aren’t sure, you could also consider purchasing the Oculus Quest, which is a completely standalone VR headset.
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Anyone who spends a lot of time at the computer is familiar with eyestrain caused by looking at a bright screen for too long. The PROSPEK Blue Light Blocking Computer Glasses alleviates eyestrain by blocking out blue light, which is the primary culprit behind the pain.
There are so many awesome things about these glasses it’s hard to know where to begin. For one, they look just like regular glasses—blocking out blue light without relying on ugly yellow lenses to do it.
They’re also available with and without magnification, which is incredibly helpful if your loved one’s eyestrain is caused not just by blue light, but also from struggling to read small text at the computer. The optional magnification lets these glasses serve doubly well as a pair of reading glasses for books, newspapers, and even for your giftee’s smartphone.
If you weren’t sold already, PROSPEK is so confident that you will love these glasses that they offer a 90-day money-back guarantee. The glasses also come in a gift package, so giving them to your loved one couldn’t be any easier.
While these glasses make a great gift on your own, it’s a good idea to pair them with a PROSPEK Glasses Case and a microfiber cleaning cloth as well, which will protect the glasses and make sure they’re always free of dust.
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Ask just about anyone and they will tell you that the Blue Yeti is the go-to computer microphone available today. It provides crystal-clear voice quality that is perfect for chatting with friends, multiplayer gaming, as well as streaming or recording original content.
The Yeti’s major selling point, however, is its unbeatable price. You simply will not find a better value for a USB microphone, making it a great gift idea for any computer geek. It’s also the best ASMR microphone out there right now.
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Computer geeks tend to focus more on video than audio, which is a shame, because having a good pair of speakers can greatly improve your experience at the computer. The Creative Pebble Plus Desktop Speakers are an affordable speaker bundle that comes with two desktop speakers and a down-firing subwoofer.
The speakers are small but powerful and have an upward angle that lines up perfectly with a person sitting at a computer desk. Audio from the speakers is shockingly good considering their low price, and the added subwoofer produces awesome bass to round out the sound.
If you aren’t sure about the subwoofer, you could also purchase the Creative Pebble speakers on their own. That said, I would highly recommend getting the subwoofer as well. Whether your giftee listens to music, watches movies, or plays video games, the bass from the sub will drastically improve the overall experience.
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One of the easiest ways to keep a laptop safe is by purchasing a good laptop sleeve. The Arvok Laptop Sleeve is one great option that is affordable, stylish, and provides stellar protection against fall damage and even minor spills.
The sleeve is made up of three layers—a water-resistant surface layer, a shockproof middle layer, and a soft inner layer—and is available in 15 different colors and four sizes. It’s a super-functional gift idea that can go a long way toward protecting a precious laptop.
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A good-sized mouse pad is an essential accessory for any computer geek, particularly of the gaming variety, and this pad from Warehouse 151 is among the best. Sporting a unique curved design that gives extra room for the right (mouse) hand, the pad is well-sized for serious computer gaming (28.5″ x 12.75″ x 0.12″).
Better yet, the pad is available in 17 different designs, with images from some of the most popular PC games of the last several years, including World of Warcraft, League of Legends, and Overwatch. There are also several designs with characters from the hit show Rick & Morty that are sure to strike a chord with many computer geeks.
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The L8star Color-changing LED Strip Lights are an easy way to instantly give a computer/desk setup a stylish, modern vibe. Controlled using an intuitive smartphone app, these lights can be set to over 16 million different colors and can even transition between them. The lights are dimmable and can also change in response to music using your phone’s microphone.
The best part about these lights is that you can put them anywhere using the included adhesive strips. One particularly cool location is to attach the lights to the top or bottom of a computer desk, which gives even the most basic desk setup a futuristic vibe, creating the perfect ambiance for coding, gaming, or any other computer activity.
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The JACKYLED Power Strip Tower and Surge Protector is a unique take on the traditional power strip that makes use of verticle space, rather than horizontal. This means that it takes up less surface area on a desk or the floor, which can be really helpful for crowded computer stations. The JACKYLED Tower also serves as a surge protector, which can protect valuable electronics from dangerous surges.
The model linked here comes with 10 outlets and 4 USB ports. Each layer of the tower has its own power button, allowing you to turn off the power when they aren’t needed, which is a brilliant way to save money on your electric bill. Add in other smart features like the top-mounted handle and the retractable power cord, and the JACKYLED Power Strip Tower is a great buy for any computer geek.
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Make sure the computer geek in your life never feels lonely by giving them an Anki Vektor Robot to keep them company. This little guy makes a perfect desk buddy. He responds to sight, sound, and touch, he can talk, and he even has his own personality.
Better yet, Vektor responds to voice commands and can answer questions, take photos, set timers, and more awesome features. Your giftee can also set up Alexa on Vektor and use him just like you would any other Alexa-compatible device, which gives Vektor even more uses.
Vektor is a fun and functional gift that is sure to put a smile on your giftee’s face. I’d recommend also picking up an Anki Vector Space, which gives Vektor a rimmed home base to make sure he doesn’t accidentally take a tumble off your loved one’s desk.
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The Dyson Air Multiplier AM06 Table Fan is an awesome gadget that produces a powerful stream of air without the dust, noise, and danger of a traditional bladed fan. Powered by Dyson’s patented Air Multiplier technology, the AM06 is super quiet, which makes it perfect for use in a computer room because it won’t distract or annoy your loved one while they work, game, or do anything else on their computer.
Another great thing about the AM06 is that it’s much safer than a bladed fan, especially if you have small kids or pets. Your giftee will be able to use this in their computer area without having to worry about a child accidentally hurting themselves. The AM06 will keep your giftee cool and your loved ones safe.
One thing I do want to point out is that the AM06 is probably too big to use directly on a computer desk and is better suited for use on an end-table or table that’s more out of the way. If you’re looking for a desktop fan, check out the OPOLAR Mini USB Fan that is also on this list.
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Computer geeks often pride themselves on their digital security habits, which is why an RFID-blocking wallet like this model from Buffway is a perfect gift idea. This wallet will stop any would-be credit card skimmers in their tracks, ensuring that your loved one’s credit cards and IDs won’t end up in the wrong hands.
The wallet linked here is a slim design that is available in nearly 40 different styles, one of which is sure to be a great fit. Made with real leather, the slim design is also great for people who primarily use cards, rather than cash, as it is significantly thinner than your traditional bifold wallet.
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With a simple, funny design, this T-shirt is sure to draw laughs and smiles anytime it’s worn. Makes a great gift for gamers in your life!
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There’s nothing worse than a lukewarm cup of coffee, which is why the BESTINNKITS Smart Coffee Warmer is such an awesome gift to give your loved ones this year. This easy-to-use warmer uses gravity induction to keep hot beverages at 131℉/55℃— right in the sweet spot between too hot and too cold. And with a diameter of just over five inches, it can fit comfortably on any computer desk.
You don’t even have to turn the device on or off. Simply put your mug on top of the warmer and it will turn on automatically. Take the mug off and it will turn off on its own. It really doesn’t get any easier than this!
If the computer geek in your life is constantly having to reheat their coffee or tea in the microwave, this could easily be their favorite gift this year!
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The Germ Guardian Air Purifier is an awesome gift for anyone that spends a lot of time inside because it removes 99.97% of harmful germs, dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens from the air.
This air purifier is great for any room of the house but is especially good for a computer room where your loved one spends a lot of their time. It maybe isn’t the sexiest gift on this list, but it’s thoughtful and can have major health benefits, including reduced allergy symptoms and protection against cold and flu viruses. It also reduces unwanted odors from pets, smoke, cooking fumes, and anything else that might distract or annoy your loved one while they spend time at the computer.
The included filters won’t need to be replaced for around 6-8 months, but you may want to pick up some replacement filters while they’re on your mind to save you the hassle of having to buy them later.
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The OPOLAR Mini USB Desk Fan is an affordable and thoughtful gift that will help keep your giftee cool while they work at their desk. This pint-sized fan is powered through USB and can be plugged right into a computer. But don’t be fooled by its small size—the OPOLAR is adjustable between three fan speeds, even the lowest of which is enough to make a huge difference in your giftee’s comfort.
Another great thing about this fan is that it’s super quiet, which makes it perfect for use during work, gaming, and any other computer task. The fan can be angled both vertically and horizontally, and it’s small enough that it won’t take up much desk real estate.
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Everyone loves a good foot rub, and the TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager allows your giftee to give one to themselves while they sit at their computer. Using the TheraFlow is as simple as rolling your feet back and forth, and it’s one of the best foot massagers available today.
I personally have this massager and use it at my desk almost daily. It feels incredible, and I even like that it gives my feet something to do while I work at the computer.
The TheraFlow is an awesome gift for anyone who spends a lot of time at their desk, but it’s particularly thoughtful if your loved one struggles with foot pain. I, myself, didn’t even know that I had foot pain before I experienced how much better my feet felt using the TheraFlow.
Whether your loved one’s pain is caused by plantar fasciitis or just regular day-to-day use, this product has helped literally thousands of people find relief, and it could help your loved one, too!