It doesn't matter what kind of geek or nerd you are—holiday shopping season has something for everyone.
Each year we round up all the best tech gifts you can buy, from bargains under $100 to expensive laptops and gadgets, but we also break out a dedicated list of the nerdiest presents we can find, from gaming gear and arcade cabinets to DIY robot kits. Check out this year's finds to snag just the right gift for the geek in your life, from Star Wars waffle makers and '80s-themed gaming rigs to VPN subscriptions for your extra privacy-conscious loved ones.
Nintendo Switch Lite
Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC and 5Ci
Your tech nerd probably hates passwords as much as you do. The sleek Yubico Yubikey 5 NFC (starting at $45) and Yubico Yubikey 5Ci (starting at $70) improve on their precedessors by not only giving you a tiny, durable USB device to pop on your keychain for secure two-factor authentication, but also a double-headed USB-C and Apple Lightning device for both Android and iOS users.
elago W3 Stand for Apple Watch
The elago W3 Stand for Apple Watch puts a cutting-edge small form factor computing device into a vintage stand to remind you of the days when Apple monitors were just a bit bigger.
Private Internet Access VPN
Atari History Lesson
Aside from a retro console, there's still no better gift for Atari nerds than Breakout: How Atari 8-Bit Computers Defined a Generation. Is this a shameless plus for our sister site ExtremeTech's Editor-in-Chief Jamie Lendino's book? Yes. But it's also a kickass book.
When you're done, make sure to check out the follow-ups, Adventure: The Atari 2600 at the Dawn of Console Gaming and Faster Than Light: The Atari ST and the 16-Bit Revolution.
FreezerBoy Refrigerator Magnets
For a truly geeky home, turn your fridge, oven, washer, or other home appliance into a Gameboy with this magnet set.
Arcade1Up Arcade Cabinet
You've probably seen retro arcade machines popping up lately with games like Centipede, Galaga, Mortal Kombat, Pac-Man, and Street Fighter. For $300, you can have one in your living room. Arcade 1Up Arcade Cabinets are easy to assemble, and the machines look and feel like the original games. They can be a bit short, though, so we definitely recommend getting a riser.
Floppy Disk Coasters
We may not use floppy disks in actual computers anymore, but you can still put your drinks on them. Geek up your coffee table with these floppy disk coasters.
Mad Catz R.A.T. 8+ Gaming Mouse
Square Off Automated Chess Board
Tired of moving pieces around yourself and feel like playing online chess just isn't the same? Square Off is an automated chess board where you can play virtually with anyone (or a computer) as the pieces move themselves, and choose from 20 different AI difficulty levels.
HyperX Cloud Orbit S Gaming Headset
The terrific HyperX Cloud Orbit S wired gaming headset takes the advanced technology of the Audeze Mobius, removes the Bluetooth, and puts it in a more gamer-centric package at a lower price, earning it an Editors' Choice.
Final Fantasy XIV Online (for PC)
Final Fantasy XIV is one of the best MMORPGs on the market, and easily one of the best Final Fantasy games in the series. The massive story, rich gameplay systems, and wealth of end-game and optional content makes it a must-buy for any special gamer in your life who hasn't yet had the pleasure.
ICE Harmony Floating Bluetooth Speaker
Why get a regular speaker when you can get a floating speaker? The Floating Speaker Orb Harmony spins 10mm above a magnetic base; connect your gadget via Bluetooth.
Nintendo Labo VR Kit
We love the customizability of the Nintendo Switch experience, and the Nintendo Labo VR Kit takes that malleability to another level. Create your own mini-games in Toy-Con Garage and build a variety of different Toy-Cons to turn your Switch gameplay into an immersive VR world.
ELEGOO Penguin Bot Arduino Biped Robot Kit
Every nerd wants to build their own robot. The ELEGOO Arduino Project's Penguin Bot Arduino Biped Robot Kit comes with an easy-to-follow tutorial, customization options, and a bunch of cool features such as auto-follow, obstacle-avoidance, IR-remote control, music player, and dancing to trick out your new large robot son.
Infinite Torch-Lined Dungeon Corridor Infinity Mirror
Check yourself in the mirror in front of an endless dungeon corridor. For Super Mario 64 fans who remember the endless staircase, this geeky wall accessory can deck out your space with some nostalgic medieval flair. Get lost in the optical illusion.
Retro-Bit Sega 8-Button USB Arcade Pad
Retro consoles and emulated games are a nostalgic blast, but they're even better when you've got the controller to match. Retro-Bit's Sega 8-Button USB Arcade Pad look and feel about as authentic as you can get.
DJI Mavic Pro Platinum
For all the drone nerds out there, the DJI Mavic Pro Platinum is the cadillac. With a sleek finish, a compact design, and features like forward obstacle avoidance, automated flight, and 4K video, it's a peerless choice for aerial photography geeks.
Star Wars Millennium Falcon Waffle Maker
The morning your Star Wars nerd wakes up to go see Episode IX, give them the breakfast they deserve with this Millennium Falcon Waffle Maker.
Xiaomi Mi 9
True phone geeks don't want the same cookie-cutter iPhone or Pixel as everyone else; they want something unique. With a sleek design, top-notch components, and a great battery life, the Xiaomi Mi 9 is an exceedingly cheap Chinese option that'll have your friends asking "where did you get that phone?"
Retro PlayStation Necklace and Earrings
Keep the nostalgia going with this PlayStation Necklace and Earrings Set, which turns retro gaming love into a literal fashion statement.
Gunnar Intercept Gaming Glasses
Sometimes the best nerdy gift are the ones that look completely ordinary. The Gunnar Intercept Gaming Glasses are designed for computer screens, gaming, and everyday use with sturdy frames and lenses that react to light, shifting from a blue-light-reducing amber tint indoors to full-on sunglasses outside.
Sonic Socks
We're still waiting on that live-action Sonic movie, but in the meantime your special nerd can pretend they're running faster while wearing this pair of Sonic the Hedgehog socks.
Origin Millennium Hard Line Vice Edition
