Ask Slashdot: Gifts For a 90-Year-Old, Tech-Savvy Dad? 211
First time accepted submitter Bearhouse writes "My Dad amazes me with (a) his longevity & energy, and (b) his continued ability to mess around with electronics stuff. Since he already has things ranging from valve amps made from war-surplus, via an original IBM PC kit to an Android tablet, I was going to buy him a Raspberry Pi for Christmas. Turns out he's already got one. I saw nothing that really got me excited here, so your ideas would be appreciated."
Maybe a 3d printer? (Score:5, Insightful)
Perhaps it's a bit expensive, perhaps it's not, depends on your bugedt, but he most likely would enjoy it as a nice addition and compliment to his projects.
Raspberry Pi stuff (Score:4, Insightful)
same thing I always tell others (Score:5, Insightful)
I always tell people the same thing everytime they ask this question. Ask them. I am sure they have a list... If they dont buy them something retarded. The problem fixes itself the next year :)
Time (Score:5, Insightful)
If your Dad is 90, and has the money for whatever gadgets he might want (as evidenced that he goes out and buys them on his own) then what he'd probably most want is to spend some quality time with you.
I know it sounds cheesy, but I run into the same problem trying to buy gifts for my grandmothers. They have everything they need or want, but what they can't buy is time with family.
Interview this guy for Slashdot (Score:5, Insightful)
Maybe he's not famous or well-known, but I bet he is interesting as hell. We should all aspire to have that much energy, drive, and interest as we get older... I know way too many people in their 50s and older that refuse to learn anything new. Hearing about a guy that has probably been on top of the latest tech continuously for 70-odd years is just inspiring!
Re:same thing I always tell others (Score:5, Insightful)
For some people (including me), surprising someone and showing them that we really tried to find something they like is a very important part of making a present.
Re:same thing I always tell others (Score:5, Insightful)
For the man who has everything ... (Score:5, Insightful)
A nice bottle of scotch or bourbon.
He can sip away at it while he noodles away with all of those gadgets.
It doesn't sound like he needs your help in finding technology.
Re:Interview this guy for Slashdot (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:same thing I always tell others (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Time (Score:4, Insightful)
How about a project the two of you can do together. Maybe wire a room for inbuilt speakers, add a video projector that hangs off the ceiling and a screen on a remote control and you've got a home theater. Throw in an XBMC system and a way to automatically rip DVDs and serve it off the network, with a universal remote control. Then add a TV tuner card, movie chairs, etc. Lots of things that can be done piece-meal but with a goal in sight.
Re:Interview this guy for Slashdot (Score:5, Insightful)
And as Slashdot proves, there are plenty below-30s that refuse to learn anything new because they think they know best already.