Gifts Ideas For 'Non-Geek' Types? 88
BRock97 asks: "There is no better activity which sheds light on 'Geek/Non-Geek' interaction than Christmas shopping. As I try and browse Target's online store looking for the perfect gift, I can't help be gravitate back to ThinkGeek in hopes I will find something that the receiver of the gift will find useful AND also remind them of the person who gave it. I was curious as to what other /.'ers were planning on getting their friends and loved ones (parents/grandparents) who live the 'non-geek' lifestyle." We've already told Santa what we'd like for Christmas, now what about the non-geeks in our lives?
convert them to geek (Score:3, Funny)
It's like cocaine, you just have to get them started...
spouse/girlfriend gift template (Score:1, Insightful)
1. buy something nice
2. buy something feminine (perfume, hand creme, pajamas, etc)
3. Do something requiring effort (make a gift, clean the toilet, etc)
4. Wrap things nicely
5. buy some everyday things since she will be reminded of your good thougts every time they are used, earrings, necklaces, etc.
I'll add one joke here:
6. Pray (only if you are from France)
Re:convert them to geek (Score:1)
Ellen? Is that you?
Re:convert them to geek (Score:1)
Re:convert them to geek (Score:1)
you might even want to experiment with giving them some more geeky stuff...granted they are open minded...hook them up with an RPG if they are into video games...or independant films for wanna-be movie buffs (Welcome to the Dollhouse is a personal favorite)
10% off online coupon for Target (Score:2, Interesting)
Rethink this. (Score:4, Insightful)
There's something deeply wrong if you're shopping for gifts at Target; take a step back and ask yourself why you're even bothering in the first place. Because you "have to?"
Send a nice card or take them to dinner if you can't find something unique and "nice". Sorry, but I'm a bit of a purist in that sense--either make it tasteful and personal, or don't give a gift.
I'd rather get a phone call saying "hi", or a card than some tacky mail order department store shit.
I *BZZT* LOVE YOU *BZZZT* (Score:4, Funny)
ObUHF (Score:1)
like a spatula.
Re:ObUHF (Score:2, Funny)
USB memory drive (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:USB memory drive (Score:1)
Right on! I did the same thing for two family members that take work home with them often and lug a 100MB Zip drive with them. You can 128MB USB drives for about US$45 and they're way more convenient.
Re:USB memory drive (Score:2)
Re:USB memory drive (Score:2)
Re:USB memory drive (Score:1)
(maybe that's not an issue for you, but I would think most geeks who use linux would prefer to buy their loved ones a keyring drive that will work on the geek's machine too.
try one of these:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?i
A little more, but, Linux 2.2+ compatible and a lot SMALLER!!!!
Re:USB memory drive (Score:1)
Aside from that, I do use the Cruzer Mini 256MB every day in both linux and windows. I even use it in yellow dog linux on my iBook and of course in mac os x.
Linux detects it as a scsi device, usually
YMMV.
Re:USB memory drive (Score:1)
http://www.mail-archive.com/linux-usb-users@lists
Re:USB memory drive (Score:1)
Chris
Re:USB memory drive (Score:1)
If you have Costco or do mail order from Costco... (Score:2)
Re:USB memory drive (Score:1)
Re:USB memory drive (Score:1)
A little searching on PriceWatch (Score:2)
Food (friends) and Pictures (parents) (Score:4, Interesting)
If you have friends who like to eat (okay, most like to eat), then a gift of some tasty morsels may work wonders. Not something that you can buy at the local Kroger's, but something really good from the likes of Harry and David [harryanddavid.com], Teuscher [teuscher.com], or some other gourmet food store. Just make sure that they are likely to like that type of food (okay, no Omaha steaks for your vegetarian friends).
For parents, if you have kids, particularly babies, you're in luck: just get them a gift book of photos or a good photo in a nice frame, and they'll be thrilled.
Re:Food (friends) and Pictures (parents) (Score:1)
Re:Food (friends) and Pictures (parents) (Score:2, Funny)
PDA (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:PDA (Score:2)
Sometimes the best gift is tech support (Score:5, Insightful)
For example:
Wireless Router: They'll love surfing the web from the couch on their business laptops -- just be sure to set it all up for them.
Tivo: Most non-techs I know watch a LOT of TV. Tivo is easy enough that they may not even need your help with it.
Universal Remote: Over the years, you've built up their entertainment system with an amplifier, pre-amplifier, DVD player, CD changer, etc but they can't figure out how to just watch TV. Buy a good universal remote and program it to have easy "Watch TV", "Watch a DVD", "Listen to Music" buttons.
MP3 Player: Obviously great for exercise buffs
Roomba: Who wouldn't love a robot vacuum cleaner
Just about anything from Sharper Image or Brookstone, especially the Foot Massager: Everybody loves this stuff but will never buy it for themselves
Re:Sometimes the best gift is tech support (Score:1)
Re:Sometimes the best gift is tech support (Score:1)
My wife is a non-geek, here's what I got her... (Score:5, Insightful)
I got my wife a pair of Bulova watches (one for every day, one for special occasions), a book on used book stores, a book on Breyer collectable horses (which she collects), the usual assortment of candy, the new Train CD, a new Williams-Sonoma tea kettle, and some other small stuff. Not a geek toy in the bunch, even if I did order quite a bit of it online.
BTW, if you know my wife (not likely if you read slashdot), don't tell her!
Re:My wife is a non-geek, here's what I got her... (Score:2)
Is that for this Christmas or an accounting of birthday, anniversary, etc. gifts for the last two years? If the former, please stop posting as you're mak
Re:My wife is a non-geek, here's what I got her... (Score:2)
Re:My wife is a non-geek, here's what I got her... (Score:2)
Is that for this Christmas or an accounting of birthday, anniversary, etc. gifts for the last two years? If the former, please stop posting as you're making me look really bad! Two watches and a tea kettle? Meanwhile, I still insist on using my rusty old kettle from my bachelor days and throw a tantrum when my wife proposes replacing it.
It's for Christmas. I keep a list on my laptop of things she says she wants throughout the year. When it comes to Christmas, I've got a great list and am never short of
Stay on Thinkgeek (Score:3, Informative)
Is that good, or have I become out of touch with non-geeks?
Re:Stay on Thinkgeek (Score:2)
Socks..... (Score:1)
Re:Socks..... (Score:1)
Mini white LED keyring torches. (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Mini white LED keyring torches. (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:Mini white LED keyring torches. (Score:1)
-ed
other things... (Score:5, Funny)
One thing you won't be getting... (Score:4, Funny)
Re:One thing you won't be getting... (Score:1)
Lego: The gift that keeps on giving... (Score:2)
I can be a geek, give a geeky gift, and get my geek on with my non geek family.
What could be better?
-Adam
gifts for the non-geek (Score:5, Informative)
In a hurry: Blockbuster [blockbuster.com] Gift Card. Who doesn't go to Blockbuster? Geeks who use Netflix, right? Well stop trying to convert those poor ole simple folk and give them what they need-- a way to pay off that $15 3-day late fee. Another quick gift (if you are REALLY last minute) is an Instant Prepaid Phone Card. Some companies (NobelCom.com [nobelcom.com] springs to mind) will even send out a gift e-mail along with the Access Number and PIN on whatever day the event is-- for instance, have it arrive on someone's birthday. This is a good gift for people who make a lot of International calls (think H1B workers and non-resident aliens), but other than that, you suck if you are so last minute that you have to buy an instant phone card as a gift.
Gourmet Food: Everyone likes to eat tastey things. Try iGourmet.com [igourmet.com] for a wide selection on everything from wine and cheese to curred ostrich, and try Dans.com [dans.com] for the best chocolates anywhere.
Flowers: Women love flowers. Gay men love flowers. Heck, little girls love flowers. I sent flowers to my 12-year-old niece for her birthday in October and she loved them! KaBloom.com [kabloom.com]consistantly has the best presentation when you open the box compared to 800flowers or FTD. Too bad their website is kinda hokey.
Designer Apparel: Nothing says "I know style" like a new pair of Gucci, Christian Dior, or Versace glasses. You can get these in stores everywhere (try Sunglass Hut and Solstice), or for the really good stuff, online at eyewearcentre.com [eyewearcentre.com]. Beware discount vendors like 'EyeSave', and especially stay away from eBay. There are more fake designer glasses on eBay than there are fake Rolexes in a New York Street Vendor's cart-- and even though you probably can't tell, trust me, your mark can and will notice a fake. The most important things when picking designer apparel are: Get something from THIS SEASON'S COLLECTION. Getting last year's stuff on sale will NOT go over well. Make sure this is a color or style that looks ok on your mark. If you are clueless, look at that person's existing favorite clothes, glasses, etc. for reference. For glasses: make sure that you get the right shape for that person's face type. Again, if clueless, look at that person's existing stuff, or see this nice chart [eyewearcentre.com].
Re:gifts for the non-geek (Score:2)
Re:gifts for the non-geek (Score:2)
Gift Cards, Instant Phone Cards, Lotto Tickets, and the like are only recommended if you waited until the absolute last minute before gift shopping.
Re:gifts for the non-geek (Score:2)
Re:gifts for the non-geek (Score:2)
Sexual preference has nothing to do with plants.
Re:gifts for the non-geek (Score:1)
Re:gifts for the non-geek (Score:2, Funny)
Re:gifts for the non-geek (Score:2)
I don't, though I used to. They are a PITA to deal with and the lines are too long. Mom and pop video stores tend to have better service and some oddities that Blockbuster and Hollywood Video don't tend to cary.
Re:gifts for the non-geek (Score:3, Insightful)
Anyone who likes porn [sptimes.com] doesn't go to Blockbuster. Get your friends a good porn web site subscription instead.
Don't sweat it. That link goes to a news article.
Re:gifts for the non-geek (Score:2)
Or give them the gift that keeps on giving, for less: WinMx [winmx.com], KaZaA [kazaa.com] ... same content, less pricey. ;)
Personal Gift Certificate (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Personal Gift Certificate (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Personal Gift Certificate (Score:2)
Just b*tch and moan that "... this is why I use a Mac" every time you fix their PC. They'll get sick of it quick.
It's Simple Really... Anything Alcoholic (Score:1)
Re:It's Simple Really... Anything Alcoholic (Score:1, Funny)
Give her a Windows XP PC, and challenge her to (without your assistance) connect it to the internet and make it secure.
That ought to keep her busy for a while.
Shame on you! (Score:1)
Some gift ideas (Score:2)
Crystal doo-dads like a bowl or candlesticks
Food-related items; candy, booze, etc.
Flowers
Sport-related items: football, frisbee, etc.
Pet-related items: new leash, kitty toys
Memorabelia: baseball cards, etc.
Clothing-related items: tie, sweater, shirt, etc.
Sex-related items: lingerie (always get a small size even if she's not), massage oils, etc.
Other personal care items: shaver, lotions, perfume, etc.
Some of these of course are not appropriate in all situations...
Don't buy gifts (Score:2, Interesting)
Amazon Gift Certificate! (Score:1)
Get them an Amazon gift certificate--it's geeky in that they have to go online to purchase something, but certainly contains lots of non-geeky items; enough to satisfy any geek or non-geek!
make a calendar with your photos (Score:3, Interesting)
new Inkjets print photos really well. The way I do it is to print the picture at the top of a page (8.5 x 11 or 11 x 17) and put the calendar part on the bottom. I usually use 35 mm negatives I've scanned, but this year 2 of the pictures are digital from a 4 megapixel calendar (4 megpixels is good enough for full frame on the larger calendars, about 8x10 inch).
Its relatively cheap too. for a 11x17 page 1 sheet = $1 + ink. 12 sheets for the year. You can customize it too by putting peoples birthdays on the calendar.
Re:make a calendar with your photos (Score:1)
My wife has been doing this for 8 years, starting with pictures of my daughter. Now there are 5 grandkids, so my wife has a matrix of what photos go into whose calendars.
Oh yeah, and everyones birthdays.
This leads to multiple copies of different calendars, with the attendent mistakes, etc.
Next year I think we give fruitcake.
What I got for my family (Score:1, Funny)
- 1 big jar of tums
- 1 Case of beer
- 1 pack of smokes (malboro)
- 1 case of Jack Daniels
They all have heartburn and this stuff makes it better and worse.
Cash (Score:4, Interesting)
I can assure you someone that's been out of work for 9 months appreciated a couple hundred dollars a lot more than my in-laws will appreciate their usual shot-in-the-dark gifts.
Re:Cash (Score:2)
I wouldn't feel belittled or insulted at all.
P-Lease (Score:1, Informative)
1 - What age class? (Older (like in Grandparents, parents) younger (like in smaller cousins, kids) or same age (friends, Girlfriend/Boyfriend)
2 - What does this person enjoy: gardening, maybe a sports person, someone who likes cooking, reading, you can't go wrong with flowers/perfume to your girlfriend ( but you probably will want something more expensive for Xmas ). Jewlery is al
Memorable, Consumable, Disposable (Score:2, Insightful)
Someone gave me a rock one time though I *never* talk about geology. They gave it because they thought it was "cool". It is cool, though it's not a good gift. It's 10lbs of crystal that is hard to dust and too fragile to wash...perfect in the cave it was ripped out of and horrid for a fireplace mantle piece.
If you care about someone, do the right thing. The last thing you want is them to remember your gift everytime they stumble over the boat anchor of a gift that was
L.L. Bean! (Score:2)
Tech Stuff You Know is Good! (Score:3, Interesting)
You know the hackable DVD players, the MP3s with OggV support, You know the Difference between DVD-R and DVD+R. They will appreciate it if you give them something and say, "I know you like music so much - so I picked out the BEST DAMN MP3 player a geek like me could get. Merry Christmas! Now let me help you get this bad-boy installed on your computer..." Now that says something.
If they are Quakers or something visiting them and holding a real 'lucent' conversation with them is also a treat for people who are more people-oriented. (Yeah, you are going to have to remember thier name, better make up cheat-notes!)
Loved ones? (Score:1)
Loved ones usually also includes spouses, SOs and children.
Sorry, I forgot this was Slashdot.