(Part 2) Top products from r/GiftIdeas

I'm a programmer. This is my most favorite keyboard I've ever bought. It's mechanical, but the "clickity" is perfect, and low travel (it's 69.99... and 59.99 for the one without the number pad). They list a few options, but the one's that I find great have "Kailh Latest Low Profile Blue Switches". Also the back lighting is really nice.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074QM6F7X/

I don't know what language he's working with, but this book is excellent too. Many of the examples are centered around java/C#, but most concepts apply across many languages. It motivated me to explore further after reading, and to really polish up on my skill set.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0132350882/

Maybe look into purchasing tickets to a cooking class! Depending on where you go, prices will vary, but it could be a neat idea :)

The Gift of Nothing is such a memorable, sentimental book, and I'm sure she'd be delighted to receive it.

There's a whole bunch of great Harry Potter themed items out there so you should be able to find some cross-over items easily. You can check out gifts for Gamers & Geeks for starters on the Harry Potter stuff or click the Harry Potter tag for more ideas from that site.

As for fantasy books - my favorites are the Dragons of Pern series by Anne McCaffrey or the two 5 book sets, The Belgariad and The Mallorean by David Eddings.

I also fell in love with this cute soft toy at Ikea on the weekend - they have a whole range created from children's drawings so there might be something there for her too :)

I second the prismacolors, I swear by them as an artist and an art teacher. I also suggest a battery-operated electric eraser, they are a game changer in prismacolor drawing. Here's a cheap one:


Depending on your mom's taste and sense of humor, here are 3 of my favorite off-beat coloring books (way better than just mandalas and stuff):


This crass one is my favorite

Unicorns are Jerks - funny but not offensive

[Thrill Murray, the Bill MUrray coloring book (weird but fun, lots of Wes Anderson film stuff) ] (https://www.amazon.com/Thrill-Murray-coloring-book-Coley/dp/0957490909/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1482086999&sr=1-1)

You could also consider making her your very own coloring book. One of my art students made me one that was all pictures of dinosaurs and cats riding on bicycles (my 3 favorite things). If you can't draw, it's super easy to turn photographs into drawing pages with Adobe Illustrator or similar.

You could also get her some frames so she can display her favorite completed pages.

-Does she have a roomba? I know they’re expensive but there’s lots of other robot vacuum cleaners for cheaper

-I know she’s sensitive to many products and I’m not sure if this is an option for her but how about a gift card for a massage/spa?

-my mom loves getting comfy pajama sets, that might be an option?

-fancy tea set

a book like this one depending on the shows she watches https://www.amazon.com/True-Stories-Law-Order-Episodes/dp/0425217353/ref=mp_s_a_1_30?keywords=crime+gifts&qid=1568574525&sprefix=crime+gi&sr=8-30

-there’s lots of books where there’s different crimes the reader needs to solve if you think she might enjoy that

Do you still need ideas, OP?

Consider Cajals butterflies of the Soul

http://www.amazon.com/Cajals-Butterflies-Soul-Science-Art/dp/0195392701

It is an art-book that features lots of pictures from early neuroscience research. I'm not sure if that is the kind of thing she would like, but as a Neuroscience student I love it. If she is less into art and more into Academic neuroscience, how about a good neuroscience book? Kendel's Principles of Neural Science is the 1800 page bible of Neuroscience, and everyone going into the field should own a copy. But, unless she actually studies it, it might be far too in depth. It is not for people with a Passing interest.

Alternatively, depending on her particular interests and level of education in the field, something from this list-

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1H7wZuITTrUVCkPz9rAgOIKYOjRAcTFnwMwb1VbKwcdw/edit?usp=sharing

Oh this is a fun one! The five finger death punch online merch store has non-clothing items. I’m kind of a fan of this neon light. Any neon light would be awesome for her bedroom, like this do what you love one. Or these guitars (ok, done with the neon now I promise! I love it though!). Continuing on the decor theme, wall art?

More ideas:

Adorable yet functional ffdp tote

Interesting book about the history of metal

A little pricey, but great for any music fan and budding creative

heavy metal coloring book...I couldn’t resist!

Ear plugs to protect your ears at shows but are still cool...ish

How about something to relax like this gorgeous soft throw, luxe candle, and cozy crosswords book? Or if she prefers boozing over crosswords, you can include a bottle of her favorite drink and perhaps this beautiful set of stemless glasses?

They make indestructible books, but a 2 1/2 year old should be a little beyond the need for that though a page might tear here and there. That said, there are some very good kids books out there. I can recommend a few.

Beekle (my favorite): https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Beekle-Unimaginary-Friend/dp/0316199982

Mr. Tiger goes Wild: https://www.amazon.com/Tiger-Goes-Boston-Globe-Horn-Awards/dp/0316200638/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474037351&sr=1-1&keywords=mr+tiger+goes+wild

Dragons Love Tacos: https://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Love-Tacos-Adam-Rubin/dp/0803736800/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474037404&sr=1-1&keywords=dragons+love+tacos

What if you did just 1 gift + the airline ticket per day, so that you could get her a higher-quality thing, since she has high standards? Basically more value for money? Especially if you have Amazon Prime, you could get it all shipped to you in one go.

Like:

London: some really nice tea or shortbread, e.g. https://www.amazon.com/Walkers-Shortbread-Assorted-Butter-Ounce or https://www.amazon.com/Harney-Sons-Tower-London-Classic/dp/B006MV9U0W

Miami: something relating to Art Deco, since Miami is famous for its Art Deco architecture, e.g. https://www.amazon.com/Arts-Decoratifs-Deco-Coloring-Patterns/dp/1945888385

Paris: the nicest bottle of wine you can get

Canada (a specific city?): maple syrup as lackofsunshine said!

Cairo: a copy of Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile -- https://www.amazon.com/Death-Nile-Hercule-Mystery-Mysteries/dp/0062073559

Tokyo: a cherry-blossom passport holder, to go with the travel theme, and since it's the final gift? https://www.amazon.com/EpicGadget-Blocking-Premium-Leather-Passport/dp/B076FHPSZF

I love basically all of this stained glass

A set of cool socks and a copy of Yes Please

A set of nice sheet masks or hair chalk

A nice 2018 planner with some good pens

Booze always goes over well with my family.

Wireless headphones

A blanket scarf

ah, yeah they're sorta the same thing.

Two other ideas, if he's into books, If Hemingway Wrote Javascript is an awesome one -- he pairs up like, 100 famous authors with programming languages and writes programs as if he were the author.

Also, The Code Book is really cool too. A really interesting and in depth history of encryption.

Wreck This Journals

She makes a bunch of different versions. They might be more in stores but online they usually $10

Are pretty fun for all ages and genders. If you conduct an image google “wreck this journal ideas” you can see how it’s “meant to be done, “but there is no wrong way. :)

This is oddly specific, you can gift him a planer even if he isn't proficient with it. It is very nostalgic and as a woodworker he could understand/appreciate its use.

Or

Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man's Fundamentals for Delicious Living by Nick Offerman

I think it’s best to get one with a coin pocket then. Do you need to get it in store or can you order online? I found heaps on Amazon...

https://www.amazon.com/Wildman-Leather-Wallet-Pocket-Removable/dp/B07ZY9HBCP/ref=sr_1_35?dchild=1&keywords=Wallet%2Bwith%2Bcoin%2Bmen&qid=1573956398&sr=8-35&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Alpine-Swiss-Leather-Sections-Crosshatch/dp/B01MZ2JCF5/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=Wallet+with+coin+men&qid=1573956659&sr=8-15

https://www.amazon.com/Kenneth-Cole-REACTION-Blocking-Bifold/dp/B07BS2WYGD/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=Wallet+with+coin+men&qid=1573956659&sr=8-10

https://www.amazon.com/Tommy-Hilfiger-Coin-Pocket-Wallet/dp/B003N18GTA/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=Wallet+with+coin+men&qid=1573956659&sr=8-4

Movie tickets for date nights
Bifl backpack
Book: Med School Confidential: A Complete Guide to the Medical School Experience: By Students, for Students https://www.amazon.com/dp/0312330081/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_L2ZCAbPMBN2RK
Cookbook or cooking class
Scrubs
More practical: Darn Tough Socks. These are the best socks with a guarantee.
I’d browse r/bifl for ideas

Penguins have been my favorite animal ever since I read "Mr. Popper's Penguins" in 2nd grade (circa 1992, probably).

Has he read this book? There's a Jim Carrey movie, which totally delivers as well.

Amazon link to the book

There's a brand new Neil Gaiman book coming out this week.

http://www.amazon.com/Guillermo-del-Toro-Cabinet-Curiosities/dp/0062082841