(Part 3) Top products from r/GiftIdeas

So, I think I am the kind of person you are describing. I have a pretty great job, so I usually just buy my own technology stuff. Not only that, but I am rather picky with technology stuff, so even if someone did get me something like that, I would act excited and happy, but in the back of my mind I would secretly wishing they did more research before buying the thing that they did.

That said! If I were buying for me, I would go with something like the hyperbole and a half book (http://www.amazon.com/Hyperbole-Half-Unfortunate-Situations-Mechanisms/dp/1451666179), or something by the creator of the XKCD comics (http://www.amazon.com/Thing-Explainer-Complicated-Stuff-Simple/dp/0544668251/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1449202837&sr=1-1&keywords=xkcd).

If it has to be tech related, there is always http://www.thinkgeek.com - they have tons of fun, nerdy gifts that I would like. All of these things combined are probably way less than $1,000. That is just a lot of money.

Another random suggestion - if they were ever into pokemon, this is a dream come true: Gym Badges! https://www.etsy.com/listing/128753018/pokemon-kanto-gym-badges-gen-1?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_b-accessories-patches_and_pins-pins_and_pinback_buttons&utm_custom1=a91c90fb-48c1-4024-87f9-fb14aadac033&gclid=CjwKEAiA7f-yBRDAgdv4jZ-78TwSJAA_WdMaz_NXsXrFH_0f-Mb6ovmqqcCHto-b7S6zm1DplssHQhoCNuvw_wcB

I’ll go and see what I have saved up on my amazon wishlist/ recent purchases.

1. Woodstock Lineup Poster
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B006UV7SB2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_m3c3DbE8RGYYA
   
   
2. Yellow Submarine Music Box
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001F5V8TQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_N5c3DbYZT1GJQ
   
   
3. Vinyl Cubes (I have 4, I LOVE and highly recommend!
   
   http://www.vinylcubes.com/
   
   
4. George Harrison has some wicked albums! For sure worth a look. There’s also books about the lad that might be of interest!
   
   
5. There’s some awesome posters on amazon that are 60’s inspired if he has a space to put them. I have some sweet jimi Hendrix ones and I love my Fleetwood Mac ones ThEyRe TOtaLlY GRoOvY. Some awesome pink floyd ones too!
   
   
6. Vinyl and booze, a lovely pairing.
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0762463473/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_V-c3DbMT7E3MZ
   
   
7. 1001: Albums You Must Hear Before You Die
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1844038904/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Iad3DbGQ5VH0A
   
   
8. If he only has a few vinyl he likes/keeps
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07CVVYP39/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Vcd3Db8HBY9H9
   
   
9. Canadian distilleries book
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0525610588/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7dd3DbWRK0TJ8
   
   
10. Whiskey tasting! Not sure how $$$ but worth looking into!
    
    
    Hopefully these ideas spark some sort of inspiration!

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

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

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.

You can try an alternative like FIXD. They work in Canada.

Also, Weapons of Math Destruction is a great read for anyone who loves or works with large sets of data.

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 like the Jordans idea for sure. I also really think he might like this book: https://www.amazon.com/Playbook-Rules-Shoot-Score-Called/dp/0544570979/ Check out other books by the same author Kwame Alexander. Don't be deterred if he's not a voracious reader with the title I mentioned. Or this: https://www.amazon.com/Black-Comix-African-American-Independent/dp/0984190651

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

100 Years of The Best American Short Stories - http://www.amazon.com/dp/0547485859/

Some ideas for you:

• Tickets to an event you can go to together
  
• Consumables (fresh fruit/local items, baked goods)
  
• House plant (if you think they wouldn't mind caring for it)
  
• Small handmade gift (photo album, recipe book, etc.)
  
• Donation to a charitable organization
  
• Meditative coloring book
  
  
  

Book on chainmail

Dr.Who mug

Christmas Dr.Who ornament

What if? Book

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