As Christmas gets closer the anxiety of gift buying begins to set in. Buying the perfect present for your loved ones is never easy but one place we can look for inspiration is what they do for a living. If you know someone who is a programmer, you’ll know how dedicated they are to their job.
The hope is always that the person you buy for will genuinely enjoy and find a use for the present you give them. And not just accept it with a smile and never touch it again.
You simply don’t have the time or energy to search the corners of the Earth for the perfect gift and working with a budget in mind can make gift buying an arduous task.
This article serves as a guide to finding great gifts for coders that won’t break the bank.
Whether you’re looking for gifts for rookies, kids who express an interest in coding, or already established coders who could benefit from a present that will make their work easier. This guide has you covered.
An online programming course
If the person you’re buying for is a relative newcomer to the world of coding. Or just looking to brush up on their skills, they may be interested in an online course. There are thousands of courses available online that they can complete in their spare time. You just need to know where to look.
Udemy is a great source of online coding courses covering all the most popular programming languages. Once you’ve found the right course, you can purchase it through Udemy and send it to your loved one through their email address. It’s really that simple! If you aren’t sure which course to choose, a Udemy gift card could suffice.
Skillshare is another source of online courses that specialize in coding and many other topics. You could gift your loved one with a subscription and they have the option to explore other fields.
Raspberry Pi
Tech gadgets have always been popular gifts but often come with a heavy price tag. A Raspberry Pi is a neat little piece of kit that usually won’t cost more than $35.
Coders are naturally inquisitive and love all things tech. A raspberry pi is a great gadget that won’t cost an arm and a leg. It’s essentially a small single-board computer that offers many functions and is often used to teach basic programming to kids so could work as a great introduction to coding for younger ones. You simply plug the small device into a TV or computer monitor and off you go!
Gaming keyboard
A good reliable keyboard is essential for any programmer but it’s important to find one that suits their needs. Many coders are also avid gamers and will be in need of a keyboard specially made to offer gaming functions.
A gaming keyboard can meet the needs of their coding projects while improving their PC gaming experience. There’s a huge variety of keyboard designs to choose from, all varying in price. There are some with impressive light functions. Offering a spectacular aesthetic to any gamers room, and also more ergonomic designs that prevent discomfort when typing for long hours.
Many gamers and coders alike prefer metal keyboards due to the durability they offer. They’re also often much faster than traditional keyboards which is necessary if completing large workloads. On the other hand, some prefer lightweight, smaller more intricate designs as they offer the option of portability and can be on the cheaper side. Whatever your needs, you can find a keyboard that any programmer will cherish.
Gaming chair
Much like the ergonomic keyboards mentioned before. Gaming chairs are designed for users who have a need to sit down at a desk for long periods of time. We all develop bad habits when sitting down too long, whether it’s slouching or forgetting to take breaks.
A solid gaming chair can be a coder’s best friend. Turning the home office into a comfortable environment to work and relax. There is also the option of buying a standing desk if the person you’re buying for needs to redesign their workspace. Of course, this will cost significantly more than a gaming chair but is worth considering non-the-less.
Blue light filter computer glasses
People who work with computers and stare at screens all day are prone to eye fatigue, headaches, and blurry vision. Blue light filter glasses are available without a prescription and are an inexpensive way to prevent or lessen the issues that come with long hours working at a computer.
The special lenses in the glasses work to protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation from the computer screen during coding.
It also might not be something your loved one has considered before and shows that you are looking out for them. Buying them a gift that will help improve their lives.
The Phoenix project
Books are a fantastic present for anyone that doesn’t have to take up a huge chunk of your Christmas budget. If the person you’re buying for is a keen reader. It’s a good idea to look into books that cater specifically to coders.
The Phoenix Project is one such book, a novel that every programmer should get their hands on. The book is loved by those who work in IT as it explores the complications and challenges they face on a daily basis and could offer great insight for those looking to move to the IT industry.
A personalized gift from Etsy
Etsy is a fantastic place to purchase personalized gifts and has 100s of products that programmers will find relatable. From circuit board drink coasters to funny custom-made t-shirts, there’s a wide range of gifts that will suit anyone. Etsy is a great source of presents as many of the sellers offer customizable designs on mugs. And T-shirts, artwork just to name a few examples.
What better way to show someone you’ve really put thought into their gift than something with their name on it?