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Holiday Guide 2007: Gifts For The Gadget Geek

 

Levers And Buttons And Wires, Oh My!



In this era of Wi-Fi and Googling, being a gadget geek is no longer a closeted activity.  Which is good news since you'll need the room in there for all these new toys...
Thrifty Options
Put A Cork In It
Metrokane Houdini Lever Corkscrew Set; $29.99  (Linens & Things)

Do you remember watching in awe as the waitress uncorked your first bottle of wine with a magician's finesse? This gadget can produce the same shock and awe – your geek just needs some cheese, a bottle of red and a few friends – and he can have a magic show that's all his own.  



Portable Audio Humiliation
 American Idol Go Anywhere Karaoke; $29.99 (Target)

Do you have a friend that knows that Carrie Underwood prefers baseball to Tony Romo's pastime, thinks Jennifer Hudson is truly a living dream girl or considers himself part of Claynation? Then this gadget has found its geek. The American Idol Go Anywhere Karaoke System can turn any DVD player or TV into a karaoke machine. Why would you need to wait for a Moment Like This?



What A Tool!
Apollo Pink Tool Kit; $29.99 (Amazon)

It doesn't matter if Heidi or Tim the 'Tool Man' Taylor was more your gadget queen's speed growing up – this kit will make anyone want to hang a perfectly level shelf or assemble a 5-drawer dresser from scratch. Yep, the tools are pink. But for Ikea and beyond, this 135-piece tool set will keep your gadget girl ready with tools including long-nose pliers, a cordless screwdriver and an adjustable wrench.



Sweet Fossil Of Mine
Museum of Jurassic Technology; $5 Donation (MJT)

From the 'this can't be real' files comes the Museum of Jurassic Technology, tucked behind the hipster village that is Culver City. Don't mind the bums sleeping in/near the entryway – this is worth a visit for a chance at viewing extraterrestrial dogs. Just make a day of it – sophisticated food in a casual environment can be found at Tender Greens, and your night can be capped with a trip to the Jazz Bakery.


Yeah? Well My Wi-Fi Glows In The Dark
Wi-Fi Detector Shirt; $29.99  (Think Geek)

No one you know has ever pirated an Internet connection, right? So they don't know the agony of wavering bars and carrying their laptop from corner to corner, pleading with the Internet gods for a stronger signal? Even though that's an unlikely situation for your law-abiding friends and family, the need for a Wi-Fi detector is actually pretty real – and pretty rad. Why tinker with the inner workings of a machine when the truth can be worn on your sleeve ... or your chest? The bars on the Wi-Fi Detector Shirt glow when near a signal, and reflect changes in signal strength. Score one for Team Tech. 



Growing Up Geek
 Cafe Press Baby Clothes; $7.99 and up (Cafe Press)

Boy geek meets girl geek and they make ... baby geek? For the with-child set, a bib emblazoned with “my dad's a geek” or “my mom's a geek” should make for a proud papa or mama. Want something a little, uhh, geekier? The “ctrl + alt + change me” onesie should do.



Spendy Options

Ear Candy Is NOT A Waxy Substance
Performance Hatphones; $60 (Nike)

Flashback to six years ago, when tiny white headphones were inching into the American conscience as status symbols. Now, the tiny ear buds made famous by Apple are getting tricked out – and tucked away. Performance Hatphones – made possible through another blockbuster partnership between Apple and Nike – keeps heads warm and humming to the beat. A built-in pocket holds an iPod Nano.



Let It Rain
Rain Showerhead; $401.35 (Kohler)

Everyone does it – at least a few times a week – but geeks can now do it in style. Showering gets a sleek makeover with the Solid Brass Rain Showerhead. We're promised your better half will be able to “experience the gentle force of a spring rain” in the comforts of his own bathroom – and if you're lucky, you will too.



Roughing It, Classy Style
REI Outdoor School Navigation Classes; $60 (REI) 

Take a trip to your local REI store for a lesson in outdoor gadgeteering. From the basics maps and compasses to the sophisticated GPS and Geocaching, there are plenty of cool tricks to learn at 'Outdoor School.'  Now if only they would teach you how to sneak out of work early for a weekend trip to Mammoth.




Photo by Kevin Labianco via Flickr