Best gifts for software engineer 2020–2021
How to impress a software engineer with a gift?
Programmers, like all people in a particular industry, have their own special mentality with their “inside” jokes, discussing topics and interests. Thus your present may require both creativity and logic.
Our team of editors together with software engineers have compiled a list of the best and creative gifts for programmer that will help you to save your time and hit the mark!
1. Laptop backpack (from $199)
First things first, backpacks have become ubiquitous for developer’s day-to-day use. And it’s no wonder! Сarrying around laptops, tablets, phones, water bottles and all the other stuff you need while travelling to the office, cafe or a local park, a practical backpack is the best way to go.
“Oh yes, this is a good gift but you need to pay attention to many nuances such as a built-in power bank, many special compartments for example for a mouse, headphone wires, etc. And also make sure it has enough space for a laptop — some programmers prefer 17” models”
Cory, software engineer
2. Hacker Gifts Puzzle ($19.99)
This is something new on the developer gifts market. It is a virtual quest that only people belonging to the sphere can go through it. It is more like an experience kind of gift that is a pretty memorable thing. The giftee receives a card with his or her name on it, which is not a simple card because it contains the first encrypted task that further leads to the next one, and so on. When all the tasks are completed the player sees a message from you. Try to be sophisticated and write something interesting there.
“Oh wow, this is a really cool idea! I have a friend who would love this — I’ll send this postcard incognito to add adventures to his life haha”
Alexander, developer at Reloading smart games
3. An ergonomic keyboard (from $104.99)
This is a computer keyboard designed with ergonomics considerations to minimize muscle strain and a host of related problems. Most ergonomic keyboards split the letter keys into two halves, rotating the keys so they point down toward the lower corners of the keyboard. Rotating the keys allows arms to approach the keyboard from a more natural angle. This can be a very practical and caring gift.
“I have this keyboard and I enjoy it very much. You really need to re-learn how to work on this keyboard, but it’s worth it! Make sure you get the version without the numpad, this will make it easier to reach for the mouse”
Alex, software engineer at Facebook
4. Stickers (from $4.99)
It is an easy gift idea for coders of any age! Plus, they’re just plain fun. Be creative and try to find something really interesting for your giftee. This is a small but thoughtful gift that will be used and appreciated for years.
“We need a practical way to identify our stuff from everyone else’s. Anyway it is a good idea if only it is personalised. Put there your programmers favourite code joke ”
Cory, developer
5. Courses (from $10.99)
There are so many online courses for people involved in computer science for self education and skills improvement, starting from popular programming languages like Java and Python to advanced technology like Big Data, Automation, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning, Robotics etc. It is gonna be a really useful and a longstanding gift, just make sure that the person is interested in the theme you’ve chosen.
“Courses as a gift is really good option. Tip: if you are not sure about the topic just buy a gift card”
Carlos, developer
6. Flipper Zero tamagochi for hackers (coming soon)
If you really want your gift to be elaborate and sophisticated, you may check this out! Flipper Zero is a portable multi-tool for pentesters and geeks in Tamagotchi body. It loves to hack digital stuff around such as radio protocols, access control systems, hardware and more.
The main idea of Flipper Zero is to combine all the phreaking hardware tools that you might need for hacking on the go. Flipper was inspired by tamagotchi project, but unlike all the other DIY boards for hackers, Flipper is designed with the convenience of everyday usage in mind — it has a robust case, handy buttons and shape, so there are no dirty PCBs or scratchy pins. Flipper turns hacking into a game, reminding you that hacking always should be fun.
“ This is a nice toy for hackers, especially for those who remember classic tamagotchi in their life. The only thing it’s not available yet, but you can subscribe on their website to learn when it’s available”
Vlad, software engineer
7. Soldering iron kit (from $16.99)
If your programmer friend likes to build electronics, fix something up, or restore then you are going to need this kind of gift! A soldering iron is a hand tool used in soldering. It supplies heat to melt solder so that it can flow into the joint between two workpieces.
Soldering is an essential skill in electronics: whether you want to repair some electronic appliances or to create and solder your own circuits.
“Soldering is a nice hobby: it requires concentration and precision, and is a good way to “unwind” after a busy workday. There are pre-made electronics on amazon you can get to practice”
Alex, developer
8. Nanoleaf Light Panels (from $199.99)
Does the music have a color? We bet it does! Nanoleaf light panel is a wall lamp set up which you can create by yourself. It is a cool way to upgrade the working space. Panels have an interesting option, the Rhythm Module reacts to music in real-time. It senses audio and transforms it into color & light for a stunning audiovisual display. This is one of the uniquest and most creative gifts, you might find.
“Awesome lights to make the room more alive, I really like it. Ads more variety to the work-from-home routine”
Vlad, software engineer
9. Raspberry Pi 400 personal computer kit (from $99.99)
For those who think that it is something to eat so it’s not. The Raspberry Pi is a low cost, credit-card sized computer that plugs into a computer monitor or TV, and uses a standard keyboard and mouse. It is a capable little device that enables people of all ages to explore computing, and to learn how to program in languages like Scratch and Python. This one is built into a compact keyboard.
“When growing up my first computer was commodore 64. This is probably the closes thing to that. Gives me a fuzzy feeling.”
Jeem, software engineer
