30 Best Gifts for Hackers: Top Geek Gadgets for Friends and Yourself. Part 2.
This is the continuation of our previous article. Here are even more awesome gift ideas for hackers, geeks, and tech enthusiasts!
31. Tishric 60cm PCI-E Extender
For just about $4, this riser lets you connect an additional PCI-Express x16 graphics card via a PCI-E x1 slot. It requires USB 3.0 ports (for data transfer) and SATA power. The included cable is 60 cm long, allowing you to move a bulky, hot GPU outside the case. Whether for scientific calculations, mining, or password cracking, GPUs always have demanding tasks to handle.
32. Gerber Center-Drive Multi-Tool
A good multitool is priceless, and the selection is huge. Besides the well-known Leatherman and Victorinox, there are unique options from other brands. For example, the American company Gerber recently released the Center-Drive, whose main feature is a screwdriver aligned with the central axis. The screwdriver is arguably the most important tool for any hacker. The multitool also includes pliers, a knife, a saw, a bottle opener, and other handy features like built-in wire cutters, an awl, and a bit holder. It has 16 tools plus a set of 30 interchangeable bits. Price on Amazon: $85, with international shipping available.
33. Leatherman Tread Bracelet
This stylish accessory isn’t just for fashion magazines. The Leatherman Tread is a wearable multitool bracelet. Remove it, select the tool you need, and use the rest of the bracelet as a handle. The links are removable, so you can adjust the size and choose your most-used tools. The Tread includes 29 links: various screwdrivers and wrenches, a couple of hooks, a bottle opener, a glass cutter, and a SIM card pin. Available in black or steel, priced at $175, with Amazon shipping.
34. iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit
A good toolkit is essential for taking apart any device. While there are many options on AliExpress, if you want guaranteed quality, the iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit is the obvious choice. It’s designed for opening electronics like phones, tablets, and laptops. The kit includes over 70 tools: a screwdriver with interchangeable bits, prying tools, an anti-static wrist strap, and more. The convenient case keeps everything organized. Price: $60, with international shipping available.
35. Hakko Soldering Station with T12 Tip
Official Website (Tip), Russian Importer
The Hakko soldering station is a great upgrade from the cheap tools you or your friends might be using. Besides portability and a sleek look, it offers:
- Heats up in seconds
- Maintains temperature well
- Calibratable for each tip
- Firmware upgradable (STM32-based controller)
- DIY assembly possible (for enthusiasts)
With Hakko and T12, soldering is easy and precise, with temperature control accurate to the degree. The tip costs about $25, and stations start at $230, but it’s worth it. Goodbye, Lukey; hello, Hakko!
36. Dimensioning Instrument
The InstruMMents spatial measuring tool is a unique device that lets you accurately measure any 3D object. Just roll it along a curve, and its parameters are sent to your phone app. A great gift for anyone into 3D modeling or DIY projects. Price: $105, with international shipping. You can choose a pencil, pen, or stylus tip.
37. 3Doodler Create
We didn’t include 3D printers since they’re more for professionals, but a 3D pen that draws with plastic is a fun and affordable gadget. Anyone who used a woodburning tool as a kid will feel nostalgic. There are many models; the 3Doodler Create costs about $140, but you can find Chinese alternatives for much less.
38. Kingston DataTraveler Locker+ G3
A fast, reliable flash drive with a built-in crypto processor. It provides AES 256-bit encryption in CBC mode, with all cryptographic operations performed in secure memory. No software tricks—just pure hardware security! Speeds depend on the number of controller channels and memory chips. The metal case improves cooling and durability. Prices start at $20 for 8GB.
39. Transcend JetFlash 750
A fast flash drive with high rewrite endurance, guaranteed to use MLC NAND chips (not cheap TLC). Recommended for running portable software and live OSes. The long case provides good cooling, and there’s an activity indicator—a rare feature these days. The plastic case is durable and makes data recovery easier. Best of all, it’s reasonably priced from $12. Similar drives from other brands cost much more.
40. Mushkin Impact
Another fast, reliable flash drive, featuring a Phison PS2251-08 controller and Toshiba MLC NAND chips. Not officially available in Russia, but costs about $40 on Amazon.
41. eVtran USB 3.0 DIY Kit
Giving a flash drive isn’t very exciting, even for yourself. A much cooler gift is a kit to build your own flash drive. The eVtran kit, a soldering station for SMD assembly, and a programmer are all you need. The Innostor IS903 controller is pre-soldered; you buy the memory chips separately, choosing reliable eMLC or even SLC types. The kit costs about $9.
42. DJI Spark
A portable quadcopter for indoor and outdoor use. It can fly for up to 16 minutes and up to 2 km while streaming video. Features include intelligent flight modes and gesture control, making it fun and beginner-friendly. By drone standards, the Spark is relatively affordable at $600–$700, but as a gift, it’s definitely a luxury.
43. Parrot Swing
A more affordable, smaller quadcopter from Parrot. The Swing has no camera and is designed for piloting practice. Its unique design lets it take off vertically and then fly like a plane, enabling impressive aerial tricks, either live or pre-programmed. Price: $150–$180.
44. Tile Mate
In a world where everything is tracked, we still lose our keys. Why not just use your phone to find them? That’s what Tile Mate is for—a Bluetooth tracker in keychain form. Attach it to your keys, and when they’re lost, use the app to see their last location or make them ring. It works both ways—double-press the Tile to make your phone ring. Price: $20 for one or $100 for a pack of eight.
45. PowerUp
The latest MacBooks only have USB-C ports, even for charging. PowerUp is an elegant solution: a charger with a built-in hub for three USB-A ports, making it easy to charge other devices or connect flash drives and external drives. If your friend has a new MacBook and complains about ports, PowerUp is a great gift. Price: $129, with international shipping.
46. Griffin BreakSafe
In Apple’s world, even a cable can be a gift. The Griffin BreakSafe isn’t just any cable—it brings back the lost MagSafe feature to new MacBooks. Its magnetic contacts disconnect if the cable is pulled or tripped over, just like the old MagSafe connector. Price: about $45.
47. Xiaomi USB-C Charger
This adapter quickly charges everything: Dell and HP laptops (check your original adapter’s wattage), MacBooks, Moto Z, Lumia 950/950XL, and Quick Charge 3.0 devices. With a USB-C to Lightning cable, it can charge an iPad Pro 12.9 in 1.5 hours. The only device it didn’t work with was the Gigaset ME, and the OnePlus 5 only drew 1.5A at 5V. Price: about $22.
48. Sony MP-CL1
This portable projector weighs just 200 grams and connects to your phone or any device to watch HD movies (1080 × 720). It uses laser focusing, so you don’t need a fixed distance. The battery lasts up to two hours—enough for a short movie. Price: about $550, so it’s best as a gift for yourself.
49. Logitech Wireless Craft
Logitech keeps releasing innovative keyboards and mice. The Craft is a wireless keyboard with a spinning dial in the top left corner (hello, Griffin PowerMate!). It also features backlighting and a numeric keypad. Fully compatible with Microsoft and Adobe products—perfect for Photoshop, Premiere, or Audition users. Price: $150–$180.
50. SNES Classic
The Super Nintendo is one of the best consoles ever. Sure, you can emulate it on almost anything, but the mini SNES with classic controllers is an instant hit. It comes with a solid set of games, and enthusiasts have figured out how to add more. Price: $60–$80.
51. BittBoy
If you want a cheap pocket game device and authenticity isn’t a priority, check out the BittBoy—a GameBoy-style console with a 2.2-inch IPS screen, TV output, and 300 NES games included. Price: about $40.
52. Kingspec SSD eUSB 16GB DOM SSD
A tiny, unusual SSD with MLC NAND memory that connects directly to your motherboard’s internal ports. Store any data on it, especially if encrypted. Its unusual look means it’s likely to be overlooked if your regular drives are seized. Price: $25.
53. Convoy S2+ UV 365nm LED Flashlight
Unlike most cheap blue-LED flashlights, this is a true UV flashlight (365 nm). It’s perfect for seeing UV marks on documents, finding defects on screens, circuit boards, connectors, and almost any surface. You’ll also spot biological traces and stains invisible to the naked eye. Just don’t ask the recipient to test it on the spot! Price: about $25.
54. Yubikey
Yubico makes tiny cards for simple, convenient two-factor authentication. Plug the Yubikey into USB, touch the sensor, and it generates a one-time password based on a secret key stored on the device. The software verifies the code. Available as a keychain or a tiny USB stick. Price: $45–$60.
55. Sony BSP 60
Now for some crazy gadgets! The Sony BSP 60 wireless speaker is one of those things you’d never buy for yourself but would love to get as a gift. It rolls on wheels, raises glowing ears, responds to voice commands, plays music, and displays track names. It’s a reminder of when Sony made wild, fun gadgets. Price: $250–$300.
56. OSWatch Mk II
OSWatch Mk II is an open-source smartwatch. It consists of a 3D-printed case and three boards: a Microduino ATmega644PA module with an ATmega1284P microcontroller, a Bluegiga BLE112 chip, and a voltage regulator. The watch connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth LE and can be built yourself using open specs. The project cost varies depending on components and desired mods. All details are on the project page. It’s a great DIY project for the holidays!
57. Sungi Bluetooth Laser Projection Keyboard
This laser projection keyboard turns any flat surface into a glowing English-layout keyboard. It looks amazing, especially in the dark. While it’s not for fast typing or gaming, it’s a futuristic gadget for just $25.
58. Mycestro
Giving a regular mouse is boring. The real geek gift is a mouse without a mouse! Mycestro is a ring-like device that lets you control the cursor with finger movements. It’s not for everyday use, but it’s a cool, intuitive alternative to a touchpad when a real mouse isn’t available. Price: $130 plus $30 shipping.
59. ICE Orb
Bluetooth speakers are common, but how many people have a levitating speaker? The ICE Orb is a sphere that floats 10 mm above its base using magnets and built-in batteries. You can take it to the beach, then return it to its stand for charging. Price: about $170.
60. Hard Drive Wall Clock
Gone are the days when geeks would hang old hard drives on the wall. Today’s drives are just chips, with no retro charm. But now you can hang a wall clock made from a real hard drive. Many makers offer these clocks—some use fake drives, but it’s best to choose one made from a genuine old disk, or make your own!