5. Retro Products
Retro gear is sacred. It reminds us of why we fell in love with tech in the first place, before we knew about Jira tickets.
A Game Boy Advance. A Palm Pilot. Any of the old school tech that still works will spark joy.
They tap into nostalgia, are good conversation pieces, and are hackable today.
6. Tech for Hobbies
You can also lean into offline interests and find smart gadgets that level them up in fun, unexpected ways.
Fishing? Fish finder. DJing? Portable MIDI controller. There is a smart gadget for literally every hobby now.
7. Conference Tickets
Developers often won't buy this for themselves but would absolutely go if you gift them tickets.
Choose the right conference based on interests. (JSConf, DEF CON, PAX, E3, Comic-Con, etc.)
The CES expo showcases the future of consumer tech and attracts 100k+ atendees every year.
You'll gift memories, and a way to connect with new people and places.
8. Ergonomics
Programmers don't always prioritize their health while working, until it's too late and we're reminded that our body isn't quite as immortal as our code.
A seat cushion for better support can make a surprising difference. Throw in some quality blue filter glasses or a wooden wrist rest.
A good sleeping pillow will also aid recovery from spending every day as a potato.
And if you want to splurge, nothing beats a good quality chair.
9. Gaming
Many developers play video games, and they love having options.
PS5 / Xbox / graphics card for serious gaming, Nintendo Switch for indie titles, or even a retro handheld.
If they already own a console, consider games they haven't tried, or a Steam gift card which is always appreciated.
10. Home Help
A lot of programmers would rather read the terms and conditions than do chores. Anything that reduces life's overhead is a win.
A robot vacuum to clean the floors. An automatic cooking appliance.
Both my cat and I are very happy with the self-cleaning litter box I got recently.
11. Novelties
It helps to have something tactile and fun nearby during long programming sessions.
Ideas like a perpetual motion toy, a miniature arcade cabinet, Digicomp, or a magnetic levitation display might work.
12. Clothing
Programmers aren't always known for their fashion sense.
Help upgrade their style with trendy and fashionable wear.
You could also lean into comfort wear with blanket sweatshirts and relaxed wear that looks decent in the office or on Zoom calls.
13. Comics
After a long day of squinting at code or meetings, comics are easy on the eyes, accessible, and still deeply rewarding.
Comics have long been a part of programming culture, and if your giftee isn't already into them, it's the perfect opportunity to provide an introduction.
Find something that aligns with their interests, whether it's superheroes, sci-fi, manga, classic literature, or something more philosophical.
You can even find topical ones such as Randall Monroe's comics, wizard zines, and Logicomix which is a graphic novel about math and the quest for truth.
The XKCD comics, a fixture in programmer canon, are finally out in paperback.
14. SSD or NAS
Storage is one of those things developers always want more of but rarely treat themselves to. Basically the programming equivalent of socks.
A fast external SSD or a budget-friendly NAS makes for a gift that's practical and guaranteed not to sit unopened.
15. Alarm Clocks
Most people use their phone alarms. Before bed, you check if it's set and end up doomscrolling. In the morning, you wake up straight into notifications.
A dedicated alarm clock breaks that cycle, which is especially useful for developers. Also, having a real clock is one less excuse to check phones.
High quality alarm clocks come with thoughtful features and are far more pleasant and effective than a shrill phone ringtone.
One can also replace alarms with a sunrise lamp which gradually brightens the room to simulate natural dawn light and gently nudges the body out of sleep.
16. Desk Plants
Adding plants to the workspace breaks the monotony of glowing screens and grayscale terminals, and adds life both figuratively and literally.
You can go for low-maintenance succulents or a self-watering smart garden.
Bonsai trees also look great on desks.
17. Displays
For programmers, "how many displays is too many?" is a trick question. There's no such thing.
It might be a crisp second monitor to expand workspace, a portable screen for travel setups, a tall vertical one for reading code, and so on.
Programmers don't compromise on quality here, so you'll need to understand their preferences and spend a bit more to get something that meets the mark.
18. Geeky Gadgets
Most of us might not splurge on non-essential tech ourselves, but we still secretly wish someone would gift them to us.
Gadgets like portable projectors, VR headsets, 3D printers can be super exciting gifts for the right person.
Delightfully obscure ones like a macro pad or the Flipper Zero also work.
19. Creative Interests
Many developers I know have put off creative interests due to the pace of work involved and inertia which gradually sets in.
Gift them the right gear and nudge them to get started on their side quest.
A mirrorless camera for filmmaking, Elgato for streaming, instruments for musicians, or a Japanese language course for digital nomads.
20. Digital Photo Frame
Framed photos have gotten lost in our cloud drives and camera rolls.
A digital photo frame brings both memories and wallpapers back into the physical world, right onto your desk or wall.
Connected photo frames let friends and family remotely add photos, making it a living, evolving piece of your personal history.
21. Massager
Programmers spend hours hunched over keyboards, so this can feel like a little slice of heaven.
A portable massager or even a neck pillow with heat feels luxurious and practical.
22. Drinks
Programmers are perpetually dehydrated.
A water bottle (like a Stanley, Hydro Flask, or a smart one that reminds you to drink) makes a deceptively good gift.
Quality brewing equipment will be much appreciated by the significant population of programmers who run on coffee.
You can also consider a temperature-controlled mug for coffee or tea which keeps drinks at the perfect temperature all day.
23. Learning
As the saying goes, "knowledge is a great gift, and the thirst to seek it even greater".
For a gift, we would recommend gifting anything too strongly career-focused or grind-heavy. Aim for something that's genuinely fun or inspiring.
CodeCrafters projects take developers on an adventure to do the kind of programming that makes them remember why they fell in love with the craft.
CodeCrafters makes for a thoughtful gift - it's high on entertainment and utility.
Books are another great option. We recommend Crafting Interpreters, Nand2Tetris, A Philosophy of Software Design, and The Art of Game Design.
24. Audiobooks
Developers spend most of their day staring at screens, so audiobooks are the perfect way to absorb books without frying their retinas.
An Audible membership or a few hand-picked audiobooks gives them something to enjoy while resting, on walks, or while doing chores.
This can be great for people who say they want to read more but never get around to it.
25. Project Kits
Arduino and Raspberry Pi kits make decent gifts. They're compact, affordable, and enable hours of hands-on learning and fun.
If you want to go one step further, handpick an advanced project kit. You are essentially gifting them a weekend adventure.
You can also consider programmable toys that developers can tinker with, like drones or RC vehicles.
Monthly subscription boxes like the ones from Hackerboxes are also fun.
26. Charging Accessories
Developers are power users of the electronics they own, and burn through charge cycles fast.
High capacity power banks and MagSafe battery packs / stands are great for work or travel.
An organized wireless charging station keeps things tidy and powered.
Desk mats with built-in charging combine function with great aesthetics.
27. Fitness Tracker
Programmers sit a lot, and most of us can do with healthier habits. A fitness tracker is a gentle, data driven nudge in that direction.
There are a lot of options available from budget Amazfits to your Apple Watches and Oura Rings.
28. Other Wearable Tech
Wearable tech has come a long way from clunky prototypes for novelty to practical and stylish products that are fun to use.
Take Meta Glasses, for example. With built-in cameras, speakers, and voice assistants, they're an example of futuristic tech that works.
You also have wearable speakers that let you listen privately, pendants that passively journal your day, and much more.
29. Backpacks
This is a no-brainer. Every programmer carries laptops and other tech with themselves frequently.
Look for backpacks with padded laptop compartments, weather resistance, and clean designs.
Some novel ones even come with cool LED displays and built-in chargers.
30. Keyboards
Many programmers are picky about their gear, so keyboards can be risky gifts.
But if they've mentioned wanting to try mechanical ones, or already rotate between a few, something like an Akko or Logitech can hit the sweet spot.
Personally, I've been eyeing the 8BitDo Retro lately.
You can head to r/MechanicalKeyboards for some guidance.
31. Headphones
They block noise, signal "do not disturb," and pump music that keeps us in flow.
Noise cancelling headphones are great for deep work, studio monitors appeal to audiophiles, and IEMs are perfect for commutes.
32. Gym Equipment
Personal gym gear makes it easier to sneak in some exercise sessions in the day-to-day routine.
Kettlebells, resistance bands, pull-up bars, adjustable dumbbells, and foam rollers are all compact and effective.
For something a bit more ambitious, you could consider an under-desk treadmill or exercise bike.
33. Sensory Upgrades
In addition to the right equipment and accessories, a good workspace should feel inviting to the senses.
Air fresheners, humidifiers, oil diffusers, or even a compact humidifier can subtly improve moods.
Themed fidget toys, high-end coffee and tea ingredients, white noise machines, and ambient lighting can prove to be significant sensory upgrades.
34. Everyday Carry
For programmers, who tend to value practical utility and smart design, a well chosen EDC item can be a great gift.
You can head over to r/EDC and search for programmers' kits to get inspiration.
I've seen developers carry Gerbers, penlights, AirTags, MagSafe accessories, wallets, keychains, and compact notebooks with their favorite pens.
35. Secondary Desks
If they work from home, desk upgrades can level up the experience.
A standing desk is the most obvious upgrade these days. Good models are quiet, sturdy, and easy to adjust between sitting and standing.
You could also consider gifting a lap desk for comfort.
If you're thinking of upgrading their primary one, it's better to get access to their wishlist or go for a gift card.
36. Offline Experience
Programmers are always in front of screens, and a thoughtful gift can be the nudge we need to unplug and touch some grass.
Cover the cost of experiences like fine dining, live concerts, comedy shows, sports events, adventures like paragliding or rafting, or even a short vacation.
Better yet, organize something that you or the whole friend group can do together with them.
37. Programming Merch
Programming-themed merch walks a fine line between clever and cringe.
You want to avoid mugs that say "I turn coffee into code!" or shirts with Comic Sans jokes from 2009.
Instead, go for wall art like Escher-style recursion prints or retro blueprints.
Other examples include t-shirts with custom ASCII art or personalized device skins.
38. Reading
In the age of video and social media consumption, there's still something grounding about flipping through a book.
You can go for topical ones. Snow Crash, for example, coined the term "Metaverse" and remains a cult classic in tech circles.
You can also consider gripping non-fiction like Chip War, which unpacks the global semiconductor race with the pacing of a political thriller.
The latest Kindle makes for an excellent gift. It mimics the look of paper, is gentle on the eyes, and ideal for extended reading without distractions.
39. Smart Home
Programmers love to pretend they're living in a Batcave. Feed the fantasy with futuristic smart home gear.
Think smart speakers, Ring doorbells, automated blinds, motion-sensing lights, connected thermostats, or mirrors with built-in displays.
40. Clean Desk
These are not the flashiest gifts, but can turn out to be very useful.
Mini desk vacuums, screen and keyboard cleaning kits, cable management, desk drawers and organizers are all simple, effective upgrades.
(Bonus) Rubber Duck
This is perfect for pairing with other ideas or as a tongue-in-cheek gift.
The classic rubber duck is part of programmer canon, and is equal parts debugging tool and desk buddy.
Programmers keep it in the desk corner so it can silently judge them and help them think aloud.
Final Thoughts
No matter what you pick, a little bit of thought and effort always shows. And that counts for a lot.
If they're particular about keyboards, monitors, or other gear, it's usually best to steer clear of those categories unless they've hinted at something specific.
For some, gifts that have nothing to do with programming might land better.
That said, the list above has been vetted by several actual programmers, so you're standing on solid ground.
