Looking for great gifts for the geeks on your list? Why not make it local?
Continuing an annual tradition, we’re pleased to present the third annual GeekWire Gift Guide, with help from your submissions. Below are 12 great gifts from Seattle and the Northwest that any geek will love.
A Story Before Bed – $9.99 per month for 6 months
Here’s a geeky spin on bedtime that brings far-away relatives home. A Story Before Bed, an app from Seattle design shop Jackson Fish Market, lets grandparents, relatives and even kids themselves record and keep audio and video readings of any of hundreds of children’s books. More.
jDUCT duct tape wallet – $22
Ever made a duct tape wallet? You never made one as cool as these. Featuring everything from ninjas and Sasquatch to squirrels and Scrabble tiles, these morsels from Portland indie shop jDUCT will steal your geek heart. More.
WallyHome sensors – $299 pre-order
For the geek who likes to stop trouble before it starts. WallyHome sensors from Seattle-based Snupi Technologies monitor moisture, temperature and humidity changes around your house so water leaks, mold and other issues won’t sneak up on you and your wallet. Available April 2014: More.
Robot Turtles – $39.99
Who better than cardboard turtles to teach your kids how to code? Robot Turtles is out of print, but a little bird told us that a few extra copies of the Kickstarter record-breaking board game from Seattle entrepreneur Dan Shapiro will be made available before Christmas — first-come, first served. Sign up at robotturtles.com.
Science Fiction + Fantasy Short Film Festival – $18
It’s sold out the 800-seat Cinerama for each of the last five years. Make sure the sci-fi geek in your life gets to see the next crop of out-of-this-world tales at Seattle’s Science Fiction + Fantasy Short Film Festival Jan. 11. More.
Mod Radio – $325-$475
Love the look of those old radios? Tacoma’s Jon Almeda updates vintage sets with 21st century sound without sacrificing their charm. And yes, these new old things play nice with your iPod. More.
Arno Kit for Arduino – $65
Hardware programming is tough, but this starter kit from Olympia’s Olympia Circuits can make hacking Arduino single board minicontrollers, at least, a lot easier. The Arno kit includes a guide book and everything you’d expect in a starter Arduino kit, but hooked together and ready to play. More.
Focus Microscope Camera Kit – $495
Instagrammed from your microscope lately? The Focus microscope camera from Seattle’s Exo Labs links your microscope or telescope to iOS devices for a better, more shareable look at the tiny or enormous objects beyond the lens. More.
‘Nexus’ – $5.38 Kindle, $8.86 paperback
Called “Good. Scary good” by Wired Magazine, Seattle author Ramez Naam’s sci-fi thriller made NPR’s list of the best books of 2013. Add “Crux,” the novel’s sequel, to make it a geek gift double feature. More
Lohai card game – $15
Card games never get old. This one, from Seattle designer Jake Zukowski of Ponyloaf Industries, plays in the spirit of Spades, Hearts, and UNO and pairs well with three friends and a few beers. More.
Intro to 3D printing class – $89
The 3D printing revolution is coming, if it’s not already here. Know a geek who wants in? Mike Kemery, cofounder of Fremont maker shop Makerhaus, will teach “A 3D Printed World,” a broad look at the new craft, Jan. 6 and Feb. 17. More.
Social media ornaments – $10 each
Know someone who loves social media that much? Check out these social media tree ornaments from Seattle’s UI Stencils. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Google+ icons in acrylic plastic with a satin ribbon. And hey – no Terms of Service. More.
