Perfect Gifts for Geeky Dads!

There are few things harder than finding a perfect gift for a geeky dad. No matter how many isles you walk through, the traditional clothes, BBQ tools, or electronics fall entirely flat. If this is a challenge you’re familiar with, stop looking for gifts at the general store.

A full-fledged geek deserves a gift that fits his personality, and it doesn’t have to be an impossible challenge.

Whether you’re looking for a birthday gift or an early Christmas present, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few fantastic ideas to give a geeky dad the perfect surprise.

Out of This World Apparel

Aside from neckties, which we’ll be getting too soon enough, clothes are some of the most common gifts we give to our dads. Socks, scarves, shirts, pajamas, and aprons are all presents that every father has received at least once – but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring.

It’s time to bring on the geek when you choose dad’s next wrapped surprise. You can find almost anything if you look hard enough, from “Blue Screen of Death” tees to Star Trek bathrobes.

If you really want to spice things up, throw in some adorkable Superman socks, a set of retro Space Invader cufflinks, and a Doctor Who vortex manipulator wristwatch.

Tie Me Up, Scotty

As kinky as that sounds, moms, we’re talking about the kind of tie that goes around dad’s neck and makes him look snazzy in a suit. However, just because he’s wearing it with formal clothes doesn’t mean that a necktie needs to be dull.

Depending on the kind of geeky dad we’re dealing with, there are several creative ideas you can use to add some pizzazz to pop’s formal attire. A comic book fan might appreciate a red Flash-themed accessory, while a circuit board necktie might be better for a techno-dad.

If you want to go old-school, try out a colorful 8-bit tie that looks like something straight out of Minecraft.

Drinking in Style

Mugs are another popular gift choice, but why settle for something as mundane as “World’s #1 Dad”? Get a Lego Build-on Brick Mug instead, and let the kids create something unique that their father will love.

Once you start digging, you’ll soon realize that your options are endless. Let dad drink his next beer from a massive World of Warcraft Tankard, or give him his drink in a retro Nintendo Legend of Zelda cartridge flask.

If you want to get extra geeky, try combining two different genres into one stylish mug. As you can see right here on D20 Collective, it’s more common than you think. From “Gotta Crit ‘em All” to “Schrodinger’s Mimic,” there’s nothing a mug can’t say and no shape it can’t take.

Gaming Goodies

Most gamers are geeks, but not all geeks are gamers. If you have to buy for an Xbox-loving, controller-hogging man-child, you’ve got a somewhat easier job than the rest of us. In fact, if your hubby or dad doesn’t have a customized controller yet, that should be your first stop.

Figure out what your geek’s favorite game is, and get a custom wrap for that Xbox, Playstation, or controller.

If you need something a little more low-tech, go board game hunting. There are several excellent titles that won’t just thrill dad, but the whole family. If you really want to be on the nose, snag the game “Geek Out” for hours of weird, sci-fi fun.

Futuristic Tech, Today

If your dad is more into technology than games or sci-fi over fantasy, you might want to get him something futuristic. Maybe something that looks like you pulled it right out of Star Trek. In fact, why not get him a Bluetooth communicator badge?

With just a tap on his chest a la Captain Kirk, your dad will feel like he’s talking to the enterprise instead of someone on the phone.

If you decided to get the BSOD shirt we mentioned, why not get a nightlight to match? Or, if dad likes to hide in his man-cave, add a battery-powered Star Trek chime that works with a door sensor. The next time the kids intrude on daddy’s game time, the whole house will know.

Final Word

When we buy gifts for our dads (or our husbands on behalf of the kids), we always want to get something special and unique. However, buying for a weird but lovable techie can seem absolutely daunting.

The next time you need to give your favorite geek – dad or hubby – the perfect gift, don’t be afraid to dive outside the box. From build-your-own Lego mugs to superhero socks, the sky isn’t the limit – so don’t be scared to go where no man has gone before.