Electrifying Holiday Gifts That Won’t Fry Your Credit Card
From a wireless mouse that runs for up to three years on a single set of batteries to stylish Pac-Man earrings, these 15 cool gifts are well priced and guaranteed to have your loved one geeking out in no time.
Logitech M525 Mouse
Why it’s cool: This precise wireless mouse provides up to three years of life from a single set of batteries. Oh, and did we mention that its single Unifying receiver is capable of connecting to up to six compatible devices?
Who it’s for: The computing geek in your life.
Wireless Mouse M525 | $40
ThinkGeek Scrolling LED Belt Buckle
Why it’s cool: This chrome-framed buckle with vibrant blue LEDs adds humor and bling to any ensemble. The buckle stores up to six messages, so wearers can express a variety of thoughts.
Who it’s for: Those brave enough to sport a little flash.
GelaSkins for Tablets, Smartphones, or iPods
Why they’re cool: These removable vinyl skins from GelaSkins, with designs drawn from fine art prints and graphics, will protect tech gadgets as well as add a little spice to them.
Who they’re for: Owners of portable devices (smartphones, music players, laptops, handheld game machines, tablets, e-readers) who don’t want their tech to get nicked or scratched.
GelaSkins | $15-$30
Microsoft Xbox 360 Halo Reach Wireless Headset
Why it’s cool: This sleek, silver headset–designed by the company that created Halo Reach–will keep your favorite gamer connected to his or her team as they plunge into the battlefield.
Who it’s for: A gamer who is especially fond of the Halo series.
Note: A Microsoft Xbox Live Gold Membership is necessary for online multiplayer.
NeatoShop’s Bacon Wallet
Why it’s cool: Every time your gift recipient pulls out this wallet from NeatoShop, it will trigger bacon cravings. And money is always better with bacon.
Who it’s for: Bacon lovers around the world.
Deluxe Bacon Wallet | $11
Android Plush Toy
Why it’s cool: This 12-inch, huggable green android from Sears and other vendors will let your friends show their love for their favorite smartphone–and keep them cozy at night.
Who it’s for: Ultimate Android fans.
Android Plush Toy | $20
Apple Twelve South Compass Mobile Stand for iPad
Why it’s cool: Minimalist and versatile, this stand allows the user to view and interact with their tablet in two different ways: in easel mode or in work mode.
Who it’s for: Any iPad or iPad 2 owner.
McPhee.com Remote-Control Walking Zombie
Why it’s cool: Powered by a remote-control brain and nearly 8 inches tall, this groaning and gesticulating zombie will have its recipient dying of laughter.
Who it’s for: Adults or kids (preferably those who are into zombies).
Exploding Andy (Android) T-Shirt
Why it’s cool: This sure-to-be classic from Chris Bishop depicts Andy and Steve in a war where victory could go either way.
Who it’s for: Android and Apple aficionados.
AndyVersus T-Shirt | $15
Ecko Unlimited Zipper Earbuds
Why they’re cool: These zipper-inspired earbuds feature a fully functional zipper in place of the typical headphone cable. They’ll have your special someone jamming in style.
Who they’re for: Anyone who’d like a dash of hip in their hardware.
Note: The earbuds come in a variety of colors, and prices vary. You can find them at several online vendors, including Amazon.com.
Ecko Unlimited Zip Earbuds | $20-23
ThinkGeek Yoda Plush Backpack
Why it’s cool: Soft and lovable, this Yoda backpack will keep your special someone’s things safe, and also fill them with the joy of having given a Jedi Master a piggyback ride.
Who it’s for: Any Star Wars fan.
Yoda Plush Backpack | $40
Etsy.com’s Clocks Made From Computer Hard-Drive Parts
Why they’re cool: The clocks tell time, of course–but more important, they beautify rooms with a geeky edge.
Who they’re for: Hardware computer junkies.
Note: Vendors on Etsy.com sell hard-drive clocks in various styles, employing everything from simple metals to plastic-neon colored parts to Harry Potter-inspired components.
Vendors on Etsy.com | $27-$48
Monserat De Lucca Pac-Man Earrings
Why they’re cool: These brass Pac-Man and Ghost earrings will bring compliments left and right from knowledgeable gaming fiends.
Who they’re for: The game-crazy fashionista in your life.
Pac-Man earrings | $48
Cabelas.com Snowball Blaster
Why it’s cool: Sleek and triple-chambered, this blaster produces a powerful bombardment of perfectly formed snowballs.
Who it’s for: Adults and children alike (especially if they often partake in snowball fights).
Snowball Blaster | $40
Redford Films Dr. Who Action Figures
Why they’re cool: These detailed and authentic action figures available on Newegg.com will keep your Who lover company and provoke geeky debates on which actor gave the best portrayal of the Doctor.
Who they’re for: Anyone who follows the popular British TV show Dr. Who.
Doctor Who: 5-inch Action Figure 11th Doctor “Crash” Set (2 Pack) | $23)