Christmas has come and gone, but that doesn't always mean us geeks, nerds, and dorks have gotten all the gifts we really wanted. When it comes to gifts, sometimes the family and friends just don't know how to handle it. You end up with a million iPod cases or crappy chick lit books. After you've returned all the bad gifts, you've got some extra cash on hand. Treat yourself to some toys you'll actually like, and maybe even enjoy!
Tech-tacular
Hard Drive Docking Stage: Although kind of pricey, this is a good alternative external hard drives or enclosures, especially for those who needs lots of space for all those “legally” acquired media files.
PC Remote: This is particularly handy if you use your computer and TV as one big happy media center.
Kindle, Amazon’s Digital Reader: Not only does this have wireless capabilities, there are thousands of titles available with everything from books to newspapers to magazines to blogs. Certainly a handy gift for the urban traveler who spends a lot of time on public transit.
Polaroid PoGo: Not only is this an instant photo printer, it doesn’t require any ink and will print your photos immediately from your cell phone or digital camera.
Media Mania
Scene-It Games: There are a ton of different themed ones to choose from and these games can easily be turned into drinking games! (If you prefer more intellectually challenging games, Cranium and Trivial Pursuit have different variations.)
Postsecret Book: A composition of postcards sent in to Postsecret but never seen on the site, there are actually four different compilations that any of which would make the perfect coffee table book. (Another book compiled from user-contributed pictures, Passive Aggressive Notes, is also fun to peruse through in the living room.)
The Guild, Season 1: Even if you’re not a fan of World of Warcraft, The Guild still a hilarious web series that everyone should watch. (And for Joss Whedon fans, Felicia Day (Vi – one of the potentials on season 7 of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) both writes and stars in the show.)
Indie Style
The Poster List (pictured): By now, you probably know about Threadless, but there is a similar store for posters. Any indie shopper can appreciate the uniqueness and non-run-of-the-mill prints for a reasonable price.
LA Pop Art Posters & Shirts: Although familiar, these images use only text to create the designs and there are a variety of shirts and posters to choose from.
Liquid Vinyl Album Coasters: A great selection of coasters made from actual albums, you can order a pre-made set or email the seller (who is super nice/accommodating, as I’ve experienced firsthand) for a customized set. Plus the coasters come with their own stand, painted to look like a record player!
T-Shirt Quilt: With different options available, this may be a good solution to those who do not want to give away those nostalgic tees that are no longer wearable. If that site does not seem to please you, there are dozens of others that offer the same service.