I’ve always had this idea in my head that being a geek has meant I’m very easy to shop for – I love comics, I love video games, figures, card games, board games, movies, collectibles, artwork, events – there are mountains and mountains of perfect gifts for me out there and I love gifts… no I mean it I love getting gifts (I like giving gifts too but not as fun… please stop reading into the phrasing!) but then it hit me it’s actually not that easy for non-geeks to shop for me! I know what I want because despite the umbrella term I’m pretty specific ( as we all are when it comes to our hobbies) with what I like…
I mean I like comics but my general rule of thumb is to avoid DC comics unless it’s Catwoman… I like video games but most of what I play I already own… I collect figures but I’m super specific about how the figure must look… it turns out I’m not easy to shop for… at all!
So what are you left with doing? A voucher? They are functional but they feel very impersonal especially for Christmas! With hard cash you run the risk of your recipient blowing it on something like their bills or rent and not something nice!
Fret not! My gift guide is here to help you shop for the geek in your life and will cater to all budgets!
Geek Hamper
Budget – €€€
Ideal Target – Foodie / Snacker
I’m starting these first two out pretty easily – you choose to put in whatever you want, creating a somewhat personalised gift piece that also works 
around your budget. Despite what we all say or lie to ourselves about we can’t help but snack, rummage and pillage the goodies press but there’s nothing worse than reaching into the cupboard halfway through a marathon and finding it bare!
This geeky hamper should contain the following:
something sweet, something salty, something smothered in chocolate – the best thing about a snack hamper for your favourite geeks is that you can spread the cost out – buy selection bags and multi-packs, saves on pennies and more goodies to spread out / keep for yourself!
Geek Stocking
Budget – €€€
Ideal Target – Eclectic / Collector / Dabbler
This works a lot like the hamper, you get what you pay for here and depending on how close you are to the gift target then you could go really all out here. 
That said, a stocking crammed with interesting little tidbits, collectible mugs, toys and knick-knacks are really cute and small gifts to give but when you put them all together in a little bundle it really means a lot – buttons, bookmarks, joke books and more all add up.
Suggestions: Funko Pop Vinyl figures, Geeky socks, Doctor Who Mug, Bat Signal!
Clothing
Budget – €10 – €25
Ideal Target – Lounger
I really hope it’s not just me but I love getting new pyjamas for Christmas and these jammies soon turn out to be my every day wear-alls because nothing says comfort like sitting in all day playing video games in Sesame Street/X-men/Simpsons lounge pants! You can grab these in Penneys or Tescos and if you wanted to splash out you could even grab a dressing gown to make it all a little classier!
Subscriptions
Budget – €€€
Ideal Target – Bingers
Now this one is a little like the voucher BUT it’s also a little more personal – Spotify, Netflix, Xbox Live, PS+ … we’re subscribed to everything from TV to Music and it’s a nice way to show you care by helping to top up that subscription! Feed the habit! Engage the binger!
Voucher
Budget – €€€
Ideal Target – Awkwards
Yup I know what I said above and I stand by it but in some cases it’s so hard to grab the right gift for someone especially if they are very particular about their interests! So let’s say they like board games but you don’t know what kind? Well a voucher for BoardGamer.ie gets you out of that jam! Comics? Contact Dublin City Comics & Collectibles, Forbidden Planet, The Big Bang or any of the other amazing stores around the country!
Editor-in-Chief, part-time super villain and hoarder of cats. If you can’t find me writing, I’m probably in the kitchen!
