Need a Techie Gift Idea for Dad

[Rainsford]

My Dad's birthday is coming up soon, and I am having trouble coming up with ideas. He likes "techie" stuff, he's pretty into computers and he's also a do-it-yourself kind of guy. Any thoughts on what might be a cool gift for under $100? He doesn't play video games, but he uses his laptop quite a bit, so non-gaming software would be cool if anyone has any suggestions. I know I'm being kind of vague, but I'd like to get a lot of ideas. Thanks a lot for any help you can give me!

 

[vi edit]

Those USB interface flash memory drives that fit on a keychain are kinda cool.

 

[GarlicBreath]

Lets see. You can get a low-end Magellen GPS (global positioning system) unit for $99 I think. I have a Garmin. These are great for hunters, hikers, fisherman, joggers, and bicyclists. At the upper end of your price range, though. http://www.magellangps.com/frames/frame2.htm?../products/outdoor.htm

A set of computer speakers with a subwoofer would be great if he likes music. I only paid $60 for my Labtechs, and they sound great to my non-hi-fi ears. Probably the best $60 I ever spent.

Those Leatherman multi-tools are pretty nifty for the car, tacklebox, briefcase, or office. http://www.leatherman.com/products/tool-finder/default.asp

I send Omaha Steaks (filet mignons) to friends and relatives sometimes. They are expensive for what you get, but oh so delicious and popular with the recipients. http://shop15.omahasteaks.com/servlet/OnlineShopping?Dsp=3&PCR=1:100:110&RAND=3063

Also along the food lines, Mauna Loa macadamia nuts are tasty. My dad loves them. http://www.maunaloa.com/

A Dremel rotary tool (if he doesn't already have one) is great for do-it-yourselfers.http://www.dremel.com/html/home_fr.html

Good luck. If you want more suggestions, give me some more info about your dad.

 

[ys]

what about a PDA for your dad?

 

[Rainsford]

Great suggestions. I think perhaps it would be easier if I gave out a little more info on what my Dad likes. He really enjoys listening to music (mostly using a computer), but we've got a pretty nice stereo already. He doesn't like PDAs for some reason. He's the kind of guy that likes the "cool" factor, but only if it does something useful. Any neat accessory that makes laptops better (while still being mobile) would be good too because he uses his laptop a lot. He has quite a lot of tools, and really enjoys all do-it-yourself projects. He's also pretty interested in computers, but doesn't have a lot of time to read AT a whole lot (although he did suggest this site to me). I'm not sure what else might be helpful to you all, but any additional suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[Cyberian]

he's pretty into computers and he's also a do-it-yourself kind of guy.

A remote controlled circular saw?

Seriously, we don't really know what kind of tools or toys he has now, so give us some idea.

 

[vi edit]

Well, if he uses his laptop a lot, and likes music, maybe a really nice set of headphones???

 

[Rainsford]

Originally posted by: Cyberian

he's pretty into computers and he's also a do-it-yourself kind of guy.

A remote controlled circular saw?

Seriously, we don't really know what kind of tools or toys he has now, so give us some idea.

Most of his tools are pretty routine, he's got a bunch of drills (corded), circular saws, table saws, stuff like that. As far as toys go, he doesn't have a whole lot of stuff that's already been suggested, so just throw some ideas out there, I doubt he has it. He doesn't like buying a lot of stuff, so a lot of the things that can be counted as "toys" he doesn't buy too many of.

 

[OREOSpeedwagon]

Originally posted by: ys
what about a PDA for your dad?

For under $100? If you know where to find them that cheap, tell me I agree, those little keychain USB drives are pretty cool.

 

[Willoughbyva]

How about a really nice computer chair or someting like that?


Being I know nothing about his setup.....
Computer periphal (sp) like scanner, mouse (optical seems nice), printer ink, cdrw (some are close to that price range), OS upgrade, more ram (if possiable), software like Encarta refferance library etc., carrying case.

Does he have video camra equipment? Maybe a tripod, extra batteries, tapes etc.

Stand alone dvd player for home tv.

Gift certificate for best buy, circuit city etc. (I think they have them, but I am not sure.)

Good luck.

Will