Non-tech gift ideas for the techie in your life
Tech is a becoming something of an obsession in the US. A thought-provoking study published in 2022 found that search interest in tech gadgetry like AR glasses or the latest smart phones is at an all-time high and continues to grow, particularly among the under-40s who constitutes the millennial generation and Gen-Z.
We all have at least one techie in our lives, but when it comes to choosing gifts for birthdays and other special occasions, simply buying the latest tech gadget can be a dangerous move.
For one thing, choosing a tech gift with only minimal knowledge yourself means you are leaving a lot to chance. But even if you know exactly what the recipient wants, most gadgets revolve around disruptive technology that soon becomes obsolete. When choosing a gift for a special occasion, such as a graduation or a significant birthday, you want something that will last for years, not a gadget that will be inevitably be destined for the recycling bin sooner or later. But there are some lasting non-tech gifts that will be appreciated and even treasured by the techie in your life. Here are some ideas to consider.
Personalized leather peripheries and accessories
Leather is a material that is famed for its quality and longevity. You might think it has little relevance for techies in modern America, but think again. Accessories ranging from desk mats to phone cases make ideal personalized gifts that will be used and appreciated every day and can last for years.
No two pieces of leather are identical, so a handmade leather tech accessory is unique. Pay attention to the quality of the workmanship – look for even stitching and symmetrical edges. Even when buying online, you can learn a lot about the quality by zooming in on images. Also, check the provenance of the materials used. Leather is a highly sustainable material, and the industry has made significant advances in recent years in terms of reducing its carbon footprint through green manufacturing processes. Sellers and manufacturers that are serious about sustainability tend to broadcast the fact, so it is easy to check via their websites.
Gifts like these can easily be personalized. Most leather gift sites offer this service for free, so you can have the gift engraved or embossed with the recipient’s name, initials or perhaps the date on which it was given, if that has particular significance.
Gifts that enhance the indoor space
This might be the era of technology on the go, but the majority of tech fanatics nevertheless spend most of the time indulging their interests indoors. Consider a gift that will enhance that indoor space, whether it is a home office, games room or study.
This might be a work of art that appeals to the recipient’s aesthetic tastes. This is very much down to the individual, but examples to consider include sci-fi posters, generative artwork or even gaming-related prints or posters.
A more prosaic type of gift that would improve the indoor space is something that enhances physical comfort while using tech. There is something here for every budget, ranging from a simple cushion to an ergonomic gaming chair.
Obsolescence-resistant tech gifts
If you are determined that only a tech gadget will do for the techie in your life, there are some possibilities that will have longevity and are unlikely to become obsolete in the short to medium term. Look for mature technology that has not changed much in recent years. Examples include e-readers or wireless headphones, both of which use technology that is unlikely to change or become outdated any time soon.
You could also consider a hardware gift that can be updated through software downloads as the technology advances. Possibilities in this category include a mechanical keyboards or smart speakers. If you go down this road, choose something from a reputable and established brand that is likely to be supported for years to come.