How-To Geek’s Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Toys for Geeks

The Enduring Appeal of Toys for Geeks

A significant aspect of geek culture is its inclusivity; enthusiasm for toys isn't limited by age. Continue reading as we present excellent selections from the toy market, ideal for geeks of every generation on your holiday shopping list.

Regardless of whether you are purchasing a present for yourself, a playfully-minded relative, or the children in your life, we have compiled a selection of toys guaranteed to bring joy. We will explore a diverse spectrum of toy types in the following sections.

Introducing the How-To Geek 2013 Holiday Gift Guides

This article represents the second installment of the How-To Geek 2013 Holiday Gift Guides. To stay informed about all the guides published throughout December, please monitor the GiftGuide2013 tag.

Exploring Toy Categories for Every Geek

The following is a survey of various toy categories, each offering something special for the geek in your life. Consider these options when making your selections.

• Building Sets: These encourage creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Collectible Figures: Perfect for displaying fandom and passion.
• Remote Control Vehicles: Offering a blend of technology and fun.
• Science Kits: Inspiring curiosity and experimentation.

Each of these categories provides a wealth of options, catering to different interests within the broader geek community. Finding the perfect gift involves understanding the recipient’s specific passions.

Tips for Selecting the Ideal Gift

When choosing a toy, consider the recipient's age and interests. A complex building set might be perfect for an older teen, while a simpler science kit could be more appropriate for a younger child.

Don't underestimate the power of nostalgia. A classic toy from their childhood can be a particularly thoughtful and appreciated gift. Remember to prioritize quality and durability for lasting enjoyment.

The Resurgence of Stuffed Toys

Stuffed toys, traditionally associated with childhood, are experiencing renewed popularity. A unique way to combine the playful nature of plushies with a scientific inclination is through collectible stuffed microbes.

Giantmicrobes: A Unique Gift Option

Giantmicrobes provides an extensive selection of plush microbes. Their range includes representations of everything from a white blood cell, priced at $10, to the virus responsible for the common cold, available for $9.

For festive decorating, consider the mini microbe ornament pack, costing $25, to bring a microscopic aesthetic to your holiday tree.

However, careful consideration should be given to the recipient’s age when selecting a microbe. While the Chlamydia microbe, priced at $10, resembles a charming green creature, explaining its nature to a young relative could prove awkward.

Beyond Microbes: Plush Toys for Every Geek

If microbes don't appeal, a wide array of geeky plush toys caters to diverse interests!

• For Doctor Who enthusiasts, the Talking Push Dalek ($25) delivers iconic phrases with a press of its chest plate.
• Minecraft fans can enhance their surroundings with a plush collection of Overworld creatures, available as a set for $50.
• Fans of the game Portal can acquire a companion cube plush ($26) for companionship.

These are merely suggestions; explore Amazon for plush toys related to specific video games, TV shows, or other geeky passions. You're likely to discover a perfect match.

Consider plush figures from The Walking Dead, priced around $8, as another potential gift idea.

The Joy of Physical Construction Toys

A fundamental human pleasure is derived from the act of constructing something tangible from raw components. Fortunately, a wide array of superior construction toys are readily available. Even traditional building blocks, such as wooden ones, have undergone significant improvements in recent years.

Reimagined Wooden Blocks

The era of poorly crafted blocks leading to unstable structures is over. Instead of acquiring a random assortment of blocks – often lacking essential pieces like arches for castle construction – precisely engineered blocks are now prevalent.

Kapla Blocks initiated this trend. Each block is milled to identical dimensions with exceptionally tight tolerances, facilitating effortless building without instability. Their superior construction quality has led to their adoption in science and engineering curricula nationwide.

While a 200-piece starter kit costs around $60, the exceptional quality justifies the investment, and children discover countless applications for them.

Beyond Basic Blocks: Dynamic Building Systems

However, simple blocks represent only a portion of the available building toy options. For those seeking a more adaptable system, the ZOOB construction kit ($15) provides brightly colored, interlocking components ideal for creating flexible designs.

Classic Construction Kits Remain Popular

It would be an oversight not to acknowledge the enduring popularity of established construction kits. K'nex sets are available in diverse configurations and sizes, with large assortments of 500+ pieces obtainable for approximately $24.

Similarly, the iconic LEGO brand can be purchased in bulk bins (405 pieces for $30). Alternatively, specialized sets catering to specific interests can be acquired, such as a LEGO Star Wars Landspeeder ($40) or a detailed desktop Minecraft model ($35).

These options provide a range of choices for builders of all ages and skill levels.

Gifts for Science Enthusiasts of All Levels

One of the most rewarding aspects of gift-giving is providing opportunities for exploration and knowledge acquisition. Certain presents foster this in a subtle manner – for instance, LEGO building sets promote spatial reasoning and strategic thinking.

Snap Circuits: Building Electronics Without the Hassle

However, the gifts detailed in this section directly emphasize learning. Consider Snap Circuits if you seek a unique blend of construction and scientific investigation. Traditional electronics can be challenging for children due to small components and the need for precise skills, often involving potentially hazardous tools like soldering irons.

Snap Circuits overcomes these obstacles by integrating electronic components, such as resistors, into larger, easily connectable plastic blocks. Beginners can start with the SC-100 kit ($21), while more ambitious builders can opt for the comprehensive student kit ($128) featuring 80 parts, a carrying case, and detailed instructional materials. All kits are compatible, allowing for expansion.

Last year, a seven-year-old received the student kit as a gift and successfully constructed projects ranging from radios to motion-activated alarms. It’s no surprise that Snap Circuit kits dominate Amazon's Early Development Science Toys category, occupying nine of the top ten positions.

POOF Kits from Scientific Explorer: Compact Experimentation

For a simpler and more affordable option, the POOF kits by Scientific Explorer provide concise experiment sets centered around diverse themes. These include "My First Science Kit" ($15), "Magic Science for Wizards Only" ($15), and "Disgusting Science" ($15).

4M Science Kits: A Broader Range of Topics

The 4M line of science kits caters to older children who may find the packaging of POOF kits too juvenile. 4M offers an even more extensive selection of subjects, encompassing Magnetism ($12), Weather ($11), Solar Power ($11), and numerous other scientific areas.

These kits provide a hands-on approach to learning, encouraging curiosity and a deeper understanding of scientific principles.

A Word of Caution: Playtime Safety!

Although engaging science-based toys are valuable, fostering outdoor activity and accepting the possibility of minor injuries also holds merit. For those residing in areas with snowfall, a wide array of snow-related presents are available. These range from basic snowball makers, priced at $12, to more elaborate snowball arsenals.

Snow Warfare Options

A complete arsenal can include snow crossbows costing $27 and snow launchers available for $14.

If snow isn't present, consider projectile toys instead. The Foam Strike Bow ($25) or Nerf N-Strike Bow ($20) are excellent choices for aspiring archers.

Beyond Archery: Energetic Alternatives

Alternatively, traditional Nerf guns can transform backyard time into a physically active experience. A set of two Nerf Mavericks ($15 each) coupled with a dart refill pack ($15) provides hours of entertainment.

Medieval Combat Play

For children fascinated by historical warriors, the N-Force foam weapon collection is a compelling option. Our office has extensively tested these weapons, and they demonstrate impressive durability.

N-Force Weaponry

• Swords ($28)
• Battle axes ($23)
• Maces ($30)

However, a warning is advised: during the excitement of Christmas morning, you might discover your nephew possesses a greater resilience to playful impacts than you anticipated.

Safeguarding Valuable Tech Gifts

Considering the popularity of brands like Nerf and their focus on protective gear, numerous tech gifts received this year will require additional safeguarding. This is particularly true for portable devices such as tablet computers and handheld gaming consoles.

If someone on your gift list is anticipating a new tablet, especially a younger recipient prone to accidental drops, a durable case represents a thoughtful present.

Protective Cases for Handheld Gaming Systems

Nerf offers a diverse selection of highly cushioned cases designed for Nintendo DS systems. This includes the 3DS and 3DS XL, as well as older models, with prices starting at $15.

Furthermore, Nerf manufactures robust cases for the Sony PSVita ($15) and even the Wii U gamepad, which shares a similar portable form factor ($20).

Tablet Protection Options

The market is replete with substantial silicone and foam cases for widely used tablets. Spec Products' iGuy cases ($30) provide excellent protection for a child’s iPad, shielding it from impacts short of a direct hit with a brick.

i-Blason’s ArmorBox Kido Series ($26) for iPad offers enhanced padding and incorporates a child-friendly handle that conveniently converts into a stand.

While a padded tablet case may not appear to be the most exciting gift, its value becomes apparent when it prevents damage from a fall. Avoiding the need to report a broken screen to parents will make it a truly appreciated present.

Share Your Gift Ideas

We dedicate considerable time to engaging in geeky activities with our children, nieces, and nephews. However, we acknowledge that we may have overlooked some exceptional geeky toys this season.

Participate in the discussion below and share the geeky toys that have caught your eye!