As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to spread cheer and appreciation with thoughtful gifts again. Developers, engineers, and tech enthusiasts dedicate countless hours to building and innovating, and they deserve a little holiday joy!
This year’s Developer Nation Gift Guide is packed with crowd-sourced ideas from our team & community, carefully curated to make any developer’s holiday season brighter. Whether you’re shopping for a colleague, a loved one, or treating yourself, this list has something for everyone.
But before you dive into it, you can win some of the gifts mentioned here by simply participating in our 29th Developer Nation survey. We’re announcing winners every week, and there are great prizes up for grabs, such as Raspberry Pi boards, 1 year VPN Subscription, LEGO kits and RODE podcast mic, so:
1. Keychron Mechanical Keyboard
Nothing beats the tactile joy of a mechanical keyboard, and Keychron delivers an unbeatable blend of aesthetics and performance. A perfect gift for developers who spend long hours coding—they’ll love these ergonomic keyboards’ satisfying *click-clack*. Our community members love it, and we’re working with Keychron for a surprise treat, which we will announce soon. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay tuned for more 😉
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2. Logitech MX Master 3 Mouse
Another favourite in our community is this ultimate productivity mouse, beloved by developers for its ergonomic design and precision. Its seamless multi-device connectivity and programmable buttons make it a game-changer for multitasking engineers.
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3. YubiKeys 2FA USB Hardware Security Keys
Give the gift of digital security. YubiKeys offer top-notch two-factor authentication, ensuring developers can easily safeguard their online accounts.
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4. Sticky Weekly Calendar Notes
For the organized developer—or one who could use a little help staying on top of tasks—these sticky notes bring analogue charm to their otherwise digital workspace.
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5. Loop Switch Earplugs – Multi-Mode Noise-Reducing Earplugs
Help developers block out distractions or enjoy a peaceful environment. These stylish earplugs offer adjustable noise reduction, which is ideal for deep work or noisy commutes.
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6. Udemy Course Vouchers
Fuel their passion for learning! With Udemy vouchers, developers can explore new technologies, enhance skills, or explore personal interests.
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7. Collapsible Water Bottle
Stay hydrated and save desk space with this eco-friendly, portable water bottle. Perfect for devs on the go or those glued to their screens.
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9. Rode NT USB Mini Microphone
For developers dabbling in podcasts, streaming, or just crystal-clear Zoom calls, this compact microphone ensures they sound professional. Also the mic I use to record Developer Nation Broadcast Podcast 😉
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10. GitHub Team and Docker Pro Subscriptions
Boost their workflow with a subscription to GitHub Team or Docker Pro. Ideal for developers looking to optimize collaboration and containerization in their projects. We’re giving them away to our survey winners; participate here to Enter.
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11. Mullvad VPN License
Privacy matters, especially to developers. Mullvad VPN is an excellent choice for those who value online security and anonymity.
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12. Circuit Playground Express Board
Perfect for hardware enthusiasts, this board makes experimenting with circuits and coding easy and fun. Great for building creative projects. I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to get started learning Embedded Systems using MicroPython or CircuitPython.
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13. *The 4-Hour Chef* book by Tim Ferriss
More than a cookbook, this book teaches rapid learning techniques through the lens of cooking. A unique gift for curious minds who love to hack their way to mastery.
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14. Desk Plants
Bring a touch of green to their desks! Plants brighten up a workspace and boost mood and productivity—just make sure it’s a low-maintenance variety.
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15. 1TB NVME M.2 SSD
Because you can never have too much storage. A lightning-fast SSD is a practical gift that any developer will appreciate. Don’t forget to pick a case with USB C to use as a portable high-speed SSD/flash drive.
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16. Programmer Desk Coasters
Celebrate developer humour with these quirky coasters featuring cheat sheets for tools like Vim. A fun, functional addition to their workspace. Check them out here
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17. Nintendo Switch
For gaming after hours or while on the road to work! The Switch is a perfect gift for developers who enjoy unwinding with a bit of fun and nostalgia.
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18. Rio Grande Games Dominion Second Edition
Unleash their strategic side with this award-winning deck-building card game. A fantastic gift for game-loving devs who enjoy offline challenges.
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19. Victorinox SD Multitool
Small, sleek, and endlessly useful. This multitool is perfect for quick fixes, both in the office and on the go. My personal favourite when it comes to fixing everyday errands.
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20. G-Shock GSA 2100
The rugged, stylish G-Shock watch is perfect for developers who want durability and modern aesthetics in one package.
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Wrapping Up
This holiday season, show your appreciation with gifts that blend practicality, fun, and geeky charm. Whether it’s improving their workflow, sparking creativity, or encouraging downtime, there’s something here to make every developer smile.
Wishing you all a joyous holiday season filled with warmth, gratitude, and maybe a few lines of celebratory code. Happy gifting!
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What’s on your gift list this year? Share your ideas in the comments below! 🎁
Start the discussion at forum.developernation.net