On the eve of Valentine's Day, here are some gift ideas that appeal to the geek at heart - everything from hand warmers to use while you type to jewellery made from recycled computer power buttons ... and if you happen to be a single girl this Valentine's day, the Girl's Guide to Dating a Geek might be able to give you a few tips for turning that around.
USB Tulip Hub
Instead of flowers this year, you could try this tulip USB hub! It features four USB high-speed ports, in the form of a colorful bunch of red flowers. Compatible with most USB plugs, for both Mac and Windows systems, at least this gift won't die after a few days. US$24 from Fredflare.
Beating Heart Pillow
This anti-stress heart cushion vibrates with a special rhythmic heart beat to calm your nerves, and features a unique heart beat each time it is turned on. The Beating Heart comes in two sizes and is powered by a 9V battery (included). It's available for US$39.99 from ThinkGeek.
Less Than Three Emoticon Ring
For the chat room romantic, this sterling silver ring should leave an impression. The "Less Than Three" unisex emoticon ring is a melding of traditional romance and millennium geek. Available in sizes 4 to 14, each ring is hand crafted and made with solid sterling silver. Prices start from US$55 from Etsy.
Power Button Jewellery
This collection of his and hers jewellery features authentic recycled Macintosh power buttons. Each piece is hand made with sterling silver backings, and the series includes power cuff-links, loop earrings, .925 silver power bracelets and power charms. Prices start from US$30 from 925works.
Aroma USB
Aroma USB is a "scent drive" that diffuses a fragrance when in use. These USB flash drives are available in over 100 styles to reflect your personality and can even come decked with Swarovski crystals. Available on demand from Scent Drive.
Status Update T-Shirt
This t-shirt is obviously inspired by the popular social networking status update paradigm and should be shared in public. Available in four different colors and sizes (S, M, L, XL) from US$18.90 at Something Geeky.
Animal Screen Wipes
Here's a collection of screen wipes with a twist. These fun stuffed animals come with a lemon zest fragrance which is apparently good for mental clarity and focus. The cute animals also double as dust wipers to help reduce the collection of dust and static on computer screens, laptops and monitors. Choose from several styles including horse, tiger, bunny, westie, duck, elephant, giraffe, gorilla, pig, rabbit or schnauzer. Prices start from US$9.99 from Amazon.
Crust Be Dreaming Hand Warmers
These toasty hand-mittens are specially designed for computer use on cold days. Designed to keep your hands warm while you type, not even the chilliest of mornings will keep from typing to your loved one this Valentine's Day. The "Crust Be Dreaming" hand warmers come with adjustable wrist straps and are powered by USB cords that connect to your computer. Available for US$34.99 from Modcloth.
Hand Mittens for Two
While we're on the subject of keeping our hands warm, here are some Valentine's Day-inspired heart-shaped mittens for two. Made from fleece, these mittens are for the cozy geek couple who never miss a moment to hold hands. Available in two themes - the red love heart or the black and white broken heart, these gloves start from US$4.95 at Etsy.
A Girl's Guide to Dating a Geek
A Girl's Guide to Dating a Geek by Omi M. Inouye will help girls learn how to "Get What You Want" and "How to Exercise Your Geek." The book also covers topics like how to plot revenge, diagnose common geek ailments and find the perfect gift for your geek. Available at Amazon from US$14.95.