To ask what you are getting your teen maths/computer science nerd for Christmas?

[DeRigueurMortis]

Hi,

I'm at a loss. I've asked him for ideas but he's not been forthcoming.

I've ordered a couple of books I think he will like but other than that I've drawn a blank.

He's already got the main gadgets (laptop/phone/watch/tablet) over previous birthdays/Christmas and none are in need of an upgrade/replacement (by way of example his phone/iPad mini are quite old but he's perfectly happy with them and doesn't want a new one).

He's not into music and clothes are "boring".

So has anyone come up with something cool for the 16/17 year old self proclaimed and proud of it nerd in their life?

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

DRM

Or what about Gunnar computer glasses to reduce eye strain?

To clarify the "not into music" is he doesn't really listen to music recreationally iyswim and we have a house Sonos system so there is no need for any music gadgets.

He already plays and enjoys the drums (DH plays and has an electronic drum kit that DS uses and is is working through his grades and reads music quite well).

Sorry to drip feed in that regard.

Yay - so after persevering I've finally managed to order a Turing Tumble!!!!

Looks like a temporary glitch on the website has been fixed!

I've just bought myself a book, Existence of Christmas!

What about a really good microscope?

Arrange for him to attend MIT Splash next November.

The event itself costs $40, but if you were going from the UK the majority of the price would be flights to Boston and a hotel.

esp.mit.edu/learn/Splash/index.html

My math nerd adored the heavy duty math classes taught by MIT students.

Referring to them as a nerd and putting that proud of it in and crossing it out is rather rude, but besides that I am a "nerd" of the same age and i would think that if he has a PC(not a mac) that he built himself he might like parts to upgrade it, he may also enjoy a robotics kit if he likes programming, another thing for that would be a Windows MR headset or a valve index (VR headsets) that he could play games on but be aware that they need dedicated base stations (little black boxes placed arround room for tracking) and they can take up a lot of room while in use, also be aware that a VR headset will require a very powerful computer to run as it renders 2 high rez displays (1 per eye) but if he has a good PC it should be able to handle it.

As a professional geek/maths nerd who’s job it is to inspire kids with well, geek stuff, I wrote a list of my favourites tech toys for 2019. You can read it here:

www.parents-news.co.uk/featured/top-10-tech-gifts-for-a-bright-future/

Hope it’s helpful!

I second Patte's suggestion of Simon Singh's The Code Book, it looks at the use of codes through history. I wasn't expecting to love it, thinking it might be a bit dull, but not so - thoroughly enjoyable.

@CMOTDibbler , I've screenshot your post - think you've sorted Christmas for a grandson. You always were a useful sort x

@QuitMoaning
Where is the binary clock from please? My DS would adore that!

DCoplin evidence that MN AIBU attracts a broad church. Thanks list is interesting.

@ShmarvDogg I'm not entirely sure what you found offensive but suffice to say I'm incredibly proud of my DS.

My intention was simply to indicate that he's (finally, after many years of striving to "fit in"
with what he perceived as the "cool" kids, despite mine/DH assertion that clever/nerdy/geeks are cool) happy to embrace who he is rather than the description make him sound like a show off.

To everyone else, thanks again for all the great suggestions. I'm looking at a few more of them but I'll have to consult with DS on some (electronics kits) as I'm not sure what he would find useful for his various ongoing projects.

Noise cancelling headphones were a big hit with my DS (somehow he managed an “upgrade” when his dad bought himself a pair, ie he swapped his ones for his dad’s new ones ). Power bank is useful too.

Sometimes you don't need more stuff, it sounds like he has a lot already. Movie tickets? Cash in a card?

Where is the binary clock from please? My DS would adore that!
I got mine from Etsy but I checked on google and there are a few out there. Takes practice to read it quickly.

Oh, thank you! It's just the type of challenge he'd enjoy

Thank you to whoever posted this thread! Lots of great ideas here for my geeky 14 year old DD (who has told us she most definitely doesn't want make up or jewellery or perfume or anything like that!).

Has anyone found any funky pyjamas for geeky girls? I wanted to get her some NASA logo ones but can't find any. Sadly most women's and girls pyjamas seem to have either cute animals or silly messages on.....

Excellent ideas already, everything I would suggest has already been mentioned. I just wanted to say what a supportive and amazing mum you sound. And I don't mean for buying material things, but for wanting to take his interests into account and buy him some lovely surprises.

@Squidsister Primark had a big range of NASA stuff in not long ago, what other things is your DD into? ASOS did have some lovely astrology ones not long ago. I love shopping though and happy to look :D

We’ve just ordered the Oculus Quest VR headset which has come great reviews & the best thing is it doesn’t have to be attached to a pc/laptop, although there is that option.

There is also the Oculus Go which is cheaper or the Oculus Rift which does have to be wired to a pc.

I was looking at a gadget free Christmas present this year as he has most things already but I think we will all enjoy this (fingers crossed)!

Some not come!

Ooh thanks Sandaled I will take a trip to Primark!

She's already asked for Dungeons and Dragons so i have ordered her the starter set (I am quite excited about this, as I really wanted to play DnD when I was a kid but none of my friends would play with me, and the school DnD club had only boys in it who looked at me in horror when I turned up one day )

We've got her Book of the Year 2019 (from the team behind QI, she enjoys all the QI books)

Powerbank is on the list already

We got her a graphics tablet for her birthday which she was really pleased with, she hasn't used it loads yet but I hope it will come in useful for school work

She asked to build her own computer, but I haven't got time to look into this now and it will probably cost £££, so think we'll save that for her birthday next year.

Pleased to have found a geeky corner of Mumsnet!!

Thanks very much Sandeled.

Glad the thread has been helpful to other parents of lovely nerds!!!

@Squidsister you could perhaps get her a raspberry pi zero if she doesn't have one already, they are literally only a few £'s, and it can be plugged into any monitor, laptop or TV; would just need a keyboard and mouse as well and it's a great way to get started on coding if she is into that as well as building computers. There's also loads of books and magazines with great ideas for projects (apologies if you know about this anyway, but I think they're fab even though they were originally designed for primary aged children). There's also the UK girls who code website which is worth maybe keep an eye on for events, clubs and free resources (they are all free), it's aimed at 11-18 year olds IIRC. Le Redoute seems to have some of the pyjamas as well, a bit more pricey but they will likely last longer. I like these as well, admittedly not everyone's cup of tea but their jammies are super comfy and last ages: www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-space-long-sleeve-tee-legging-set/prd/13500294?affid=24950&channelref=product+search&mk=abc&ppcadref=6676693810%7C84742565928%7Cpla-294682000766&cpn=6676693810&_cclid=Google_EAIaIQobChMI9oDVw62z5gIVjbHtCh3nrg4PEAQYASABEgLrZvD_BwE&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9oDVw62z5gIVjbHtCh3nrg4PEAQYASABEgLrZvD_BwE