While it is important to feed and water your nerd, you must also keep them entertained, lest they begin bothering you with their latest obsession. Lucky for all of us there’s endless amounts of stuff out there that can do just that.
From videogames, anime, comic books, bottle openers, novelty mugs, dungeons, dragons, dungeons and dragons, keyboards and much more, here are a bunch of eclectic ideas that can help you discover the right Christmas gift for your beloved nerd. We essentially found things that we thought were kinda cool and listed them below.
Go ahead and check them out.
A Nintendo DS and games
This one is a bit out of left field, but we were possessed with the thought of finding a working Nintendo DS and games online. Classic millennial nerds who played too much Pokémon and want to return to that bygone era will appreciate this little machine.
Unfortunately, Nintendo has stopped producing and selling the DS line of systems, so all the existing ones you’ll find are second-hand. The good news is that there are pre-loaded cartridges online too, meaning you can set up years of playtime with this little device.
Nintendo DS Lite Console + USB charger (second-hand) – R900
Dungeons and Dragons
The phenomenon of D&D has exploded to new heights in recent years, thanks to new movies, series like Stranger Things, animations, games and streamed game sessions from the like of Critical Role. No longer is it considered a taboo to enjoy the extremely nerdy passtime.
Even in South Africa, the hobby has grown in popularity, and there’s lots to get the avid Fighter-Mage multi-class for the holidays. The best item we found was a set of items and spell cards for your favourite Dungeon Master to add to their game.
Leather Drawstring Dragon Eye DND Dice Pouch – R289
Dungeons & Dragons Magic Item and spell cards – RR96
Dungeons & Dragons: Players Handbook Hard Cover (2024) – R1 388
Mini Thor Hammer Mjolnir Bottle Opener – Keychain Gift/Novelty Idea – Black – R124
No game of D&D is complete without a re-up of grog in your mighty chalice.
For the nerd that still watches Blu-Ray
Not all of us have moved into streaming. There is still a certain collector’s charm to a good Blu-Ray box set. Whether it be series or films, there’s all the behind-the-scenes footage to sink your teeth into, and all the extended details to enjoy.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy [Threatrical and Extended Edition] (4K Ultra HD) – R1 599
Futurama Season 1 – 8 (DVD) – R1 349
Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series(Blu-ray) – R1 629
Harakiri – The Masters of Cinema Series(Blu-ray) – R319
Comic books and manga
You’d be surprised by the wide selection of classic graphic novels and manga available in South Africa, which make great gifts for your nerd. They make for good talking pieces and fantastic additions to the gamer room or the man cave.
We have included both classic and new material to get into.
Batman: Arkham Asylum the Deluxe Edition – R915
Dragon Ball Complete Manga Box Set – R3 199
My Hero Academia Box Set 1: Includes volumes 1-20 of the manga – R3 850
Dragon Ball Z King Kai Symbol – Coffee Mug and other novelty mugs (there are thousands) – Around R100 to R200 and up.
Mechanical keyboards and headphones
Cat Ear Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Headphones with Mic – R439
If your gamer gurl doesn’t have a pair of cat ear headphones then there is something dreadfully wrong with the situation. A must-have for e-grills the world over. Included RGB lighting on the ears and the sides.
If your nerd is terminally online on their PC, enjoys the odd MMO-RPG or uses their keyboard a lot – including digital artists, writers and RTS gurus, mechanical keyboards alter the experience completely.
Once you feel the difference, it’s difficult to go back.
Olive Tree – K3 RGB Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – Grey Orange – R579
Round Keycap Punk Style Crystal Glare Wireless Keyboard & Mouse – R266
Gamdias Hermes E3 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – White – R699
If the Nintendo DS is too old and slow, and you want to find something more serious, the ASUS ROG Ally is seeing a huge discount via Makro. You can read our review here. Will make a serious gift for the gamer in your home and promises hours of gameplay, whether they may go.
ASUS ROG Ally handheld console – R7 999
