Best Gifts for Software Engineers in 2023

For finding the best gifts for software engineers, it's tough to know where to start. But don't worry, we've got you covered.

From the latest gadgets to must-have accessories, we've rounded up some of the best gifts for programmers that they will love.

How to find the best gifts for software engineers?

To find the best gifts for software engineers, you need to think about what they would love and use.

For example, a magnificent gift for a software engineer might be something that makes their job easier or helps them stay organized. Alternatively, you could also get them a gift that is related to their hobbies or interests.

Before you shop, consider the following tips:

• Determine what the software engineer in your life is passionate about.
• Consider what they need or could use to make their job easier.
• Select a gift that is unique and memorable.
• Make sure the gift is age and gender-appropriate.
• Consider the occasion (promotion, Christmas gift, birthday, etc)
• Stick to your budget.

Gadgets

Gadgets are always a great gift idea for software engineers. They are often early adopters of the latest and greatest technology.

Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB

Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB is an ergonomic mechanical keyboard designed specifically for software engineers. It has a split layout to reduce wrist strain, and the keys are programmable so you can customize them to your needs.

You can position the keyboard halves closer together or far apart to reduce shoulder strain and neck tension.

It's a great gift for software engineers because it can help them improve their productivity and comfort while working.

Apple Airpods

Apple AirPods is an excellent gift for software engineers for two reasons:

• They are extremely portable, which is great for engineers who are always on the go.
• They have a great battery life, so you don't have to worry about them running out of power in the middle of meetings.

AirPods work well with both Apple and Windows devices, so you don't need to worry about compatibility issues.

Blue Yeti X

Blue Yeti X is a professional-grade USB microphone that is great for recording video tutorials, lectures, or coding sessions. It has four pickup pattern modes and a built-in pop filter to reduce background noise.

Software engineers need a good microphone to sound good in meetings, record video tutorials, or give lectures. The Blue Yeti X is a magnificent gift because it will help them be heard clearly and reduce background noise.

Amazon Echo Dot

Echo and Alexa-compatible smart home products from Amazon are a great gift. The Echo Dot is a smaller, voice-controlled speaker that may call people and operate compatible smart home gadgets, for a lower price.

Programmers can even create their own commands for Alexa and customize the settings to best suit their needs.

Philips Hue White Ambiance Led

This Bluetooth smart lighting system lets you control up to 10 lights in one room. You can also connect a voice assistant like Alexa, so she can turn off the lights when you're ready for bed!

Raspberry Pi 4 Starter Kit

Respberry Pi is a tiny computer that connects to a monitor or TV and allows users to learn to program and explore other technology topics. The Raspberry Pi is one of the most interesting computer-coding presents for adults or children on the market.

The Pi 4 starter kit includes a pre-loaded microSD card, a power supply, and an HDMI cable.

Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger

This ultra-compact battery pack can charge an iPhone 8 up to three times on a single charge. It's one of the smallest and lightest 10000mAh portable chargers on the market.

It's perfect for software engineers who are always on the go and need to keep their devices charged.

DJI Mini 3 Pro

This drone offers professional 4K/60fps HD picture quality and simple controls for the photographer or videographer in your life. It is perfect for first-time drone users because, if you are worried about crashing the device, you can simply relax your hands from the sticks and the aircraft will hover.

Metal Puzzle Set

Metal brain teasers are a fun way to challenge a programmer's mind. This set comes with 16 puzzles to keep them entertained. Have a competition with your friends to see who can solve the most problems. These puzzles are made from high-quality metal and will last for many years. The puzzle set is a great gift for software engineers of all ages.

Software Engineer Journal

Software Engineer Journal is a great way for programmers to keep track of their thoughts, ideas, and musings.

This notebook will help them write code that is more efficient and come up with unique ideas for problems they are having.

It has flow charts, linear algebra calculations, and rough sketches to help programmers solve these problems. This notebook has standard green engineering grid paper in a lay-flat binding hardcover format.

Courses

Courses are always a great gift for software engineers, as they can help them stay up to date with the latest technology trends and gain valuable skills.

Here are some of the best courses to gift to software engineers:

Pluralsight

Pluralsight is an online learning platform that offers courses on everything from programming to project management. Gift cards are available, so the software engineer in your life can choose the courses they want.

Pluralsight can help them improve their skills in web development, IT operations, and cybersecurity. They offer skill evaluations, interactive courses, and hands-on assignments.

You can buy access to all the videos for $29 for one month, $87 for three months, or $299 for a year! You can buy it on Pluralsight.

Udemy Course

Udemy has many online courses that cover a wide range of technical topics. From machine learning to app development, Udemy has something for every software engineer.

To buy this course as a gift, click on "Gift this course" on the Udemy sales page.

Skillshare Course

Skillshare is an online learning platform that offers many courses on both technical and non-technical topics. So with Skillshare, you can't go wrong because the software engineer in your life will surely find something that interests them.

You can get a 3-month, 6-month, or 1-year subscription to Skillshare for $36, $60, or $96. You can read my full review here.

AlgoExpert

Best gift for aspiring software engineers

AlgoExpert is the best gift for aspiring software engineers or those who are looking for new positions.

AlgoExpert is an online platform that contains over 55 hours of video explaining 200+ popular algorithms. The material is well-organized, and the videos are easy to follow. The primary goal of AlgoExpert is to help software engineers prepare for job interviews.

Read my AlgoExpert review here.

You can purchase an annual membership for just $119, which is a great deal compared to the thousands of dollars you would spend on traditional online courses.

Books

Software engineers love absorbing information, and there is no better way to do that than through books.

However, software development has so many areas.

Software Engineer, Programmer, Web Developer, and Application Developer are all very different positions. So when choosing books as a gift, it is important to consider their area of focus. Instead of getting a book on a specific programming language, it might be better to get a book on the fundamentals of software engineering.

Some amazing books to gift include:

"Automate the Boring Stuff with Python" by Al Sweigart

Automate the Boring Stuff book focuses on automating routine tasks, which is something that all software engineers deal with on a regular basis. It is one of the best Python books. The book includes many practical tutorials that will help the reader master the Python programming language and develop new problem-solving skills.

"The Pragmatic Programmer," by Andrew Hunt and Dave Thomas

This book serves as an excellent resource for software engineers who want to improve their skills and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry. The Pragmatic Programmer includes tips and tricks that can help you become a better programmer, including advice on coding styles, programming paradigms, and mastering your craft.

"Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship," by Robert C Martin (Uncle Bob)

Clean Code is another must-have for software engineers. It's considered being the "bible" of software development, and it's filled with practical tips that can help developers improve their craft.

"Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future" by Kevin Kelly

If you are looking for a gift for someone who is studying computer science, this book is perfect. It describes and analyzes 12 technologies that will be important in the future. The book will help the person you are giving it to better understand the technology and make choices about what technical field they want to specialize in.

FAQ: Best Gifts for Programmers