Cassadilla Cosplay’s Practical Gift Guide for Nerds, Part 1

Today Cassadilla Cosplay posted on her personal page then her cosplay page a Gift Guide for practical, crafty and — of course — nerdy people. As soon as I read it I knew I wanted to post it here, as the suggestions are fun, creative and practical for just about anybody, not just nerds in your life.

The list is so long, however, that I have decided to break it up into multiple parts, with 12 items each. Right now that would make three lists, but Cass says she will keep adding to the total on her post, so I have no doubt it could go to four.

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1. Rechargeable batteries. AA and AAA are the most common. Great for remotes, flashlights, game controllers, etc etc and a bundle of them is great. If in doubt about them owning a charger, buy a charger too and make it a set.
2. Extra charging cords for their chosen device. Android or iPhone, you can never have enough chargers. A splitter helps too — a plug with 4 USB ports is great for folks who travel with phones and tablets (I’m looking at you, cosplayers)
3. If you wanna get all DIY with it — include a handmade cord keeper with the above cords. There’s a million kinds and you can make them really easily.
4. Duct tape. The real stuff. The big rolls from the hardware store. Hell, even one or two of the baby rolls from the craft store can be useful — but probably not a roll of the one with moustaches all over it or the one that looks like Lisa Frank designed it. The Batman tape is acceptable though. (who doesn’t like Batman? Weirdos, that’s who)
5. Everyone has a fandom. Something useful from that fandom is a sure hit. Example: my friend Matt likes Transformers, so the Ravage thumb drive is a sure hit (he has this already) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00306FPOW/?tag=059b-20
6. If the fandom is more obscure or less merchandised, make something from it! Everyone has seen the tutorial on how to make the stones from the 5th Element — but that’s beyond what I can do (not great with power tools). But the IDEA is there — and could easily be made with plaster if you made a mold. foam core, duct tape, and hot glue plus some plaster of paris and textured spray paint will make these easier. There are so many tutorials on how to make items from a favorite show or movie.
7. Unique shirts are always good. Teefury, shirtwoot, and redbubble are my favorite sites to browse for interesting designs for t-shirts and hoodies. Choose a color and size they will wear, relating to something they love, and you can almost guarantee they’ll love it.
8. You can make a custom shirt (or any article of clothing) — you can use a bleach pen to write or draw on dark fabric, use acrylic paint and fabric medium to nake your own colors of fabric paint, or use dyes to customize something. Combine the methods for cool results. Use blue painter’s tape to create stencils — and if you are going to bleach or paint, put a piece of cardboard inside the shirt so it does not bleed through to the other side. You want to really think about this- don’t make a t-shirt that says “i love you!” and get mad when the person doesn’t wear it. Try to think of the kinds of things they wear and go with that.
9. Pick one of their hobbies and figure out something they use a lot for that hobby. Cosplayer? Gun enthusiast? Baker? Chef? Gearhead? Cosplayers will appreciate an assortment of hot glue and other adhesives (liquid stitch and E6000 are great!) and possibly resin casting supplies or generic dremel bits. Gun enthusiasts can always use ammo (if you are permitted to purchase) or paper targets and cleaning patches (if you’re not), Shoot-N-C is a good brand for targets. Bakers might appreciate a bundle of parchment paper and piping bags, some good quality vanilla extract or paste, and maybe a plain apron. Chefs will always need oil and salt — flavored olive oils and nice salts are always cool, good quality balsamic vinegar is also great. Gearheads can always use WD40, Rainex, Gojo hand soap, and magnetic spotlights.
10. A big mug. This is great for everyone. I like finding handmade pottery ones on etsy. A few years ago I found one where the artist used gears and screws and tires to make impressions in the clay. Pick something they love and find a mug to suit. Great for homemade hot chocolate after shoveling the driveway. Here is a Godzilla mug cause it’s awesome and to show that you can find anything: https://www.etsy.com/listing/154381031/godzilla-king-of-the-monsters-handmade?ref=shop_home_active_5
11. Fandom booze is usually a safe bet (unless they don’t drink, obvs). Fan of Ghostbusters will probably enjoy getting crystal head vodka (who wouldn’t, it’s cool lookin!). Game of Thrones usually comes out with a couple beers every year. Even if the chosen fandom doesn’t have an officially licensed booze out there, you can find labels online and make your own. Butterbeer for Harry Potter fans, Green Dragon Ale for Tolkien lovers, etc. — most fandoms have an associated beverage. Add a drinking vessel that looks like it came from that universe to make it an even better gift.
12. Most of us have at least one novelty silicone ice cube tray — these can be used to make chocolates and soaps and candy. They can also be used for resin casting but once you do that they cannot be used for food again. Have fun with it. Who wouldn’t want some dark chocolate Han Solos frozen in carbonite? None of my friends — they’d all be happy to scarf down some scruffy nerf herders. And some of them would even be into rubbing Han Solo soap all over themselves. There are TONS of these fun trays: I have hearts, stars, guns, Han Solos, tiki masks, Easter Island heads, brains, skulls, etc., and you can find almost any shape online.