11 Unique Gift Ideas for Programmers & Software Developers

Buying gifts is notoriously difficult, especially for adults. When you want or need something as an adult, you will often simply go and purchase it yourself.

While it is tough to buy for a wide range of people, this is especially true for programmers. Because they tend to be quite particular about the things they use and have around, so buying them a gift they will like and enjoy can be daunting.

Thankfully, there are a few great ideas out there that can surely add to the experience of any programmer.

With that in mind, this article hopes to help you come up with a great gift idea for your friend or loved one who is a computer programmer or software developer.

The Gifts That Coders and Programmers Will Love

Below is a list of our top recommendations, along with a quick review of each gift idea so you understand they it’s great.

1. Adjustable Standing Desk Converter

For a programmer, there is little doubt that they spend many hours at a desk every single day. This can unfortunately wreak havoc on their health, posture, and body.

Even with the most comfortable and ergonomic chair, it is still important to stand up and move around from time to time.

However, if they don’t want to sacrifice their work and productivity by getting up so often, a standing desk can be a great solution. There are many different benefits to standing desks and they are becoming much more common.

Of course, with standing all day is also not being ideal, this adjustable desk can also be used while sitting.

The desk above includes a variety of other features such as phone stand, a wide riser and is constructed with ergonomics and safety in mind. Setting up the desk is also very easy.

>> Get It or Learn More on Amazon.

2. Convertible Backpack Messenger Bag

While many programmers simply work on a desktop computer, many of them may need to work on the go every now and then.

In order to do so successfully, they need to be able to safely and efficiently travel with their computer. As a result, a quality laptop case or bag can be a lifesaver.

There are many options, but this convertible backpack is a great one to consider. The biggest benefit of this bag for you is that it can be changed from a messenger bag to a backpack in seconds. This provides you with two bags in one, for different uses and occasions.

Other features that are included in this bag include multiple compartments, several secure pockets, and a lightweight and durable design.

This bag will not only help you keep your laptop and other technology safe, but can also be a style accessory at the same time.

>> Get It or Learn More on Amazon.

3. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Programming and coding successfully take a lot of focus. While it would be nice if you could work in your own quiet office all the time, that is not the case.

Because of this, a good set of noise-canceling headphones can go a long way for programmers.

While there are many options, these Bose headphones are a good choice. They not only feature active noise canceling, but also large drivers and a high-quality mic built right in. These wireless headphones have up to 24 hours of battery, to ensure they can keep up with marathon programming sessions.

Whether your coding friend is on the go or tied to your desk, these headphones can help keep him focused and on-task. They are also quite durable, and comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time.

>> Get It or Learn More on Amazon.

4. Gaming and Computer Glasses

Eye strain is a very common and unfortunate problem for programmers or anyone else who works on a computer. If they spend hours looking at a screen, it can do some real damage to their eyes.

Thankfully, there are glasses to greatly reduce eye strain. These glasses work by reducing harmful blue light and helping the light appear with a yellow tint instead.

These glasses can help programmers work effectively for longer. They will also help deal with less headaches and potentially even have better sleep.

Minimizing glare is another feature of these glasses, as is the prevention of dry eyes. Not only are these glasses practical and serve a real purpose, they also come in many different styles.

>> Get It or Learn More on Amazon.

5. Light Therapy Lamp

Sitting inside an office or room for long periods of time can greatly reduce the sun exposure an individual has. There are many benefits of being exposed to the sun regularly such as improving your mood, giving you more energy, and helping you be more productive.

Thankfully, it is possible to mimic sunlight right at your desk with a light therapy lamp. This lamp simulates a bright and sunny day and provides you with a number of different modes depending on how much light you want.

The lamp is very portable and features an automatic timer so you can get the exact amount of sun you want. The light is UV-free and delivers the medically recommended amount of 10,000 Lux by using LEDs.

The flexible stand helps the light be positioned in a variety of different ways, depending on what your programmer friend prefers.

In addition to programming or for use at the computer, this light can be used in the bedroom for soft lighting, or anywhere else in a home.

>> Get It or Learn More on Amazon.

6. Books about Software Developer’s Career Guide

If your friend or loved one is new to programming or wants to improve his programming career, this book is a great tool to use.

The book focuses a bit on some technical skills but is instead more focused on soft skills like communication, organization, conflict resolution, and more. Having these skills is often necessary for moving up the ladder and being promoted.

The book will answer a lot of career-related questions programmers have and help them know what to do or say in various situations. It will help them deal with bosses, answer interview questions, best ways to improve skills, and several more.

Any developer can read this book and get some value out of it, so it makes a great gift for any programmer, no matter their skill level. Even if your gift recipient is also a professional programmer, this book could help them take the next step forward.

>> Get It or Learn More on Amazon.

7. Support Pillow for Chair

If a programmer sits in their chair for too long, it is not uncommon for back problems and pain to materialize. These can be debilitating and can lead to chronic back pain which is tough to deal with.

As a result, a great gift for the programmer in your life is a back support cushion or pillow for their computer chair.

This pillow features comfortable memory foam but is still sturdy and effective at supporting your back. It can be used all day and deliver great results and pain reduction very quickly.

The cover is breathable and washable, and the cushion comes in many different colors. The durable design can provide gentle comfort for years, without losing its form.

The adjustable straps on the back ensure that this support cushion can be used on a range of different chairs.

>> Get It or Learn More on Amazon.

8. Mechanical Keyboard

Keyboards are one of the most important tools that programmers will use for hours every day.

A high-quality keyboard can help you be more productive, and it is important for the keyboard to be designed with ergonomics in mind. If not, your hands, wrist, and arms could begin to develop a lot of pain and fatigue.

This keyboard is not only ergonomic but also features mechanical keys that are much more durable and long-lasting than a standard keyboard. It is constructed very well, is completely backlit for night time work, and is compatible with nearly any operating system.

The keyboard can also be used for gaming and other office work and is truly the only keyboard your programmer friends will need. They will love both the look and the function of this kind of keyboard.

>> Get It or Learn More on Amazon.

9. Raspberry Pi Starter Kit

A Raspberry Pi is essentially a tiny little computer that programmers can do many different things. You can make games, create a web server, and do dozens of other things. It is a very fun little machine for programmers to tinker around with.

It can be used by new programmers, those looking to get into programming, or even senior programmers. This starter kit features a micro SD card, power supply, various cables, a case with fan mount, and more.

All of this helps them to create their very own credit-card-sized computer with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. It is a well-thought-out kit that can help anyone get started creating with a Raspberry Pi.

>> Get It or Learn More on Amazon.

10. Quality Computer Monitor

When programming, they are often starting at their computer monitor for hours building software and writing code.

As a result, having a good and high-quality monitor is paramount to being a productive programmer. If your monitor is subpar, it can be tough to stay the course during those long sessions.

There are many options out there for monitors, and this Dell monitor is a great one to consider. This monitor offers great performance, a very wide viewing angle, superb power management, and can easily be connected to other devices.

Cable management is a breeze with this monitor, and it can be adjusted and swiveled to ensure that it is always perfectly level for your viewing.

Colors are accurate, details are vivid and the bezels are small and very thin. This is especially good for those looking to have a dual-monitor setup.

>> Get It or Learn More on Amazon.

11. Coffee Mug Warmer

If the person you are gifting is like most programmers, they likely love coffee. It keeps them up and focused on the task at hand, and can really help those marathon sessions. However, just like everyone else, programmers hate cold coffee.

Thankfully, the Mr. Coffee mug warmer exists. Using 17 watts, this small plate can keep your mug of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate warm all day long.

It is incredibly portable, features a long cord, and is simple to turn on and off. It even features an indicator to tell you when your beverage is hot and ready to drink.

While you could simply go and warm the coffee in the microwave, not every work location will have one. And even if they do, many programmers don’t want to hurt their productivity by leaving their work to frequently heat up their coffee.

This mug warmer is a simple and affordable gift that every programmer will appreciate and likely use.

>> Get It or Learn More on Amazon.

Final Words

We hope that this guide has been able to help you learn some of the cool and unique gifts for your computer programmer friends or loves ones.

Of course, every person is different and has different things, so be sure to ask them what they want and what they already have, if you’re unsure.

If you know about other items that you think would be a great gift for a computer programmer, be sure to let us know in the comment section below.