10 Handmade Holiday Gifts For Your Techie
Holiday Shopping Made Easy
Even lovers of the latest whiz-bang gadgets can appreciate the artistry and fine craftsmanship that go into many handmade gifts. We scavenged Etsy, an online marketplace for artisans and crafters, for products that would make great holiday gifts for techies. Here are our picks.
Cockroach Embroidered iPad Sleeve
A stitched cockroach leaves a trail from one side of this tablet sleeve to the other. From GalaBorn in Brazil, this hand-embroidered case is sized for Apple iPads. It's made of linen and features a brown felt lining with a button closure and fringe detailing. It is priced at $76.
Android Robot Doll
If Android is your techie's platform of choice, then perhaps this crocheted Android robot from Christina's Yarn Crafts is the way to go. Approximately 4.5-inches tall and 3.5-inches wide, this cuddly robot features movable arms. Made in Chico, Calif., he is priced at $16.
Apple Power Button Earrings
If you've got a geeky gal on your gift list, TechnoChic's Apple Power Button earrings might bring a little something sparkly to her life. This handmade jewelry is built from sterling silver wire, crystal beads and power buttons salvaged from old Mac computers. Made in the Jersey City, N.J., the earrings are priced at $25.
Wooden Stylus
For the smart phone or tablet user in your life, this stylus is handmade from Bethlehem olive wood using a 15-step finishing process. The rubber tip aims to protect devices from scratches and smudges. The stylus comes with a gift box. It is available from Woodinville Razors, Woodinville, Wash., for $38.50.
Hard Drive Clock
PC enthusiasts will flip for this clock made from repurposed computer parts -- specifically a 3.5-inch hard drive -- by Teaco Art, Lakewood Ranch, Fla. The dial is a mirror-finished disk platter, with brass hour and minute hands and a coordinated black second hand. The base of the clock is made from the hard drive's protective case, accented by copper motor winding. It is priced at $39.
Power Symbol Ring
Give someone a symbol of power by giving them, well, a symbol of power. This 8mm-wide ring is made of aerospace-grade titanium with a satin/brush finish. The power symbol is milled onto the top face of the ring. It is available in ring sizes 3 to 22. Optional engraving is also available. The power symbol ring is made by Stonebrook Jewelry in Mason, Utah, and is priced at $54.92.
Aqua Burn MadArt Laptop Sleeve
Bright and colorful, this screen printed sleeve is sized to fit most 13-inch laptops and features the "Aqua Burn" design from MadArt. It is made from black twill upholstery-weight fabric treated to repel moisture and dirt. Its inner core is built with water-resistant foam padding designed to shield electronics from impact. It is available from Janine King Designs, Utica, N.Y., for $54.99
Button iPhone case
Embellished with buttons and rhinestones, this clear protective case fits Apple iPhone 4/4S devices. It is made by NicoleGCreativeHouse, Brooklyn, N.Y., and is priced at $8.98.
Round Wool Mouse Pad
Tired of using the same old grungy mouse pad, or know someone who is? Consider this 10.5-inch round mouse pad made of Merino wool felt. Shown here in Anthracite, it is available in a number of other colors from FeltPlanet, Bethlehem, Pa., for $18.
Cherry Wood Tablet Stand
This adjustable tablet stand is made of solid cherry wood harvested from Pennsylvania's forests and features two settings, one for typing, the other for watching movies. It is embellished with a pine cone design. It is available from Hannah's Ideas In Wood, Huntingdon Valley, Pa., for $55.