What to get a geeky male for his 21st birthday?
April 9, 2008 9:46 PM 
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What to get a geeky male for his 21st birthday?
Asking this for a friend.
"So, the boyfriend of 6 months is turning 21, and I am a bit stumped as to what I should get him for his birthday. He doesn't read novels and our taste in music does not line up at all, so those two old standbys are out, and I can't get him good booze because I'm underage. He's obsessed with neuroscience and computers, is a Linux aficionado, speaks fluent German, likes to cook and clean, and doesn't own any French cuff shirts, so cufflinks are out. Sexy!Gifts aren't out of the question, but I'd rather get him something unselfish, something that is simultaneously awesome and meaningful."
I'll jump on the "likes to cook" part, because there are all sorts of things you can get a cook.
First off, knives. Not good knives, awesome knives. A quality set of knives will last your whole life, so it's kind of meaningful, too. I like the Wüsthof Classic line, but a little research will reveal other options.
If you don't have a food processor, that's a life-changing kitchen gift. Not necessarily meaningful, but it will be much appreciated.
I don't know how I lived without my ThermaPen. If you don't eat meat, you probably won't use it as much, but I even use mine for vegetarian dishes sometimes.
Oh, and a subscription to Cook's Illustrated might be nice, as well. Both inspiring and informative, if a little fussy sometimes.
Jeez, I could go on for days. If in doubt, go for the knives. They're more personal. Cook's knife, boning knife, paring knife, tomato/bread knife, and kitchen shears would be a good starting line-up.
posted by lore at 10:12 PM on April 9, 2008