Gift ideas for hacker coworkers?
August 14, 2015 7:12 AM Subscribe
Just got a huge promotion (equivalent of Partner at one of the Big Four Professional Service firms). I want to give an individual surprise gift back to each of the team of computer hackers / security gurus who I lead and who helped me get here. Ideas?
Was thinking personalized lockpick kits or something like that. Thinking up to $150 a person. Other ideas appreciated!
Was thinking personalized lockpick kits or something like that. Thinking up to $150 a person. Other ideas appreciated!
I think a 3D Printer Pen would be hacker awesome!
posted by advicepig at 7:47 AM on August 14, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by advicepig at 7:47 AM on August 14, 2015 [3 favorites]
Can you use your new influence to get them bonuses or pay raises?
posted by moonmilk at 7:52 AM on August 14, 2015 [18 favorites]
posted by moonmilk at 7:52 AM on August 14, 2015 [18 favorites]
Other ideas appreciated!
Either give them cash, help them move forward in the company in the future (as moonmilk correctly suggests), or do nothing.
These people go to work to make money, not to get trinkets to celebrate your success (not even their success).
posted by saeculorum at 9:59 AM on August 14, 2015 [4 favorites]
Either give them cash, help them move forward in the company in the future (as moonmilk correctly suggests), or do nothing.
These people go to work to make money, not to get trinkets to celebrate your success (not even their success).
posted by saeculorum at 9:59 AM on August 14, 2015 [4 favorites]
Assuming as mentioned a few times there about helping them achieve their goals or giving them a money bonus as given and that this is an "as well as" then maybe a 3D printer or other expensive toy to share in the workplace. Those 3d pens are a bit crap.
posted by Iteki at 11:05 AM on August 14, 2015
posted by Iteki at 11:05 AM on August 14, 2015
I don't know too many security types that wouldn't be happy to have an extra Leatherman or similar quality multitool and you can get them engraved. I have a slew of them but I still cherish one that a boss got me many years ago.
Malicious USB sticks are popular toys: http://hakshop.myshopify.com/products/usb-rubber-ducky-deluxe?variant=353378649
Arduino or Raspberry Pi kits can be fun but assumes that the receiver has the time and inclination to play with them.
posted by Candleman at 2:23 PM on August 14, 2015
Malicious USB sticks are popular toys: http://hakshop.myshopify.com/products/usb-rubber-ducky-deluxe?variant=353378649
Arduino or Raspberry Pi kits can be fun but assumes that the receiver has the time and inclination to play with them.
posted by Candleman at 2:23 PM on August 14, 2015
While I wouldn't turn up my nose at Maker Shed, a GC for Adafruit or Sparkfun would be better yet. Heck, if they're hardware hackers, you could go with Saelig, Digikey or Mouser.
The Google Nexus 7 2013 (aka Nexus 7 FHD) is a hell of a nice tablet. It's my daily driver. You can get the 16GB variant on Amazon right now for just under $150. While some minority of geeks may not be into this, they can probably flog it on eBay for more than you paid.
Horowitz & Hill 3rd ed. (The Art of Electronics) is out, and costs just under $100 new. I want it like Gollum wanted the ring, and I suspect any hardware hacker would feel the same.
The Sphero is just over 100 bucks, is purely a toy, and is more dumb fun than it has any right to be. Said fun is mutiplied if you have access to cats.
There are some pretty cool ARF multi-rotor aircraft kits out there under the $150 price point.
posted by sourcequench at 2:40 PM on August 14, 2015 [2 favorites]
The Google Nexus 7 2013 (aka Nexus 7 FHD) is a hell of a nice tablet. It's my daily driver. You can get the 16GB variant on Amazon right now for just under $150. While some minority of geeks may not be into this, they can probably flog it on eBay for more than you paid.
Horowitz & Hill 3rd ed. (The Art of Electronics) is out, and costs just under $100 new. I want it like Gollum wanted the ring, and I suspect any hardware hacker would feel the same.
The Sphero is just over 100 bucks, is purely a toy, and is more dumb fun than it has any right to be. Said fun is mutiplied if you have access to cats.
There are some pretty cool ARF multi-rotor aircraft kits out there under the $150 price point.
posted by sourcequench at 2:40 PM on August 14, 2015 [2 favorites]
Hak5's Wifi Pineapple looks like fun.
posted by jenkinsEar at 4:36 PM on August 14, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by jenkinsEar at 4:36 PM on August 14, 2015 [1 favorite]
When I exit jobs I buy hundreds of dollar scratcher lottery tickets. I generally put them in individual envelopes with a comment about being lucky to have worked with you. No one, no matter how wealthy or educated, has ever disliked them. It's a great team activity.
Congrats on the promotion!
posted by Lil Bit of Pepper at 6:43 PM on August 14, 2015
Congrats on the promotion!
posted by Lil Bit of Pepper at 6:43 PM on August 14, 2015
Booze, the answer is always booze.
posted by misterdaniel at 10:25 PM on August 14, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by misterdaniel at 10:25 PM on August 14, 2015 [2 favorites]
Price range $150? How about a multitool in the $60-$80 range (example), some security bits (Harbor Freight stuff cheap but their bits are often good enough for many jobs), a small TSA-compliant multitool one can take through airport security in carry-on luggage or one you can hide among your keys, a resue keychain tool, and a flashlight.
If it's legaln for non-nefarious purposes in your jursidictio, a TOOOL lockpick card, too.
posted by rmd1023 at 8:45 AM on August 15, 2015
If it's legaln for non-nefarious purposes in your jursidictio, a TOOOL lockpick card, too.
posted by rmd1023 at 8:45 AM on August 15, 2015
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posted by SuperSquirrel at 7:29 AM on August 14, 2015