Gift ideas for boys/men of many ages

December 3, 2019 7:35 PM

Gift #1: Recipient is a thirty-year-old man who is building a computer. I know nothing about this though he's very excited and busy buying the fundamental parts. Are there any like ... accessories or something that would be a nice gift/addition to this process? Gift #2: Recipients are four boys, all brothers, ages five to nine. I want to get them one collaborative/shared gift vs 4 different gifts. Thank you!
posted by namemeansgazelle to Shopping (10 answers total)

For the gent building a computer, I would suggest getting him what is known as a "anti-static mat". They come in a variety of sizes, from desktop mats to roll-up/portable versions, and in a variety of price points. It's unlikely that he already has one if he's building his first computer and it will make his experience that much safer for both him and his computer parts.

For the boys, you might want to consider one of the larger Lego sets/kits, possibly in a theme that they might have an interest in (ie: Star Wars, Dinosaurs, Pirates, etc.)
posted by Jade Dragon at 7:58 PM on December 3, 2019 [1 favorite]

For the boys, an xBox or a gaming situation. Or a basketball hoop for the driveway. Or something they can all do together. I was one of 3 boys in 4 years and I have 3 kids in 3 years and finding gifts or activities they can all do together is great. If they are big sports fans, tickets to a game if there is a local pro league or college.
posted by AugustWest at 8:30 PM on December 3, 2019

iFixit sells nice multi-bit Toolkits for electronics hobbyists.
posted by dum spiro spero at 9:28 PM on December 3, 2019 [4 favorites]

#2: how about a marble run/space rail?
posted by gakiko at 11:40 PM on December 3, 2019

What's your budget? If their parents ok it, get the boys a trampoline!
posted by slidell at 11:42 PM on December 3, 2019 [2 favorites]

I used to get my brother's 3 kids big boxes of cool art supplies - that always went over really well
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 1:26 AM on December 4, 2019

For the computer builder, if he's planning on using Windows and needs to buy a new copy of it (he may or may not be able to use a license he already has, so you'd need to ask about that), then you could buy him that. It's always the piece I forget about and I tend to bristle about having to rebuy it, so not needing to spend money on a new copy would be nice. If you're minimally computer savvy, you can buy it online (get the OEM Home version unless he's planning on doing super user stuff like virtual machines) and put the installer on a USB thumb drive.

Alternatively, a subscription to an offsite backup service (Crashplan, etc.) might be a good idea?
posted by backseatpilot at 5:39 AM on December 4, 2019

If the older dude doesn't have a ratcheting screwdriver (ideally with magnetic and non-magnetic tips), they are _awesome_ for people who don't fancy spending tons of time making repetitive wrist motions.
posted by amtho at 8:01 AM on December 4, 2019 [1 favorite]

For the kids: Hotwheels tracks, nerf guns, laser tag.
posted by Enid Lareg at 9:14 AM on December 4, 2019 [1 favorite]

For the PC tinkerer, a set of screws is always nice to have.
posted by xedrik at 8:30 PM on December 4, 2019