Maybe I'm different than others here, but I would advise against software tools unless you know and understand what their actual needs/wants are. Tooling is hi

Maybe I'm different than others here, but I would advise against software tools unless you know and understand what their actual needs/wants are. Tooling is highly personal, and they probably already have an editor they like that is fully tweaked and configured. Hardware toys are cool (mechanical keyboards, arduino, raspberry pi, etc), as many others have said. But you might consider meatspace items that are nice no matter who you are. I just bought a nice new smartwool hat and titanium spork (for pack lunches!) at REI for my favorite nerd.