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Geeks are often stereotyped with a shabby wardrobe, complete with broken glasses and a pocket protector. Here to help shatter some of those misconceptions are our recommendations for the well-dressed geek.
Viking Revolution Beard Balm
Suggested By: Z.
Mfg: Viking Revolution
Price: $9.35
Purchase: Viking Revolution Beard Balm
Beard care has become big business, and with that has come the expected market bloat. That means a myriad of new products of varying quality at often outrageously inflated prices. So how does one separate the best from the rest? Truthfully, it’s trial and error, or you can simply learn from my missteps and fortunate discoveries. This brings us to Viking Revolution, my current go-to beard balm. Made with argan and jojoba oils, mango butter, and beeswax, it provides just enough hold without being tacky or greasy, and it smells phenomenal! Best of all, you can snag two ounces—which is a lot of balm—for under ten bucks.
Dungeons & Dragons Acererak Splatter Hoodie
Suggested By: Z.
Mfg: ThinkGeek
Price: $29.99
Purchase: Dungeons & Dragons Acererak Splatter Hoodie
You may know Acererak as the powerful arch-lich responsible for the death curse that plagues the Chultan peninsula and for his turn as the cover model for the Tomb of Annihilation sourcebook. I, however, know him from my new favorite sweatshirt. This delightful piece couples a ’90s throwback splatter-paint motif with a bright yellow kangaroo pocket and a coordinating print of Acererak’s hideous mug on the back. Impress your friends, paralyze your enemies, and add a little color (and a dash of undead swagger) to your wardrobe with the Dungeons & Dragons Acererak Splatter Hoodie.
Jump 50th Anniversary Collection
Suggested By: Z.
Mfg: Uniqlo
Price: $5.90-$14.90
Purchase: Jump 50th Anniversary Collection
Japanese casualwear designer Uniqlo regularly partners with other artists, brands, and entertainment properties to create fun, limited edition clothing lines, and earlier this year, they joined forces with Viz Media to celebrate the landmark 50th anniversary of Shonen Jump magazine. This collaboration led to an amazing selection of graphic tees featuring images from iconic manga like One Piece, Naruto, and, of course, the Dragon Ball saga. Many designs from this collection are still available, and they’re sure to please the otaku on your gift list.
Scottevest RFID Travel Vest for Men and Women
Suggested By: Jenny Bristol
Mfg: Scottevest
Price: $135
Purchase: Scottevest RFID Travel Vest for Men and Women
Whether you’re on your way to a con or traveling around the globe, one of these Scottevest RFID Travel Vests should be in your luggage (or, better yet, on your person). These lightweight vests help keep you warm and are great for layering, but also have tons of pockets (26 pockets on the men’s and 18 pockets on the women’s) to keep your items close at hand. It’s like having an extra carry on!
With pockets that have such a range in size that they can carry an iPad or some Blistex, whatever your everyday carry needs, these vests have you covered. Plus, the special RFID-blocking pocket will keep your credit card and passport information safe from spying eyes. Machine washable. Indispensable. Read my review of the original Scottevest Travel Vest at GeekMom.
Phenom Computer Glasses
Suggested By: Rory Bristol
Mfg: Gunnar Optiks
Price: $74.42
Purchase: Phenom Computer Glasses
Computers are hard on eyes, so a pair of Gunnar’s computer glasses are a great gift for your computing geek. The Phenom is a distinguished style and brings a fresh flavor to the ever-present market for protective eyewear, along with the latest tech and materials to provide the best experience to the wearer.
Gunnar, probably the most popular developer for computer eyewear, established itself as a reliable brand long ago. In fact, GeekDad first suggested them as a gift in the holiday season of 2009. Thankfully, they’ve remained an industry standard, and they keep the market alive with great products.
The Phenom is a bold full-frame style, and the lenses come in both amber and clear. If they aren’t the perfect fit, browse the Gunnar Optiks Amazon store for countless options, so you can find the perfect gift for your own well-dressed geek.
Star Wars Shoes and Boots
Suggested By: Sophie Brown
Mfg: Po-Zu
Price: $90 and up
Purchase: Star Wars Shoes and Boots
Po-Zu are a European manufacturer of ethical (often vegan) footwear. They also happen to make the footwear used by the cast of the new Star Wars trilogy. This means you can not only buy a wide range of guilt-free Star Wars footwear from them featuring the Rebel symbol, Corellian blood stripes, R2-D2 artwork, and other designs, you can also buy screen-accurate boots based on Rey, Finn, Poe, and Luke that will light up the eyes of any Star Wars cosplayers on your holiday shopping list. Many of their designs also come in kids sizes so your little Star Wars fans and cosplayers won’t be left with cold feet either.
Po-Zu’s shoes are not only great looking and ethically produced, they’re also extremely comfortable. I love my Rey boots so much I’ve recently bought a second pair because, although the price tag is high, they’re worth every penny thanks to their comfort and durability. Not the cheapest purchase you’ll make this season, but easily one of the best investments you’ll make this year.
(Ed. note: For more information on Po-Zu’s vegan offerings, see Will James’s gift guide suggestion at the bottom of this post.)
Nintendo Switch System Backpack Elite Edition
Suggested By: Z.
Mfg: PDP
Price: $39.99
Purchase: Nintendo Switch System Backpack Elite Edition
PDP has seemingly done the impossible; they’ve managed to create a specialized console backpack that’s comfortable, beautiful, and functional enough to become your new everyday carry. Their new Elite Edition Nintendo Switch Backpack boasts grey and black reinforced nylon and faux-leather construction with plenty of back and strap padding. It’s specifically designed to safely transport your Nintendo Switch console, a Pro Controller, and an AC adaptor, but there’s also a small pen/document pocket and an integrated laptop sleeve, making it far more than a one-trick pony. Best of all, the understated design motif is carried over to other PDP accessories in the Elite line, like the Elite Edition Slim Travel Case (which fits nicely in the backpack’s console compartment) and the Elite Play and Charge Case (which doesn’t, but can serve as a coordinated Switch bug-out bag). [Review materials provided by: PDP]
Official Wakanda Baseball Jersey
Suggested By: Will James
Mfg: Mizizi
Price: $79.99
Purchase: Official Wakanda Baseball Jersey
Mizizi makes baseball jerseys that are all about being connected to your roots. They make a bunch of amazing high quality clothing, but their official Wakanda jersey will satisfy both your need to be proud of your roots, and to let your nerd cred show.
Po-zu Star Wars Vegan REBEL COMBAT Khaki High-Top Sneakers
Suggested By: Will James
Mfg: Po-Zu
Price: $100
Purchase: Po-zu Star Wars Vegan REBEL COMBAT Khaki High-Top Sneakers
As both a Star Wars fan and a cosplayer, I’ve longed had my eye on the line of official shoes and boots made by Po-Zu. Unfortunately, as a vegan, I’ve had to steer clear of them because of their leather content. But now, Po-zu has released an entire line of vegan Star Wars shoes, doubling down on their commitment to quality, renewable and sustainably and ethically sourced materials. I am so happy to finally be able to sport some of the amazing kicks made by Po-zu!
Click through to read all of “2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Well-Dressed Geek” at GeekDad.If you value content from GeekDad, please support us via Patreon or use this link to shop at Amazon. Thanks!
