[riaandewit]

This could be tricky! More and more, programmers are moving away from the stereotype of white dude who likes to play computer games in their spare time, and is always on the lookout for a gadget. I’d opt for giving them a gift voucher for an area of interest to them. That way, they could buy a raspberry pi if they wanted, or art supplies, or get nails done, or have a spa treatment. They could even use it to top up their own spend :) Key thing is to know your audience. If you don’t, maybe setup a system where they can choose. I wouldn’t recommend buying equipment for them. They’re a very particular bunch, and you could end up buying “rubbish” in their opinion! Maybe one of the options could also be to not give the money to them, but to a charity. Only if they choose it though!

[dustymcp]

I would say money instead of giftcards then make a nice card with the intend, that way it doesnt rot in shelf somewhere and will hold value..

[sloaken]

Agreed, I hate gift cards as they force where to spend the money. But when my kids get Amazon ones, I trade it for cash and then just register it. I know we have at least one outback steak house card somewhere,never remember to bring it with us. Cannot keep up with it.

[dustymcp]

Yeah exactly its just silly

[CodeGlitch]

> stereotype of white dude who likes to play computer games in their spare time

That was me until I was about 31. Then I had a daughter and had even less time or energy to play games. Now I'm 40 and suffering from health anxiety, and have found gaming as a good way to cope... Specifically Skyrim :)

Also my daughter is into Minecraft.

[gaws]

> More and more, programmers are moving away from the stereotype of white dude who likes to play computer games in their spare time, and is always on the lookout for a gadget.

Yawn