As part of my strategy to focus on small gifts to make Christmas shopping easier and cheaper, I’m compiling the ultimate lists of gifts for under $20.

If you have a techie on your gift list but don’t speak in computer acronyms don’t fear; this is one area I’ve got plenty of experience in.

My husband and I are both techies, as are many of our friends. Yes, for all my talk of shoes and bags, I’m a nerd girl to the core. Fortunately, that makes me pretty good at buying techie gifts — and I’m very excited to be able to share some ideas with you.

Toys and other fun things

Techies love toys. (Then again, who doesn’t?) ThinkGeek knows this and has a large section of geek toys — many of which my husband is still playing with from previous Christmases. Some of my favorite fun picks include:

• Collector’s edition Slinky - $7.99
• Pocket mind reader - $12.99
• Marshmallow assault rifle - $19.99
• Tetris-like magnets - $9.99
• Great geyser kit - $14.99
• The Office Space kit - $12.99
• Zero fog blaster - $19.99
• Airzooka air gun - $12.99
• Curiously Strong rare earth magnets - $19.99
• Japanese pocket puzzles - $9.99
• Smart Mass thinking putty - $9.99

… all available from ThinkGeek.
My husband’s favorites? The putty and and the rare earth magnets. Enjoyable gifts really can be that simple!

Comfort

Nerds are people, too, and all those hours in front of a computer screen can cause a lot of different aches and pains. It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think “computer geek”, but an Angel Sales PosturePro Lumbar Support might be just the thing for your techie — and it’s just $12.71.

Eye strain and headaches also come with the territory. The solution? A gel eye mask that can be used hot or cold. It’s just $7.95 and it ships worldwide.

Knowledge

Techies know that knowledge is power and that staying up-to-date on technologies is not just a must, it’s a constant fascination. That’s why subscriptions to tech magazines are a great idea. Here are some titles to get you started (each with one year subscriptions):

• Wired - $10
• PC World - $19.97
• Macworld - $19.97
• Computer Shopper - $19.97
• Popular Science - $12
• Popular Mechanics - $12

Useful gadgets

We all appreciate things that make our lives easier, but techies particularly love cool gadgets. Here are a few awesome ideas from ThinkGeek:

• Tape dispenser with 4 USB ports - $12.99
• USB mug warmer with 4 USB ports - $12.99
• Queue CD holder - $9.99
• Ultra-cute doggie or kitty staple-less stapler - $7.99
• The less cutsie version of that stapler - $5.99
• 3-port car outlet expander with USB - $12.99

Gift cards

If you’re still not sure what to pick, gift cards are a great option. Your techie loved ones are sure to find something they want on ThinkGeek or Amazon.