2023 Last Minute Gift Ideas for Engineers

Have a hard-to-please engineer on your gift list? Here are some ideas that may help.

Spencer Chin, Senior Editor

December 14, 2023

4 Min Read
Lego Technic RC Tracked Racer
For engineers who like building model cars, Lego is offering a model kit that scales down this life-sized Technic RC Tracked Racer to a remote-controlled kit car that can go anywhere. ROSLAN RAHMAN / Contributor/ AFP/Via Getty Images

Engineers are known to be practical people and unlikely to be impressed with new clothes, jewelry, or other gifts that do not enhance their daily lives. Tech gear can be appealing, though because of their often intimate knowledge, engineers often believe that they are better equipped to make selections that fit their needs.

But all hope is not lost. The site giftlab.com has come up with some unique gifts for engineers that combine practicality, quirkiness, and dare we say a bit of frivolity.  All the items are available on Amazon. For product images and complete information, please click on the links following the gift descriptions.

Perpetual Magnetic Desk/Wall Calendar

This innovatively designed calendar is designed to be used year after year. The calendar’s three magnetic balls mark the year, month, and day of the week. The calendar is made of injection-molded plastic and magnets. It can be wall-mounted or used on a desktop.

For more information go here.

3D Printing Pen

This pen supports two filaments, enabling the user to customize the drawing speed and temperature. An adjustable feed lets the user regulate speed & flow for optimal control of material while drawing. The temperature is adjustable in 1-degree increments from 140 to 230 C, for optimal fine-tuning. The kit includes 3 colors of PLA plastic filament, A/C adapter, and slim, ergonomic pen with 1-year limited warranty

For more information go here.

Lego Technic Racer

As Legos and model cars have piqued the interest of many budding engineers, the Lego Technic RC Tracked Racer gives engineers the chance to revisit those times. The kit lets engineers Build a fully motorized, remote-controlled LEGO Technic RC Tracked Racer that drives forward or backward, left or right, and makes 360° turns while driving over large obstacles with ease. It can also be rebuilt it into an RC Off-Road Truck. The kit includes 2 LEGO Power Functions medium motors, a receiver, a battery box, remote control, and includes uniquely decorated LEGO Technic 40th anniversary brick.

 For more information go here.

Engineer’s Tactical Bag

Not surprisingly, engineers often have to pack a lot of gear, besides a laptop computer, when they are out in the field. This rugged bag from the ArcEnCiel store is fabricated of high-density 1000D nylon fabric that is lightweight, durable, scratch-resistant, waterproof, and will not fade. It can be a handbag briefcase or a tactical sling backpack bag with an adjustable shoulder strap. The bag contains multiple dividers for easy gear organization with Molle webbing platforms on the front and sides for customization with pouches and attachments. The padded compartment on the show, sides, back, and bottom protect the user’s laptop and devices from accidental scratches.

For more information go here.

Fellow Carter Coffee Mug 

As some engineers need a constant caffeine boost to keep their creative juices flowing, this high-tech 16 oz. coffee mug is designed to retain heat for up to 12 hours and stays cold for up to 24 hours. It is made of Type 304 stainless steel with leak-proof seal and a quick twist-locking lid, and is handy for travel. The mug’s ceramic interior coating keeps the coffee pure and free of lingering odors, and oils.

For more information go here.

Math Equation Clock

This gift is suitable for a math nerd. The clock resembles a traditional analog display clock, but telling time will be challenging. As the clock ticks, the hands move around the dial, indicating each hour’s time of day through a different math problem.

For more information go here.

Shashibo Box

Unlike other puzzle box toys that turn out disappointing and dull, the patented, award-winning Shashibo sensory box features 36 rare earth magnets for an innovative design that transforms into over 70 shapes. Its robust magnet system enables users to combine several cubes to build more extensive forms, sculptures, and structures. Each magnetic puzzle features 4 unique, artistic patterns of vibrant, mesmerizing artwork, for an ever-changing array of beauty.

For more information go here.

Versatile Multi-Plier

Rugged, reliable, and easy to handle, the Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier is engineered to tackle jobs in almost every situation. The tool is made from stainless steel with an aluminum handle with a tool lock and lanyard hole. It is easily accessible and fits compactly in a pocket, and the butterfly opening and sheath protects the tool when not in use. The tool features spring-loaded needle nose pliers, wire cutters, serrated and plain edge blades knife set, cross driver and flat head small screwdriver set, can opener, bottle opener, trimming scissors, and tool lock.

For more information go here.

Engineer Girl Power Coffee Mug

It may look like another coffee bug, but the message is an empowering one for female engineers who are playing a more important role in improving our daily lives.  Never underestimate a woman with an engineer’s degree. This coffee cup is crafted from the highest grade ceramic and is both dishwasher and microwave-safe.

For more information go here.

About the Author(s)

Spencer Chin

Senior Editor, Design News

Spencer Chin is a Senior Editor for Design News, covering the electronics beat, which includes semiconductors, components, power, embedded systems, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, and other related subjects. He is always open to ideas for coverage. Spencer has spent many years covering electronics for brands including Electronic Products, Electronic Buyers News, EE Times, Power Electronics, and electronics360. You can reach him at [email protected] or follow him at @spencerchin.

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