We surveyed the development team to find out what gifts they would like to receive from their loved ones for Valentine's Day. I want to share this selection with you and would love to see your comments.
Flipper Zero
Portable gadget Flipper Zero is a kind of "Swiss knife" for pentesters and geeks, which only resembles a toy on the surface. This multi-tool can be used for sniffing data in radio streams, emulating ID in access control systems, intercepting remote control commands, poking around in interfaces, and so on and so forth.
Flipper Zero's firmware is open source, which means you can modify it yourself, install third-party firmware, and develop your own software modules! Along with that, full wiring diagram of Flipper Zero is available, so you can hack not only the firmware, but the hardware as well.
The idea is that you can carry everything you might need in your pocket to test the durability of digital systems. And so as not to get bored, the gadget has been given a virtual identity. The Flipper cyberdolphin resembles the character from "Johnny Mnemonic" and works like a Tamagotchi: it gets pumped up as you work, gets praised for your achievements, and gets upset if you forget about it.
Portable Monitor
Consider getting a portable monitor as a gift! These lightweight and handy monitors are designed to enhance developers' workspace, allowing them to increase their productivity. Portable monitors feature USB-C or HDMI ports for easy connection to laptops or other devices, allowing you to work remotely or while traveling. All in all, it's the perfect gift for any geek looking to upgrade their workspace.
Puzzle or Brain Toys
Puzzle toys or brain teasers are a great gift for developers as they test their problem-solving abilities and pump up the mind. These toys provide a fun and engaging break from the long hours they often spend working on complex code. As well as fostering creativity and encouraging out-of-the-box thinking, puzzles and brain teasers also help developers acquire crucial skills. They increase their attention and concentration, and help reduce stress and burnout. Unusual variations of the Rubik's cube, wooden or metal puzzles are all great gifts for developers who want to exercise their minds even in their spare time.
VR Headset
A VR headset is a coveted gift not just for programmers, but for almost anyone. However, the immersive experience won't only be of interest while playing games. With VR technology, developers can create and test virtual worlds, video games, and other interactive experiences. They can explore new ways to interact with computers and push the boundaries of technological innovation.
Developers who spend a lot of time coding can find that VR is a great way to relax and unwind. They can fully immerse themselves in a virtual environment and enjoy an alternative form of leisure and recreation. Any developer would be delighted to get a VR headset, whether for work or leisure.
Robot Kit
Developers like robot kits because they allow them to combine their love of technology and invention with hands-on learning and creativity. They can build, program and control their own robots with handy DIY kits, which can help develop their engineering and technology skills.
Using the robot kits, they can learn about electronics, mechanics and other STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) topics in a fun way. They can experiment with different sensors and actuators and work on building robots that can perform different tasks. Creating and programming robots also fosters perseverance, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which are all useful qualities for a developer.
Arduino Kit
For many years, a good gift for developers is the Arduino kit, which includes, apart from the Arduino board itself, a selection of sensors, simple electronic components, connection cables and a manual. You can use the Arduino kit to create a multitude of projects including robots and automation systems (e.g., smart home, irrigation, and many more).
The low price is a distinctive feature of such a kit. And for that price you can get tens or hundreds of hours of fun. Thanks to its open-source code, the Arduino project has a large community that actively exchanges knowledge, code and tutorials, allowing even complete beginners to quickly get immersed in the subject.
A Comfortable Desk Chair
A developer needs a comfortable chair because they spend a lot of time sitting at his desk while working. A good office chair ensures proper support for the legs, back and neck, reducing the likelihood of developing chronic diseases, increasing productivity and improving concentration. Tip: A desk chair is an individual item, so it is best to adjust it together.
Sit & Stand Desk
Recent studies have shown the negative effects of sitting and working on general health and this has led to the development of ergonomic furniture. Now you can buy a modern desk, which not only changes the height and angle of the table top, but also has a built-in desk lamp, chargers for gadgets, and holders for tablets and laptops. It can be combined with a treadmill or exercise bike. So, it's possible to combine strenuous exercise with physical activity. The body will benefit from this, and productivity increases with such an approach.