Adafruit Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Gifts <$20 "Big Bang Theory" Style

I’m a big fan of Big Bang Theory (*outed*), and I was inspired by the episode “Santa Simulation” when the group reveals their holiday hangups over a game of Dungeons and Dragons. So, have fun checking out my gift recommendations as you find your friend’s character style. Personally, I see myself as a mix of Amy and Raj. As they say on the show, “Ho, ho, ho, ya big dorks!”.


Leonard Style: This person likes to sport nerdy t-shirts, but is probably unaware of our amazing Transistor Man. This shirt is proof that a small man lives inside every transistor, and its origin is The Art of Electronics–it’s geek with a story! You may have noticed this type also playing with lasers and other beams, so this Mini-POV Kit will be a winner. It’s not exactly a laser, but it is a cool light-up gadget to amaze friends. No microcontroller needed and you can use it to flash what you are too shy to say.

TransistorMan

MiniPOV


Sheldon Style: This type is classic geek, enjoying games that show off intelligence and loving anything geared to sci-fi. Check out the Game of Life Kit, which replicates the classic colony game by Conway. It’s a mathematician’s dream, as patterns are formed by cells (LEDs) living and dying. Plus, it’s fun to put together with the help of our tutorial and some light soldering. Another fun pick is Adafruit’s take on Asimov’s “3 laws of robotics”. Not only will this poster meet roommate agreements, but it will also come in handy for personal robot assistants.

Conway

RobotPoster


Penny Style: This individual is attracted to geeks, but not really the tech type. How do you make he/she feel included? Get them excited by infusing their fashion with an EL Wire Kit. It’s complete with a pocket battery inverter and some extra tidbits for adjusting the length. Maybe they’ll make this cool Tron Hoodie. Certainly the Penny type fills their home with cute things, and who can resist Ruby the LED from Adafruit’s Circuit Playground showNot only will it be nice to hug at night, but it will also inspire some parts knowledge.

ELWire

Ruby


Howard Style: You’ll know this type because they have a killer collection of parts and a love of robots. They probably have a Raspberry Pi B+, but not the box. That’s why you should consider this new colorful container. Don’t forget to order the matching lid (or a complementary color for some true Howard pizazz). It’s got openings for cables, an easy-to-remove beveled slot for a Micro SD card, and slots for both a Pi Camera and upcoming display. If that’s not enough, this Arduino Motor/Stepper/Servo Shield should help their next NASA prototype. It makes hooking up DC and stepper motors easy, while getting more torque from batteries. Just be prepared to give the recipient an award next holiday.

PiBCase

MotorStepper


Raj Style: This individual may be undercover as the quiet one in the bunch, however, they love to dress up and party. So, get’em ready for the next big theme dinner or con with 1000 Incredible Costumes & Cosplay Ideas. Surely they will come up with something better than an Aquaman outfit. Raj always loves tunes, and this first ever Adafruit Vinyl Record-Frequency will set the groove for any party or tinkering session. It’s pink, plastic, fantastic and features the top tunes heard on Adafruit’s YouTube channel. Don’t worry about whether they have a player, they’ll get one.

CostumeBook

Frequency


Bernadette Style: Being organized and successful is really important for this type–and watch for their craft streak. Give this person some Conductive Velcro and encourage them to make an Interior Purse Light, or another gizmo for a wearable. Throw in a GEMMA Sequin Starter Kit and they’ll have everything they need for that craft, or they can embark on another fun LED project. Craft nights with Chinese takeout will be the new norm.

Velcro

GemmaSequin


Amy Style: This is another classic geek, but with a tender side. This person will deny the need of any gifts, but just mention one word and they will turn into a zombie–TIARA. This should be a team effort with a GEMMA Sequin Starter Kit mentioned above and 2 packs of NeoPixels. With this combo, your Amy-esque friend will make a crown so fine that there will never be another argument over who gets the Cinderella outfit. Yeah, it’s so hot that I’m going to include the pic right here.

Pixel_Tiara_443

NeoPixels


There is a small chance that your friend just doesn’t fit any character on Big Bang, and that’s okay, it’s TV. I mean even Scorpion doesn’t get it right. That’s why there’s always the go-to Adafruit Gift Certificate, starting at $1. Give the gift that indecisive perfectionists love. BAZINGA!

AdaGift


Adafruit Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2014

Here are your 2014 shipping deadlines for ordering from Adafruit. Please review our shipping section if you have specific questions on how and where we ship worldwide for this holiday season.

The Adafruit Shipping Department works hard to get your orders out as quickly as we can, but once they’re in the hands of our carriers they’re out of our control.

Carriers have been struggling to keep up with the sharp rise in online orders. Last year UPS, FedEX, and USPS all experienced delivery delays.

So all the Adafruit Shippers say: Please be sure you get your gifts early! Order as soon as you can! Once you place your order we’ll ship like the wind!

UPS ground (USA orders): Place orders by Friday 11am ET – December 12, 2014 – There is no guarantee that UPS Ground packages will arrive in time for Christmas.

UPS 3-day (USA orders): Place orders by Wednesday 11am ET – December 17, 2014 – Arrive by 12/24/2014.

UPS 2-day (USA orders): Place orders by Thursday 11am ET – December 18, 2014 – Arrive by 12/24/2014.

UPS overnight (USA orders): Place orders by Friday 11am ET – December 19, 2014 – Arrive by 12/24/2014.

Please note: We do not offer Saturday or Sunday service for UPS or USPS.

Thursday, Dec. 25, 2014, Christmas, no UPS pickup or delivery service.
Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, New Year’s Day, no UPS pickup or delivery service.

United States Postal Service, First Class and Priority (USA orders): Place orders by Friday– December 12, 2014 – Arrive by 12/24/2014 or sooner.

USPS First class mail international (International orders): Place orders by Friday – November 21, 2014. Can take up to 30 days ore more with worldwide delays and customs. Should arrive by 12/24/2014 or sooner, but not a trackable service and cannot be guaranteed to arrive by 12/24/14.

USPS Express mail international(International orders): Place orders by Friday – December 5, 2015. Can take up to 15 days or more with worldwide delays and customs. Should arrive by 12/24/2014 or sooner.

Gift Certificates are always available at any time.

When in doubt contact us!


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