CHRIS GIANCAMILLI
PRIDE STAFF WRITER

One of the toughest parts of the holiday season is finding just the right gift for that special someone in our lives. Sometimes, the best gift is the one that is absolutely impractical and serves no real purpose other than to become a new addition in a nerdy collection of toys and gadgets.

There are a few easy things to keep in mind when choosing a good geek gift. First off, geeks love gifts from their favorite licensed video game, TV, film and comic series. Next, geeks enjoy technical toys (robots, mechanisms, etc.). Finally, geeks like weird things that you can’t find at any old department store.

This holiday season, pick up something a bit more unconventional rather than the standard video game or DVD box set. Here’s a few examples to help get those motors running.

Star Wars Wampa Rug ($99.99, ThinkGeek.com)

For the nerdy bachelor, why not purchase an awesome new Wampa skin rug? All the way from the icy planet of Hoth, the terrifying Wampa now rests as a trophy for all Star Wars fans. The 62” L x 30” W rug is made from synthetic fur, so rest assured no actual Wampas were harmed in the making of this furry treasure.

Marshmallow Shooters ($19.86-$29.99, ThinkGeek.com & Amazon.com)

For the geek that has everything, marshmallow shooters can be a quick and cheap gift that packs plenty of entertainment. The air powered guns launch most types of store-bought marshmallows. Marshmallow shooters can be loads of fun depending on your geek’s level of maturity. If he or she tends to enjoy the occasional late night “Call of Duty” session, you can expect to find several rounds of marshmallows behind the couch and in your hair.

Edge Robotic Arm Kit ($38.29, Amazon.com)

Robotic toys are always a safe bet for the geek obsessed with all things mechanical. The Edge Robotic Arm Kit allows your geek to assemble and control a robotic claw to grab those pesky cans of Mountain Dew and bags of Doritos just out of reach. The arm bends at five different axes, giving users a range of precise controls and maneuvers to complete the odd tasks your geek comes up with.

Risk: Halo Wars Edition ($27.00, Amazon.com)

Risk, one of the geekiest board games of all time, just got a little geekier. The Halo license adds a whole new world to conquer and three ways to play. Players can choose one of three sides: the Flood, the Covenant and the Spartans. Your geek and you can battle it out for all-or-nothing domination of the planet Arcadia.