Eric Ravenscraft
Geeks speak a language all their own. If you’re shopping for a Valentine’s Day gift for the nerd in your life, get them something better than a tie. Whether they’re into Star Wars, Harry Potter, or just like math jokes, you can find a gift (or at least a good idea) beyond flowers and chocolates.
Whether you’ve got a die hard Harry Potter fan on your hands or somebody that appreciates the finer things in life like so-cute-it-hurts 8-bit photo frames, we’ve got a little something for everyone.
“Always” Rings – Harry Potter ($20)
How do you know Harry Potter is a well-written series? Because J.K. Rowling can melt your heart with a single word. Snape’s response to Dumbledore revealed a complex motivation behind a complex villain (or anti-hero depending on your perspective). While Snape is by no means an uncontroversial character, this pair of rings echo his sentiment. Even if his romantic words are touched by tragedy, they can be meaningful for you and your partner. One reads “After all this time?” and the other, naturally, says “Always.” You can choose the appropriate size for each.
Binary “I Love You” Wall Art ($20)
If your partner has a taste for computer science and hidden messages, it’s tough to beat this “I love you” binary print. The wall art features those words written in binary (you can check it for yourself here) on your choice of colored background. Without knowing the meaning, it’s still an eye-catching piece to decorate your home, but knowing the message makes it a sweet little message hidden in plain sight.
“I Love You” “I Know” Matching Necklaces ($30)
Han Solo may be a scoundrel and a nerf-herder, but it’s hard not to swoon a bit when he delivers that iconic line from Empire Strikes Back. We can’t all pull off a move that smooth ourselves, but these customized necklaces can still melt your partner’s carbonite heart. Each necklace comes with a tab engraved with one of the two lines, as well as a second tab that can be engraved with you and your partner’s initials to make it a little bit more yours.
It’s Dangerous to Go Alone Hoodie ($42+)
Even Link knows that you can’t get through life on your own. His support comes in the form of the Master Sword and Zelda, who inevitably saves his butt. You, on the other hand, might prefer your partner and this hoodie. Featuring the quote from the original Legend of Zelda game, the hoodie doesn’t give you a sword, but the power of love.
Evenstar Pendant – Lord of the Rings ($149)
In the Lord of the Rings films, Arwen gives Aragorn the Evenstar pendant (named after herself) as a symbol of her commitment to him. Staying in Middle-Earth with him meant leaving her people and, more importantly, losing her immortality. A high cost to stay with the high king of Gondor. Fortunately, you can give the Evenstar pendant to your partner for the much less costly price of $150. This officially licensed version, from The Noble Collection, is made of sterling silver, but they also offer a silver-plated version for $50.
Pixel Art Photo Frame ($18)
These photo frames are so great and varied, we’re not just featuring one, we’re doing the whole store. Etsy shop Burrito Princess sells a wide array of pixel art frames. Many feature duos like the Carl and Ellie from Up, Mulan and Li Shang from Mulan, and even Eleven and Mike from Stranger Things. There are also a few like this Star Wars frame that not only features Han and Leia, but (again) the “I love you,” “I know” exchange.
Hello, Sweetie Earrings – Doctor Who ($14)
The Doctor and River Song were star-crossed lovers in the most literal way imaginable. As both adventurers traverse the cosmos, they would encounter each other at different point in each other’s lives. The last time River met the Doctor, for example, was also the first time the Doctor met River. Despite the chaos of time travel and their unusually tumultuous relationship, one phrase could always help them recognize each other and join together: Hello, sweetie. This pair of earrings features one word on each pendant. If earrings aren’t your partner’s thing, you can also get a replica of the notebook ($31+) that River used to chronicle her adventures with the Doctor.
Player 1 & Player 2 Wine Glasses ($30+)
Don’t stop at finding the right champagne for your Valentine’s Day evening. Get the right wine glass with this pair. Each glass features a pixel art heart, and a player number. You and your partner can argue over who gets to be Player 1 and who takes Player 2, but you’ll both enjoy toasting to a good game with each other.
Candy Heart Pins – Futurama ($13)
When the Planet Express crew was hired to deliver the chalky and unpleasant candy hearts, Fry tried to find the ones that would best express his love for Leela. However, when Leela’s oxygen tank failed, Fry gave her his own air, saving her life. Leela resuscitates Fry and he coughs the heart “U Leave Me Breathless” onto her cheek. This pair of lapel pins feature the perfect candy heart, as well as one that Leela rejected. Both are a little too long to fit on a real candy heart, so these pins are the closest you can get.
“As You Wish” Wine Bottle Lamp – Princess Bride ($32)
As a kid, you were probably more familiar with The Princess Bride than Shakespeare. Grandpa’s insistence that there’s adventure and action aside, it’s still a classic love story and nothing captures that quite like Westley’s romantic line, “as you wish.” This bottle lamp features an intricate design with the words—as well as a silhouette of Westley and Buttercup—on the outside, casting a dazzling shadow. You can even get the lamp in your choice of color.
“Will You Be My Player 2?” Card ($9)
If you’ve already got an excellent gift for your partner (or you’re wooing someone new), top it all off with this card. Emblazoned with “Will you be my player 2?” and two controllers—Playstation’s Dualshock 4, by the look of them—the card is blank inside so you can give it your own personalized message. It’s a little nicer than the kind of card you’ll find at the holiday section of your local Walmart.
