Need a gift for the developer in your life? Check out our picks below, all of which promote an organized and efficient workflow.
We tend to think of software developers as people who work best in an organized environment with clear workflows. But could you imagine that 19.99% of software developers claim to have inadequate or inappropriate working tools?
Add to this a hectic schedule and a typical day for most software developers becomes more of a reality. But coding doesn’t have to be a chore, with more and more innovative gadgets hitting the market. So, we’ve rounded up 9 of the best gadgets for software developers, and we hope that at least one of them will help you think of gift ideas for programmers.
1. Laptop
Let’s start with the absolute essentials: Developers can be much more productive with the right laptop for their specific tasks.
Generally speaking, the more powerful the CPU, the faster your laptop will run, ensuring a smooth and efficient coding experience.
With up to 12-core CPUs, the Apple MacBook Pro is tailored to handle demanding tasks, and developers can also benefit from the Liquid Retina XDR display when staring at a screen for long periods of time.
Considering a development machine for Windows users? Microsoft’s Surface Pro 11th Edition delivers performance and productivity with its powerful NPU.
2. Keyboard
Moving on to laptop accessories, there are sleek and highly functional keyboard options. The Casa Pop-Up Desk all-in-one set with laptop stand, touchpad, storage and Case Keys keyboard lets you work from the comfort of your own home.
Casa Keys is just 27.5cm tall but packs in a wide range of function keys, and the keyboard and touchpad are wireless for greater freedom of movement.
3) Desktop Storage
When it comes to desktop storage, developers know that Visual Studio Code loads much faster on an SSD.
SanDisk SSDs deliver up to 4x speeds than traditional desktop HDDs, with read speeds reaching 1000MB/s, plus they save your work faster, making them useful for larger projects.
4) Portable SSD
Around 60% of developers were in fully remote jobs in 2023. If you’re a developer who is pursuing opportunities to grow your skills, sooner or later you’ll be working in a remote environment.
The Samsung T7 Shield’s rugged design and durability ensures water and dust protection, and it easily connects to all your devices, from Macs and PCs to other machines, making it one of the best gadgets for software developers.
5) Power Bank
Many software developers today use two screens to make debugging easier. If you’re coding for long periods of time, a simple charger designed to only charge one device at a time just won’t suffice.
The Belkin BoostCharge 4-Port Power Bank allows you to charge four devices simultaneously, powering your family, and developers can also benefit from its portability.
6) Desk
If I were a software developer, the first thing I would do is look for an ergonomic desk. After all, if the desk is too low, it can cause you to bend over and put additional strain on your back.
The SmartDesk Levitate features a dual motor system to ensure a smooth transition from sitting to standing. With one touch, it lifts up to your level.
Developers will also be pleased with the health benefits, as it reduces the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease that come from sitting for long periods of time.
7) Monitor Rig
Everyone knows programming can be lucrative, but only the pros truly understand how mentally draining it can be. Tip: To create a productive yet stress-free work environment, start by eliminating clutter on your desk.
Monoblock monitor rigs help programmers mount audio and video accessories directly to the monitor arm, greatly reducing burnouts.
8) Chair
Programmers are creative people by nature, and gaming allows them to think outside the box in ways that they can’t when coding. But if the chair doesn’t fit your body size or the way you sit, you’re going to get some discomfort along the way.
We recommend using the Razer Iskur V2 gaming chair as it can be adjusted to suit your unique characteristics and preferences.
In addition, the wide adjustment angle allows programmers to easily find their preferred posture when writing code.
9) Desk decorations
One in five software developers say that deadlines are their biggest challenge. So it’s no wonder that my programmer friends often complain about time, because their tight schedules sometimes mean they can’t make it to meet up, and sometimes they have to work 12-hour days.
A versatile digital watch, Capsule Gravity helps programmers:
- Keep projects on schedule
- Improve your work efficiency with the Pomodoro timer
- Charge your devices anytime, anywhere with 20W
lastly
It’s common to get confused when searching for a gift that will please a computer programmer, but with these 9 best gadgets for software developers, you’ll be well-equipped to understand the needs and wants of a programmer.
Want more gift ideas? Explore Gadget Flow’s 300+ categories to find your favorite products.
Note: This blog was written by Grigor Baklajyan and edited by Lauren Wadowsky.