I married a man who hid his comic book collection until we were knee-deep in moving boxes. He’s slowly introduced me to the world of Doctor Who, Marvel and DC Comics, Star Trek (thanks to J.J. Abrams), and Star Wars. I was already a fan of Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, and we both fell in love with The Big Bang Theory together. One of our daughter’s first words was “Bang!” (with a fist pump) after we binge watched some episodes of TBBT on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
Please know that when I say geeky I say it as one who admires the term. I have grown to love a lot of these characters and storylines as great directors like Joss Whedon, J.J. Abrams, and Jon Favreau have brought them to life. I can’t call myself a Whovian, a Trekkie, or a comic book buff, but I have an admiration that’s grown as hot actors remakes resurrect these franchises.
But enough about me. You’re the one looking for some fun gifts to get for your comic-book-loving, binary-code-reading, Trekkie-in-the-belly friends. Or perhaps you’re trying to finish up that Firefly themed nursery you’ve been dreaming about since the show went off the air.
There is so much fun, geeky baby gear out there; the challenge was narrowing it down. I found most of my items on Etsy. I love supporting small businesses and stay-at-home-parents are my peers and they make so much fun, nerdy stuff. So, I’m going to be sending you to Etsy, a lot.
If you do find something you like I encourage you to buy now, think later because these items sell out quickly. If you’re ordering something to have it ready for a baby shower give yourself some extra time if it’s a homemade or you request customization. Now please consider this slideshow a fun sampling of what we geeks really, really want.
This is the perfect maternity shirt for your Harry Potter-inspired mommas. I never wanted to spend money on maternity clothes, but I would have loved someone making that investment for me. You will find even more options from Star Wars to Game of Thrones for your momma-in-waiting as well as baby body suits. (Cutiebuttsboutique, $27)
I love to include baby leggings in any shower gift I give to expecting parents. They are just so handy. Here are a pair of Ewok baby leggings for your Star Wars family. Geek or not, who doesn’t love Ewoks? (Thefashionwhisperer, $25)
This glowing green hulk is a night-light. There are several more options, from Thor’s hammer to Captain America’s shield. These battery-powered night-lights can be hung anywhere and come with stickers so they look like they are breaking through the wall. Be sure to get your friend a big supply of AAA batteries as well because these burn through them pretty fast. (ThinkGeek, $29.99)
This table-top R2-D2 humidifier holds a half gallon of water, allowing it to perform for up to 12 hours. It has an auto-off setting and a night-light to keep dark forces at bay. Should the dark side appeal, you can also purchase a Vader Humidifier. (Hammacher, $69.95)
“One ring to rule them all and in the darkness bind them…” The RING as a baby teether just tickles me. I love the delicate etching and the elvish language inscribed in this ring of doom. And really, doesn’t that describe how we all feel about teething? (averyrayne, $23)
For your friend’s brilliant scientist-to-be. Forget the alphabet, these kiddos need to know their periodic table of elements. (StorybookBlocks, $28)
This carrier is simply a work of art. It’s a little more spendy than your average baby shower gift, but a baby carrier is one of those items I consider an essential. I know a couple Whovian mammas-to-be who would die to receive this unique gift. (GracieandSam, $138)
This adorable handmade felt nursery decor can be custom ordered with different plush items (Princess Leia or Chewbacca). It’s a little pricey for a shower gift, but it might be a nice split-the-cost with friends surprise for your future Jedi-in-the-making. (feltcutemobile, $139.90)
This soft handmade blanket features a Marvel comic break-out design showing the Hulk, Spiderman, Wolverine, Captain America, Iron Man and more. You can also customize the minky fabric and blankets are available in Doctor Who, Star Wars, and Star Trek themes as well. Definitely worth taking a look for your favorite geek parent. (BedHogShop, $42)
Choose red (Command), blue (Sciences), or gold (Operations) Star Trek TNG Uniform Baby Body Suits for your not-t0-distant future trekkie. (ThinkGeek, $19.99)
This Superman diaper bag comes complete with a cape, insulated bottle holder, and a decorative changing pad. What Superman fan can truly manage without this? (buybuyBABY, $34.99)
I usually gift a wet bag to all my expecting friends. They are great for cloth diapering (which is how I discovered them), but also can be used for blow-outs, wet swimsuits etc… They also fold up nice and tight in the diaper bag making it easy to keep them on hand. This particular comic book wet bag, with the nice thick handle, is a parental essential. (wetbagsbysarah, $17)
These original homemade Star Trek suck pads will complete any basic baby carrier without breaking the bank. Babies drool on these suck pads instead of the carrier and it saves having to wash the whole carrier. They also look so retro. (HisandHersHomemade, $22.95)
Here is another set of suck pads/drool pads because these represent the beloved show Firefly. These will spruce up a drab baby carrier and you know, keep it clean and stuff. (ClothbyMcWash, $11.95)
There are thousands of funny geeky quotes and quips that you can find on bibs, blankets, and baby body suits. This one made me laugh, but you can many more from IPood to Barf Vader. (Cafe Press, $10.99)
I’d love to know what geeky gear you love?