10 Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Computer Science Majors

Being a computer science major is pretty tough! But if you’re reading this article, you probably already know that because you’re watching a loved one juggle all of those upper level math classes, complicated coding assignments, and time-consuming hackathons as they make progress toward their degree. And don’t get me wrong – it’s a great field to go into! 

Tech posts above average stats for growth and salary year after year, so it’ll all be worth it in the end. But right now, there are definitely some things you can do to help the computer science major in your life survive the next round of exams, even if you’re short on time!

Whether it's a thoughtful practical tool or a fun tech gadget, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. We’ve scoured the internet for the best last minute gift ideas for computer science majors, including:

• Practical appliances for their dorm room or college apartment
• Fun and games that will be right up their science-minded alley
• Even gifts that give them the choice to get what they want

Giving Gift Cards a High Tech Makeover 👾

The history of gift cards is honestly pretty boring… or it was. And that’s because after gift certificates were invented in the 1930s, the first magnetic strip gift card was created in 1994, and the first digital/reloadable gift card in 2001, there wasn't a whole lot of innovation for a couple of decades. But that’s where GiftYa comes into play!

Taking advantage of new technology for sending and redeeming gift balances, GiftYa is the highest tech gift card option on the market right now. Send a customized gift to any of the thousands of brands in the GiftYa catalog in just a few clicks, and then your techy recipient can have fun redeeming by connecting it to their credit card so they never forget it, using it like an e-voucher code, cashing out using Zelle, or even exchanging it. 

We’ll shout out anywhere in this article that we think that a gift card from the catalog is a natural fit, but you can also consider gift cards as their own gift idea for a computer science major. After all, nothing is more helpful to a college student than having some extra funds for when their shoestring budget inevitably runs out! 

Here are a few all-purpose gift cards for computer science majors to get you started:

• Grab a Best Buy gift card for all of their tech needs, from computing to appliances
• Text an Apple gift card so that they can get all of the proprietary gizmos and gadgets that sync with one another for a streamlined college experience
• Buy a Barnes & Noble gift card to help offset the price of buying all of those textbooks and e-textbooks
• Get a Game Stop gift card so that they can unwind with a brand new game for their favorite console or even stroll down memory lane with a classic SNES or Sega
• Send a GiftYa Select gift card to let them choose what brand they want to put their balance toward from the very get go 

And that’s just a glimpse!

But that’s enough about that. Without further ado, here are some last minute gift ideas that will make any computer science major’s life easier, more organized, or just a bit more enjoyable.

1. Subscription to a Coding Platform

When it comes to computer science, there is just so. much. to learn. College classes tend to do a good job of covering concepts that can be applied to a variety of languages and challenges later on in your favorite student’s college or professional career, but sometimes it helps to get into the nitty gritty of a skill that looks amazing on the job apps.

A subscription to a platform like Codecademy, Pluralsight, or Udemy can be a super useful gift. They each offer a range of courses that cover everything from web development to data science to UX design, which can help a student stay current with technologies a little newer than the Java or C# they’re learning in coding 101. Or, if your student is a little bit newer to the field, it can help them ensure their foundational skills are really strong, which will pay dividends as they get into more advanced concepts.

Pro Tip: If you can, choose a platform that aligns with their specific interests or career goals, whether it's a focus on Python, machine learning, or cloud computing. But all of the platforms mentioned have a variety of options, so you shouldn’t be too far off with any of them!

2. Planner Software

Computer science majors have to juggle A LOT of assignments, projects, and deadlines. Even if they’re already a pretty organized and methodical person, a professional planning software can help them make sure they’re always on top of their tasks. And honestly, when all of their assignments tend to be digital, it’s easier to have a digital planner than a paper one.

Todoist, Notion, and Microsoft OneNote are all solid options.These tools are designed to streamline task management and keep everything in one place. They can organize their to-do lists, set reminders, and track their progress, which is crucial for managing complex projects and deadlines.

There are also student-specific tools that allow them to schedule time blocks for classes, keep track of contact information and office hours for their professors and TAs, calculate their final grade based on the weighting in the syllabus, and more. For that, iStudiez Pro (available for Mac and Windows devices) is probably the best in the game.

3. High-Quality Mechanical Keyboard

A high-quality mechanical keyboard can transform the coding experience. Mechanical keyboards are known for their durability and tactile feedback, which can make typing more comfortable and enjoyable.

It’s not just about aesthetics—mechanical keyboards are built to withstand heavy use and can improve typing speed and accuracy. Plus, many models come with customizable keys and backlighting, which can add a personal touch to their workspace.

Pro Tip: Choose a keyboard with switches that match their typing preference, whether it’s clicky, tactile, or linear. You might have to ask them to find out, but it’s still probably worth it.

4. Ergonomic Desk Chair

Send a Staples gift card

Spending long hours coding can take a toll on the back and neck – I’m sure we’ve all heard of “tech neck” before. An ergonomic desk chair designed to provide support and comfort during extended periods of sitting can be a game-changer.

It promotes good posture and reduces the risk of discomfort and strain. Features to look for include adjustable height, lumbar support, and armrests. You could even consider getting a chair with a reclining function for those moments when they need a break from sitting upright. After debugging for hours, they’ll really appreciate it.

Send a Staples gift card

5. Portable External Hard Drive

A portable external hard drive is essential for backing up important files and carrying data on the go. It’s an excellent tool for managing large codebases, project files, and personal data.

It provides extra storage space and ensures that their important work is backed up and safe. Nobody wants to get most of the way through a 20 hour coding marathon only to accidentally let their laptop die or experience a crash that wipes everything 🥲

Plus man models are super compact and easy to carry – it’s impressive how much storage fits even on a thumb drive these days! – making them ideal for students who need to transport their work between home and campus.

6. Tech-Themed Stuff

For a fun and lighthearted gift, consider tech-themed merchandise like T-shirts, mugs, or posters featuring coding jokes, popular programming languages, or classic tech references.Coding can get kind of dry, and a computer science program is almost always stressful. So it’s a night way to remind them of the more fun parts of their job. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter with fellow CS majors.

Just make sure you have a good sense of their style or sense of humor first!

7. Smart Desk Lamp

Buy an Amazon gift card

A smart desk lamp with adjustable brightness and color temperature can enhance their workspace. Many models come with features like built-in wireless charging and touch controls, adding convenience to their setup.

Proper lighting is essential for reducing eye strain during late-night coding sessions. A smart desk lamp allows them to customize the lighting to their needs and preferences.

Pro Tip: Look for a lamp with adjustable color temperature settings to match their task and reduce eye strain 😌

Buy an Amazon gift card

8. Coding-Themed Puzzle or Game

For those moments when they need a break from coding, a coding-themed puzzle or game can be both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. Consider something like a puzzle with binary code patterns or a strategy game that involves problem-solving.

It’s a fun way to unwind that still requires them to put their brain to the test. Bonus points if it gives them a break from their computer screen – even us non coders know how it feels to go cross eyed after staring at one too long.

9. Fun Gizmo or Gadget

They probably already have things like laptops and smartphones, adapters and cords. And if you want to get them a practical gift, you can always get them more – they’ll certainly come in handy! But why not get them a gift that turns their skills into something a little more fun?

Raspberry Pi and Arduino are both microprocessors, which they can use for just-for-fun projects like programming the LED lights in their room or building a singing Red Bot… which they may or may not want to dress up as a loveable dragon, who knows.

MakeyMakey lets them turn anything they want into an interface for their favorite device, whether they need a way to make studying a little more interesting (hello, banana mouse?) or they want to DIY a controller for their favorite STEAM game.

LittleBits are like legos, but they’re tiny sensors and wires they can use to quickly prototype a real project or just build something for fun à la makerculture.

And there are plenty of other options out there – just poke around and see what you can find! STEM or STEAM toys are good searches to start with.

10. Noise-Canceling Headphones

For those long coding sessions or when they need to concentrate in a noisy environment, a pair of noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver. They help block out distractions and create a more focused workspace.

That’s it for our list of awesome last-minute gift ideas for computer science majors.

With these ideas in hand, you can turn your last-minute gift-giving into an opportunity to celebrate their passion for computer science and make their day just a bit brighter. Happy gifting!