![Gotta go outdoors? Bring a book](https://www.popsci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/18/FWR6M6DKK6PXVGHLC4W3XCEMTY.jpg?quality=85&w=2400)
![Gotta go outdoors? Bring a book](https://www.popsci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/18/FWR6M6DKK6PXVGHLC4W3XCEMTY.jpg?quality=85&w=2400)
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›
We all know that one nerd. The friend who brings a book everywhere she goes. The sibling who can solve a Rubik’s cube in minutes. The cousin with a subscription to Popular Science.
When you start brainstorming gift ideas for these fact-loving folks, expensive tech gadgets might be the first idea to leap into your head. But you don’t need to shell out a ton of cash to please a nerd. Try these thrifty recommendations instead.
![giant gray microbe plushy](https://www.popsci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/18/FA5OYTQ4X5ZITANYBHJTKX2W3A.jpg?strip=all&quality=85)
![Colored pencils in a circle](https://www.popsci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/18/VXVNVPA3UFKSJP5DXTCBHPJ2HY.jpg?strip=all&quality=85)
![modern map of the world](https://www.popsci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/18/AHNVGLE5HUHBPEK4LH4M67A4ZI.jpg?strip=all&quality=85)
![Plasma globe in the dark](https://www.popsci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/18/V4M3CWETOJNODNC6XBBSIU2CHM.jpg?strip=all&quality=85)
![whitelist link, notepad and a laptop](https://www.popsci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/18/PI653UNT4TPM6UY4OBHBLSF6EY.jpg?strip=all&quality=85)
![nerdy Newton tote bags](https://www.popsci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/18/UPOTW73ONY6ORTFYJVUL2YKICM.jpg?strip=all&quality=85)
![Gyroscope nerd toy](https://www.popsci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/18/XP6QATF637L7SLG6FDDHDNFCIU.jpg?strip=all&quality=85)
![Walk on the Moon Jigsaw puzzle](https://www.popsci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/18/P3YMFCK64I3UD3FKSMB2FPFKFA.jpg?strip=all&quality=85)
![Caffeinated mug](https://www.popsci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/18/R5LM6DVOP5K45AYGFLIQXXZRDY.jpg?strip=all&quality=85)
![piles of books in a bookstore](https://www.popsci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/18/EO5KVSHNCJZEAMD2VP5BN5FR4Q.jpeg?strip=all&quality=85)
![Red and White Paper Foldscope](https://www.popsci.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/18/DIOH4UMP375AQQYZ65HRDDTYXU.jpg?strip=all&quality=85)