Choosing a perfect gift for a coding aficionado can be a bit overwhelming, given the many options available. But I’ve checked out this space and rounded off on the 14 best coding gifts for adults.
I’ve included products for every budget and for both coders and programmers, so you can rest assured there’s something in store for everyone.
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Robot Kits – Gifts for aspiring programmers
1. Coding All in 1 for Dummies – One of the Best Computer Science Gifts
Kicking things off is a comprehensive guide on coding – Coding for Dummies. This book will successfully introduce an avid reader to the different languages and processes of coding.
With these robot kits, you can find steps to update a website, create an excellent mobile app, and even a great introduction to data science, software development, programming languages, machine learning, coding skills, and software engineering. Coding for Dummies can be considered a beginner’s guide as well as an improvement journal!
It consists of 9 books, each discussing the essential spheres of coding ranging from necessary web coding to data evaluation and much more! It is very well received by readers and is one of the best-rated information sets on the Internet.
Last update on 2024-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Mega 2560 Project Ultimate Arduino Starter Kit
This robot kit is one of the best-rated and reviewed products on Amazon, and as such it’s definitely worthy of this list of programming toys for adults and coding toys for adults.
The Arduino set is something that anyone can use to learn computer programming and the basics of electronics, making it one of the best gifts for software engineers.
The tests and experiments included are engaging and a fun way to learn in your spare time. These robot kits come with a variety of sensors, and both seasoned and novice coders can find assistance with the step-by-step tutorial that comes with these advanced robot kits.
It comes with a beautiful box to keep all the widgets, including LEDs, IC, buttons, diodes digital compass, etc. The sensors have pin modules, so you don’t need to solder them.
A great starter kit for those wanting to get into engineering, scratch programming skills, and robotics with zero experience. More than 10 ready-to-follow robotic configurations and a solid, stable extrusion structure made of aluminum minimal wiring needed for assembly.
This is a great idea if you are looking for coding kits for adults who want to learn a new skill or understand the basics in a challenging way.
Last update on 2024-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Raspberry Pi 4 Kits – One of the Best Coding Gadgets for Adults
An exclusive Starter robot kit that includes the latest generation of the Raspberry Pi family. These robot kits are regarded as the best toys for adults and gifts for coders and include the Raspberry Pi 4 and everything you need to get up and running within minutes in the exciting world of Raspberry Pi!
With this best robotic kit, you can rely on the compatibility, quality, consistency, and service that comes with all of the Raspberry Pi 4 kits.
Adding to this, it offers ground-breaking increases in processor speed, multimedia performance, memory, and connectivity compared to the prior-generation boards while retaining backward compatibility and efficient power consumption.
The Raspberry Pi 4 is one of the few fun toys for adults that comes in three onboard RAM options for even further performance benefits: 2GB, 4GB, or 8 GB. Due to the higher power requirements, it requires at least a 3.0A USB cable power supply. This power supply incorporates a noise filter to provide the highest stability.
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Last update on 2024-12-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. ELEGOO UNO R3 Project Smart Robot Car Kit V4 with UNO R3
ELEGOO Smart Robot Car is an educational robotics kit based on the Arduino platform for beginners (kids) to get hands-on experience in programming, coding concepts, electronics assembling, and robotics knowledge, making it one of the best coding toys around. This Arduino robot kit is an integrated solution for robotics learning and is made for Arduino education.
It consists of different kinds of wireless modules including obstacle avoidance, line tracking module, and infrared remote control, and you also get the ability to control it via phone and tablets of Android and iOS systems. Its minimalistic design also makes it a perfect stem kit gift for your kids.
- You may also like: Ozobot vs Sphero
- ELEGOO Smart Robot Car: An educational STEM kit beginners (kids) to get hands-on experience about programming, electronics assembling and robotics knowledge. It is an integration solution for robotics...
- Complete Package: Contains 24 kinds of module parts including obstacle avoidance, line tracing module, infrared remote control and also you can control it via phone and tablets of Android and iOS...
Last update on 2024-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gifts Newbies and Pros will love:
In this section, you will find some fun and awesome gift ideas that beginners and professionals will appreciate.
5. Lego Mindstorms EV3
We have to agree that this is perhaps one of the best programming toys in its category and is also an Amazon choice. The Lego Mindstorms EV3 is a perfect coding robot gift idea for building and coding enthusiasts of all ages.
Once created, the Lego Mindstorms EV3 will walk, talk, complete tasks, and even play some games. This product comes with instructions for many different robotic designs having special features of their own.
Builders will be able to program the robot to do various tasks such as shooting and grabbing. This will be an educational as well as a creative toy for anyone.
Last update on 2024-12-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Anki Cozmo coding robot toy
Cozmo is a real-life coding robot toy that any kid or adult will love. It can see things from his perspective and has a very beginner-friendly interface. It comes with an app that can educate the individual. This toy robot is very durable and secure for use.
You can play games with the Anki Cozmo robot and even learn to code it in the Code Lab. Additionally, it also reacts to sight and app controls. However, it does need a compatible device for proper control.
The Anki Cozmo robot comes with facial recognition software that enables him to remember interactions. It alerts you how the robot feels owing to the gestures on the facial display. This little gadget looks like a rover that moves on planets and is a very quirky gift idea that any adult would appreciate.
Of course, there is also the Anki Vector to consider. You can read about that in our post, where we compare the two.
Last update on 2024-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. Special Edition Battle-Worn BB-8 by Sphero with Force Band
The Special Edition Battle-Worn BB-8 by Sphero is a crazy cool remote-controlled toy that rolls around just like the real deal. BB-8 can act autonomously, respond to your voice, and drive around via app controls. Strap on the Force Band and you can control It using the Force hand gestures.
This BB-8 app-enabled Droid with a polycarbonate shell boasts the wear and tear of Resistance missions. Its Bluetooth smart connection allows Gyroscopic propulsion to a 30m range and the included induction charging stand provides 60-minute battery life.
You can control the BB-8 app-enabled droid with the Force band through gestures like Force push, pull, and drive. It has free iOS & Android compatible apps that allow adaptive personality,
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Last update on 2024-12-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8. Sphero SPRK+ App-Enabled Robot
We adore this Sphero app-enabled robot which is one of the best-rated robots on Amazon. It is powered by the Edu app where you can code Spark Plus using JavaScript.
The programmable sensors included in this robot are motor encoders, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, along with LED lights.
It has a one-hour battery life and can be paired with Bluetooth Smart. In addition, it is scratch-resistant, waterproof, and charges inductively. You can connect this with any smart device t using the Kano computer kit or Arduino IDE.
- You may also want to take a look at the Sphero RVR Programmable Car.
Last update on 2024-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gifts for Coding Professionals the Robot Kit
The list goes one level up because these products would be great for people who love coding and are pros at it!
9. DJI Mavic Mini Combo – Drone FlyCam Quadcopter UAV with 2.7K Camera
The DJI Mavic is the latest GPS drone for both adults and beginners. It tips the scales at just 249g, and offers up to 30 mins flying time. It allows you to take clear and crisp 12MP aerial photos and 2. 7K Quad HD videos with its onsite 3-axis motorized gimbal.
The compact yet powerful Mavic Mini is the perfect creative companion, allowing you to capture your moments in a way that effortlessly elevates the ordinary.
Together with the easy-to-use DJI Fly app, you’ll enjoy a simplified flying experience and a perspective unlike any other.
Last update on 2024-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10. LewanSoul 6DOF Full Metal Robotic Arm Kit for Arduino
The LewanSoul robotic arms are hugely popular at the moment and are a wonderful coding robot toy. Initially designed only for manufacturing lines, the technology has been shrunk, so it is now desk-sized. However, programmers often complain they don’t have enough hands, so give them a whole arm!
The LewanSoul robotic arm has 6 high-quality servos to ensure smooth movement of the robotic arm and the ability to grab in any direction. Once built, the robot arm can be controlled via a free Android/iOS APP or programming via graphical PC software. It is one of my favorite ideas in this list of coding gifts for adults.
- Be sure to also read our guide on the best programmable robotic arms.
Last update on 2024-12-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
11. Computer Science Coffee Mug
Another quirky gift idea for those who love programming and a fresh mug of morning coffee! The code on the cup will crack anyone up. It is an 11-ounce ceramic mug that will look good on any kitchen shelf or office desk.
The best part is that the design is pressed into the cup using heat, and there are no stickers or vinyl decals used. It is also microwavable and dishwasher safe.
Last update on 2024-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
12. Automate The Boring Stuff with Python
This fantastic book by Al Sweigart is an excellent gift idea for a professional who is always looking forward to transforming things by programming. An avid explanation of how Python can modify programs to do things you want it to do is explained in detailed.
There are step-by-step instructions, and as such, this read would be insightful for anyone interested in running their programs in a better way!
- If you want more book ideas, read our post on the best robotics books.
Last update on 2024-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
13. Programmer Nutrition Facts-Glass Coffee Mug
If your coding friend is in love with a coffee maker or caffeine, then this little gift won’t disappoint. It has a super design and can be the topic of conversation for anyone who spots it in their kitchen.
This mug can hold 13oz of liquid in it and is made of durable and functional premium-quality glass. The bottom is also heavy, and one can easily differentiate it from cheap quality products.
The design, printed on both sides of the mug is visible due to its white color. Not only this, it is well-rated and is also an Amazon’s Choice product!
Last update on 2024-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
14. Green Computer Circuit Board Unisex Socks
Ahh, of course, no gift list would be complete without at least one pair of socks!
These coding socks are eye-catching and cool and would be very appreciated by anyone who loves programming in a real sense. The print is 3D, and the socks are made of 98% polyester.
They don’t just look good but are super comfortable to wear all day long.
Last update on 2024-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Final thoughts on finding the best gifts for adults
This list of best programming gifts for adults and coder gifts contains a variety of different things ranging from toys to books. If that’s not enough, you can even try a gift card, circuit boards, a good keyboard, a Udemy course, etc. as a gift for many programmers who love learning programming principles.
Matt is the founder of the Little Robot Shop, who has spent much of the last decade hacking home cleaning with various robots and devices to make keeping his home clean as easy as possible. Not an easy task with two young children.
When not working on the Little Robot Shop website or YouTube channel, he works as technical support and product specialist for a fast-growing digital company. He does his best to get his younglings to code, which will be an essential skill in the future.