11 Must Buy Gifts for That Certain Engineer in Your Life

Got a special engineer in your life that you need to get some presents for? Don't worry, we've got you covered. You can find a list of gifts that range from useful gadgets to playful gifts here. We've tried to keep the costs below $60 for most of these, however, you can also find some higher-end items for your consideration.

Here is a list of 11 must buy gifts for that certain engineer in your life for every occasion.

1. VOLTRX Mixer Cup

Price: From $29.99

This high torque VOLTRX Mixer Cup is the perfect gift for that certain engineer who knows how to have fun. Not only it is entertaining to watch, but it also mixes drinks like a dream.

The device is rechargeable via USB and takes around 30 seconds to complete a mixing cycle. In addition, the mixer is completely portable and it is also leak proof.

It is also very high quality. It is made of stainless steel and food-grade BPA-free materials.

2. Ugears Mechanical 3D Safe Puzzle

Price: $60

Everyone loves a puzzle, but when it's a 3D mechanical model, you can't ever say no. That special engineer in your life will love you forever with this great present.

The entire thing is self-assembly and even has a fully functional combination-lock. It can be used as a nice decorative ornament or an actual functional safe once assembled.

It's also very good-looking and is likely to be one of the most unique presents your engineer will receive this year. Moreover, Ugears has a massive range of other 3D mechanical models to choose from.

3. LED projector

Price: $195

Whilst a little pricey, this little LED Projector will certainly be appreciated by an engineer recipient. The projector weighs less than 817 grams and stands at less than 5 cm tall.

Its diminutive size makes it highly portable and convenient to transport around in pretty much anything. It also features a rechargeable internal battery allowing you to use it for 90 minutes without a recharge.

Each projector is compatible with any HDMI device, and it can also project anything that can fit onto a Micro-SD card.

4. LEGO Brick USB Flash Drive

Price: $34.98

Who doesn't like receiving a LEGO-based gift?

These cute little LEGO USB Flash Drives will make the perfect little gifts for any engineer. Prices start at $12 for 8GB drives but do rise to $35 for 65GB storage sizes.

Each one is USB 1.0 to 3.0 compliant and has transfer rates of up to 480 Mbit per second. They are Mac and Windows compatible.

In addition to being LEGO-themed, they can also be customized with real LEGO bricks as well.

5. Hand-crank charger

Price: $17

The Thorfire LED camping lantern and hand-crank USB charger are the gifts that keep on giving. Whether your engineer partner is the outdoorsy type or not, they are bound to find some good use for this handy gadget.

Although it is primarily designed for use on a campsite that doesn't mean it can't be carried around anywhere you go. Its standout feature is by far its hand-crank USB charger function.

With this feature, they can charge their phone anytime they want and get some exercise at the same time. What's not to like?

6. Wind-powered toy

Price: $17

Inspired by Dutch Artist Theo Jansen's amazing Strandbeest contraption, this wind-powered toy is an amazing gift for any engineer. This little toy will amaze anyone who watches it.

This creative and educational device will be appreciated by children of all ages. Assembly is pretty straightforward and the final product looks incredible.

It's also not too pricey so it shouldn't break your budget whilst simultaneously earning you plus points with that special engineer in your life.

7. Gear-shaped molds

Price: $11

If you that special engineer in your life also likes baking, this might be the perfect present for them. This kit comes with three molds, each with different gears, screws and other mechanical component shapes.

Each mold is made from silicone, and they are ideal for making cake decorations all year round. Sadly, they'll have to buy their own chocolate to use them, but that's a small price to pay.

With these molds, your engineer-went-baker will wow their friends and family with their steam-punk inspired creations.

8. Wright Brothers inspired flyer

Price: $40

Everyone likes model planes, but when you have one that can actually fly, no-one can resist! This Wright Brothers Flyer inspired model will make the perfect gift for any engineer with an interest in aviation.

It has a 50 cm wingspan and it can actually "fly" up to 36.5 meters. Assembly is pretty straightforward and even has a ball-bearing powered propulsion mechanism.

Like the original flyer built by the Wright Brothers, this model is a push-prop plane. This means that the propeller is rear-mounted and pushes the model through the air.

This model is incredibly fun, easy to assemble and educational at the same time.

9. Vertical Spring Toy

Price: $16

This Vertical Vortex Spring Toy is a very original option for your beloved engineer. Not only it looks cool but it comes complete with its own yellow carry bag!

This toy will look great on a desk but is also great fun for everyone. It's made from a continuous piece of stainless steel and is erected by simply putting your hand through the central hole. 

10. Solar-Powered Toy Car

Price: $7

Billed as the world's smallest solar-powered toy car, this little gadget will make any engineer smile. As you'd expect, it is very small indeed.

This tiny solar-powered toy measures 9.4 by 5.8 by 0.5 cms and weights a negligible 18 grams. The entire 'roof' consists of a tiny solar panel that powers it to surprisingly high speeds for its size.

It works in both direct sunlight and ambient indoor lighting.

11. Arduino Uno Starter Kit

Price: $37

Last but by no means least is this handy Arduino UNO starter pack. This pack comes with 22 free lessons as well as plenty of components to get your beloved engineer started with Arduino.

It is one of the most economical ways to get started with Arduino programming and is perfect for anyone with little or no experience in this area.

It comes with everything they'll need to get started, which is handy given the name. The kit includes an Arduino UNO R3, LCD 1602 Module, and various other sensors and accessories they'll need to get to grips with it.

Lots of fun and a really great value!