BY: ARTHUR DAVIS

If you have noticed those endearing geeky traits in your son or daughter, you might wish to keep their curiosity sharp for years to come. Finding a present for a geek-in-the-making can be extremely difficult, especially if you don't want to resort to Star Wars socks again. 

At the same time, there is so much available on the market that you don't have just to make do with that "one-size-fits-all" present. Instead, you can find that crafted gift that will capture their hearts and minds - and inspire them to achieve something great in their education and careers. If you are not sure where to start - or you don't know what is considered "cool" these days, check out this list of ten alternative gifts for your little one. 

Board Games

Geeks might be picking about their friends and social group, but they love to spend an evening of healthy competition around a clever board game. From Cards Against Humanity Family Edition to the Jumanji board game, there are plenty of options to engage them in a weekend of family fun. Aside from being an affordable gift, board games can last a lifetime and they can be enjoyed with any kind of company, from friends to family members.

Themed Plush Toys

If your little one is obsessed with cartoons and anime, they won't love anything more than a Transformers plush toy! These toys are perfectly sized to be carried anywhere - and remind your little ones of their favorite characters. If your kid is more of a young adult than a kid, they will still fall in love with these toys, as they make for the perfect decoration to any true nerd cave! And, of course, they are a treasured addition to any collection. 

Book Sagas

From Harry Potter to The Lord of The Rings, there are plenty of book sagas that will keep your little ones stuck to the pages for months! These books have been the most loved ones for generations - and for a reason! They are so powerful to transport you to an entirely another world. And, they can undoubtedly help with encouraging a love for reading. While the plot and characters of these books are young-adult-friendly, you are likely to fall in love with them just as much as your little one is. Just don't be too harsh if you find them late on a school night reading under the covers with a torch in their hands!

STEM Projects

Curiosity is the spice of life, and pre-teens and teen years is the best moment to cultivate and encourage it. Aside from the impressive number of career opportunities and job openings in the STEM sector, there are other reasons for kids to get into this field early. 

Understanding how physics, mathematics, and programming work also means understanding how the world works - which is invaluable knowledge for your little ones. Luckily, today, you can find a wide variety of STEM projects that are kid-friendly, fun, and highly educational. Whether your little one is into geology, mathematics, engineering, or robotics, there is something out there they can start experimenting with!

Gaming Setups

It is true: if you can't beat them, join them! Over the past few years, parents have been trying to keep kids away from screens until they realize that screens are everywhere, and what goes on behind them can be educational, entertaining, and useful. 

When it comes down to gaming, it is always important to strike a balance and ensure that your little ones don't get sucked into this world so much that they struggle to enjoy their daily lives. 

At the same time, there is nothing wrong with them enjoying a game with their friends. With the right setup, you can help them be more comfortable and enjoy their game even more - and you won't need to worry about their posture or bad habits. 

And, who knows, maybe they'll even embark on a successful career in gaming!

A Telescope

A telescope is a beautiful present - for kids and adults alike. Buying a telescope can be more challenging than you'd think, especially as you have to know how you will use it and the kind of power you need. At the same time, there is nothing quite like the fascination for stars, space, and what's beyond them to encourage a successful career. If your little one has been talking about becoming an astronaut one day, you should undoubtedly consider investing in this fun, educational, and extremely valuable present. 

Puzzles

You can either hate or love puzzles, but you can't have played one. And, if you focus hard enough, you might even find it relaxing and enjoyable. Your little ones can get great benefits from building the patience they need to put a puzzle together. Additionally, thanks to the large availability of options on the market, you can always find a puzzle that is perfect for your kids' passions, whether that's dinosaurs, galaxies, animals, or gaming characters. 

Posters

A geek's room is a sacred place where they can enjoy their collectibles, spend hours gaming in all comfort, and enjoy another book late at night. The right posters can do nothing but complementing the room's style - and inspire some 80s and 90s nostalgia. When looking for the right poster, make sure you know what your little ones' passions are. And, if you can get an autographed poster, you might just win the prize for the best parent of the year!

Notebooks

There are a lot of thoughts swirling around the mind of a teenager, and it is not always great for them to keep them all in. A notebook is a great way to write down the most exciting things that happen - or just spend hours doodling. Whatever they decide to use their notebook for, this is a useful and sophisticated present that anyone will love - even if they only decide to use it to note down their homework. 

Wooden Brain Teasers

Wooden brain teasers are an elegant and sustainable present. While they might be more suitable for older kids, they can also be the perfect addition to their room's décor, and they are beautiful to watch. And, of course, one can spend years trying to solve a brain teaser - they really never get old!