We all know how utterly frustrating having to go gift shopping is. Finding something that you know will make that special person in your life happy is great, but the act of walking around crowded shops that seem to be bursting with people just standing around and blocking your way only to find nothing you like in any case is a horror story worthy of Steven King.
Thankfully South Africa has a selection of highly reliable and well-stocked online retailers that specialise in geeky treasures, sure to add that extra bit of glitter to any Valentine’s Day regardless of if you and your partner are going out or just staying in to Netflix and chill.
I’ve put together a list of geeky Valentine’s Day gifts that can be ordered online locally and cover various interests and price points. So if you’re looking for a last-minute gift idea for something else (or you – you deserve it), then this list is for you.
10 Valentine’s Day Gifts For That Special Geek In Your Life (or you)
For The Comic Book Lover
Comics are always a great gift to receive. Because of the wide variety of stories branching across seemingly endless genres, there is sure to be something for everyone. However, if you’re looking for a comic for someone you don’t know all that well, it’s always a good idea to stick to the basics.
I Hate Fairyland is a black comedy fantasy comic written and illustrated by Skottie Young. The comic follows Gertrude, a woman transported to a mystical world called Fairyland as a child. Thirty years later, Gertrude is now an un-aging, violent misanthrope who, alongside her reluctant guide and friend Larry, constantly tries and fails to return to the real world.
If that special someone in your life loves laughing at all the wrong times and loves bright, colourful art, then this is the comic you should grab.
Price: R199
Where: Cosmic Comics
So where I Hate Fairyland is the perfect gift for a happy-go-lucky comic lover who has probably laughed in church during their lives, Oblivion Song is for someone more serious, deeper, and who wants something thought-provoking.
Oblivion Song takes place a decade ago when 300,000 citizens of Philadelphia were suddenly lost in Oblivion. The government made every attempt to recover them, but after many years they gave up. Nathan Cole won’t. He makes daily trips, risking his life to try and rescue those still living in the apocalyptic hellscape of Oblivion. But maybe Nathan is looking for something else. Why can’t he resist the siren call of the Oblivion Song?
Price: R199
Where: Cosmic Comics
For The Disney Lover
Disney Showcase Art Deco Cruella
Collectables are another board game altogether. The statue world is vast, from small, desk-sized statues to giant room-sized monstrosities that cost more than your car.
However, not everyone is looking for a realistic bust of Thanos to put in their house. Some people want an ornament representing them and their interests. That’s where the following two gift ideas come in.
If your special someone is a Disney fan who wants their house to represent this love while still looking put together, look no further than these pieces of art.
Price: R1,790
Where: Critters and Comics
Disney Showcase Maleficent Masquerade
Price: R1,450
Where: Critters and Comics
For The Geek Who Loves Looking Good
Disney Pop Villains Ursula Face Mask “Cause Chaos”
Skincare has become increasingly popular since the rise of TikTok and Instagram. Everyone wants and deserves to look their best. While the previous gifts on this list were all things that can be kept and treasured forever, sometimes the best gift is something small and useful.
This Disney Pop Villains Ursula Cause Chaos Face Mask passionfruit extract-infused printed sheet mask will have that special person in your life feeling renewed and refreshed.
And the hair slides allow them to showcase their love for friends daily but in a way that helps them look put together. Both are great and affordable gifts sure to make anyone smile.
Price: R80
Where: Comic Warehouse
Mad Beauty Friends Hair Slides
Price: R145
Where: Comic Warehouse
For The Geek Who Has Everything
Nintendo Super Mario Assorted Pushes
Another major hurdle in gift buying for geeks, in particular, is how high the odds are that they already own the things they have an interest in and like. That’s when your gift should be focused on something sweet and thoughtful because odds are, they aren’t buying themselves fluffies but will appreciate being gifted one.
Oh, and the cup is pretty self-explanatory. Not only are cups objectively the best and something that no one can have enough of, but this mug is a mix between Stranger Things and Dungeons and Dragons. I’ll tell you now; it doesn’t get much cooler than that.
Price: R349
Where: Nexus Hub
Stranger Things 4 Roll Your Fate Sculpted Mug
Price: R410
Where: Nexus Hub
For The Funko Pop Collector
If you are buying a gift for someone and they happen to be a Funko Pop collector, you have one of the easiest jobs there are. Just find out what overarching interests they have, and you’re set. Does your geek love Friends? What could be better than the fan-favourite moment where Chandler dressed as a bunny encapsulated in a pop?
Likewise, Star Wars statues can be devastatingly expensive. Still, a Deluxe Funko pop of The Child with an egg canister is affordable and a great addition to any Star Wars fan or Funko collector’s life.
Price: R299.95
Where: Smallville Comics
Mandalorian: The Child With Canister Deluxe
Price: R699.95
Where: Smallville Comics