On this page
Shopping for gifts can be difficult, especially if your receiver is exceptionally difficult to buy. It might be challenging to think of presents for programmers, particularly if you don't know them well or are at a loss for words. Do not worry if you are anxious because you lack gift ideas.
Below, we've compiled a list of the top presents for programmers and developers. To ensure you may find something that fits your budget, we included things at various price points.
Ready? Let’s get right to it!
30 best gifts for programmers, coders, devs and software engineers (Empuls edition with budgets)
Your ultimate gift guide powered by the Empuls Reward Marketplace—designed for software engineers, coders, and developers.
Amazon store picks
Empuls’ Amazon integration gives you access to over 300,000 products—making it easy to find tech and lifestyle essentials.
1. Noise-canceling headphones – $250-$550
Top-tier headphones like Sony WH-1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Max offer active noise cancellation, which is perfect for coders who need deep focus. They're also great for tuning into dev podcasts or online courses. A premium gift that boosts productivity and shows you care about their workspace comfort.
2. Ergonomic desk chair – $180-$400
Help developers maintain good posture during long coding sessions with a supportive ergonomic chair. Look for adjustable lumbar support, armrests, and memory foam seats. It’s a must-have for remote engineers or anyone working from home.
3. Blue light blocking glasses – $25-$80
Reduce eye strain with stylish, functional blue light glasses. They're perfect for night owls or anyone spending 10+ hours in front of screens. A small but mighty gift idea for coders on a budget.
Gift cards galore
Empuls features 1 million+ brand gift cards across categories like tech, food, travel, and more.
4. Apple gift card – $25-$200
Let them choose apps, accessories, or even gear from Apple. It’s a flexible, brand-recognized option that fits nearly any budget. A no-fail gift for programmers who love the Apple ecosystem.
5. Uber eats or doordash card – $25-$100
Keep your developers fed during intense coding sessions. These food delivery cards are ideal for remote teams or late-night projects. It’s one of the best gifts for programmers who code on caffeine and carbs.
6. Best buy gift card – $50-$250
Perfect for upgrading tech, buying accessories, or splurging on gadgets. Best Buy is a trusted destination for software engineers and IT folks. Easy to redeem and universally loved.
Custom swag for developers
Create branded keepsakes to foster loyalty and pride.
7. Company hoodie or t-shirt – $30-$70
A cozy branded hoodie or a clever coding-themed tee builds a sense of community. Go for soft fabrics and witty slogans for extra flair. It’s a great onboarding or team milestone reward.
8. Personalized mug with dev humor – $20-$35
Nothing beats sipping coffee from a mug that says “I turn coffee into code.” Combine humor and function for an everyday desk staple. It’s affordable and meaningful.
9. Branded laptop backpack – $60-$120
Help devs travel in style with a sleek, durable laptop backpack. Add a logo patch for that company pride boost. Great for hybrid teams and work travel.
Merchandise for programmers
Handpick from personalized and practical items across 15 categories.
10. Wireless charging station – $45-$90
Keep phones, AirPods, and smartwatches powered up at once. Look for sleek designs that match their workspace aesthetic. A tech-savvy gift that any coder will love.
11. Engraved leather journal – $35-$60
Perfect for jotting down code ideas, sprint goals, or project brainstorms. Personalization adds a thoughtful touch. A professional gift that supports analog creativity.
12. Cord organizer pouch – $25-$50
Avoid tangled chaos with a compact pouch for cables and USBs. It’s a travel-friendly lifesaver for developers with messy drawers. Add this to any productivity gift bundle.
Experiential rewards
Choose from 1,000+ unique experiences across the US and 50+ countries.
13. Indoor skydiving adventure – $70-$150
Let your coder defy gravity after squashing bugs all week. It’s fun, stress-busting, and unforgettable. A reward that truly breaks the monotony of screen time.
14. Cooking classes with chefs – $80-$200
Whether it’s sushi rolling or Italian pasta, this experience sparks creativity. Developers with a taste for culinary arts will adore this thoughtful break. An offbeat yet memorable reward.
15. Wine tasting getaway – $100-$250
book a wine tour in napa or a local vineyard for a relaxing weekend. Ideal for seasoned engineers who deserve a premium gift experience. It’s also great for anniversaries and achievements.
In-house custom rewards
Create experiences or perks unique to your organization.
16. Lunch with the cto or ceo – free to $50
Encourage visibility and mentorship by treating employees to a leadership lunch. It’s low-cost but highly impactful. Great for recognition and career growth.
17. Bonus day off – priceless
Everyone loves an extra day to recharge. Tie this reward to performance milestones or employee wellness programs. A high-impact reward with no shipping involved.
18. Choose-your-gadget perk – $100-$300
Let the recipient pick a tech gift (keyboard, mouse, monitor) from your curated list. It feels personal and relevant to their role. Perfect for quarterly goals or hackathon winners.
Prepaid cards
Accepted globally via Empuls’ fintech partners.
19. Visa/mastercard prepaid card – $25-$500
The most flexible reward for any occasion. Can be spent virtually anywhere—online or in-store. Universally appreciated and easy to deliver.
20. Gas or transit card – $30-$75
Support commuter coders or frequent flyers. A thoughtful addition to your remote or hybrid team rewards. Helps offset day-to-day costs.
21. Food wallet card – $25-$100
Cover lunch, groceries, or coffee runs. A great recurring reward for monthly appreciation programs. Keeps your team fueled and happy.
Charity & giving back
Allow your employees to donate reward points to causes they care about.
22. Code.org donation – $10-$100
Empower future developers by supporting computer science education. A mission-aligned gift for anyone in tech. Show you value giving and impact.
23. American red cross – $25-$200
Support disaster relief and emergency medical care in the US. A generous, feel-good gifting option. Employees can convert points to real-world impact.
24. Local charities (animal shelters, food banks) – customizable
Let teams give back to causes in their own communities. Empuls enables you to approve and feature local nonprofits. Builds goodwill and deepens emotional connection.
Developer-centric gifts
Fuel learning, inspiration, and growth.
25. Raspberry pi starter kit – $50-$100
Great for side projects and hobbyists. Encourages hands-on tinkering and innovation. A STEM favorite among engineers.
26. Github copilot subscription – $10-$20/month
AI assistance while coding is the future. Cover 6–12 months as a learning and productivity booster. It’s modern, useful, and nerd-approved.
27. Online coding course (udemy, coursera) – $30-$100
Let them upskill in Python, React, or DevOps. Courses are self-paced and budget-friendly. A high-value gift that enhances their career.
Fun & whimsical dev gifts
Show personality with unique, witty options.
28. “eat sleep code repeat” hoodie – $40-$60
Witty and wearable—this apparel blends comfort and dev culture. Choose quality fabrics and fun prints. Ideal for hackathon winners or new joiners.
29. Binary clock or led desk toy – $25-$55
Gamify their workspace with cool decor. These conversation starters are both geeky and functional. A nerdy coder’s delight.
30. Personalized video message from tech influencer – $50-$100
Celebrate a birthday or milestone with a cameo from a favorite tech speaker or YouTuber. It’s personal, memorable, and guaranteed to surprise. The perfect gift for fans of tech media.
How Empuls makes gifting to programmers seamless and impactful
If you’re looking to simplify how you manage employee gifting—whether for programmers or across teams—Empuls is your all-in-one platform. From onboarding gifts to festival hampers and professional milestone celebrations, Empuls helps HR and team leads deliver personalized rewards effortlessly.
Automate employee gifting with Empuls
- Create gifting workflows: Set up recurring events like birthdays or project completions.
- Assign reward points: Allocate points that employees can redeem for gifts they actually want.
- Add personalization: Attach heartfelt messages, digital cards, and custom notes.
- Let Empuls handle logistics: Physical and digital gifts are delivered directly to employees.
Offer the gift of choice via Empuls' reward marketplace
Empuls enables developers to pick from:
- Amazon products
- 8000+ global gift cards
- Experiential rewards (like travel or adventure)
- Company swag
- Donations to charity
- Prepaid Visa, Mastercard, or PayPal cards
Global rewards, simplified
Empuls supports:
- 100+ countries and multiple languages
- Currency localization
- PCI-DSS compliant secure payments
So, don’t just stop at one gift—build a culture of appreciation that inspires your developers year-round.
Ready to make gifting smart, scalable, and special? Try Empuls today.
Conclusion
You are technically only constrained by your imagination regarding programming-related presents. Creating a meaningful, unique gift is always better, but it isn't always possible for everyone.
Sometimes you need a quick, simple present idea in case you need to buy a gift quickly, whether because you're short on time or don't know the recipient well enough.
We sincerely hope this list of programming gift ideas has assisted you in finding the perfect item for the occasion! What is your preferred present to give a programmer? Tell us in the comments section below!
From ergonomic tools to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the Empuls Reward Marketplace has every gift a programmer could wish for.
Whether you’re managing remote dev teams or running a recognition program, these gift ideas align with your budget and boost employee engagement. Start gifting smarter—with personalization, automation, and global reach.