Whether you’re a veteran developer or just entering the field, investing in a few quality tools can mean the difference between a comfortable, efficient work experience and a cord-littered mess from hell. We’ve found five veteran-approved gadgets that can help you avoid the hand cramps and headaches before they start.

5 Gift Ideas for Developers

  1. Wireless Headphones
    Bluetooth technology has evolved quite a bit in recent years, now delivering excellent sound quality and virtually uninterrupted reception. It’s time to ditch the inconvenient cord and go wireless. For those looking to invest, an industry-recognized favorite is the Sennheiser RS 220. If you’re looking for a more economical option, check out the Harman Kardon BT.
  2. Mechanical Keyboard
    If you’ve never experienced the joys of a mechanical keyboard, it’s time to up your game and trash that membrane board for good. Mechanical keyboards can increase your level of comfort and typing speed, making them a favorite of gamers and developers alike. Mechanical boards also last longer and are more durable. Because of this, they tend to be heavier, but this is one time when you want to pack on the extra pounds. Designed to withstand 50 million strokes, the German engineered Das Keyboard Model S is a top-of-the-line option. Invite the Model S into your office and you’ll enjoy gold-plated mechanical key switches, a two-port USB 2.0 hub, and the superior tactile experience you crave.
  3. Faster Internet
    Your high-tech gear is useless if you don’t have access to your Cloud storage and email, but losing service or waiting on your sluggish connection is a preventable frustration. The most innovative option for faster internet speeds is Fiber Optic, offering speeds up to a whopping 75 mbps. It’s the new kid on the block, but it is now available in most areas. While Fiber Internet is slightly more expensive, the cost difference is justifiable when you compare connection speeds and reliability, especially if you game in your spare time (or let it take over what everyone else considers “sleep hours”).
  4. Educational Video Tutorials
    Whether you’re looking to learn additional coding languages or add web design to your resume, a Lynda.com subscription is a great starting point for at-home learning. Invest in your career and boost your skillset with thousands of quality tutorials, ranging from 3-D Animation to Business. Subscriptions start as low as $25, and it’s worth every penny.
  5. Monitor Backlighting
    Outfitting your monitor with backlighting is an extremely simple addition to your home office that can significantly reduce eye stress that results from constantly sitting in front of a monitor. The Soundscience Halo 6 LED Lighting Kit adds a slight white backlight to your monitor, enhancing your viewing comfort without sacrificing picture quality.

3 Great Tools for Young Developers

Some innovative (and fun) coaching games have recently hit the market that can help the junior developer in your life learn the fundamentals of coding. After you’re done pampering yourself, pay it forward and share your passion for web development with your favorite mini-genius. Don’t worry — we won’t judge you if you play these games yourself!

  1. Robot Turtles
    Robot Turtles is a colorful board game designed for you to play alongside your three to eight-year-old. While you’re both rolling with laughter, your little one is learning the fundamentals of programming. Launched on Kickstarter, Robot Turtles is recognized as the best selling board game to ever debut on the crowdfunding site.
  2. Hello Ruby
    Available as a hardback or eBook, “Hello Ruby” is gathering great reviews from the tech world. “Hello Ruby” follows a young girl through a number of adventures and uses stories and fun activities to teach children programming basics.
  3. Code Monkey Island
    Code Monkey Island is a family friendly board game that introduces kids ages eight and up to elementary programming concepts. This game of programming, mysteries, and fun, landed over 260 percent of its original funding goal on Kickstarter.

Helping the next generation of developers not only feels amazing, but also allows you to refresh your core skills in a fun and engaging way. All innovators have to start somewhere, and advancing a new generation of coders could help you see your craft from a new perspective. Web development is a fast-paced, continually-evolving industry; don’t get left behind. Invest in the 5 simple items above and give yourself years of seamless, stress-free workspace enjoyment.

About Clair Jones

Clair Jones is a computer nerd who loves to write about business strategy, technology trends and the innovative tech gadgets that make our world go round. Follow her on Google+ or check out her other articles on BusinessBee.