A shelf could simply be a convenient place to put these items in your room. But for most geeks (OK, I mean collector and pop culture junkie), your shelves are a personal museum recording a history of loves and interests and of preferred fictitious worlds. So if you’re a fantasy, sci-fi, gaming, anime, comic or computer fluff enthusiast then the perfect display pieces are likely to be just what you need to turn your shelves into a talking point.
Searching for the perfect gift for your geeky friend or just yourself? There are a load of shelf-loving gifts on sale at the moment that are quirky, funky and fashionable, whether you are into all things ‘80s or are a games obsessive. Here a few of the coolest geek gifts to adorn your shelves:
Why Shelf Displays Matter to Geeks
People spend hours creating displays. Not only should they be visually stunning, but they should tell a story. They can emphasize a particular character, a good game, a favorite book or film.
Other gifts may lurk in a drawer, but displayed items are on show to the world. They remind us of the giver, make us smile every day and are sure to be the talking point of any room. So shelf-worthy geek gifts are one of the most loved gifts.
Book Nooks: Tiny Worlds Between Boo
The most fascinating trend I have seen among book lovers and collectors is the book nook shelf inserts. These miniature dioramas are intended to be placed between books to look like secret worlds located inside the bookshelf
Inspired by the imaginary City of Oz, the mystical library, hidden alleyways and futuristic corridors of writers’ minds, book nooks are a place where creativity and the mind meet. Many have used LED lighting, intricate details and handmade finishes to give a sense of having been on the set of a miniature movie.
Because of the worlds of words they display, book nooks are perfect for book lovers in your life. A bookish theme not only makes them appropriate for anyone who loves to read, but also an elegant display of art. Although they all have a wizarding road, the lost city of the ancient kingdoms or even a busy spaced colony,
Collectible Action Figures
Action figures have come a long way since they were just ‘playthings.’ Today action figures for collectors feature incredible details, lifelike paint schemes and not to mention, all kinds of accessories.
Comic, video game, anime or movie fans sometimes have the opportunity to select from elevated statues inspired by nearly every franchise. Typically, the most popular ones are based on blockbuster movies, legendary fantasy tales and comic book worlds.
Well displayed, Action figures can give each shelf a personality and some life. Placed together or on their own they can help set a scene for a memorable, often more iconic moment.
Replica Props and Movie Memorabilia
Replica props make great gifts for fantasyphiles who want to bring a piece of their favorite fictional universe home. A Harry Potter enthusiast would enjoy owning the enchanted wand, while anyone interested in science fiction would be delighted by the sleek futuristic gadget. Replicas are also excellent for collectors:
Another variation is to put the props alongside books, DVDs or figures of the same series or author. This enables a shelf to be themed, creating an even more immersive experience.
The real McCoy is here. Really good clones are so similar to the real thing close enough for you to piggyback they‘re perfect gifts for superfans.
LED Display Lights
Lighting is critical at changing the appearance of any. LED display lights are perfect for pinpoint lighting, highlighting important areas as well as creating a cinema experience.
Some sensor-controlled smart lights that change colour are also sought after for the reason that buyers can set the ambiance of a room. Sci-fi displays appear more effective with blue tones, while warmer tones are more suited to fantasy displays. Fantastic lighting can transform uninteresting display shelves into displays to remember, and refresh your collectibles.
Fantasy Maps and Mini Art Pieces
No large remodeling of the shelf display is needed. Small framed world maps, miniature paintings and magazine covers make the displays more eye-catching.
Bookshelves may also have maps of nonexistent realms for even the most ardent RPG Fantasy fans, and even anyone who plays PC games would have artwork pertaining to their favorite games. These, of course, do help contribute to tying shelves together, and lend a more ‘curated’ appearance.
Although mini art shows are every bit as attractive, they are also visually more varied avoiding cramming the shelves or boredom.
Gaming Collectibles
However, gaming memorabilia is still one of the most popular categories of geek presents. Limited editions collectibles, collector edition items, themed controllers, gaming themed decoration for shelves look very nice.
Lots have been played lovingly and enjoyed items from moments are extremely. Many game gamers’ collectors memorabilia of memories to remember the popular title games are. Additionally, gaming collectibles provide amusing conversation topics when friends drop by.
Building Sets and Model Kits
You don‘t have to be a kid to have fun with building. Some builders, including grownups, don‘t mind displaying their creations and wooden puzzle kits
Great all time themes: from famous buildings to spaceships, castles to crowded cities streets, to most famous vehicles. Building minifigs has never been so visually glamorous, the enjoyment of creating it is channelled on the whole experience.
If left long enough these creations will be permanent exhibits showing everyone your creativity and commitment.
Smart Display Gadgets
Another reason why gadgets are attractive to the pub is that the tech fans like to have some gadget that is screen to be functioning and fashionable. The choice to explore includes the smart monitors, digital photo frames, programmable LED panels etc.; may too be used to get the shelf a state-of-art look.
Some displays can show pixel art, animations, weather info, custom messages. Making your shelves more dynamic and more alive.
Pen and paper (use a stylus) theirs are designed for the geek who likes to combine technology and design.
Custom Nameplates and Personalized Decor
Many collections can be very bland and faceless. Personalised name plates, engraved plaques, or signs can allow you and your collection to become something you can be proud of.
Or take for example, a gamer might have a tag with his MMO username on it, or a keen reader might choose a plaque with a genre on it. These small touches personalize a shelf and inject some character into it.
Personalized gifts are also good gifts. It is not only because it has been customized but also displays some effort.
Creating the Perfect Geek Shelf
An extremely good shelf should have variety and a decent level of organization. It is not recommended to leave all your collectables into one single shelf display. Simply try to mix a few collectables like figurines, books, lights, art work and your other collectables to get the maximum effect.
Several options for styling a shelf are by height, by theme, by spotlight lighting; and with the most basic shelf, free, it all can be a beautiful display piece. It is not about expensive items of collectibility; it is about displaying what is important, what you want to be seen.
Final Thoughts
After all, celebrating fandom, fantasy and creativity, geek shelves are home to many enthusiasts. The right accessories can turn a boring bookcase into a masterpiece, be it a collection of collectibles and statues, replicas and props, gaming paraphernalia or the exquisitely crafted book nook shelf inserts.
What are the best geek gifts is that they keep giving. Giving a geek a gift that looks so good sitting on a shelf you just have to get another one for yourself of course being given them something more than just a decoration for the holidays; you‘re giving them somewhere in the universe they love to float around in.
