I've come to find out that I'm surprisingly hard to shop for. Either people just don't know what to get me or they don't want to buy something that is the wrong thing. First I have to figure what I have, then I need to figure out what I need. This is not always an easy task as my family clammers around town, trying to find the perfect gift for the nerd in the family.

Apparently this happens in every household around the country that is inhabited by one or more fellow nerds. Because of this I thought I would give you guys a list to go by.

1) CASH!

Maybe you are one of those people who don't believe in giving cash for Christmas. If you have a nerd/dork/geek in your life, you may want to get over that. For the most part, nerds know what they want to get, but most of them are embarrassed (like me) to ask for an internal cooling system for their Xbox 360. If we're not embarrassed we are worried that our parents will buy us the wrong thing. Cash is, by far, the best gift one can give to us nerds. We can go and get what we want, and we can be confident that we are getting exactly what we are looking for. If you still feel like cash is a lame Christmas gift, then read down the list. Hopefully I will give you a few more shopping ideas.

2) Gaming Console

Every nerd on the planet plays video games. It's one of those things that just comes with the territory. My personal opinion would tell you that a Xbox 360 should be a staple in every nerds house. Some would debate that the PS3 is a better machine, but from what I've seen and played, the Xbox 360 is the must have console this holiday season. With games like Halo 3, Gears of War, Call of Duty 4 and Need for Speed: Pro Sport, the Xbox 360 is a win/win purchase for your family member. What if your family member is more of a "social gamer" than a "hardcore gamer"? Then the Wii may be what you are looking for. Just make sure to tell them not to throw the remote through the TV.

3) HDTV

There are few things that get nerds excited more than seeing the previously mentioned gaming consoles on a large, high-def television. The Xbox 360 and the PS3 were specifically made to be watched on a HDTV. This is probably the most expensive gift you could buy the nerd for your life, but I promise that it would be the greatest thing that has happened in your nerd's life. It will be well worth the price once you see the nerd in your life's eyes light as up they crank up Halo 3 or their favorite football game on their new HDTV.

4) Games, games, and more games

There seems to be a theme going here. First you need to find out what console the nerd you are shopping for has. If you don't know what games are popular there are plenty of websites on the internet that will list what are the most popular games. Most of my friends are playing Halo 3, Call of Duty 4 and Guitar Hero. For the most part, it's hard to go wrong in buying a video game. Just make sure that they don't already own the game you are purchasing.

If you're not looking to spend a lot of money, do not fear. There are plenty of geeky gift ideas that do not cost a lot of money.

The 8-bit tie

Halo 3 T-Shirt

Swiss Memory USB Flash Drive

Band t-shirts

The main thing to remember is, know what your nerd is into. I'm sure there is something that you always comment about them knowing "way to much of". Whether it be math, science, video games or obscure trivia about random star trek characters, nerds are very passionate about what they like. And try to be creative with their passion. You can always buy them Halo 3, but if you buy them a Master Chief statue you will score MAJOR points.

Personally, my nerdy excitement would be at an all time high this holiday season with the complete series of Stargate SG-1. Only time will tell if Santa hears my request.