15 Best Gifts for Smart People That Will Make Them Say "Eureka!"

Looking for a perfect gift for the “Einstein” in your life? Here are the best gifts for smart people, that’ll make them even smarter...

We all have that one friend who…

Gets excited by the most random trivia...

Walks around like a talking encyclopedia…

Constantly corrects your grammar without you even asking...

Yes, that darling friend.

What gift could you possibly give your already intellectually gifted friend?

Ta-da. Below is a list of the best, most thoughtful gifts for smart people.

You’ll find a range of ideas that will hopefully speak both to your gift recipient's heart and brain - to rouse their curiosity and get them intellectually inspired.

Of course, you know your friend best, so as you browse through the items below, feel free to use your insider knowledge (and any inside jokes) to pick a gift that will make them beam with joy.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more information.

What are the Best Gifts for Smart People?

Here are the best gifts for intellectuals, bookworms, and exceptionally curious minds:

1. MasterClass

MasterClass is my favourite online destination for highly-quality, cinematic education.

It's slightly different from other popular learning platforms because the classes are exclusively taught by world-renowned experts.

When you get a MasterClass membership, you gain access to 100+ classes on a wide range of topics such as business and leadership, science and technology, culinary arts, music and entertainment, and much more.

Here are some classes that intellectuals might particularly enjoy:

Chris Hadfield Teaches Space Exploration

Matthew Walker Teaches the Science of Better Sleep

Wayne Gretzky Teaches the Athlete's Mindset

Neil deGrasse Tyson Teaches Scientific Thinking and Communication

David Axelrod and Karl Rove Teach Campaign Strategy and Messaging

But really, that's just the tip of the iceberg, as you can see upon exploration of the course catalog.

When I got MasterClass, I took advantage of their 2-for-1 deal and was able to get memberships for myself and a friend, which was pretty awesome.

You can find my guide on How to Give MasterClass as a gift here.

2. LED Book Lamp

This book-shaped LED lamp is one of the best gifts ever for smart, studious people.

We all know that genius has no bedtime.

This lamp is perfect for those moments when your friend stays up late researching their latest area of interest.

It's bright enough to see in the daylight, and just bright enough at night to add ambiance and beauty to any room without overpowering it.

Also, the magnetic cover allows it to be configured into multiple creative shapes.

When your gift recipient opens it, it will literally light up their world.

=> Find the HutHomery LED Book Lamp on Amazon here.

3. People Think I'm Condescending Shirt

Is your smart friend a little bit of a smartass?

Do they always have a fact to share about every topic that comes up?

This funny shirt could make the perfect gift for such a know-it-all.

Especially if they have a good sense of humor and can admit to their intellectually elite behavior.

=> Get the "People Think I'm Condescending" Shirt on Etsy here.

4. Master Theorem Book of Puzzles

Know someone who is crazy for crosswords and lives for logic puzzles?

This is the gift for them.

The Master Theorem is a beautifully designed book that contains 40 unique puzzles, called Theorems, created by a mysterious person known simply as M.

Think: Secret society of geniuses, cyphers, code breaking, enigmatic surprises, that sort of thing...

M's Theorems are not your average Sudoku or crossword puzzles. They're more like escape room puzzles that’ll have you decrypting messages and tackling creative brain-teasers.

All of the hints in the puzzle book are encoded so you don't see something you don't want to while flipping through.

It typically takes weeks (and sometimes months) to work through all the challenges, but don't worry, the answers are fully revealed at the end...

=> Find the Master Theorem Book of Puzzles here.

5. Tervis The Periodic Table of Elements Tumbler

Looking for a present for a science geek?

This Periodic Table of Elements Tumbler is an excellent gift idea.

It features a double-wall insulated construction to keep your favourite drinks hot or cold longer. The design also prevents the tumbler from sweating, so there's no worrying about getting rings on your furniture.

I would tell you a periodic table joke that could go with this gift, but all the good ones argon...

=> Find Tervic the Periodic Table of Elements Tumbler on Amazon here.

6. Literary Insults Chart

On that note, remember what I said at the beginning about inside jokes?

Here's your chance to shine.

This Literary Insults Chart is an absolutely genius gift idea for any bibliophile or sharp-witted friend.

It's essentially an interconnected map of unforgettable insults from some of the greatest works of literature.

Expect to encounter an assorted mix of remarks, from sassy to sophisticated, to a smattering of colorful insults from Shakespeare - the playwright who practically invented the art of the poetic put-down.

It's perhaps one of the best gift ideas for intellectuals who love a bit of good-natured banter.

=> Find the Literary Insults Chart on Amazon here.

7. I Should Have Known That! Game

Does the Statue of Liberty hold her torch in her left or right hand?

What does a camel store in its hump?

How long did sleeping beauty actually sleep?

This is an entertaining trivia game where it will only be a matter of time before you hear yourself say ahhh!... I should have known that!

In contrast to traditional trivia formats, you don’t receive points for answering questions correctly. Instead, points are subtracted for every incorrect answer!

=> Get the "I Should Have Known That!" game on Amazon here.

8. I Can Explain It to You But I Can't Understand It for You Mug

This sassy little coffee mug embodies a statement that runs through the minds of intelligent people all the time:

"I can explain it to you but I can't understand it for you."

...aka the Engineers Motto.

It's a simple but affordable novelty that's sure to put a smile on the face of anyone who receives it from you.

=> Find the "I Can Explain it To You..." mug on Amazon here.

9. Audiobooks

Audiobooks are one of the best gifts for intelligent people, because they enable them to carry their love of learning everywhere they go.

With Audible, you can either gift a membership or you can use one of your credits to purchase a title for someone else.

You can even gift a membership to someone who already has Audible - they'll just receive all of their gift membership credits at once.

Depending on your budget, you can choose from 1, 3, 6 and 12-month gift membership options.

All Audible gift memberships include:

1 credit per month, good for any audiobook regardless of price

30% off additional audiobooks in exclusive member-only savings

Unlimited listening to Audible Original Podcasts

Your own audio library - you keep your books even after membership

For an Audible alternative, you can also check out Audiobooks.com, which is another service that I personally enjoy using.

10. Uncle John's Bathroom Reader

What's a better gift for smart people than the original - sometimes imitated but never duplicated - bestselling compendium of astounding facts, hilarious blunders, odd news, and origin stories known as Uncle John's Bathroom Reader.

For the past three decades, Uncle John and his team of tireless researchers have led the movement to stand up for those who sit down and read in the bathroom (and anywhere else, for that matter).

Since 1987, more than 15 million copies of the award-winning series have been sold worldwide!

As always, this behemoth of a book is divided by length: quickies for the reader on the go, medium-sized articles for those with a few minutes to spare, and extra-long pieces for extended visits to the throne room.

Overflowing with obscure history, witty wordplay, and quirky quotations, each edition offers something to please everyone, from longtime readers to newbies alike.

=> Get Uncle John's Bathroom Reader on Amazon here.

11. CogniFit

Intelligence needs maintenance too.

Cognifit is a personalized training program that allows you to take care of your loved ones' brain health.

CogniFit cognitive assessments and mind games have been developed by a team of leading scientists in their field.

The technology consists of a comprehensive online set of tasks that allows 23 fundamental cognitive skills to be assessed.

Based on the results of the initial cognitive assessment, CogniFit automatically chooses the most appropriate exercises for each user, so you can gift a personalized daily training plan for an entire year based on the results of the evaluation.

CogniFit’s easy-to-use program is available online and on mobile devices, allowing your loved ones to train wherever they are.

=> Gift a Cognifit Personalized Brain Health Training Program here.

12. Waterman Expert Rollerball Pen

Smart people frequently need to write down all their weird and wonderful ideas.

But not with just any old pen...

This Waterman Rollerball Pen is a gift that bespeaks pure luxury and inspires boundless creativity.

With its cigar-shaped silhouette and lustrous trim, it's a sophisticated writing instrument that's tailored to impress.

Each pen is:

Hand-crafted and assembled in France
Designed for high-precision writing
Presented in a luxury gift box
Available in either a gold or chrome trim

=> Find the Waterman Expert Rollerball Pen on Amazon here.

13. Math Wall Clock

If you gave the average person this as a gift, you'd likely be met with a slightly confused (and maybe even frustrated) look.

But for a math nerd, it's absolutely perfect.

The Decodyne Math Clock is a traditional wall clock with three-hand motion but one important twist - its hours are marked by math equations.

To tell the time, you solve for the answer!

The clock's simple black and white design means that it goes with all types of decor and looks as if the numbers were written on a chalkboard.

Overall, it's a fantastic gift for a math teacher, engineer, accountant or anyone else who just loves numbers.

=> Find the Decodyne Math Wall Clock on Amazon here.

14. The High Performance Planner

Brilliance doesn't just happen by chance.

Every high-performing individual needs a high performance planner to do their best work and deliver consistent, long-term results.

This combination planner-and-journal was created and field tested by bestselling author and high performance coach, Brendon Burchard.

It features:

Morning mindset journal prompts
Daily goal boxes
Evening scorecards
Weekly habit assessments
Monthly project planning
Proprietary whole life balance sheets

All in all, this planner helps you think more strategically and prioritize like a pro, so you can increase your productivity and achieve your goals faster.

=> Find the High Performance Planner on Amazon here.

15. Escape Room

An escape room gift works particularly well if you're looking to gift an experience, rather than a physical item.

Groupon is a great place to find escape room deals in your local area. You can also find completely virtual escape rooms there.

Not only do escape rooms help participants build critical thinking skills, they also facilitate the development of communication and collaboration skills, as team members work together to accomplish tasks in a limited amount of time.

Put simply, they enable you to spend quality time with your friend...and even tap into their intelligence ;)

Final Thoughts

Thanks for checking out this guide on the best gifts for smart people. I enjoyed compiling it, and I hope you enjoyed browsing through it too!

As with anything, it's ultimately the thought that counts, and so any gift that reflects warmth and personality - with a dash of practicality - is sure to be greatly appreciated!

All the best,

Roli Edema