Ask HN: Good gift for a kid interested in coding?

#1

Post by taddeox » Mon, Feb 15, 2021, 4:55 AM UTC

I want to find a gift that encourages her to continue toying with her interest for coding. She's turning 12 and has played around with python a bit. Says she wants to be a coder when she grows up.

Re: Ask HN: Good gift for a kid interested in coding?

#2

Post by cpg1111 » Mon, Feb 15, 2021, 5:45 AM UTC

Raspberry Pi maybe?

Re: Ask HN: Good gift for a kid interested in coding?

#3

Post by finndark » Mon, Feb 15, 2021, 5:48 AM UTC

A boyfriend?

Re: Ask HN: Good gift for a kid interested in coding?

#4

Post by [deleted] » Mon, Feb 15, 2021, 5:48 AM UTC

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: Good gift for a kid interested in coding?

#5

Post by notoriousarun » Mon, Feb 15, 2021, 6:57 AM UTC

A book makes a fantastic gift.

> https://www.amazon.com/Coding-Kids-Python-Awesome-Activities...

Re: Ask HN: Good gift for a kid interested in coding?

#6

Post by quickthrower2 » Mon, Feb 15, 2021, 9:13 AM UTC

ZX Spectrum / C64 etc.

Re: Ask HN: Good gift for a kid interested in coding?

#7

Post by schwartzworld » Mon, Feb 15, 2021, 9:08 PM UTC

Gotta check with her parents on this one, but I'd say a computer. Specifically, take an older computer you have at home (you know you do), install Linux (Mint or Ubuntu), preinstall as much useful software as you can (zsh, sublime text, good terminal emulator, etc). Remove anything that doesn't seem applicable.

I think this is better than a raspberry pi because it's going to be more reliable, and less intimidating

Re: Ask HN: Good gift for a kid interested in coding?

#8

Post by eimrine » Mon, Feb 15, 2021, 10:56 PM UTC

I think the best gift is your expertise. Maybe you can write something interesting for her like a website (you chose a technology and let she fill it with a content). If you have no time for that, a little bit of cryptocurrency in a cold wallet may also be useful.