Top 10 DIY Holiday Gifts for Makers, Tinkerers & Tech Lovers
The holiday season is the perfect excuse to gift something fun, clever, and just a little bit nerdy. Whether you’re shopping for a beginner, a seasoned maker, or someone curious about electronics, Raspberry Pi–powered gifts tick all the boxes: affordable, educational, and endlessly customizable. Here are our top 10 Raspberry Pi holiday gift ideas — all available from PiShop.
1. Raspberry Pi & Arduino Starter Kits
A complete starter kit removes the guesswork. With a Raspberry Pi, power supply, SD card, and case included, it’s the ideal “open and build” gift. Instant gratification, zero intimidation.
Perfect for: Beginners & first-time makers
2. micro: bit Starter Pack
The micro:bit is a brilliant introduction to coding and electronics, with built-in LEDs, buttons, and sensors. Fun, educational, and incredibly durable.
Perfect for: Kids, classrooms & STEM beginners
3. Raspberry Pi Case (Themed or Heatsink Case)
A good case protects hardware and adds personality — from sleek aluminium builds to retro console-inspired designs. Practical gift that still feels personal.
Perfect for: Anyone who already owns a Pi
4. Camera Module or HQ Camera
From time-lapse photography to home security systems, the Pi Camera opens up a whole world of visual projects. Transforms a Pi into something magical.
Perfect for: Makers, photographers & security projects
5. RGB Matrix or LED Strip Kit
Bright, programmable LEDs are always a hit — great for holiday décor, message boards, or party projects. Immediately impressive and very Instagram-able.
Perfect for: Intermediate tinkerers
6. GPIO Expansion Boards & HATs
HATs add superpowers to a Pi — screens, motor controllers, sensors, and more. Encourages deeper learning and experimentation.
Perfect for: Intermediate tinkerers
7. Portable Power Bank or UPS for Raspberry Pi
Power a Pi anywhere — perfect for camping projects, cosplay, or portable builds. Enables creativity beyond the desk.
Mobile projects & Pi-powered stations
8. Maker Tool Bundle (Breadboards, Jumper Wires, Sensors)
The unsung heroes of electronics projects, bundled neatly into a gift any maker will appreciate. Always useful — no shelf dust here.
Perfect for: Anyone who loves experimenting
9. Retro Gaming Kit
Turn a Raspberry Pi into a classic retro console with controllers, software, and a stylish case. Fun to build and play.
Perfect for: Gamers & nostalgic tech fans
10. Raspberry Pi 500+
Buy a full desktop with 16GB Ram, 256GB SSD, and an RGB Keyboard! Zero risk, maximum joy.
Perfect for: When you’re not sure what to buy just buy the best thing.
Conclusion
From beginner kits to advanced accessories, Raspberry Pi gifts offer something truly special this holiday season: the joy of making. Whether you’re buying for a child’s first coding experience or a lifelong tinkerer, PiShop has something that will spark creativity long after the holidays are over.
If you’ve bought some of these for yourself or loved ones and have some awesome projects you’d like to share please let us know, we’d love to discuss it! Make sure to check out the rest of our blog for more projects you can do during the holidays.
