2016 Holiday gift guide for geo geeks

With Black Friday behind us, it’s officially the holiday gift giving season! Do you want to give a unique gift to your favorite maphead or geo geek? We know that finding gifts for map geeks can be quite tricky. So, a few of us on the Fulcrum team have compiled a holiday gift guide that your geo geek is sure to love. Ranging from $15 to $300, we’re sure you’ll find something within your price range that will be treasured for years to come.

Typographic Maps

If your friend lives in a metropolitan US city, Typographic Maps has developed a very interesting map style built entirely with text. Using Open Street Map data, they’ve converted every line and polygon into a stylized font, making for an unforgettable art piece. The maps accurately depict streets, highways, parks, bodies of water, and more using nothing but text bearing the names of those features. These are made by Axis Maps, a small cartography company that specializes in designing and building custom interactive maps.

Find it here: Typographic Maps ($30 – $95)

Overview Book & Prints

The ultimate mapping coffee table book for a geo geek is the new Overview Book. Two hundred and eighty-eight pages full of mouth dropping satellite imagery from around the beautiful world. Each image (or Overview) focuses on the places and moments where human activity—for better or for worse—has shaped the landscape. If you prefer wall art, a stunning print can be ordered of your favorite page.

Find it here: Overview ($29 – $50)

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Cross stich map

Do you have a friend who loves cross-stitching? Give them a world map printed on cross stitch fabric and mounted on a wooden frame. Whether traveling by plane, train or automobile, have them recuperate from their latest adventure with a bit of crafty cross-stitching. Record every far-flung holiday or adventurous road trip with colorful cross stitch. Use different colored threads for each journey or personalize with icons and text.

Find it here: Cross Stitch Map ($40)

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Cookie Cutters

Be a hit at your next geo meetup or holiday party with map-shaped cookies. Make cookies shaped as any country or state and then frost it with the appropriate flag or capital. Cheap Cookie Cutters has every country and every state available under the sun. Ranging from $2.50 to $20, with 2 day shipping, you’re bound to be ready for your next party platter. They also offer all 50 states as a set for $99.

Find it here: Cheap Cookie Cutters ($3 – $99)

Latitude Longitude outdoor sign

Then, bring a sense of place to your space with this custom outdoor sign. Using precise geographic coordinates and your family or business name, each sign is crafted from oxidized steel and weather-resistant cedar, offering a bold, lasting statement that celebrates your unique corner of the world.

Find it here: Latitude Longitude outdoor sign ($95 – $140)

Cork Globe

Spin through the memories of your past journeys and plan out future adventures in three-dimensional style with this interactive cork globe. Use the five red pushpins to mark the spots you cherish most, or even attach pictures, tickets, and mementos to relive the thrill of your trip all over again. Bringing a modern touch to your library or office, this personalized keepsake lets you celebrate the beauty beyond your backyard with every turn.

Find it here: Cork Globe ($129)

Cutting Board

Finally, we have a perfect gift for the geo geek who loves to cook. Have a state shaped cutting board made at only $68 or a mini cutting board for $38. For no additional cost, you can have your favorite city in the state called out and for $4 you can have it engraved with a message. They also offer a state shaped ornament for $18.

Find it here: Cutting Board ($38 – $68)