As the holiday season approaches, 10,000 Words has compiled a list of thirty gifts for the “the journalist, photographer, techie or geek in your life.”

While some of the suggestions are way over-the-top silly (diamond-studded digital camera) or just plain odd (the orator’s briefcase PA system) there are a few fun ideas such as the New York Times jigsaw puzzle or alphabet ice cube trays.

A few really practical items made the list as well. Noise-canceling headphones really have to be tried to be believed (anyone transcribing interviews in loud coffee shops or just needing some quiet to think in a loud work environment would love them). Or a USB microphone, which can be used along with programs like Skype to record phone calls.