A Digital Sun Dial

Yes, you read that correctly. From the over-written marketing literature at digialsundial.com:

In a singular blend of artistry and utility [not to mention irony], the digital sundial combines the ancient science of sundials and advances of modern technology with elegant simplicity. Like a digital clock, the digital sundial displays the current time using digits. In the true tradition of all sundials, the device is purely passive – it operates without electricity, and has no moving parts. Instead, the sunlight is cast through two cleverly designed masks in the shape of numbers that show the current time of day.

Unfortunately, the clock doesn’t adjust for daylight savings and is runs consistently behind in winter. Mind you, in Vancouver, there’s rarely enough sun to work with anyway. Still, an excellent gift for the geek in your family (disclaimer: though I may be the geek in your family, nobody buy this for me).