If you’re a fan of geek culture and unique gadgets, you’ve probably heard of ThinkGeek. ThinkGeek was a popular online retailer that specialized in selling everything from geeky apparel to cutting-edge tech gadgets. Unfortunately, the website has shut down, leaving many fans searching for alternative online retailers that can provide a similar experience. In this article, we’ll explore the best ThinkGeek alternatives on the market.
From Gadgets to Gaming: 20 Best ThinkGeek Alternatives You Need to Know
Geek culture has never been more popular, and with that popularity comes a demand for products that cater to that culture. ThinkGeek was a pioneer in this field, but with its closure, the market has opened up for other retailers to step up and take its place.
1. Amazon
When it comes to online shopping, Amazon is a household name. It’s the largest online retailer in the world, and it has an enormous selection of products, including many that would have been available on ThinkGeek. Here are some of the reasons why Amazon is a great alternative:
- Massive selection of products
- Competitive prices
- Convenient and fast shipping options
2. Etsy
Etsy is an online marketplace that specializes in handmade and vintage items. While it may not have the same selection of tech gadgets as ThinkGeek, it’s an excellent alternative for those looking for unique, one-of-a-kind items. Here are some of the reasons why Etsy is a great alternative:
- Handmade and vintage items
- Unique selection of products
- Support for independent sellers
3. Hot Topic
Hot Topic is a popular brick-and-mortar store that specializes in selling pop culture merchandise. While it may not have the same selection of tech gadgets as ThinkGeek, it’s an excellent alternative for those looking for apparel, accessories, and collectibles. Here are some of the reasons why Hot Topic is a great alternative:
- Wide selection of pop culture merchandise
- Convenient brick-and-mortar stores
- Affordable prices
4. Newegg
Newegg is an online retailer that specializes in selling computer hardware and software. While it may not have the same selection of novelty items as ThinkGeek, it’s an excellent alternative for those looking for cutting-edge tech gadgets. Here are some of the reasons why Newegg is a great alternative:
- Specializes in computer hardware and software
- Competitive prices
- Convenient and fast shipping options
5. GameStop
GameStop is a popular brick-and-mortar store that specializes in selling video games and gaming accessories. While it may not have the same selection of novelty items as ThinkGeek, it’s an excellent alternative for those looking for gaming-related merchandise. Here are some of the reasons why GameStop is a great alternative:
- Wide selection of video games and gaming accessories
- Convenient brick-and-mortar stores
- Affordable prices
6. Zazzle
Zazzle is an online retailer that specializes in customizable products, including apparel, phone cases, and home decor. While it may not have the same selection of tech gadgets as ThinkGeek, it’s an excellent alternative for those looking for personalized items. Here are some of the reasons why Zazzle is a great alternative:
- Customizable products
- Unique selection of products
- Support for independent sellers
7. Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods is an online retailer that specializes in selling unique gifts and home decor items. While it may not have the same selection of tech gadgets as ThinkGeek, it’s an excellent alternative for those looking for one-of-a-kind items. Here are some of the reasons why Uncommon Goods is a great alternative:
- Unique selection of gifts and home decor items
- Support for independent sellers
- Sustainable and environmentally friendly products
8. ThinkGeek’s parent company, GameStop
If you’re a fan of ThinkGeek, you may not be aware that its parent company, GameStop, also sells similar merchandise. Here are some of the reasons why GameStop is a great alternative:
- Wide selection of novelty items
- Convenient brick-and-mortar stores
- Affordable prices
9. Best Buy
Best Buy is a popular electronics retailer that offers a wide selection of tech gadgets and accessories. While it may not have the same selection of novelty items as ThinkGeek, it’s an excellent alternative for those looking for the latest tech gadgets. Here are some of the reasons why Best Buy is a great alternative:
- Wide selection of tech gadgets and accessories
- Competitive prices
- Convenient and fast shipping options
10. ThinkGeek Archives
Although ThinkGeek has closed its doors, its website still exists as an archive of all the products it used to sell. You can browse the archive to find products that were once available on ThinkGeek and use it as inspiration for finding similar products on other websites. Here are some of the reasons why the ThinkGeek Archives are a great resource:
- Access to a vast selection of discontinued products
- Inspiration for finding similar products on other websites
- Easy to use and navigate
11. Spencer’s
Spencer’s is a brick-and-mortar store that specializes in selling novelty items and pop culture merchandise. While it may not have the same selection of tech gadgets as ThinkGeek, it’s an excellent alternative for those looking for unique and fun items. Here are some of the reasons why Spencer’s is a great alternative:
- Wide selection of novelty items and pop culture merchandise
- Convenient brick-and-mortar stores
- Affordable prices
12. eBay
eBay is an online marketplace that allows individuals to sell new and used items. While it may require some digging, eBay is an excellent alternative for those looking for discontinued or hard-to-find items that were once available on ThinkGeek. Here are some of the reasons why eBay is a great alternative:
- Access to a vast selection of new and used items
- Competitive prices
- Ability to find discontinued or hard-to-find items
13. J!NX
J!NX is an online retailer that specializes in selling apparel and accessories for gamers and geeks. While it may not have the same selection of tech gadgets as ThinkGeek, it’s an excellent alternative for those looking for stylish and comfortable clothing. Here are some of the reasons why J!NX is a great alternative:
- Stylish and comfortable apparel and accessories
- Support for independent artists and designers
- Competitive prices
14. Brookstone
Brookstone is a brick-and-mortar store that specializes in selling tech gadgets and accessories. While it may not have the same selection of novelty items as ThinkGeek, it’s an excellent alternative for those looking for cutting-edge tech gadgets. Here are some of the reasons why Brookstone is a great alternative:
- Specializes in tech gadgets and accessories
- Convenient brick-and-mortar stores
- Competitive prices
15. Redbubble
Redbubble is an online retailer that specializes in selling art and design products, including apparel, phone cases, and home decor. While it may not have the same selection of tech gadgets as ThinkGeek, it’s an excellent alternative for those looking for unique and artistic products. Here are some of the reasons why Redbubble is a great alternative:
- Artistic and unique products
- Support for independent artists and designers
- Competitive prices
16. Walmart
Walmart is a popular retail chain that offers a wide selection of products, including tech gadgets and accessories. While it may not have the same selection of novelty items as ThinkGeek, it’s an excellent alternative for those looking for affordable and convenient shopping. Here are some of the reasons why Walmart is a great alternative:
- Wide selection of products
- Competitive prices
- Convenient brick-and-mortar stores and online shopping options
17. DX.com
DX.com is an online retailer that specializes in selling tech gadgets and accessories. While it may not have the same selection of novelty items as ThinkGeek, it’s an excellent alternative for those looking for affordable tech gadgets. Here are some of the reasons why DX.com is a great alternative:
- Specializes in tech gadgets and accessories
- Competitive prices
- Worldwide shipping options
18. Etsy Studio
Etsy Studio is an online marketplace that specializes in selling craft supplies. While it may not have the same selection of tech gadgets as ThinkGeek, it’s an excellent alternative for those looking for supplies to create their own DIY projects. Here are some of the reasons why Etsy Studio is a great alternative:
- Wide selection of craft supplies
- Support for independent sellers
- Competitive prices
19. B&H Photo Video
B&H Photo Video is an online retailer that specializes in selling photography and video equipment. While it may not have the same selection of novelty items as ThinkGeek, it’s an excellent alternative for those looking for high-quality tech gadgets. Here are some of the reasons why B&H Photo Video is a great alternative:
- Specializes in photography and video equipment
- Competitive prices
- Convenient and fast shipping options
20. Overstock.com
Overstock.com is an online retailer that offers a wide selection of products, including tech gadgets and accessories. While it may not have the same selection of novelty items as ThinkGeek, it’s an excellent alternative for those looking for affordable and convenient shopping. Here are some of the reasons why Overstock.com is a great alternative:
- Wide selection of products
- Competitive prices
- Convenient online shopping options
Table: Comparison of ThinkGeek Alternatives
| Online Retailer | Specialization | Competitive Prices | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Wide selection of products | Yes | Fast and convenient shipping options |
| Etsy | Handmade and vintage items | Yes | Support for independent sellers |
| Hot Topic | Pop culture merchandise | Yes | Convenient brick-and-mortar stores |
| Newegg | Computer hardware and software | Yes | Fast and convenient shipping options |
| GameStop | Video games and gaming accessories | Yes | Convenient brick-and-mortar stores |
| Zazzle | Customizable products | Yes | Support for independent sellers |
| Uncommon Goods | Unique gifts and home decor items | No | Support for independent sellers |
| ThinkGeek Archives | Access to discontinued products | N/A | Easy to use and navigate |
| Spencer’s | Novelty items and pop culture merchandise | Yes | Convenient brick-and-mortar stores |
| eBay | Access to new and used items | Yes | Ability to find discontinued or hard-to-find items |
| J!NX | Apparel and accessories for gamers and geeks | Yes | Support for independent artists and designers |
| Brookstone | Tech gadgets and accessories | Yes | Convenient brick-and-mortar stores |
| Redbubble | Art and design products | Yes | Support for independent artists and designers |
| Walmart | Wide selection of products | Yes | Convenient brick-and-mortar stores and online shopping options |
| DX.com | Tech gadgets and accessories | Yes | Worldwide shipping options |
| Etsy Studio | Craft supplies | Yes | Support for independent sellers |
| B&H Photo Video | Photography and video equipment | Yes | Convenient and fast shipping options |
| Overstock.com | Wide selection of products | Yes | Convenient online shopping options |
FAQ:
What to Look for in a ThinkGeek Alternative?
When looking for a ThinkGeek alternative, you’ll want to consider a few factors:
- Selection: The alternative should offer a wide selection of geeky products.
- Quality: The products should be of high quality and well-made.
- Price: The prices should be reasonable and competitive.
- Shipping: The shipping options should be convenient and affordable.
Why did ThinkGeek shut down?
ThinkGeek was shut down due to the consolidation of its parent company, GameStop, and a shift towards a more unified brand.
Are there any other alternatives to ThinkGeek?
Yes, there are many other alternatives to ThinkGeek, including Amazon, Etsy, Hot Topic, Newegg, GameStop, Zazzle, Uncommon Goods, Spencer’s, eBay, J!NX, Brookstone, Redbubble, Walmart, DX.com, Etsy Studio, B&H Photo Video, and Overstock.com.
Can I still buy products that were available on ThinkGeek?
While ThinkGeek has shut down, its website still exists as an archive of all the products it used to sell. You can browse the archive to find products that were once available on ThinkGeek and use it as inspiration for finding similar products on other websites.
Which alternative is best for finding discontinued or hard-to-find items?
eBay is a great alternative for finding discontinued or hard-to-find items, as it allows individuals to sell new and used items.
Are there any alternatives for personalized items?
Yes, Zazzle and Redbubble are great alternatives for personalized items, as they specialize in customizable products and support independent artists and designers.
Conclusion
While ThinkGeek may have shut down, there are still plenty of alternatives on the market that offer similar products and experiences. Whether you’re looking for tech gadgets, pop culture merchandise, or one-of-a-kind items, there’s an alternative out there that can meet your needs. By using the comparison table and exploring the various options, you’re sure to find a ThinkGeek alternative that suits your style and budget.
I’m is an owner of Venostech.com, blogger, Android and technology enthusiast. Individual who are educated in the IT and like to write according my scope.
