Valentine’s Day is here again – and if you know anything about Cupid, he’s a pro at finding things (like true love). Here at Graphical Networks, we know that long before discovering software netTerrain, many network engineers became experts at finding needles in a haystack.
We truly appreciate the network engineers, sys admins, managers, and everyone who makes the netTerrain community what it is today. In that spirit, we’ve put together a list of some (slightly offbeat) gift ideas that network engineers might just love this Valentine’s Day.
Without further adieu, and in ascending order, here are our top eight gift ideas for network engineers this Valentine’s Day:
8. The “Caffeine Loading…” Mug
Let’s face it – many network engineers run on coffee and sheer determination. A mug that declares “Caffeine Loading…” pays homage to the secret fuel behind every network miracle.
7. Where’s Waldo? Book
Where’s Waldo…really? Yep! Network engineers are pros at spotting that one missing detail, making a Where’s Waldo book a piece of cake compared to tracking down elusive network issues. Your favorite network engineer will fly through this in no time.
6. Commissioned & Framed Network Map (with Pirates & Sea Monsters)
Thanks, Reddit! While our software can create clean network diagrams, it leaves out the fun extras – like pirates and sea monsters – that somehow always seem to lurk in every network. It’s a humorous reminder that not all network mysteries are strictly technical.
5. A Vacation Far, Far Away (No WiFi or Phones Allowed)
Network engineers are always on call, so why not give them a break? Picture a vacation where “network crisis” is replaced by a quiet sunset and a hammock – with zero WiFi to tempt them back to work.
4. Ibuprofen
Let’s be honest: chasing down network gremlins can sometimes lead to a splitting headache. A little ibuprofen is a practical way of saying, “I know your job isn’t always glamorous, but I care about your well-being.”
3. Magic 8 Ball
When in doubt, let fate decide. Whether it’s answering “Will this patch fix the bug?” or “Should I reboot now?”, a Magic 8 Ball adds a playful twist to those split-second decisions. Sometimes, even a network engineer could use a bit of cosmic guidance.
2. “404: Love Not Found” Tee or Socks
For those days when nothing seems to go right, a quirky tee or pair of socks featuring a “404: Love Not Found” error is sure to get a laugh. It’s a fun, lighthearted reminder that sometimes, a little humor is the best remedy for a rough day.
1. Network Diagram Software (Like netTerrain)
Last but not least, give the gift that truly keeps on giving: streamlined network documentation and automatic diagrams. With netTerrain Logical (or your favorite network diagram software), those endless hours of hunting for misconfigurations become a thing of the past – leaving more time for coffee breaks and even a Magic 8 Ball consultation.
Got another great (or hilariously offbeat) gift idea for a network engineer? Drop it in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going.
Ready for a network revolution? Give your team (or yourself) the gift of fewer 3 a.m. crisis calls by trying out netTerrain for free. While you’re at it, check out our full suite of solutions—including DCIM and OSP software—to keep your infrastructure running smoothly. Here’s to smoother networks, fewer 3 a.m. crises, and a whole lot more…ahem…human downtime!