I will try to think of some more stuff but if you want a nifty stocking stuffer or maybe buy a few things as a combination gift you should check this out. It's called an inkless pen, uses metal alloy to make thin marking which resembles a pencil mark but doesn't smudge, doesn't erase and the pen lasts for a super long time (supposedly years). If he's into nifty things that are also useful, check it out!
Hope that helped.
For the brother in law what type of work does he do from home? If it involves transactions with clients and he doesn't have one already this iPod/smartphone credit card reader attachment.
As for Papa, reading your post made me think of this kick ass pen that I saw called the Inkless Pen. Basically it is a stick of metal alloy that makes a pencil like mark on any surface (works underwater too I think). It doesn't smudge, can't be erased, and because the layer of alloy deposited when you write is so thin its supposed to last a super long time (supposedly years). I thought it was pretty nifty and someone who writes or draws a lot already could benefit from it, plus it's really cool!
Hope that helped.