It’s that time of the year – enjoyed by many of us and dreaded by (let’s be realistic) as many others. When it comes to making gifts, some have that special talent of knowing exactly what to choose for each receiver. Those talented givers possess the special sense of remembering what people wish or like. On the other hand, could it be that they guess what is trending, decorative or the most appropriate for each type of person? Nevertheless, for all tech enthusiasts that keep connected with the latest hot items, regardless of whether they have the gift of giving or not (intended pun), we have tried to make a list with a twist. Interesting types of tech gifts to have in mind this holiday season when choosing gifts for your peers, employees, family members or friends – here they all are.
-
PC-on-a-stick
We dedicated an explanatory article to what this technology represents. Evolving from James Bond tech to the full operating system that fits in your pocket just because it can, stick PCs went by that phase where they could turn any compatible screen into a computer monitor. They can still do that, but also so much more – acting as a standalone computer in compressed size and being used in tech diagnosis and various tweaks and repair functions of non-mobile systems.
Some of them are more expensive, as it is the case with this dual OS powerful Indiegogo stick.
Others are considerably less expensive, as you can see in this Amazon list. Feel free to compare prices and specifications, if the idea of a pocket computer fits any of your present recipients. The present size is deceitful in a positive, surprising way for these items: such a tiny gadget may shelter many capabilities. The design is attractive and the OS version generally compatible, with the exception of Apple products, as the sticks usually feature Windows 8 or 10 and/or Android.
-
Illuminated peripherals (keyboard/mouse) as tech gifts
Those who are passionate gamers in their spare time (or professional gamers) are familiar with the concept of colored peripherals. Although the extra functions are not as much technical as they create an enhanced visual and mood effect, this type of present may be surprising and useful. Appealing to any tech aficionado’s playful side, maybe one could visualize the most serious professionals secretly enjoying the colored reflections of an illuminated keyboard.
When the lights are not too poignant, it is also relaxing for the eyes while working to have a discretely illuminated keyboard or mouse. This may constitute a fun or even a therapeutic present and it comes in many types, at reasonable prices. Here is a list of Amazon illuminated keyboards offer, while for the illuminated mouse you can check this matching link.
-
Smart home gadgets
Now here is a very 2015-gift type. What could be special about this? The options are so many in the smart gadgets category, even when limiting them to the smart home subcategory. A thing to consider when buying such gifts for somebody else is that they come with compatibility requirements. Some of them also demand a certain degree of commitment, because the owners need to install them and learn to master a new set of settings, passwords and commands.
However, there are among these gadgets some that have become famous in 2015, or that are simply too clever of design-friendly to overlook:
- Smart light bulbs and smart led sets are a trend that is here to stay, although for the moment the prices are not quite sustainable since the manufacturing process is expensive. And yes, they can still break like any other ordinary light bulb, but they still make a great gift. Here is a nice top, which unfortunately only lists the UK prices, but if interested, one may check for example this dedicated Philips Hue scores and review page, as well as other items’ reviews online. Or you can simply take a look at Amazon’s offer here. Again, pay attention to the compatibility issues, and also to the important differences between a starter kit, a complete set and a random bulb. As it is the case with all smart devices, connectivity is the key, and the final costs may differ from the initially perceived ones.
- Monitoring gadgets come in various shapes and sizes, but one remarkable and very appealing smart security item is the Ulo owl security camera. It is available on Kickstarter for approximately $150, but there is a catch: apparently they will not ship until 9/2016. It is an “egg-gift” that will only hatch in late 2016, but, then again, the early buyers may find that prices compensate the wait.
- Somewhere in the same size range are the home thermostats, available and ship-able as we speak. Here you may consult a list where thermostats rank according to specific tests results. They are however more appropriate for fully integrated smart homes, as opposed to partially connected environment elements, but they still may represent a seed gift for someone you know to be planning for a future full smart integration.
- Although rather a smart gadget destined to make its owner’s schedule more relaxed than an actual smart home gadget, the robot vacuum is another clever gift idea. Those with a tech streak and a busy schedule might appreciate the comfort of a programmable gadget that would take care that their environment remains clean on a daily basis. The design contributes in making such devices attractive – see here a few recommendation on which robot vacuums are the best.
-
RFID wallets
For any cyber-security concerned party, RFID wallets are destined to protect the privacy of chip cards from any unwanted radio wave intrusion. Coming in many types to match the owner’s style, the specially designed wallets are a nice minimalist gift.
Although you may check here the Amazon RFID wallets offer, many leather products brands have included RFID wallets or cardholders in their product line, so one may easily find a protective wallet made by their favorite brand. From sporty to sophisticated, the items in this category are just a product with a twist, yet a very important feature when it comes to cyber risks.
-
Headphones
As vintage or old timely (in terms of tech culture) as this gift may seem, headphones are still a connected person’s best friend. Keeping up with all the industry’s enhancements, in what technology, materials and sound quality are concerned, the headphones have branched out into groups and categories. On ear, over the ear, destined for sport activities – each requirement meets an entire set of headphones. Acting as sound enhancers, noise canceller, or even fashion accessories, headphones are a difficult choice. The best headphones that stand the test of intense utilization are not easy to find and you might want to give as a present the best such item you have tested. Alternatively, you may use online rankings to choose the most versatile or efficient items, depending on the gift recipient.
There are best headphones for music lovers and best Bluetooth headphones, brand headphones or classic types. The price range is also very wide, so the more specifications you engage in the search for the perfect headphones set the better, otherwise the choice is not an easy one.
Join us next week for the second part of our tech gifts list.
