Let Your Inner Geek Shine With Tech Gifts This Holiday Season
Five Tech Gifts Everyone Will Love to Find Under the Tree This Year
1. Smartwatch
A smartwatch is a great tech gift for anyone on your list who can’t get enough of their smartphone. It provides a fun and fashionable way to access that indispensable computer without reaching into their pocket. With a selection of models rivaled only by the variety of smartphones they have available, Apple and Android each carry a line of these miniature computers for the wrist.
In addition, other vendors have come out with smartwatches as well. A popular model for those interested in fitness, the FitBit®, provides real-time information on your physical activity throughout the day. It gives you access to the detailed health knowledge you need. It’s a favorite among the team here at QualityIP. We’re sure the smartphone lover in your family will be thrilled to see one nestled under the tree. Not sure which one to get? PC Magazine recently rated The Best Smartwatches of 2017.
2. Smart Home Device
The trendiest Smart Home Device is Amazon’s Echo®. These devices are voice-activated mini-computers used as music systems, for shopping online and Google searches. Similar to the voice activated features on most smartphones, these are better tuned, more responsive, and easier to use around the house. Coming in at under $100 dollars, they are an affordable, practical tech gift that everyone will find useful for the home. Surprise someone special with one of The Best Smart Home Devices of 2018 this holiday season.
3. Streaming Stick
With the influx of streaming services such as Netflix®, Hulu®, and YouTube®, Cable TV is becoming expendable. Streaming sticks, such as Google’s Chromecast®, Amazon’s Fire Stick®, and Roku®, provide an alternative means to access streaming services. These devices plug into any TV, and are controlled by your smartphone. As long as you have a WiFi connection, you can stream most of these services through your cell-phone to your TV. The best part is they make great inexpensive tech gifts. For around $30 and a subscription to Netflix, you can binge watch your favorite shows from the comfort of your most comfortable recliner. Here’s the Best Media Streamers of 2017. One of them is sure bring a smile to your favorite couch potato.
4. Wireless Headphones
One of life’s little inconveniences is headphones cords that get tangled, stuck, yanked, and frayed. Step up to the modern era with a pair of wireless headphones. With this practical tech gift, never again will the lucky person on your list pull their ear buds out mid-workout or fumble with a tangled cord. It’s a small stress reducer sure to please anyone on your list. Lifewire lists The 8 Best Wireless Earbuds to Buy in 2017 to help you pick the right one for everyone you’re buying for this holiday season.
5. WiFi Extender
A few years ago, the technology for extending WiFi at home was complicated and pricey. Home units now go for less than $50, and provide a significant boost to your router’s capabilities. And, for the less technical savvy, it only takes a smartphone app to set them up. Wrap one up for the streamers on your list and make them the envy of their friends.
One of these great tech gifts is sure to please the inner geek of someone in your life. Check out Tech Gadgets Are the New Socks for stocking stuffers that will be a hit this year.[/av_textblock] [/av_two_third][av_one_third min_height=” vertical_alignment=’av-align-top’ space=” margin=’0px’ margin_sync=’true’ padding=’0px’ padding_sync=’true’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ radius_sync=’true’ background_color=’#e5e5e5′ src=” attachment=” attachment_size=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=” mobile_breaking=” mobile_display=” custom_class=”] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=”]
Stocking Stuffer Ideas
Tech Gadgets Are the New Socks
How many of us see a pair of boring socks hanging over the top of our stocking every year? They’ve become ubiquitous with stockings at Christmas. Maybe it’s time to make Tech Gadgets the new socks and give something that’s always cool.
Cables: MicroUSB cords are used to charge so many things. The most popular being Android® phones (iPhones® use their own version and make a great gift as well). Cords, however, have a tendency to break, tangle, get lost, or be too short. We suggest a nice 6 foot MicroUSB cable so the nearest plug will never be out of reach. It a great surprise everyone can use.
Microfiber Cloth: Unless you don’t mind scratches on your screen, we recommend cleaning your mobile device screens with something other than paper towels. Get a pack of Microfiber rags off Amazon for less than $10, and put one into the stocking of every person on your list. It’s better than using their shirttail too!
Headphones: You can never have enough headphones lying around. Buy spares for the car, the bedroom, family room, and office. Even inexpensive wired headphones are better than not having them handy when you want them.
Key Finder: The person you get this for will think of you as a lifesaver. Tools such as Tile® ($30 on Amazon®) have bluetooth devices that you attach to your key ring. Then, the accompanying smartphone app lets you easily locate them. Never let your loved ones lose their keys again.
Subscription Gift Cards: We all want to watch the new season of our favorite shows, so make sure your loved ones have access with a gift card to their favorite streaming service. Gift cards for Netflix®, Pandora®, Spotify®, Amazon Prime®, and Hulu® are fun to see sticking out of the top of a stocking. Also, these go great with Tech Gift #3!
Selfie Stick: Whatever you do, don’t buy your family member a selfie stick! You can thank me later.
Happy Holidays from the Team at QualityIP!