As we edge closer to the gift-giving season, we'll start to wonder what to get the techies among us. Many will fumble for iTunes gift cards or steal a glance at an Amazon wish list or two - but what are the top 10 technology related gift ideas that will knock everyone's socks off?
- For the beer aficionado, a Fizzics. Gifts for beer lovers come in all shapes and sizes. A personalised bottle opener, a koozie that says WORLDS BIGGEST BEER LOVER. But short of installing an in-counter keg system, getting the beer man or woman in your life the gift that keeps on fizzing can be tricky. Enter Fizzics. Taking up as much counter space as a Keurig coffee maker, Fizzics gives your beer connoisseur the fresh fizz and flavor of a draft from any beer they want. And with no separate CO2 or Nitro canisters needed, it isn't a gift that will rack up costs after you give it.
- For the media lover, a Roku 3. With the astounding number of plug-and-play media boxes that have come out, Roku has stood the test of time. Allowing users to stream and enjoy more than 2,000 channels, Roku is the perfect choice for anyone who loves to veg out and enjoy what's on the screen. With its fully-loaded functionality, it makes a great gift for even the most un-tech-savy individuals, so don't discount even your in-laws when it comes to Roku.
- For the digital designer, a Wacom Stylus. Whether you know someone who loves drawing their own comics, drafting their own landscaping plans, or just doodling on their iPad, a stylus makes a powerful tool for any digital designer. Unlike a stylus that is only equipped with a rounded ballon-like tip, a proper design stylus will give your giftee complete control over their strokes, giving them mastery over their art and full immersion into their projects.
- For the music junkie, a UE ROLL speaker. With thousands of Bluetooth speakers to choose from, we think it's worthwhile to choose one that's stylish and functional. The UE ROLL 360-Degree Bluetooth Speaker is just that - its slim design makes it a quick tool to pack away for any trip (as well as a killer stocking stuffer). Meanwhile, its plasma coated acoustic skin makes it both waterproof as well as soundproof - take this bad boy with you to the park, beach, or anywhere you please. And with a 9 hour battery life and 65 foot wireless range, we really mean anywhere you please.
- For the one on the go, a Self Balancing Electric Scooter. Most adults still love getting toys for Christmas. The self-balancing electric scooters are a great option for those who secretly lust after Segways, but can't stomach the $5,000+ price tag. With the self-balancing mini boards, handles are gone and balance is still the name of the game. Users control movement with their legs and hips, smoothly edging across surfaces and making their way from Point A to Point B. And let's face it - even if today's Point A is the kitchen and Point B is the living room, it's still a pretty sweet ride.
- For the high-end geek, a Vector Luna smart watch. With all the smart watches out there, why this one? Well, for starters, it doesn't look like a smart watch. Vector skipped the large square screen and opted for the traditional round face and slim rectangular face, maintaining the hour and minute hand. We like the Luna because it's sleek, classic, and gorgeous - but still communicates with all its apps like a champ.
- For the budding engineer, a Gizmos and Gadget kit. Electronics companies are wizening up to the fact that the newest generation of parents want their kids to have every opportunity in life - especially when it comes to the STEM fields. This is where kits like Gizmos and Gadgets come in. Kids receive a toolbox that's loaded with everything they'll need to get started in the world of programming and electronics. It's simple gender-neutral design will have any gift-receiver happy, and its endless project possibilities will mean mom and dad will be pretty thrilled, too.
- For the action cinematographer, a HERO4. With a number of GoPros on the market, it can be tricky picking out which one will get the best shots for you when you're on the street, the slopes, or the sea. HERO4 is built with this in mind - GoPro's lightest and most versatile camera yet, it's great for those who are just getting started with their cinemographic dreams, or for those who are looking to upgrade to a new model.
- For the car nut, an Automatic. For some, there is no such thing as “too much data.” Car lovers are no exception. But a car lover who is also a technology enthusiast? Bring it on with the power of Automatic. A small device that plugs in under your steering column, Automatic lets you communicate with your car in ways you never imagined. Now you can jump into the driver's seat fully equipped with knowledge about any engine diagnostic codes, fuel efficiency, driving statistics, and even where you parked. It's like a FitBit… but for your 4-wheeled friend.
- For the home-improver, Ring. It's a bit hard to reinvent the wheel - and let's face it, what's there to improve upon with a doorbell? Apparently, a lot. Ring has taken the efficiency and safety of the mobile devices nearly all of us have in our pockets, and connected them with our front doors. Whether you're away on vacation or simply have your hands full, Ring gives you full satisfaction in knowing you have control over what happens at your front door - regardless of how many steps away you are.
Got anything to add to the list? Let us know in the Comments below.
