10 tech gift ideas for the holidays
Christmas is drawing near, and those who celebrate may have a few people left of their shopping list! Those tech lovers might be the most difficult to shop for, so we have gathered a list of 10 great gadget gift ideas for someone on your list—or maybe even for yourself. Be sure to click on the titles for more information about each gift.
#1: Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480
This wireless desk keyboard works with your computer, tablet and smartphone! The $50 K480 is designed to work with all major operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS, iOS, and Android. You can sync up to three devices and switch among them with only a twist of a dial. The keyboard is small enough to fit into any bag meant to carry a laptop or tablet, but also big enough that your fingers will feel comfortable typing. At the top of the keyboard is a handy slot to prop your smartphone or tablet.
Brand: Logitech
Price: $50.00
#2: [Fuse]Chicken Bobine iPhone Dock
“The world’s most flexible iPhone dock.” Bobine is a cable, dock, tripod, and stand all rolled into one. It’s small enough to fit in your travel bag, but strong enough to hold your iPhone wherever you need it. Made from military-grade, nickel-plated steel, the flexible arm holds the weight of the iPhone well in both upright and horizontal positions, and even when plugged into the USB port of a laptop.
Brand: [Fuse]Chicken
Price: $35.00
#3: Google Chromecast Audio
For anyone who already has a good stereo, or any system with an “aux in” port, the Chromecast Audio is a good option. Just tap a button on apps such as Pandora, NPR One or iHeart Radio, and the music is transported from your mobile device the speakers you have selected via Wi-Fi. Android users can send any audio from their phone without restriction, and It works with iPhones and iPads with a few apps. The new model design, a flat disc on a flexible HDMI cable, makes it a lot easier to squeeze into tighter set-ups.
Brand: Google
Price: $35.00 an
#4: Google Chromecast
Not to be confused with the Chromecast Audio above, Chromecast is a media-streaming device that plugs into the HDMI port on your TV. Simply use your mobile device and the TV you already own to cast your favorite TV shows, movies, music, sports, games and more. Built with the same model and technologies, the Chromecast is small, convenient and easier to input into any tight device or location.
Brand: Google
Price: $35.00
#5: JBL Clip
Typically you will sacrifice sound quality as you head towards a smaller Bluetooth speaker size, but not with the JBL clip. The JBL Clip is the ultra-light portable speaker that will give you 5 hours of battery power so you can take the music with you where ever you go. The Clip comes with a carabineer hook that lets you wear it on your clothes, belt, or bag, and comes compact enough that you can fit it into your pocket. There is a built-in microphone allowing you to answer calls without having to disconnecting the speaker.
Brand: JBL
Price: $27.99
#6: Olloclip 4-in-1 Lens
This 4-in-1 Lens for iPhone 6/6s (and Plus) delivers a versatile and premium mobile lens experience in a compact, easy-to-use design. The lens features four advanced optic quick-change lenses (Fisheye, Wide-Angle, Macro 10x & 15x) that all weigh less than an ounce. The lens enhances your field-of-view beyond iPhone’s built-in camera and works on both front and rear-facing cameras.
Brand: Olloclip
Price: $79.99
#7: Lifeproof FRĒ POWER case for iPhone 6
With complete waterproof protection for up to an hour underwater, drop-proof and one full extra charge, LifeProof FRĒ Power iPhone 6 battery case gives your iPhone a second wind. Rapid Recharge technology quickly refuels FRĒ Power’s internal battery. Unfortunately there is currently no Android option.
Brand: Lifeproof
Price: $99.99
#8: Nest Protect 2 Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector
Protect detector is designed to work with the entire Nest ecosystem (Thermostat and Cam), but you don’t need them. One of the best features of the Nest Protect app is the ability to silence the alarm from your phone. It is to install the smoke detector and use the Nest app. The Protect knows the difference between a serious fire and simply burning food in the over, and sends a notification to your phone when the battery is low. It also acts as a nightlight by glowing when someone walks beneath it.
Brand: Nest
Price: $99.00
#9: Be safe online!
Think about it, this might be the best gift you can give a techie in your life. Be safe online this holiday season and in the year to come, and spread the word about security awareness with friends, coworkers and family. Cybersecurity is a year-round issue, but you can take a little weight of your technology professional friends by using caution and decreasing chances of attacks through safe online practices. Here are 7 simple steps to assure you are being safer online.
Price: Free!
#10: Don’t ask for technology help at the holiday party
This is an information security professional’s dream gift, and it’s free for you. When the holiday party rolls around and the IT professionals leave the office for family celebrations, give them the hard-earned break they deserve!
Price: Free!
These are just a few that we noticed this year. What other great gifts do you recommend for a tech-lover? We would love to hear. And to everyone, we would like to say have a safe and happy holiday season!
