Gifts for Techies
You'll win the hearts of everyone on your list when you gift them any (or all!) of these techie presents.
BioLite SolarPanel 5+
For the person on your list who prefers a life lived outdoors, consider the BioLite SolarPanel 5+. This handy device harnesses the power of the sun to charge phones, tablets, laptops, and more—perfect for when you need a little extra juice on a camping trip. The gadget stores energy in its integrated battery, and thanks to the adjustable kickstand and built-in sundial, you can easily adjust the panel to face the sun for maximum charging power. Available on Amazon; $89.95.
Wireless Charging Pad
If your loved one is a self-proclaimed minimalist, look no further than this extra-special, ultra-convenient phone charger. While most phone chargers may not seem like novel gift ideas, this one definitely is. Why? Because this futuristic device, compatible with iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, AirPods and more, charges without a cord or cable in sight. Through the magic of inductive charging technology, it provides wireless power to a device placed directly on the pad. Too cool! Available on Amazon; $11.95.
Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker
If locating your phone, wallet, or keys has ever felt like a scavenger hunt, you'll recognize the value of this helpful gizmo. Tile Mate, a tiny Bluetooth tracker, can be attached to anything you're apt to lose. Then, whenever a tagged item goes missing, you can track it through Tile's corresponding smartphone app. With a battery that lasts for a year without charge and a loud ringtone, Tile can stand up to even the sneakiest couch cushions, coat pockets, and purses. Available on Amazon; $24.99.
Wine Bottle Opener Drill Attachment
Who doesn't want a good party trick or two up their sleeve for the holidays? It's hard to say if your family and friends will be impressed or confused when you open that bottle of Chardonnay with your new screwdriver attachment, but it sure beats the old-fashioned twist-and-pull. The attachment features a 1/4-in. hex shank to fit any power drill plus a bonus foil cutter. Available on Amazon; $18.21.
Retro Flip Clock
As old-school clocks and watches are slowly being replaced by smartphones and high-tech wearables, we're relieved to see that some time-honored designs will never go out of style. This handsome retro-style flip clock makes a respectful nod to its namesake. Plus, this battery-powered clock is more than just a pretty face. The high-quality quartz movement keeps time accurately without additional noise. Available on Amazon; $40.99.
Ryobi Laser Distance Measure
In a world where your smartphone can find you anything from a new house to the best takeout in town, it makes sense that power tools are going high-tech, too. With Ryobi's Phone Works smartphone app, you can pack a passel of tools in your pocket. The Laser Distance Measure (shown above) is just one of the handy attachments you can buy to measure moisture levels, find studs, check temperature, scope out the space behind a wall, and more. Available on Amazon; $13.99.
Polaroid ZIP Mobile Printer
Do you remember Polaroid cameras? With the click of a button, the machine would instantly print out square full-color photographs. The popularity of digital photography and the invention of the smartphone nearly sent Polaroid cameras to the grave, but the retro technology is making a comeback. The Polaroid ZIP Mobile Printer connects to your iOS or Android phone or tablet via Bluetooth and wirelessly prints colorful 2x3 photos. The corresponding app allows users to edit photos with text, emojis, and more before printing. It’s the perfect gift for a photo-obsessed friend or family member! Available on Amazon; $126.
Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard
Smartphones and tablets allow people to conveniently send emails and type documents on the go, but the small touchscreen keyboards don’t afford the best user experience. If someone on your holiday list travels often, consider gifting them this foldable keyboard with touchpad mouse. The compact keyboard connects via Bluetooth to devices with Android and Windows operating systems, so the user can work comfortably from anywhere. Plus, because the keyboard folds, you can conveniently store it in your pocket or purse. Available on Amazon; $29.99.
Syma Quadcopter with HD Camera
Nowadays you don't need to dish out thousands of dollars for a high-tech drone. In fact, the Syma X5C Quadcopter retails for less than $65. Its HD camera, wind-resistant stabilization system, and anti-interference technology make it an ideal gift for a technophile who relishes aerial photography. Available on Amazon; $64.50.
Amazon Echo
Think of the Amazon Echo as a digital butler. Always at the ready, the Echo discreetly awaits your voice commands. Ask for music, and the small, cylindrical tower fills the room with immersive 360-degree audio. Ask for info—be it the weather forecast or a sports score—and the Echo instantly responds with the answer to your query in a life-like voice. What's more, the Echo keeps getting smarter and smarter, with automatic software updates rendering the gadget ever more useful all the time. Available on Amazon; $89.99.
Portable Power Adapter
Everyone knows otherwise rational people who live in total terror of their smartphone running out of juice. This year, give the gift of a stylish, convenient, and effective solution: a portable charger. It puts dead-battery fears to rest for good. With PD and QC output capabilities, it can charge nearly any device, no matter the operating system. Available on Amazon; $78.29.
Doxie Go Mobile Document Scanner
For the person on your gift list who always seems to be drowning in paper clutter, consider getting the Doxie Go. It's a cordless portable scanner that makes traditional desktop scanners look like ancient Egyptian relics. Compact in design and measuring just a tad wider than a standard sheet of paper, the ingenious device makes it super simple to create crisp, clean, high-quality copies of photos, receipts, papers, and more. You can store up to 300 pages or 1,200 photos on the device for as long as you want. Or, you can sync to a computer, archiving your scans for convenient access in the future as well as click-of-a-mouse sharing with others. Available on Amazon; $179.
Crosley Nomad Turntable
These days, portable music takes the shape of digital files loaded onto iPods and smartphones. But now there's an easy way to transport old-school vinyl sounds from home to the office or your family's holiday celebration. Simply pack up the three-speed Crosley Nomad Turntable in its rugged fabric case! The turntable can play music from 7-, 10-, or 12-inch records, and it can stream through the built-in speakers or headphone jack. Available on Amazon; $212.44.
4-Port USB Car Charger
No more fighting over the car's single AC adapter! This stocking-stuffer-size 4-port USB car charger can charge phones for the whole family as well as every device a lone driver could need, including a GPS device or table. Plus, its built-in safety technology prevents overloading. Available on Amazon; $16.49.
Clocky Alarm Clock
This amusing robotic alarm clock will be a treat for kids who like to hit the snooze button in the morning, and for their parents who need to get them out the door for school. Place the Clocky Alarm Clock on a nightstand up to three feet tall, and, like any alarm clock, it will beep when it's time to wake up. But then, even better, Clocky jumps down and rolls around after the first snooze cycle, so it cannot be ignored! Available on Amazon; $42.99.
Don't Miss!
Money-saving, time-saving—and yes, sometimes even life-saving—the latest and greatest smart home technologies span from self-programming thermostats to voice-activated TV controls to video doorbells and beyond. Raise your home's IQ!
