What do you get the techie who has everything this holiday season? More tech stuff, obviously! There is no such thing as too much for the gadget-loving person in your life, so here is a list of the top tech gifts you can give them this season. Happy shopping!
For the Smartphone Addict
What makes for a better gift than a shiny, new mobile phone? Grab a gorgeous iPhone X that features a stunning 5.8-inch Super AMOLED screen, scratch-resistant glass, and IP67-certified water and dust resistance. It’s the sleekest phone yet from Apple with its subtle curves and glass-and-steel body. The camera’s famous portrait mode is still top-notch and the user interface is still a breeze to work with.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is also a top contender. Apple’s main Android rival came back with a vengeance this year after Note 7’s faulty batteries and presented a phone that shut up all their detractors. The new Note is another beautiful 6.3-inch glass and metal accessory with a stylus brimming with more features than ever. And don’t forget about the industry-leading attention-grabbing screen. Apple hired Samsung to make the screen panels for its new iPhone.
Not to be outdone by its American and South Korean competitors, Chinese-owned Huawei also stepped up its game with the release of the company’s latest Mate series of phones. The brand’s name may not be as well known, but it has built a steady fan base over the years for its dual cameras developed in partnership with Leica. Huawei’s beautiful devices go toe to toe with anything Apple or Samsung throws at them. It’s worth checking out the Mate 10 or Mate 10 Pro.
For the Audiophile
Anyone who loves music should try out the Bose QuietControl 30 noise-canceling earbuds. These beauties can produce awesome high-quality sound via Bluetooth with the power to last for 11 hours of playback. Another Bose option is the oldie but goodie QuietComfort 25 that came out a few years ago. It uses AAA batteries but the sound quality is still one of the best you can find in the market.
If the QuietComfort 25 is too low-tech for your recipient’s taste, then consider getting the Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones for them. These headphones use NFC and Bluetooth connections for wireless listening, and you can manage the controls to customize your listening experience through a smartphone app. The Sennheiser HD 4.5 BTNC is another pair of noise-canceling headphones to consider. They feature NoiseGard technology that minimizes background noise and high-quality music playback. With a battery that lasts for 19 hours, the HD 4.5 BTNC is a bargain at its current price.
For an audiophile with a sense of style, the ideal choice is the Bowers and Wilkins PX headphones. Don’t let the luxurious look fool you. The headphones provide excellent noise cancelation and produce sound with crisp bass. Users can personalize the settings through a mobile app and store the headphones in a neat little case to keep them in pristine condition. With 22 hours of battery life, you don’t need to worry about charging while on the go.
For the One Always on the Move
Wearables are the best choice for adventurous tech geeks. A good starter gift is a smartwatch like the Fitbit Ionic. It can monitor various exercises like running, cycling, swimming, and lifting weights. It even takes calls, too! Or, you can’t go wrong with an Apple Watch. The latest Series 3 device keeps track of a wide variety of fitness activities and comes equipped with its own heart rate monitor.
Other wearable options include the Garmin Vivosmart HR+, which can monitor the user’s heart rate and provide information on calorie burn; the Fitbit Zip, which can be clipped on to your belt or bag where it records every step you take; and Snapchat Spectacles, which allow you to take Snaps and upload them to your Snapchat account.
For the Couch Potato
What do you get someone who prefers to stay at home in front of a computer screen every day? Try luring them into the living room where they can plug in an Amazon Fire TV Stick or Google Chromecast and stream movies and television shows all day long. Baby steps, right?
Take it one step further with the Logitech Harmony Ultra remote so they can control various smart home devices or game consoles from the comfort of the couch. Another popular smart home option this holiday season is the Amazon Echo or Google Home. Live like the Jetsons by ordering around an AI assistant. Just try not to antagonize our future AI overlords too much by constantly asking them to turn the smart lights on and off as a prank.
With so many tech gifts on sale and stores offering great discounts this holiday season, take your pick and surprise your favorite geek with a shiny, new toy or two.
