Holiday Gift Giving Guide - Vol. 3 - Functional & Cool Tech Gifts

We all like to feel tech savvy and upgrade our lifestyle with some of the latest gadgets on the market, but doing so doesn’t have to break the bank either! Today I’m sharing some of my favorite products to upgrade anyone’s tech game whether it’s for at home, in the office, or on the go.

1.) Bose Wireless Headphones - These are some of my favorite headphones that I own. They were a gift, and these are actually on the far more expensive side. However, a few things I want to point out about these headphones - they are TRULY noise-canceling, they are very comfortable and soft to wear, the battery life is extensive (I use them maybe at night to listen to music or podcasts for an hour a time and it will last me weeks), lots of neat controls that are easy to use straight from the device itself, and really easy to pair with your Bluetooth devices. So while they are definitely on the higher-priced end of Bluetooth headphones ($250+ on sale), they are definitely worth it, especially for someone who travels often or needs quiet to do get work done.

2.) Skullcandy Jib Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds - Now as I promised, you don’t need the most expensive item out there to be tech-savvy or to upgrade your tech game. I have always been a fan of Skullcandy’s headphones because of the excellent sound quality, the great bass, and balance between bass and treble, they last forever, and they are really well priced. Most phones these days do not have the headphone jack, so wireless is becoming the way to go, and these are incredibly well-priced for the quality.

3.) PopSockets - If you haven’t already hopped on the PopSocket train, then you are truly missing out! This is such an inexpensive and easy way to up your tech game. First of all, a pop socket will allow you to stand your phone up like a tablet to watch videos or to balance while videochatting, it makes it easier to hold onto while texting since you slide the socket between your fingers as a holster, and will help give you extra balance and security while filming video footage or taking photos without worrying about dropping it. They come in all kinds of fun prints and designs, and different sizes as well to accommodate all of your needs!

4.) iTeknic USB C Hub - When I upgraded to my Macbook Air I realized I was going to need some additional attachments for the lack of USB ports, and the fact that Apple had moved to USB C Ports instead of the traditional USB. With that said, I needed something that extended my USB C Port and make it easier for me to charge multiple devices, hook-up my microphone and earphones, etc. So I found this little gadget on Amazon and am SO. IN. LOVE. It has an ethernet port, HDMI port, 3 USB ports, a headphone jack, a card reader, and more. Definitely worth it, and really well priced!

5.) Amazon Fire TV Stick - As more of us move to online streaming services vs. cable, the need for an all-in-one platform to access your favorite sites has become more of a necessity. Enter…the Amazon Fire TV Stick. This little device is super inexpensive and easy to set-up. It allows you to access your favorite TV networks, Hulu, Amazon, Disney+, and more from one device. You can download tons of apps from your favorite networks to stream all of your their shows, and once you’ve logged in to your streaming services, you never have to log-in again! Easily transition from bingeing a show on Hulu to watching a Netflix Original Movie all in a matter of seconds.

6.) Amazon Echo Dot - I purchased the 3rd Generation Echo Dot but it’s definitely worth the hype to have Alexa around. I can easily ask Alexa to check the weather in the morning as I am getting ready for the day, sync my Apple Music, Amazon Music, or other music streaming services to Alexa and have her play my favorite playlists, skip songs, and even shuffle the playlist, and the sound is incredible. The little Echo Dot can really do a lot of the main things I need it too and like the standard Amazon Echo, but for half the price.

7.) Syncwire Tempered Glass Screen Protectors - Ever since I have had an iPhone I have had some type of screen protector on it. Back in the day, it used to be those cheap plastic ones. Now I use tempered glass which is so much more durable and offers far more protection. I found these online when I upgraded to the iPhone 8 a couple of years ago, and they are still my favorite screen protector to date. However, I am sensitive to light, and so I am always messing with my brightness settings, and found that this brand also carries Privacy Protection screens as well. Privacy Protection screens offer a dark filter and when your phone is lying flat or is at an angle (i.e texting or checking your bank account out in the public) it offers privacy and protection from others seeing your personal and sensitive data. It also reduces the brightness which is a huge bonus. **NOTE** - You will need to switch from dark mode to light mode on the iPhone and adjust your white point and brightness to the default settings. Since this darkens your screen significantly it can make it difficult for barcode scanners to scan your phone (i.e. for coupons in Apple Wallet, or rewards cards, or digital gift cards, etc).

8.) EyeJust Blue Light Blocking Screen Protectors (phone and laptop) - I was out shopping recently and came across something I had not seen before…A blue light blocking screen protector for your iPhone. I opted not to buy it because i just bought a new screen protector, but for those of you who want to block out those harmful blue light rays, or don’t want to commit to a darker screen and some of its challenges, these might be a good option for you! I did some digging on Amazon and found EyeJust was one of the top brands with blue light blocking screen protectors for phones and laptops.

9.) Audio Technica USB ATR2020 Microphone - To be fair, I got this as a gift last Christmas, however, it was something that was on my list for a while as I get ready to record and launch my podcast. In the meantime, I have found other uses for it, such as doing a voiceover recording for video projects. If you know someone who likes to sing, do voice-overs, or is into any type of audio engineering, this is a great gift for them. The quality of the sound is great and while it’s a little pricy for a USB Microphone set-up sound and quality are really important when choosing a microphone for all of your recording projects. This particular one is also incredibly easy to use and set-up.

10.) TP-Link WiFi Mini Smart Plug - If you or someone you know is really going towards a wireless way of controlling lights, devices, and more in their home then getting a Smart Plug to help them hook up their entire house is a great option, and can be affordable! There are many options out there, but below are a few from Target from some trusted brands like GE.

There are so many more cool tech gifts out there for you to choose from, but hopefully, this list gets you started if you are still searching for that perfect gift for someone on your list, or sparks an idea for a great tech gift that maybe I didn’t list! Have your own cool tech gadgets or gifts that you find to be super helpful in your day to day life? Share them in the comments below!