The holiday season is upon us and gift-giving can be stressful if you don't know what to get for the people in your life. To help, we've curated a list of 24 unique gift ideas for the tech savvy person in your life; best of all, many of these can be purchased online so you can avoid the crowds at the store.
1. Navdy Mounted Windshield Projector
Say goodbye to fumbling around with a smartphone with the Navdy ($319, preorder). It's a portable device that includes a mounted projector that keeps you distraction-free and still headed to the correct destination. You can control different aspects of your phone with both hand gestures and voice control. It works with both iOS and Android.
2. iHome Flask-Shaped Speaker
While you can't actually put alcohol into the iBT12 iHome speaker ($50), it's a flask-like product anybody would enjoy. It's Bluetooth-enabled and includes a leather-style case for on-the-go use.
3. Surface Pro 4
Never hear them complain about a tablet again with the Surface Pro 4 ($899 and up). The latest Surface has a fingerprint reader, a new pen, and more capabilities that could make it suitable for replacing a laptop.
4. Amazon Echo
Get some hands-free help around the house with the Amazon Echo ($180). You can ask Alexa to do almost anything, like play a song or update a list on a smartphone.
5. SuperStar BackFloat Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Yes, the SuperStar BackFloat Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker ($150) floats — perfect for when you’re lounging in the pool. The incredible sound can be connected via Bluetooth, so you won't miss any calls while sitting back on vacation. Not planning to be by a pool anytime soon? It's also great for the shower or bath.
6. Skylock, the Keyless U-lock
Skylock ($159 to preorder, ships 2016) is a Bluetooth-enabled, solar-powered lock that automatically unlocks when you approach, and it locks automatically when you snap the shackle into the lockbar. If your phone dies, just enter in the numeric code you chose during initial setup manually. If someone attempts to steal the bike, Skylock will send an alert.
7. Mophie Juice Pack H2PRO
Whether they’re an adventurer or just slightly clumsy, the Juice Pack H2PRO ($130) for the iPhone 6s and 6 is a perfect gift. It doubles as both a waterproof case and an extra battery.
8. Truffol Station 5 USB Charger
This portable USB charger ($39) is both stylish and functional. Whether he or she is heading to a music festival or going backpacking for the weekend, this universal battery pack can keep phones, tablets, speakers, and cameras charged. It has five outgoing outlets and a built-in surge protector.
9. MonoRover R2
If you’ve always wanted a product like a hoverboard, the MonoRover R2 ($599) is what you need. It moves based on ankle and feet gestures and almost looks like something from Back to the Future II.
10. Marshall Stanmore Speaker
Feeling like splurging on your audiophile? This Marshall Stanmore Speaker ($400) is the ultimate gift for any music junkie. It's vintage-inspired but updated for the 21st century. The speaker connects via Bluetooth or the included coil cord that can plug into any standard headphone jack.
11. Smartwatches
There's no doubt that smartwatches are the new It gadgets to have. While most people would want an Apple Watch ($350-$10,000), there are other alternatives. The Pebble Steel watch ($150) offers similar features, as does the Moto 360 ($300 and up).
12. Fitbit Charge HR
The Fitbit Charge HR ($150) is a great activity tracker for the anyone who wants to keep an eye on their health. It has a battery life of up to five days, tracks sleep, and, most importantly, can effectively monitor your heart rate.
13. GoPro Hero4 Silver
The Hero4 Silver ($400) is the first GoPro with a convenient touchscreen display, which means that filmmakers no longer need GoPro's mobile app to see what they're shooting. It weighs only 2.9 ounces but can capture incredible 4K video at 15 frames per second and 1080p at 60 frames per second. The action camera, released earlier this year, will also be available in a surf edition (with board mount) and music edition (with mic stand and instrument mounts).
14. R2-D2 Car Charger
R2 units are the ultimate helpers, and this R2-D2 car charger ($32, originally $40) is no exception. The charger sits in a cup holder and plugs into a cigarette lighter. It can charge up to two USB devices at once, and R2's dome even rotates and lights up. When power is connected, the bot will whistle and beep.
15. Chromecast Audio
Chromecast Audio is a small device that plugs into your speaker for streaming music through Wifi. At $35, Chromecast Audio is an affordable way to enjoy the music you love on your existing speakers. Chromecast Audio uses Wifi to stream lossless high-resolution audio to your sound equipment.
16. NFL Otterbox Cover
Hardcore NFL fan? Show your pride and protect your phone with the hardcore NFL Defender Series case. Built gridiron tough, the NFL Defender Series case protects your device from drops, scrapes, fumbles and tailgating penalties. The OtterBox roster features all 32 NFL teams – $45 sale price, $60 regular.
17. Bluesmart Smart Carry-On Luggage
Bluesmart is a high-quality carry-on suitcase that you can control from your phone, like a boss. From the app you can lock and unlock it, weigh it, track its location, be notified if you are leaving it behind and find out more about your travel habits. You can also charge your phone 6 times over with a built-in battery. Price ranges from $150 - $500.
18. KOHLER Moxie 1-Spray Showerhead
Moxie lets you stream your favorite music, news or talk radio right in the shower with you. The Moxie showerhead holds a portable wireless speaker that pairs wirelessly with Bluetooth-enabled devices to deliver high-quality audio to your shower. On sale on Amazon for $100.
19. Walnut Laptop Stand
Upgrading the workspace is easy with the Walnut Laptop Stand ($129). Constructed at an angle, the stand is perfect for anyone who regularly uses his or her computer at home.
20. Nest Protect
Nest Protect reliably detects and alerts you to the presence of smoke or carbon monoxide in your home for a one-time purchase of $228. The alarm speaks to you in a calm, clear, human voice, telling you the location of the danger. It also provides smartphone alerts and battery status updates to help protect your home while you're away.
21. Ringly Ring
Ringly creates beautiful smart jewelry and accessories that keep you effortlessly connected to the things that matter most. Ringly connects to your phone so you can receive subtle notifications about what’s important. Through the Ringly app, you can set custom color and vibration patterns for different types of notifications. The accompanying ring box also acts as a charging station; simply place your Ringly in the box to recharge when the battery is low. At $195, Ringly is a great gift for the tech and jewelry-loving person in your life.
22. Tranquil Moments Pro Sleep System
Backed by more than 25 years of clinical research, Tranquil Moments sound programs are based on the DELTA, ALPHA and THETA brainwave patterns associated with deep states of sleep, relaxation and renewal. Tranquil Moments Pro Sleep System ($199) has gentler ways to wake you and help you feel more refreshed in the morning: gradual-on wake-up light, blue-enriched white energy light, wake to any combination of chimes, sounds and soothing light.
23. Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale
Fitbit Aria Scale is the only smart scale that wirelessly talks to your computer. The scale measures weight, percent body fat and wirelessly transmits the information to your online profile at Fitbit.com (no subscription fee required) where your body mass index is automatically calculated for $129.95. You can keep these results private on your profile. Track your weight, body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat over time with the online graphs and mobile tools to help you reach your goals.
24. BB-8 App-Enabled Droid by Sphero
Bringing a new part of Star Wars: The Force Awakens into your home, BB-8 is the app-enabled Droid whose authentic movements are at your control with iPhone or iPad.
BB-8 relates to your interactions, showing a range of expressions and actually perking up at the sound of your voice commands. Set it to patrol and watch your Droid explore autonomously. Rather than using the Force, BB-8 is powered by induction charging and connects via Bluetooth Smart BLE with your iPhone, iPad, or other device. Its tough polycarbonate shell keeps it safe from water and the dark side. This gift is extremely popular and just in time for the new Star Wars movie; get it for $149.95 before it sells out.
What other must-have tech gifts would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
