Hint! Hint! Ask for a Gift You’ll Actually Use
We’re approaching the time of year when spouses, children and friends start asking for holiday gift suggestions, so why not be ready with some ideas? The list below includes tech gifts that are easy to use, genuinely useful, available in different price ranges, and don’t take up a lot of space.
Gifts to keep you connected
Digital picture frames
Available in many sizes and styles, digital picture frames provide an easy way for family and friends to upload photos for your enjoyment. There are many different types of digital frames; the most popular require that you have a WIFI account for the frame to connect to. Your family members receive instructions and a code to upload photos, which are then included in your account. There’s nothing for you to do except keep the frame powered on, and to check in regularly for new pictures.
Voice assistant
These voice-activated devices are packed with features to make life easier, safer and even more fun. They can be used to control lights, locks, temperature and television channels. They can make handsfree phone calls, get you the latest news or weather, or play your favorite music. If you’re tech-savvy, you’ll be able to set it up yourself. If not, ask the giver for help.
Wireless Charger or Charging Dock
Wireless chargers and docks make it easy to keep your smartphone powered up. Just place the phone into or on top of the dock. There’s nothing to plug in, so it’s faster and easier than other charging methods. There are lots of different models at different price points.
Gifts to keep you on time
Digital calendar day clock
With extra large numbers that are easily seen from a distance, and day/date/time displayed together, these digital clocks provide all the details you need at a glance.
Smart clocks
Smart clocks combine a large, easy-to-read display with voice assistant technology. Keep it near your bedside and get connected to the world before you get out from under the covers!
Gifts to help you save time
Robot mops and sweepers
While keeping your home neat and tidy can be satisfying, it can also be time consuming, especially if you have pets. Robot sweepers make quick work of all different surfaces and need no supervision. You just turn them on and let them loose. If they encounter a chair leg or other obstacle, they quickly change course. Bonus: they may provide a bit of entertainment for your cat as well!
Self-Watering Garden
There are several indoor “smart” gardens that water themselves; you never have to worry about leaving plants unattended. Great for salad greens, herbs and cherry tomatoes, these little gardens can brighten up a kitchen counter and get more greens on your plate!
Gifts to keep you healthy
Blood pressure monitors, white noise machines, and light therapy lamps
These may not be as “fun” as the other items mentioned here, but gifts that help a parent or grandparent stay healthy may make the giver feel even better. If you’re a fitness buff, activity tracking watches let you monitor your progress in your quest to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sleep tracking watches and white noise machines may help you get a better night’s sleep. And light therapy lamps have been shown to improve mood and alleviate depression, especially for people in northern areas that get less daylight during winter months.
This year, don’t leave things to chance and end up with another lap blanket, more slippers, or a subscription to Something-You-Don’t-Need of the Month Club (unless of course, that’s what you want!)
These high-tech gifts could make winter a lot more interesting, and it always makes the giver happy to see their gift being used and enjoyed.