It’s that time of year again… and we’ve put together a gift guide for 2016 that covers our favorite tech gifts. We don’t know if you’re familiar with the usual tech gift guide, but for the most part, they tend to include only items that are $300, $500, $1000. We’ve gone against the grain by showcasing items that are under $100 and even under $50, in several cases. These are all items that produce a lot of bang for the buck—no laptop stands or charging stations here. Wherever possible, we have linked to Amazon Smile, so as long as you’ve picked a charity, a small percentage of your total will go to a cause of your choice.
Tile
This Bluetooth tracker easily finds your lost phone, keys, wallet, or just about anything using our new sleek design. And it just got 25% smaller. Tile Mate easily loops onto keychains or attaches to anything you don’t want to lose so you can find it fast. You can use your phone to find anything with a Tile attached to it, or if it’s your phone that’s lost nearby, you can double-press the button on your Tile Mate, and it will ring even if it’s set to silent.
One Tile for $24.99, or you can buy a set.
Snap Circuits
For kids aged 8 to 15, Snap Circuits are a great way to encourage STEM-oriented. This kit contains over 60 snap-together parts that can used to build over 300 projects, including a burglar alarm and a radio.
Whistle GPS Pet Tracker
Whistle GPS notifies you if your pet ever roams from their Whistle zone, a customizable safe area you designate for your home or office, and allows you to track their location directly from your smartphone. It offers nationwide coverge by using cellular and GPS technology anywhere you can get cell service in the U.S.
Make Magazine Subscription
Make magazine’s bimonthly issues are stuffed with project ideas and and tutorials. Each is centered around a particular theme like toys, drones, or 3D printing, so readers can really delve deep into a particular subject.
$19.95 for the digital version; $34.95 for the print version
Syma X5C Explorers Drone
The Syma X5C Explorers is extremely affordable in the drone realm, and includes a 720p HD camera. It’s durable, but all of its parts are available for repairs when you need them. Stable enough to fly indoors or outside. This one is just under the size that requires registrations with the FAA, which is another advantage. Flight time is about 7 to 10 minutes with a 90-minute charge.
Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera with ZINK Zero Ink Printing Technology
The Polaroid Snap instant digital camera lets you point and click to print vibrant, high-quality photos that you can share. It’s extremely fast, allowing you to shoot a new photo while it’s printing the previous shot. Six different capture modes, including black-and-white and a vintage-look sepia tone, allow you to add an artistic touch to your instant prints.
Instant Pot
The Instant Pot, a smart electric pressure cooker, has built a cult following among many of our friends. And for good reason: it is a multitasker that does the job of a slow cooker, electric pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, sauté/browning pan, and warming pot. Even crazier—it does these functions WELL.
Have a question about technology you are thinking of purchasing? Or need help with a device you already own? Contact us, or leave us a question in the comments.
