This month’s blog continues our holiday tradition of showcasing some tech or tech-related items that may make the perfect gift for someone or yourself. Here are 10 items that I’ve selected because I found them useful or unusual and are presented in no particular order. As always, do your own research to find the best price and more information about the devices.
- WeMo Smart Plug 3-Pack
Everything from floor lamps to toasters can get a smart upgrade when they’re plugged into these Wi-Fi-enabled WeMo outlets, which can be paired with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant to control nearly any device via voice or smartphone.
- Lunii My Fabulous Storyteller
For parents seeking screen-free entertainment without losing the tech element, Lunii’s My Fabulous storyteller lets kids choose their own audio adventures while encouraging their imaginations. Designed for ages 3 to 10, the interactive device includes 48 pre-loaded tales that prompt little ones to select their character, setting and other story elements. Best of all, you don’t need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to set the device up; you can download new content by connecting the unit directly via USB cable to Mac or Windows computers.
- BIOLITE FirePit+
FirePit+ is a battery-charged, wood- and charcoal-burning fire pit that is controlled by an app and completely portable. BioLite FirePit creates hyper-efficient flames with patented airflow technology without any of the smoke. Also, lift the fuel rack and toss in charcoal to transform it from a fire pit to a portable hibachi-style grill, complete with included grill grate. Control the size of your flames manually or remotely with the free Bluetooth app.
- FELLOW Stagg EKG Pro Electric Kettle
A cup of tea or a pour-over coffee is nothing without a kettle of hot water. The Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Electric Kettle has a digital reader for monitoring and controlling temperature, programmable settings, and fully customizable brew settings. Also, it can hold at a single temperature for up to an hour.
- Nanoleaf Shapes Hexagon Starter Kit
A perfect fit for ultra-modern smart homes, the Nanoleaf Shapes are a quirky statement piece. These modular light panels can be placed on a wall in any shape you like and, via an app, you can change their color, brightness and even have them react to music. You can even sync your lights to the colors from your gameplay for an immersive experience.
- New Ember Travel Smart Mug 2 (12 oz)
Need more volume, longer battery and a touch display? The 12oz model of the New Ember mug has it covered. It’ll keep drinks warm for three hours from a single charge, and you can change the temperature by tapping the mug itself. Use the Ember app to set your temperature, customize presets for your favorite drinks, receive notifications when your desired temperature is reached, personalize your mug and more.
- Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen Best for Babies and Toddlers
Parents swear by this sleep machine and wake-up light. The smart clock plays 11 soothing white noise machine sounds to help little ones sleep through the night, including rain, ocean, and lullabies. Control the customizable nightlight, time-to-rise light, and more from the smart app.
It works in conjunction with Alexa so you can voice control the device, and it has an audio monitor to keep an eye on the little ones. It also features a dimmable clock that can be turned off completely. And, in the event of a storm, it can operate on up to 8 hours of battery life to keep that much-needed sleep schedule.
- Isotoner Leather Touchscreen Gloves
This is not a high-tech item but is good for use with your smart device when outside (or inside) while staying warm in the winter. These stylish gloves let you do that while staying connected to your touchscreen. The interior is lined with fleece for an extra-soft feeling. No more having to remove your gloves to use your phone or tablet.
- Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker
This top-ranked, Bluetooth-equipped precision cooker makes it easy to cook sous-vide like a pro. It heats and circulates water in a pot, allowing you to cook meat, fish, vegetables, and more from edge-to-edge completely evenly. The cooker can be controlled remotely with smart devices, allowing you to escape from the kitchen while you cook. Simply download the Anova app to easily monitor, adjust or control the device from your iPhone and Android devices. The precision cooker also provides you cooking notifications while you’re out of the kitchen so you’ll know when your food is ready. The precision cooker’s bluetooth connection allows you to control the device up to 30 feet away.
- Floating Moon Desk Lamp
A levitating 3-D lunar replica that rotates while emitting a meditative glow. Powered by a series of magnets, the walnut foundation suspends a 3D printed moon just above its surface. Tapping the wooden base causes the moon to rotate and illuminate a warm yellow, warm white, or cool white light through wireless, recharging LED lights hidden inside. Simply stunning at every angle (even the dark side), the floating lunar replica is an instant conversation piece and a meditative focal point.
That’s it our Ten Tech Gifts for this Holiday Season. Happy Holidays from the Tech Trainers and the HKIC staff!
