Can you hear those sleigh bells ringing? It’s almost that time of year again, and your tech geek friends can be some of the hardest to buy for.
What do you get the person who seemingly already has everything? Simple, there’s always some new form of technology coming out left and right — they’re always going to need the next big thing. Here are some gifts they’re sure not to have that are going to brighten up their face this holiday season.
1. Udemy Course
Hear me out—learning can be super fun. Udemy gives you the chance to purchase a class that teaches your friend something they’ve wanted to learn for a while—guitar, programming, languages, Photoshop, and more. If you can think it, there’s a course for it on Udemy.
2. Apple iPhone X
That's pronounced "ten," as in the Roman numeral. The latest and greatest iPhone features an OLED screen (a first for Apple) that covers the entire face of the phone. The lack of a home button means that an IR camera in the top of the phone scans your face to unlock it. The same tech can also create animations of emojis superimposed over your own face. This fancy phone will set you back, however. Its starting price is just shy of $1,000.
3. Amazon Kindle
Amazon Kindle is a great way to read books anywhere. Throw it in a bag, and your friend will have something to do while waiting in line or during leisurely days at the park. There are more than one million titles available, and many books are under $2.99. Plus, think about the gift cards you can get in the future.
4. Amazon Echo Dot
Cars are hands-free, so why can’t houses be too? Echo Dot is a voice-controlled device that gives you the ability to play music, control smart home accessories, provide information, read the news, set alarms, and more. Talk about useful.
5. iFixit Smartphone Repair Kit
We’ve all dropped our phones at one time or another, and some of us were unlucky enough to hear the glass snap as it hit the ground. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars to a repair shop, get the tech geek in your life this kit to let them fix it themselves.
6. Arctis 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset
It’s possible to game without an awesome headset, but it isn’t as fun. This Arctis 3 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset is an affordable option that gives you the ability to hear everything—even the slightest of footsteps.
7. Google Pixel 2 & Pixel 2 XL
Google's answer(s) to Apple's flagship phone is this duo offering. The Pixel 2 and its larger brother have updated speakers, a brand new Android operating system, and a camera that many industry junkies say bests what the iPhone has to offer. Buyers won't find a 3.5mm headphone jack on the Pixel 2, however. Time to invest in some Bluetooth headphones.
8. BFOX Bluetooth Headphones
Once you use Bluetooth headphones, you can’t go back. They’re super convenient, and you don’t get caught on every doorknob and corner you come across. These earbuds come with a built-in HD mic, so they’ll never have a reason to avoid your calls.
9. HackerBoxes
For December, you can order them a HackerBox. These boxes contain workshops and DIY electronics that your tech geek friend can put together. The subscription box is perfect for teens to experts, and it’s easy to order for only one month.
10. Gunnar Micron Computer Glasses
How many hours does your friend spend staring at the screen? It gives you a headache after a while, but you can help cut down the glare with these Gunnars. The amber lenses reduce computer-related eye strain and keep them from rubbing their face at the end of the day.
11. Trio Cable of Multi-Use
Your tech friend has so many gadgets that they probably spend too much time looking for the proper charging cord. This is the cord to end all searching because it has three different types of connectors—a micro USB, Lightning, and Apple 30-pin connectors.
12. Star Wars Millennium Falcon Micro-USB Charging Cable
Does the tech geek in your life love Star Wars? Everyone loves Star Wars. The Millennium Flacon has it where it counts, and this awesome USB cord will light up more than your friends face. While charging, the blue strip lights up and blinks. Perfect.
13. G.U.S. Multi-Device Charging Station
Your tech friend charges too many devices at once, so give them a beautiful place to organize all their laptops, tablets, smartphones, or whatever. This bamboo charging station is 100% eco-friendly and is super beautiful. You can slip charging cords through the holes on the side to hide the ugly mess, too.
14. GE Link Wireless Light Bulb
Wireless light bulbs allow anyone to control lights through their smartphone without the use of extra technology. This bulb works with Amazon Echo and lasts approximately 22 years, according to GE Lighting. Your friend won’t have to buy another light bulb ever again.
15. Amazon Fire with Voice Remote
Who needs a remote when you have voice activation? Alexa is your personal assistant and can stream whatever program you want to watch. All you need to do is ask Alexa to do so. She can play music, find movie showtimes, and even order a pizza for you.
16. WeMo Switch Smart Plug
Your friend will never have to come home to a dark house with the WeMo Switch Smart Plug. There is no hub or subscription required to use this WeMo Switch Smart Plug, and the lights can be synced to sunrise, sunset, and other external events automatically. The only installation required is plugging it in the outlet!
17. SYMA X5C-1 Explorers Drone
Drones are some of the coolest things invented in the last decade. Your friend can see all around your neighborhood or just film some awesome aerial shots of landmarks around the world. The SYMA Drone also has replicable parts so your tech friend can tinker away.
18. BioLite Solar Panel Charger
Your friend needs to charge their phone, Kindle, and laptop when they aren’t near a plug, which makes this solar charger perfect. All they need to do is find a sunny spot, sit down, and charge in direct sunlight. It’s ultra-thin and light so that they can carry it anywhere.
19. Apple iPhone 8 & iPhone 8 Plus
Apple's other new phones this year are a refresh of the 7 and 7 Plus. Unlike the more expensive iPhone X, these phones have more traditional price points of $700 and $800 each. One major addition to this year's design is the glass back of the phone that allows it to be charged wirelessly. There are still home buttons on these models so you don't have to worry about learning new gestures or how to set up Face ID.
20. Samsung Gear VR
Virtual reality has taken the world by storm and Samsung Gear VR makes it relatively inexpensive for anyone to experience it. This headset is lightweight, making it perfect to watch television or play games for extended periods of time. All your friend needs to use the Samsung Gear VR is a Samsung Galaxy S6, Note, Edge, or newer.
