We all have that friend or family member who always seems to be up to date on the newest pieces of tech. From the newest iPhone to the most recent smartwatches, it seems like they’ve run Silicon Valley dry.
But what kind of tech gifts can you get for someone who already has everything? The world of technology is much broader than you might think, so finding unique items that your tech-savvy friend doesn’t already own is easier than connecting to Bluetooth.
Let’s take a look at some of the coolest and most distinct gifts for techies.
Smart Light Bulbs
Asmart device is a context-aware electronic device that can perform tasks autonomously and connect to other devices for data exchange. Your techie friend has probably heard of smartphones, watches, tablets, or even televisions. However, they may have never known that light bulbs could incorporate the same technology.
Most smart bulbs are operated with an app over Bluetooth or wireless networks. This gives you full control over the bulb’s color and brightness from any location in the house. Better yet, many of them let you schedule features for certain times of day, such as dimming the light at night or turning it on automatically in the morning.
Your gadget-minded friend will have endless amounts of fun playing around with the features, and it’ll even let them give a whole new look to their gaming room or living space.
A Bluetooth Music Receiver
While techies appreciate the modernity of technology, most are still able to appreciate the way things once were. Techies and audiophiles seem to go hand in hand, and the chances are high that your friend loves listening to records and CDs just as much as they like tossing on a pair of Bluetooth headphones.
Fortunately, there’s a way to get the best of both worlds. The bluMe HDBluetooth receiver makes any audio digital or analog system wireless without the need for an app or wireless router network.
With support for Qualcomm aptX HD, this enhanced audio codec improves the signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in lower background noise. On top of that, it’s a high-quality digital to analog converter, allowing your friend to hear a sound that is clear, rich, and dynamic.
While that might sound gibberish, the techies in your life will be amazed that they had never thought about getting one of these sooner. This will let them control their smart lightsandtheir music all from the same place.
A Portable Projector
Movie nights just aren’t the same when you need to watch on a small screen. If you have a friend who loves all things entertainment, a portable video projector is the way to go. This lets them hook up their laptop and stream their favorite Netflix shows in full movie theater glory on a projection screen or wall.
But as any techie knows, the quality of the video isn’t as important as the quality of the sound. The perfect way to get a gift that will really blow your friend away is to pair the projector with a BeamitBluetooth audio transmitter so that they can stream sound directly to a wireless speaker or pair of headphones.
Bluetooth transmitters let you sync televisions, home audio systems, or streaming boxes compatible devices with your favorite Bluetooth speakers. And since it can connect to two different devices at one time, you could use two speakers for a surround sound experience in your own home.
A technically-minded friend might be concerned about delayed lip-syncing as the sound data travels between sources, butQualcomm aptX low latency audio coding reduces latency to less than 40 milliseconds, eliminating lip-sync issues to give the smoothest audio/ visual experience available.
This, combined with the projector, will be a gift that the techies in your life would never forget. And plus, when you come over for movie night, you’ll be able to reap the benefits.
UVC Disinfecting Wands
Germs are more unwanted now than they ever were before. High contact surfaces like keyboards and touch screens are breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. While wipes work great, it can be tough to get into small grooves and corners.
UVC light is a knowndisinfectant for nonporous surfaces and you can get gadgets that emit these types of light rays. They can even disable certain viruses such as COVID-19. Combine UVC lighting with a disinfectant wipe to really eliminate some harsh germs on the surface of any piece of tech. After all, a gift that keeps loved ones safe is never a bad idea.
Cord Organizers
Practical gifts are always a safe bet especially when it’s something that a person needs but just wouldn’t get for themselves. For people with too many electronics to handle, the cords can become overwhelming and messy. Cord organizers are perfect stocking stuffers to keep things tidy.
Laces, ties, and desktop organizers are perfect for keeping endless wires in check. They’re great for helping toboost the functionality of wired headphones, keeping laptop chargers untangled, or eliminating knots in a phone charging cable.
While this might not seem like the most exciting gift in the world, rest assured that a techie will be relieved to finally have some cord order in their lives.
A Laptop Stand
Techies can get so consumed by their devices that they forget about their health. Particularly, leaning over a phone or computer all day long can lead to bad posture and neck pain. This is because screens are almost always situated so that the neck needs to look down to view them.
A laptop stand will help to heighten the screen, bringing more in line with the eyes. This will alleviate neck pain and hopefully correct some poor posture. Not to mention, this will help circulate airflow underneath the computer to reduce the risk of overheating while coding, gaming, or working.
A Fingerprint Travel Lock
When traveling, it’s important to keep belongings safe and secure. Getting the gift of a lock is boring on its own, but a techie would swoon at the sight of a lock that opens and closes based on their fingerprint.
With a built-in fingerprint scanner, this padlock only responds to an individual’s own thumbprint. It means that their luggage will always be safe from harm and they can look pretty cool unlocking their valuables.
Automatic Pet Feeders
For a techie who’s working constantly, it can be hard for them to give their furry friends the attention they deserve. Luckily, you can get them a gift that uses the power of technology to keep their dogs and cats happy.
Automatic pet feeders have motion sensors that automatically dispense food when the animal comes near. Most can be set to only dispense at certain times, so pets can stay healthy during your friend’s long day at work.
You can even consider a camera-operated treat feeder which lets them monitor your pets through a smartphone app while simultaneously giving them the ability to toss treats from the device. It’s a gift that your techie friend and their dog will love equally.
Summary
Because of how far technology has come, it’s not hard finding unique and cool gifts for the people in your life that always stay up to date with the newest trends.
Fingerprint travel locks and automatic pet feeders are great for the techie who is rarely home, whereas laptop stands and disinfecting wands are perfect for those who are always working hard.
For audiophiles, Bluetooth receivers and Bluetooth transmitters are the way to go. Don’t forget to throw in a portable projector so that sound and video can go hand in hand for an unforgettable home entertainment experience.
But all in all, it’s important to remember that any type of tech will be enough to satisfy those who live in a touchscreen world. You really can’t go wrong with anything on this list.
Sources:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40327-018-0063-8
https://www.aptx.com/aptx-low-latency
http://www.bli.uci.edu/does-uv-light-actually-disinfect-and-kill-viruses/
