Gift Guide For Men: 2016 – The Techie

Shopping for guys can be difficult.  By the time you know they want something, they’ve already bought it.  That’s why I’ve created gift guides based on 3 common types of guys: The Business Man, The Techie, and The Outdoorsman.  Check ’em out!

1. Portable SSD 500GB – $182

This portable SSD has read/write speeds of up to 450 MB/s (up to 4x faster than traditional 2.5″ portable hard drives), is shock resistant, USB powered, and works with PC’s or Mac.  Available in sizes up to 2TB.

2. NES Classic Edition – $220

This throw back to the original NES gaming system comes with 30 of the original games.  The price started off lower, but because it’s so popular, it sold out, which now means you have to buy it from a reseller.

3. Curved Monitor – $959

One of the ultimate monitors for the perfect work or gaming station.  It has super accurate colors, which are great for designers or photographers and a resolution of 3440 x 1400, much higher than many competitors 2560 x 1080.  There are options for Thunderbolt or non-Thunderbolt versions of this available through the link. If this is out of your price range, there are other curved monitors available in smaller sizes or lowers resolution.

4. Cold Drinks All Day – $30

I’ve tested a lot of water bottles and this is my favorite. It keeps water cold all day, is super easy to clean and is rugged enough to last.

5. Very Universal Remote – $298

This universal remote boasts a full color customizable touch screen that can control up to 15 15 home entertainment and connected home devices. It works with over 270,000 devices, including lights, locks, thermostats, and the Amazon Echo and Echo Dot.

6. Rugged Charging Cable – $20

Replace their frayed Apple charger with something that will last. These cable are covered in a braided fabric and a money back guarantee.  Available in multiple colors.

7. Self Balancing Personal Transporter – $599

This lightweight attachment gives his Android or iPhone FLIR thermal imaging.  It measures and temperature differences and displays them in real-time in a video.  It’s great for tracking animals or finding cold spots around the home.

8. Smart LED Bulbs – $30 – $50

These smart bulbs can be turned on and off with your smartphone from anywhere in the world or by simply sayinh ” turn off the lights” to your Amazon Echo.  There’s no hub needed, so simply screw the bulbs in, connect them to your Wifi and you’re good to go.  Rated to last over 13 years.

9. Amazon Dot – $50

This is the smaller sibling to the Amazon Echo. It has all the same features (except a smaller speaker), just in a smaller package.  The most known feature is the ability to say “Alexa” followed by a command such as “what’s the weather,” “what’s on my calendar today,” “turn off the lights in the living room,” “Play the Beatles top hits,” “order me a pizza from Dominoes,” “turn on the coffee maker,” and “turn off the tv.”

It can play music, control lights, play Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, change your thermostat, and works with a ton of different connected devices.

10. Fitness Tracker – $135

The Fitbit Charge 2 fitness tracker can track your steps per day, your heartbeat during workouts, and your sleep patterns at night.  If the techie in question likes to try to optimize everything in their life, this will fit right in.  It helps to make sure they’re getting in enough movement during the day and taking enough breaks when working on their computer.

11. Newest GoPro – $400

The newest GoPro is $100 cheaper than the older version and has A LOT of new features.  The entire case is now waterproof, it has an integrated touchscreen, significantly improved video stabilization, voice control, and can automatically back up video and photos to the GoPro cloud.

12. 360 Camera – $

The Samsung Gear 360 High Resolution VR Camera shoots photos and video with a 360 degree view. I’ve been playing with one of these for the past two weeks and the footage they capture is pretty cool.  I set one up in the middle of our dining room table during thanksgiving and recorded our dinner. When you play the footage back in a VR headset, it’s like you’re there. You’re able to look around the room and relive the moment. I’ve featured the VR headset I used below at #14.

13. USB Portable Monitor – $199

If the techit travels a lot for work or likes to work out of coffee shops, this thing is a lifesaver.  Now they can have a second monitor wherever they goes.  I bought one of these and use it daily.

14. VR Headset – $93

Virtual reality headsets allow you to view photos and video in 360 degrees.  When you turn your head the picture moves with you, and it’s as if you’re in the photo or video. I used this in tandem with the 360 camera above (#13) to record and watch 360 degree footage we’ve been shooting.  You really have to try one of these. It’s a ton of  fun

This VR set is cheaper than many others, because it used a Samsung phone to display the video (check the link to see if your phone is compatible). If you don’t have a Samsung phone, click through the link to see some more options that are standalone units.

OTHER GIFT GUIDES