15 Last Minute Techie Holiday Gifts (You Can Find At Retail Stores)

You’ve done it again, you’ve left the shopping to the very last minute. Not only that, you might not know what the techie in your family might like. This list should help you find something you can find in retail stores (the Apple Store, Best Buy or other major tech havens). Some product websites will have a “Where To Buy” feature where you type in your zip code to find a store where they might sell these wonderful technological marvels. Here’s the list of last minute gifts presented in no particular order.

1. Logitech iPhone Game Controller + Battery

logitech-iphone-gamecontrollerCompatible with iPhone 5, 5s and 5th generation iPods, this controller adds much needed control to games from the App Store.

Logitech iPhone Game Controller

2. Philips HUE Phone Controlled Light Bulb

philips_hue_starter_pack_iphoneControl the Hue light bulb with pre-set lighting hues, or choose a color from your photos and Hue will illuminate your space with that color. Available for Apple and Android devices.

Philips HUE

3. Jawbone Jambox

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Portable Bluetooth speakers that pack a surprising punch, and can be used for speakerphone calls, too.

Jawbone Jambox

4. IZON View Camera

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Keep an eye on your home, baby, pet, or anything else with motion or sound sensing, which then alerts you on your phone. Works with Apple devices only.

IZON View

5. Olloclip Photo Lens for Apple Devices

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The Olloclip clips different lenses directly over your iPhone’s camera, such as fish-eye and wide angle. Make sure you get the right one for your techie’s iPhone, there are models for the 4/4S and 5/5S.

Olloclip

6. Nest Protect

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Because a regular fire alarm simply isn’t enough for your techie. Actually, Nest’s Protect has several benefits over a regular fire alarm; it works with your phone and uses a human voice to alert you of smoke and carbon monoxide. Also, it tells you the level of danger by the color it emits from its ring. Check out the link below to see how you can protect your techie from fire, with tech!

Nest Protect

7. Beats Wireless Bluetooth Headphones (or any Bluetooth headphones)

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Beats are a solid choice, and you can find them in most tech stores. You don’t necessarily need the Beats as many other brands make wireless headphones; your techie will appreciate gadget that takes wires away.

Beats Headphones

8. Galaxy Gear

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Make sure your techie has either the Galaxy Note 3, Note II, S4, or SIII. Samsung will soon be expanding its compatibility to other Galaxy devices, such as the Mega and variants of the S4, such as the S4 Active, Mini and Zoom. The Gear is on the pricier side of things, but it’s a sure way to become the favorite family member or friend for at least 300 years (a dollar a year!).

Galaxy Gear

9. iGrill

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This won’t grill your BBQ fare, but it will help you know when it’s perfectly done by alerting you on your iOS or Android device.

iGrill

10. Google Chromecast

Chromecast-1Chances are you’ve seen the Chromecast on other holiday gift guides. That’s because, for $30, you really can’t go wrong (unless your techie’s already bought this for his/herself). It’s a fantastic, cheap way to get Netflix, YouTube, HBO, HuluPlus, music and movies onto your TV from your mobile device.

Chromecast

11. Parrot Zik Touch Controlled Headphones

parrot_zik_headphones Apart from being absolutely gorgeous and sounding brilliant, you can switch music and control the volume by swiping on the Zik’s outer shell. And they’re wireless, too!

Parrot Zik Headphones

12. Gloves for Touchscreen

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Most gloves won’t work with touchscreens. These do. If you’ve ever tried to write a text in sub-zero temperatures, you’ll know what a blessing these are. And no, some texts can’t wait till you get inside!

Touchscreen gloves

13. Electronic Master Lock

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Sure, a regular Master Lock works fine. But the electronic one offers speed, ease of use, and multiple personalized codes. “What happens if the battery dies?” you cleverly ask. The replaceable battery lasts 5 years and it will tell when it needs replacing.

Electronic Master Lock

14. Magnetic Cable Organization System

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Gone are the days when your cables stray off behind your desk to tech Narnia.

MOS

15. Pocket Portable Projector

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How cool is this! Project any video from your device onto a white wall or screen. Note that Apple devices require an Apple Digital AV Adapter (sold separately) for use with an HDMI cable.
Brookstone Pocket Projector

 

There must be SOMETHING in that list your techie will like. I’m a techie and I want all of it. What gadgets are you hoping to find under the tree?

 

3 thoughts on “15 Last Minute Techie Holiday Gifts (You Can Find At Retail Stores)”

  1. I WANT IT ALLLLLL!!!!!! Especially the electronic master lock… can’t tell you how many “regular” ones ive had to throw away because I forgot the random code.

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