“Steve’s Tech Gift List 2019”

chiefgeek

Merry Christmas 2019 Everyone!

Okay I know most of you have purchased some of your gifts already this year, but if you’re wondering what kind of tech stuff is hot this year, let me throw out a few suggestions.  I’m going to keep this to tech gifts $100 or less, so these are things everyone can afford!  So, drum roll please…

“Steve’s Tech Gift List 2019”
  • Wireless Earbuds:  These are the things you see sticking out of peoples ears and thought at first they were wearing hearing aids.  Well, now we know they are just the next evolutionary step in head phones.  The two below are very reasonably priced, and the reviews are great for both, check them out!
    • JLab Audio – JBuds Air True:  $49.99 (Best Buy)
    • Anker – Soundcore Liberty Air True:  $55.99 (Best Buy)
  • Smart Home Display:  We have two of these (both Google), one in our kitchen and one in our master bath.  Great for podcasts, asking the weather, asking to show “how to” videos on anything under the sun, spelling, math, timers, and of course recipes.  If they are tied to your Apple or Google account they also act as a digital picture frame when you’re not asking it do something.
    • Amazon Echo Show 8″:  $79 (Best Buy)
    • Google Nest Hub 7″: $79 (Best Buy)
  • Smart Watch:  Who doesn’t want to know how few steps they took today, or to see how fast their heart is racing after climbing one flight of stairs.  These watches do it all, and at a fraction of the price of Apple’s behemoth.
    • Amazfit Bip:  $68. (Amazon)
    • iConnect by Timex:  $49. (Best Buy)
  • Streaming Media Device:  Your ticket for “cutting the cord” with big cable companies.  I love the ROKU line of products (we have three at home and even one on our RV).  These devices allow you to stream Netflix, HULU, Amazon Prime and more to your TV.  And the interface is so smooth and easy.
    • Roku 4K Streaming Stick:  $49.99 (Best Buy)
    • Amazon Fire Stick 4K:  $49.99 (Best Buy)
  • Tablet:   There is really only 1 sub $100 tablet I really can recommend, and that is the new (2019 version) of the Amazon Fire.  On sale right now too!
    • Amazon Fire HD 8″:  $49.99 (Amazon)
  • Air Fryer:  Okay, I this isn’t tech, but do you LOVE steak tips or “real” chicken tenders?  I do, and I seriously love these things, they cook so fast and even, and the price is so affordable.  Hey, who doesn’t want another small appliance in their kitchen.
    • Bella Pro Series 3.5qt Air Fryer:  $39.99 (Best Buy)
    • Chefman 3.5L Analog Air Fryer:  $39.99 (Best Buy)
  • Smart (WiFi) Light Bulbs:  These are the least expensive and easiest way to get into the “smart home” craze.  And guess what, they’re a heck of a lot of fun too.  I picked up two of these, and I can tell you, if you have Alexa or Google in your home, you want one or two of these smart bulbs, if for no other reason than to ask Google to, “Change my living room light to orange”!
    • Merkury Innovations A21 75 watt Color Changing LED Light Bulbs / 2 pack:  $19.99 (Walmart) 

Okay, that should be enough to get you caught up with some very affordable and cool tech this year.  And if you’ve been trying to think, “What can I get a teen or twenty-something this year for Christmas?”, problem solved.  Have a very Merry Christmas and may God richly bless you this season my friends.

– Steve