5 holiday gift ideas for the tech lover in your life
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Welcome to Hook’d! Every Wednesday, we bring you insights, tips, and deals in fashion, tech, home, and more, via a rotating roster of in-the-know hosts. This week’s episode features Yahoo’s TV style correspondent Chassie Post, on-air personality and Youtuber Kennedy Johnson and TV host and beauty expert Sandra Vergara.
The holidays are right around the corner, so why not surprise and delight the tech lover in your life with something they can actually use, making their lives easier and allowing them to better connect with – or disconnect from – the world around them? From instant cameras to audio sunglasses, read on as our hosts showcase some of the best (and budget-friendly) gadgets for the season. Or, as Chassie puts it, “we have our lists. We’ve checked them twice, and we’ve got the coolest gift ideas for everyone in your life.”
An on-demand photo generator
First up on our list is this Polaroid Pop Instant Print Camera, a must-have for holiday parties and beyond.
“You can take [1080 HD] video with it, make gifs with it, of course take Polaroids with it, and you have the option to print directly from here,” says Kennedy.
That’s right. You can snap and print 3.5 x 4.25-inch photos right on the spot, wherever you happen to be. “You don’t have to shake it, and the ink is already in the camera so you don’t need to buy ink. I’m obsessed. I love it,” Kennedy gushes.
There’s also the option to get creative with edits and adding captions to help commemorate the occasion and, if you act fast, you can even scoop it up on sale.
Shop It: Polaroid Pop Instant Print Camera, $111 (was $125), amazon.com
A rockin’ pair of shades
When it comes to these chic Bose Audio Sunglasses, there’s more than meets the eye. “You might think they’re mild-mannered, stylish shades but, in fact, they are Bose audio frame speakers,” says Chassie.
“You can’t hear it, but I just push this button and it’s connected to my phone – the Bose app – and I’m rocking out.”
“This is genius for when you don’t really want to listen to somebody,” adds Sandra (or, er, listen to your favorite holiday music on repeat without anyone catching on).
The stealth sunglasses, which operate through Bluetooth connectivity, have an integrated microphone for making calls to loved ones and managing your virtual assistant (especially helpful around this busy time of year) and protect your peepers by blocking up to 99 percent of UVA/UVB rays.
As Chassie suggests, these frames are perfect for the person who has everything or is hard to shop for and they come in two universally-flattering styles. “Everyone looks good in them!”
Shop it: Bose frames, $199, amazon.com
A Bluetooth-powered beanie
For those on a tighter budget, Chassie is also loving this high-tech textile from Soundbot.
“I turn it on and it connects to Bluetooth on my phone. It’s great for joggers and people who just want to wear a black beanie and rock out to music,” she says.
As Chassie mentions, the price point and practicality make this beanie, which is warm, washable and available in a range of 19 (yes, 19!) shades and styles “is a really cool gift for virtually anyone.”
The reflective options are especially great for those with an active or outdoor lifestyle.
Shop It: Soundbot Bluetooth Hat, $17, amazon.com
The perfect holiday helper
Keep them organized (and on time!) with this genius Tile Pro device. “It is a great gift for men and women and you can attach it to anything. All you have to do is download the Tile App,” says Sandra.
You can then use the app to find your keys, phone and beyond in a pinch, meaning you (and your lucky giftees) will no longer have to spend precious time and sanity trying to locate necessities before getting out the door.
“It’s very slick and doesn’t get in the way so this is an addition I wouldn’t mind carrying,” adds Kennedy.
For even more convenience, you can also add voice control by hooking the device up to your Amazon Alexa.
Shop It: Tile Pro, $25 (was $35), amazon.com
A powerhouse portable charger
Last, but certainly not least, ensure your loved ones stay connected with this Anker PowerCore Mini 3350, which features special high-speed charging technology to deliver a charge in a flash.
“It’s pretty looking. It’s light. Depending on the model of your phone, it can charge over 100 percent,” says Sandra.
The portable charger can typically restore a phone’s full charge in 3-4 hours with the help of a 1 amp adapter (not included) and the included USB cable. Available in five finishes, it also comes with an 18-month warranty for added security.
Shop It: Anker PowerCore Mini 3350, $22, amazon.com
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