You’ll find plenty of lists of the best tech gifts to buy this year for the holidays. Here are just a handful of things that I would add to your giving/receiving lists. (And here’s a list of things I WOULDN’T buy). Full disclosure: These choices are definitely influenced by my move to our new house. I need stuff!
HEY! Let’s do a giveaway! I’ll draw names for EACH of these prizes. Enter by Tuesday at midnight Nashville time (‘cuz I live there now, you know).
Note: I might earn a little commission when you click on these links. It averages to about a cup of Starbucks coffee each month.
Quick Links
Lanyard Phone Case
Although it’s kind of the high-tech version of your dad’s fanny pack, I’m completely in love with the practicality of having my phone on a strap I can wear around my neck or on my hip. It’s so helpful when my hands are full, like when I’m toting suitcases. Instead of having to stick my phone in my back pocket or dig it out of a bag, BAM, it’s right there, strapped to my body. And the little case on it with the phone stand… Nerd Heaven.
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Tile Mates
These small smart gadgets connect to things you are likely to misplace, such as keys, purses and even phones. And the new slim ones fit better in pockets and wallets.
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Rocketbook
I fell in love with Rocketbook earlier this year. It’s an erasable notebook that lets you write notes with a special pen then snap a picture to send it to Evernote, email, Dropbox or a host of other cloud-based services. I carry one with me now.
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Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus
These LED lights look great behind TVs, down hallways… wherever. And they’re controlled through the Philips Hue app and even Alexa. I ordered some on Black Friday through Amazon to put up in the new house. Watch for them to go back on sale.
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Nest Thermostat
Our old house was so small that we could turn on the wall heater and be toasty in 5 minutes, so we never needed a smart thermostat. But the new house is 2800 square feet, and I can’t wait to install this. Stay tuned for an in-depth walkthrough of the smart tech I install and why.
I’m also getting a Ring Doorbell and some smart cameras… not because we need extra security where we live in the country now. It’s more because I want to set up a whole system to tell you guys about all of it.
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The Big Book of Apps
Does my book of 450+ great apps really belong on your holiday list… uhhh, yeah! You need this book to help you figure out the best tech for the new year. And if you send me a receipt showing you bought it (at retail… not the used copies), I’ll send you a $5 Amazon Gift Card.
Ho Ho Ho!
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I just got a Rocketbook Everlast and I absolutely love it! I’ve only had it a few days, and I may never buy another paper notebook again. By the way, the Frixion pens are perfect for marking material for sewing and quilting too. They iron right off the fabric.
I guess my question is: what do you do with the notes once they’re on the cloud – they can’t transfer to text, can they?
Good question. The answer is… sometimes. 🙂 Some of the cloud services have handwriting recognition. I just keep them in regular notes.
Regarding “I’ll draw names for EACH of these prizes. Enter by Tuesday at midnight Nashville time …” how do I enter?
Here’s the link! I left it off the original post. Sorry! https://yournerdybestfriend.com/2018/12/07/2018-holiday-giveaway/
Beth,
You really need to reconsider wearing your cell phone on a lanyard around your neck. Cell phones should NEVER EVER be carried next to your body. Check out video below.
https://youtu.be/F9bdU_uw2Dc
Please enter me into the drawing for these gadgets! Many thanks and congrats on your move to Nashville!
Here’s the link! I left it off the original post. Sorry! https://yournerdybestfriend.com/2018/12/07/2018-holiday-giveaway/
Let me know when you’re available for coffee or whatever. I would love to welcome you to Tennessee.
Future Nerdy Friday edition ….. apps and gadgets to keep Tennessee wildlife in check ….. ‘possums and raccoons love to consume outdoor pet food and peek in your doors and windows – and occasionally come in through the doggie door. Deer don’t mind sharing your garden with you and will even leave a few veggies for you from time to time. Don’t count on having home grown tomatoes as the squirrels can consume more of those than you could ever imagine. But the cicadas top the list with their very loud high pitch mating calls that vary in loudness over a 7-13 year cycle.
Welcome to Tennessee! 🙂 🙂 🙂
I’d love to meet up! We’ve been watching the deer every morning. Crazy. I’ll be in touch once we find all the dishes. 🙂
I am going to order your app book. Cant wait!