Gifts, Gadgets and Tech for the Holidays
From Geeky to Chic, A Gadget for Everyone on Your List!
A Man Cave Must-Have
It’s the big game, you’re in “your chair,” kickoff is in 5, 4, 3 … wait! Where’s that bottle opener? Relax, if you’ve got The Clicker, it’s already in your hand. The masterminds at The Clicker Company have achieved one of the greatest fusions known to modern man: The combination of a universal remote control and a bottle opener. The device allows users to control up to nine devices: TV, DVD, VCR, cable, satellite, CD, stereos, amplifiers and bottle caps. ($25; www.myclicker.com)
Put "Spot" in the Light
Walking your dog at night can be risky, especially on dimly lit streets. But when your best friend has business to attend to or you’re just out for a night in the park, you can make it safer and more fun for you and your buddy with the Pup Crawl. Available in several bright colors, they may look, feel and have the strength of a traditional leash, but they have tons of embedded LED lights that can be seen from up to a quarter mile away. Part of their proceeds also go to animal rescue organizations. ($25; www.thepupcrawl.com)
An Awesome Audio Accessory for the Active
Music isn’t just something you listen to in the car or at home anymore. We take it with us. And for those with active lifestyles, such as running, climbing or other sports, finding gadgets that can keep up with you can be a challenge. The audio innovators at Pioneer have the solution: Active Style Earbuds (Model SE-CL331) specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts, including water-resistant features that allow users to wash away sweat and grime. The buds come with multiple ear pieces and produce the high-quality audio for which Pioneer is respected. Colors include yellow, blue, pink and white. ($59; www.pioneerelectronics.com)
Indulge in Audio Opulence
Whether you've been naughty or nice this year, you still deserve a little musical indulgence. Fanny Wang’s premium headphones are the perfect combination of high-fashion and superior sound quality that will impress even the most discerning fashionistas and music fans. Friends, family or neighbors telling you to turn the music down? Bah humbug! You can rock out your Wang headphones for your own private concert. Whether your tastes are Foo Fighters to Frosty the Snowman or Jay-Z to Jingle Bells, Fanny Wang lets you crank the bass to 11 without losing sound clarity. With the unique Integrated Duo Jack, you can get in the holiday spirit and also share your favorite tunes with friends.The headphones can be accessorized ina variety of chic colors that fit your personality or even go festive with a hot red pair! ($169.95; www.fannywang.com)
Turn Your iPhone into a Universal Remote
For those getting new TVs, Blu-Rays and other tech devices this year, the SURC might be the perfect addition. It's an iPhone case that turns the iPhone into a universal learning remote control. SURC, is an easy-to-use universal learning remote control that connects with most InfraRed (IR)-enabled electronic devices and appliances, turning your ordinary iPhone into a customizable remote control. SURC's revolutionary InfraRed (IR) connector, which duals as a protective case, paired with a free companion mobile app (available from the iTunes App Store) converts any iPhone 4 into a true, user-friendly universal remote control. SURC doesn’t require WiFi or multiple receivers. Plus, the built-in Micro USB connection and cable allows users to charge and sync their iPhone without having to remove SURC’s sleek, protective case. SURC’s extensive database makes programming remotes quick and simple. ($89.99; www.getsurc.com)
The new Soundfreaq Sound Step Recharge is the perfect accessory to any of your favorite tech toys this year. Soundfreaq’s Sound Step Recharge allow users to dock, charge and stream music wirelessly from multiple devices including the iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android and Blackberry and offers a built-in rechargeable battery, making it simple to take from room to room or from your holiday party to your New Year’s celebration. The Sound Step Recharge plays music from any Bluetooth device and fills a room with incredible sound while allowing you to keep the device in your hand, rather than stuck in the dock. In additional to having a dock for Apple iPhone and iPod devices and the Sound Step offer the ability to dock and charge an iPad, even if it’s in a case. (From $100; Target, Amazon.com and other retailers)
