Gadgets & Gifts 2012: Tech for the Holidays

Express Your Inner Geek with These Gift Ideas

From the December 2012 issue.

Whether you have snow or sand outside your door, the holidays are nearly upon us. That means getting together with friends and family, enjoying some time away from the office and, of course, gift giving.

Whether your list includes extreme tech fanatics, grandparents, kids or your staff, it’s sometimes hard to find the right gift for each of them. It’s getting easier, though, since virtually everyone in the U.S. now has some form of office or mobile technologies and gadgets.

CPA Practice Advisor’s annual Gift Guide is split into this December issue and our January issue, which will be delivered to subscribers and online in mid-December, just in time for last-minute ideas. From everyone at CPA Practice Advisor, We wish you the Happiest of Holidays and a prosperous New Year.

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Take Your Music Everywhere

For the extreme outdoor enthusiast and music lover, the Braven 600 and 625S Wireless HD Speakers are a perfect match. Ready for the mountain, water sports or any other activity, the speakers also work as a speakerphone and phone charger. They have rugged, shock absorbing cases and tough aluminum grills, and come with a waterproof bag, USB flashlight and up to 16 hours of battery life. (www.Braven.com; $179.99)

Give Your Smartphone Videos a New Perspective

When you take videos with your smart phone, you’re usually limited to the length of your arm. The iStabilizer Monopod lets you add more creative angles and perspective, extending up to three feet and providing much more professional quality videos, whether taking videos of yourself or of others. (www.iStabilizer.com; $34.95)

Dude, Protect That Pad

In December of 2011, my iPad didn’t survive a 5-foot fall… Don’t experience what I went through by letting an accidental drop end the life of your iPad. Protect it with the G-Form Extreme Hydro Sleeve, a water-resistant sleeve for iPads, providing protection against drops from as high as 35 feet, and with a design that makes it easy to pack in backpacks or other bags. (www.g-form.com; $49.99)

One Less Thing to Carry

You take your phone with you everywhere you go, but why do you need to also carry along a full wallet when all you really need is a place to hold a couple of cards and some cash? The Q Card Case helps lighten your load by turning a durable protective iPhone (4/4S) case into a convenient wallet for the essentials of your mobile life. (www.cm4.com; $39.99)

A Smart Phone Case with a Built-In Battery? Brilliant!

If you’re always on the go, keeping your smart phone charged is a challenge. It’s a lot easier, though, if you have a Power-Skin Battery Case. The cases provide up to twice the power for popular models of iPhone, Android, Windows and BlackBerry smart phones. A new designer series adds options for vibrant colors, more battery-boosting power and reinforced impact protection. (www.power-skin.com; $69.99-$79.99)

The Digital Flower Pot

For those who enjoy house plants, but weren’t born with a green thumb, check out the Click and Grow, an easy-to-use electronic “smartpot” that grows real herbs and flowers without needing to water or fertilize, and without having to know anything about gardening. The Click and Grow automatically measures and applies the right amount of water, fertilizer and air based on the plant’s needs. (www.clickandgrow.com; $59.99 starter kit; $19.99 for additional plants)

Cool in the Pool, or Take it to the Lake

Sometimes even I’m at a loss for words, and the ECOXBT has almost done it this time. It’s a wireless Bluetooth speaker for any device, plus it doubles as a speakerphone. Oh, it’s also 100% waterproof and can be fully submerged in water. It’s also rugged and stylish and comes in cool colors. (www.ecoXgear.com; $99.99)