Forgo the fuss
This year has been…a lot, for all of us.
Who isn’t feeling ready for some stress-free holiday cheer?
But even during a pandemic it’s tough to forgo the worry and fuss of shopping for holiday gifts.
What to buy? Where to go?
What’s new and fun?
What’s something that will be liked by everyone?
In these weeks before Christmas, when all through your house the only creature that is stirring is you, with your mouse…
Take a look at our list, and shop with glee for unique, fun items to tuck under your tree.
Now Carlson, now Pritchett, now McLain, Cameron, and Chapman! To the top of the list, to the online shopping mall, now dash away, dash away, bring joy to one and all!
2020 Tech gift wish lists
Tim Carlson, Technology Design Engineer
The Apple HomePod mini is my tech wish list top pick for this year. At only $100, its price is reasonable enough to buy two for a simple stereo sound experience from the TV and voice commands that integrate with the Apple ecosystem.” https://www.apple.com/homepod-mini/
Second on the list is a set of Raycon Everyday E25 earbuds. Switching and re-pairing Bluetooth headphones between multiple phones or computers can be fiddly, so having a set that is dedicated to a single device really raises the convenience factor. And the price is low enough that I won’t cry too hard if one gets lost.” https://rayconglobal.com/products/e25-true-wireless-earbuds
Raycon earbuds
Kraig Pritchett, Project Manager
This one had me at “self-cleaning.” Larq’s water bottle uses a digital water purification system—no replacement filters, no chemicals, and a long-lasting battery. https://www.livelarq.com/
Larq water bottles
I’ve had this phone sanitizer on my wish list before, and with the current times (hello, pandemic hand washing) it’s as relevant as ever.” https://www.phonesoap.com/
If you’re looking for a “set top box” for all your streaming needs, this is the one. https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/shield/shield-tv/
And if you like to spend time grilling as much as I do, take a look at this wireless thermometer. The app even estimates the cook time for whatever type of food you’re preparing. https://meater.com/
Colleen McLain, Communications Specialist
FightCamp
“FightCamp tops my list—it’s a great option for an at-home workout, especially through the winter months. You get access to virtual trainers/programs, studio quality equipment, and interactive tech that helps you maximize your boxing skills! The punch trackers measure every strike, deliver real-time stats, and fuel your competitive side with their Leaderboard.
Jonathan Cameron, Technician
I’m dreaming of a PS5 this year. I know, I know…me and a few million other people. But who knows, maybe Santa will have some extras on his sleigh?
There are a few other things I hope to find under the tree this year that will make my video editing, gaming, and creative projects more dynamic and just plain more fun—like a new MacBook Pro, Oculus set, Sony camera, and Nvidia graphics card.
Oculus Quest 2
https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/macbook-pro/16-inch-space-gray-2.3ghz-8-core-processor-1tb
https://www.oculus.com/quest-2/
https://www.sony.com/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-7m2-body-kit
https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/graphics-cards/30-series/rtx-3080/
Emily Chapman, Account Executive
I love an incredible cup of coffee, and this electric pour-over kettle would be the perfect complement for my French press. Yes, please, Santa!
Fossil hybrid smartwatch
To say that I’m obsessed with being on time is an understatement. To keep tabs on my calendar, I usually just set alarms on my phone or wear my old-school wristwatch. But this hybrid smartwatch by Fossil caught my eye. I don’t need a lot of smartwatch capabilities, but this model has the ones I’d use—step tracking, app notifications, music control—and it’s more stylish than your typical smartwatch.