Tag Archives: top christmas gifts 2017

Hottest Toys for 2017 Christmas – Top Christmas Toys 2017-2018

Posted on by

Every Christmas for many, many years, children have always asked for the same thing every year: toys. It’s a staple of Christmas day – the kids wake up, rush out to see what’s under the tree, and open up their toys.

Whether the toys are made with new, top of the line technology, or something simple and classic like a Frisbee, kids will enjoy whatever Santa brings to put under the tree – but you want to be armed with ideas for your gift-giving purchases.

There are some toys that are perfect for almost any age, and then there are those that are best for specific age groups such as babies, toddlers, younger children – through the tween and teen years.

Sometimes, you’ll find that some of the main gifts work best if they have some of the accessories to go with them. These can make great add-ons or even stocking stuffers if you want to make sure they’re all set.

Action Figure Gifts

Ever since the G.I. Joe line of toys were released in the 1960s, action figures have become incredibly popular among young children and even teenagers. They were exciting, and kids could stage big battles between their favorite characters from cartoons and movies.

Playskool Heroes Transformers Rescue Bots Energize Heatwave the Fire-Bot Figure

Playskool Heroes Transformers Rescue Bots Energize Heatwave the Fire-Bot Figure

Even though kids today can play on tablets and computers, many of them still enjoy playing with action figures. One of the most popular lines of toys for younger kids is the Playskool Heroes Transformers Rescue Bots.

There are a few different ones, such as Heatwave and Chase. Like all Transformers, they go from being robots to vehicles. Because these toys are meant for younger children, they’re very easy to transform without any complicated process, so you won’t have to help your kid with it every time they want to change it.

Transformers toys aren’t just available for young kids, though. There are more advanced versions for older kids, up into their preteen years. These models are much more detailed and more complicated to transform from the robot mode into the vehicle more.

VTech Switch & Go Dinos Attila the Ankylosaurus

There are even display figures if you know someone who collects those kinds of things. One line of toys that’s become fairly popular for kids is the VTech Switch & Go Dinos. Much like Transformers, they go from being cars to beings, but instead of transforming into humanoid robots, they turn into dinosaur robots.

All of them have LCD screens that change depending on the mode they’re in, either showing a facial expression of the car driver or the eyes of the dinosaur. Kids will surely have these on their wish list this Christmas!

Hatchimals Mystery

While they’re not exactly action figures, Hatchimals are one of the most popular figures kids will be asking for this Christmas. The great things is that each toy is a surprise until it hatches, so it really is a gift that keeps on giving.

Arts and Crafts Gifts

Arts and crafts gifts are great for just about anyone, young or old, because they’re a good way to spend some time relaxing and working on something, and it’s also productive most of the time.

Anyone can pick up arts and crafts fairly easily, and make some pretty interesting things, whether they’re beginners or experts. One of the most popular crazes in 2018 among young children is making slime.

Milliard Slime Time Goo Science Kit

There are tons of kits available that you can get for your kids, with detailed instructions that are easy to follow. The Slime Time Kit from Milliard is a good example, containing everything you need from measuring cups and containers to the actual slime-making liquids and even dye for the slime.

If your child is a major slime enthusiast, you can get them the basic components to make it themselves without the help of a kit. School glue, shaving cream, and contact solution should be all they need to start making slime.

You can also get them some accessories to bring a little more life into their slime, such as little foam beads or plastic diamonds, which add texture. Another great arts and crafts hobby that your kids can pick up is sewing.

Sewing is very relaxing, but is also very useful as a skill because you can fix up your own clothing or furniture if it ever gets torn. Sewing is a great way for your kids to spend their time instead of watching TV.

ALEX Toys Craft My First Sewing Kit

The ALEX Toys My First Sewing Kit is a great way to get started, even if you’re not a kid. It provides easy instructions that you can follow, and uses real sewing needles and scissors, so it’s the real deal.

It also contains all of the essentials that your child will need to get started, including the fabric, stuffing, threads, and more. Another popular crafts trend among kids is the loom. Looms let your kid use rubber bands to make cool bracelets, rings, and more.

Rainbow Loom Crafting Kit includes Loom

The most popular and most intuitive loom available is the Rainbow Loom, which includes instructions and all of the accessories you’ll need to get started. You can get the rubber bands that you need at a very fair price, and in all kinds of colors depending on what design your kid wants to make.

Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Magical Oven

Don’t forget classic arts and crafts like the Play-Doh kits. You can get big sets of multiple colors or specific sets with a theme, such as the kits where they can make Despicable Me Minions or pretend they’re a dentist pulling fake teeth made out of Play-Doh.

Dolls and Accessory Gifts

Dolls are just as popular if not more popular among kids than action figures, especially among young girls. Dolls have been around since ancient times, allowing kids to make up their own stories and use their imagination.

Barbie Pizza Chef Doll and Playset

Even in late 2018, dolls are still very popular among little girls, making them great Christmas gifts. The easiest go-to doll is any of the Barbie dolls. There are tons of different kinds of Barbie dolls available, with accessories that let your kid customize them just about however they want to.

You can get Barbie’s with all kinds of different fantasy themes, like mermaids and fairies, as well as real life themes such as weddings and careers. For example, your kid might want to grow up to be a doctor one day.

Barbie Care Clinic Vehicle

There’s a Barbie playset that dresses her up like a doctor, complete with scrubs, a stethoscope, a table, and two babies to care for. You can get all kinds of outfits for all kinds of careers, from fashion model to firefighter to pilot.

There are also tons of Barbie accessories available, such as the Barbie convertible. Your kid can pretend that they’re driving Barbie around from her job to her house, and it even comes with seatbelts to teach your kids proper driving safety. You can also get SUVs, Campers, and even an airplane.

La Baby 11-inch Washable Soft Body Play Doll

Of course, Barbie’s aren’t the only dolls out there. One of the most popular kinds of dolls out there is the baby doll. The La Baby from JC Toys is a great example, because it’s light, small, and comes in various skin tones.

You can get little bottles that the doll can hold on to, which simulates feeding a baby in real life. You can also get strollers so your kid can take them around outside.  These dolls can teach your kids compassion and nurturing, and can prepare them for how to hold a baby for real.

Baby Alive Sweet Spoonfuls Baby Doll Girl

One of the more advanced baby dolls on the market is the Baby Alive series. The Baby Alive dolls will all actually eat, use their diapers, talk, and in some dolls, move and crawl around.

For some of the dolls, the food is reusable, but if your child loses it, you can always get more. You can also get your kid replacement packs of diapers, so they can keep playing with their Baby Alive.

Electronic and Musical Gifts

Electronics have greatly improved the quality of toys nowadays, adding sounds, lights, and other feedback that makes toys more interactive. These responses will make your kids a bit brighter and more creative, and it adds a whole new level of fun to your kid’s toys.

One great example of an electronic toy is the plug and play classic games. They’re very easy to use, and great for any kids, younger or older. They’re little joystick boxes that you can plug into the TV and play classic 1980s arcade games on.

Pac-Man Connect and Play

For example, the Pac-Man Connect and Play box lets you play Pac-Man as well as a few other classic games. You can also get your kids an Atari Flashback console, which does the same thing and comes with over 100 Atari games.

Atari Flashback 8 Console

The Atari Flashback is a bit bigger than one of the smaller plug and play games, but it includes a lot more. This makes it a great thing for parents and kids to bond over, especially if the parents grew up playing those games.

Cozmo

One amazing gift for kids that like to work with technology and computers is the Cozmo robot. Connecting to an app on your phone, you can control and interact with Cozmo, and even level him up and get upgrades for him.

You can play all kinds of games with Cozmo by using the included Power Cubes. You can get your kids accessories to go with Cozmo, such as storage cases and screen protectors, which comes in handy if you have pets or young children that might scratch the screen or get a little too rough with it.

VTech Sort & Discover Activity Cube

If you have much younger children, you might consider getting them a VTech Sort & Discover Activity Cube. The Activity Cube has 5 sides with activities built-in that help your baby develop their motor skills and learn basic things like colors, numbers, and more.

Your baby can learn how to recognize shapes such as squares, circles, triangles, and stars. All of the corners have been rounded for safety, so you don’t have to worry about your baby hurting itself.

VTech Musical Rhymes Book

Another great electronic toy for little kids is the VTech Musical Rhymes book. Each page has interactive elements that help develop your kid’s mind, and it also plays songs that they can learn, such as Old MacDonald Had a Farm.

There are many musical gifts you can get a child in your life. They range from drum sets (electronic or traditional) to gifts like karaoke machines – which kids love to use for things like family fun night or sleepovers.

Remote Control and Riding Gifts

Many young children take up similar interests to those of their parents, or things that they’ve seen on TV or in movies. Naturally, there are plenty of people out there that are interested in cars, especially if their parents were the same way.

Cartoon R/C Race Car Radio Control Toy

For any car lovers out there, whether they be young or old, there are plenty of fantastic gifts out there for them. Even if they just like anything with wheels on it. Many young kids love playing with R/C cars because it’s so fun.

Your kids can set up tracks, obstacle courses, stage races, and more. A great starting R/C car for toddlers is the Cartoon R/C car from Liberty Imports. The controller is very easy to use, with only two buttons on it: forwards, and turn left.

1/14 Scale Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

It doesn’t go too fast, so you don’t risk your kid hurting itself with it. If you have a bit of an older car enthusiast, you can get them something a bit more realistic. There are many scale models of popular supercars out there that are R/C controlled and drivable, such as the 1/14 scale Lamborghini Sesto Elemento from Midea Tech.

It’s a very accurate replica of the real thing, and you can use the remote control to drive it around anywhere. There are also models of the Bugatti Veyron, BMW i8, and McLaren P1.

Some kids aren’t as fond of just controlling a little electric vehicle, they want to be in the driver’s seat, actually going along with the car. Luckily, there are plenty of ride-on gifts that you can get your kids.

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Car

One of the most classic and well known riding toys is the Little Tykes Cozy Coupe. If you don’t recognize the name, you’ll likely recognize the toy- the red lower part and the yellow top part of a little cartoon car.

Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force Tractor

Kids can have tons of fun with these in their yards and driveways. For kids that like something a bit more realistic, the Peg Perego John Deere tractor is the way to go. It has an electric motor and a real acceleration pedal.

The tractor brakes automatically when the kid lets off of the acceleration pedal, so they can avoid unwanted accidents. This tractor has a real, functioning FM radio in it, so your kid can listen to their favorite tunes while they cruise around the backyard. It has two forward speeds and one reverse speed, going about 5 MPH at its fastest.

Educational Toy Gifts

When you have a young child, it’s important that you get them learning from an early stage so that they can be successful learning later in life. However, you want to present educational material in a fun, enjoyable way, instead of sitting your toddler down in front of a white board and trying to teach them.

LeapFrog Scribble and Write

There are tons of educational toys available that will help your child go above and beyond and excel in academics later in life. One really good tool for young kids is the LeapFrog Scribble and Write.

It uses a stylus pen and an interactive screen to help teach your kids how to write the alphabet and numbers. Your kid can select numbers, capital letters, and lowercase letters.

Once they do, they can press one of the letters to practice writing, and the screen will show an outline of the letter. Then, all they have to do is trace it. This allows them to develop muscle memory and better motor skills.

Scientific Explorer Mind Blowing Science Kit

For older, more scientifically incline kids, they’ll love the Scientific Explorer Mind Blowing Science Kit. It includes everything your little scientist needs to perform some basic, but amazing experiments.

It includes an easy to follow guide, all of the safe to use chemicals, and the laboratory equipment. This helps kids develop a better understanding and appreciation for STEM fields.

Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Discovery Kit

Another great educational toy gift is the Snap Circuits Jr. Electronic Discovery kit. Using two AA batteries, your kid can power a circuit board and understand how circuits work. It’s great for beginners because it’s been safety proofed.

This is perfect because your child doesn’t run the risk of electrocuting themselves. Although it only includes 30 parts, there’s thousands upon thousands of ways those parts can be arranged to make functioning circuit layouts.

National Geographic Break Open 10 Geodes and Explore Crystals Science Kit

This will certainly get any kid interested in engineering and physics. If your kid is a rock collector or likes spending a lot of time outside, they’ll be fascinated by the National Geographic Geode Exploring kit.

Geodes are naturally forming rocks that are full of crystals on the inside. This kit includes 10 real different ones, along with all of the safety equipment your child will need to get it all done safely.

It comes with a neat booklet that explains how to identify geodes and other basic information about them. It’s a great way to learn about geology and how the world works.

Best Electronics Gifts 2017 – Top Christmas Gift Ideas 2017

Posted on by

Best Electronics Gifts 2017 are here! The shopping season is right around the corner and some of the best gifts that you can give are electronics. Most people love getting something in this category and you can find such a wide range of items – including accessories.

You can find something for everyone on your shopping list all at the same time. Electronics are the category of gift that is popular, often because of the technological advances made each and every year – so people want the latest, greatest gadget.

TVs and Accessories

Sony XBR55A1E 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart

TVs and accessories are always a big hit. You’ll find something that will fit both large and small budgets. One of the popular kinds of televisions is the 4K Ultras like the Sony XBR55A1E 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD.

This makes a great gift for those you’re shopping for who enjoy watching sports or movies. This is an OLED TV and that stands for Organic Light-Emitting Diode. The difference between this kind of television and an LED one is that the OLED uses organic molecules.

The pixels in the TV are self-illuminating rather than like LCD ones which use LED for the backlight. Both ULTRA and OLED TVs are the hottest items among televisions and at the top of peoples’ wish list and with the Sony, you get both that in one.

TCL 55P607 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Roku Smart LED TV

The popularity stems from the fact that it gives one of the best picture images you can buy. But LED TVS are still popular, especially if they’re a smart TV like the TCL 55P607 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Roku Smart LED TV.

For those on your list who already have a decent television, you’ll want to look at accessories. Or you’ll want to bundle these with the purchase of a newer TV. Projectors are one of the hottest selling items in electronics.

You can find gaming projectors, ones for use with home theaters, portable ones, some for business or education, and more. Projectors can be used by people who like to share photos or for use playing games, for people who enjoy showing films and more.

iCODIS G1 Mini Projector

You can give these projectors as gifts to teachers, to gamers, for business colleagues or for family and friends. One of the hottest right now is the iCODIS G1 Mini Projector, which is so small it can fit in your pocket and it works with your smartphone.

VIVO 100″ Portable Indoor Outdoor Projector Screen

Of course whatever kind of projector you get, you’ll want to get a screen to use and the most popular ones are those that you use outdoors like the VIVO 100″ Portable Indoor Outdoor Projector Screen or the Foldable Portable Outdoor Front Movie Screen by Vamvo.

Projector screens make great gifts for people who like a better viewing experience or for those who like to entertain – like getting together with friends to watch a movie or the latest game.

Foldable Portable Outdoor Front Movie Screen

One of the accessories that you want to get for those you plan to buy electronics for could be a Blu-Ray or a DVD player. These are perfect gifts for people who enjoy watching things that you can’t get on cable or Netflix.

Roku Express – HD Streaming Player

The hottest selling ones are the ones that can play the 4K Ultra movies. Streaming media players are pretty hot right now too such as the Roku Express. It’s a great gift for those who don’t want to pay a monthly fee for a streaming device.

Home Audio and Theater

A hot category in electronics is home audio and theater. These gadgets have changed the way the way families get their entertainment. Now, you can stream music and entertainment faster than ever and for a much lower price than when home theaters first hit the market.

In this category, you’ll find items like the system bundle, stereo and turntables, speakers, wireless and streaming audio, radios, headphones and more. These items are great gifts for people who like equipment that gives them a better sound and higher quality.

Home audio is hot because it can make listeners feel like they’re in the middle of the concert or in the center of the scene. Many of the home audio and theater systems that you can get will have a couple of different choices when it comes to speakers.

You can get them with surround sound or with the front speakers. The difference is found in the amount of speakers that you get as well as sound quality. Surround sound is more like the theater speaker experience than front speakers are.

AXESS Bluetooth Mini System 2.1-Channel Home Theater

You can get both audio and theater systems bundled or buy them as separate pieces and build a good theater or sound system over time. Topping many wish lists this year is the AXESS Bluetooth Mini System 2.1-Channel Home TheaterSpeaker System.

This is the perfect gift for any of the music lovers that you know who like to listen to radio stations and enjoy wireless streaming. What people like about this system is that you can use it with the Bluetooth to control the system.

You can enrich the home theater and audio experience by adding one of the many sound bars. These can have an optical or analog connection and they can also have a wireless subwoofer.

With speakers, you’ll want to look at the kinds. You can get ones that will fit on a bookshelf and those are good for people who live in apartments or maybe a college dorm.

You can get the floor-standing kind or the ones that mount in a ceiling or in the wall. For those who are new to home theaters, you’ll want to buy the ones on your list with the whole system that includes speakers rather than giving them something like a soundbar or separate speakers since they’ll need to build their system from scratch.

They can upgrade speakers and other accessories later as they become more familiar with the technology and what they prefer. Headphones are one of the hottest items you can buy in home audio and theater and it’s high on everyone’s wish list- because not only are these used for movies and gaming, but they’re also used for music and things like streaming content.

The most sought after one in headphones are the Beats brand because they offer superior quality. They’re also very comfortable for long term use. The Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones come in a variety of colors.

People love that these are wireless because they can pair them with an iPhone or a TV or other device. For the person who’s heavily into music, look for stereo systems as well as turntables.

Turntables are enjoying a comeback in popularity and many stores now carry both records and CDs. People who enjoy turntables say these stereos have a more pure sound quality.

Cameras and Accessories

With cameras and accessories, you’ll find an assortment of cameras from digital to video cameras to spy cameras, security cameras and even the ones that will give you Instax film with the instant cameras like the Polaroids, which were so popular back in the 70s and again today.

The point and shoot cameras are easy for kids to use. You can get mirrorless cameras which is a lighter camera that can give you a better contrast and focus. You’ll find an assortment of gift ideas here – from cameras to tripods to shotgun mics and even underwater cameras and gear.

Even with the introduction of cameras on smart phones and cell phone camera lenses, digital cameras continue to be one of the hottest items to buy in electronics. That’s because cameras suit a wide variety of people and you can get more features with a digital camera than you can with a smart phone camera.

Canon EOS Rebel T6 Digital SLR Camera

You don’t get features like quality zoom lens in anything but top of the line cameras like the Canon EOS Rebel T6 Digital SLR Camera. When you’re looking at digital cameras, you can find ones like rechargeable HDs or kits.

You can also find MP digitals or SLR cameras. Each camera will vary in features like the wide range of zoom they’ll offer. Cameras and the related accessories make the perfect gifts for almost anyone.

Kids and college students love the nod to the past with the instant film style cameras while moms love the digital cameras. Men usually prefer the video cameras or the cameras that are made to fit with drones.

They love the idea of being able to play and shoot. Look for ones that say photography drones to match the camera. They also like the sports and action cameras.If you’re planning to give a camera as a gift for someone who loves photography or they’d like to pursue it as a serious endeavor, you really do need to go top of the line and look for something in the Nikon brand that’s suggested by most professionals.

But keep in mind that these cameras aren’t exactly budget friendly for some people – and many of them have hefty price tags of $1,000 to $3,000 or more. This will be in the FX series.

Nikon COOLPIX L340 Digital Camera

Still, that doesn’t mean that you can’t find one that’s suitable like the Nikon COOLPIX L340 Digital Camera with 28x Zoom & Full HD Video and best of all, it comes with a nice accessory kit.

You can find binoculars and scopes as well as flashes, lenses and lightning gear to make sure the photos turn out great. If someone that you’re buying the gift for doesn’t plan to take it professional, then you probably don’t need the lighting gear, which consists of items like background screens and light stands.

But odds are good that you might want to give a tripod to someone who’s a camera enthusiast. Most people who love photography enjoy camera lenses and you can find a variety of these and most of them are budget friendly.

Car Electronics

In this category, you’ll find many amazing things that you can buy for gifts that are not only fun but can also make driving safer and easier. You can find things like portable wireless speakers, backup cameras, car diagnostic devices and cables for things like iPods, phones, tablets and laptops to use in the car.

DOSS Touch Wireless Bluetooth V4.0 Portable Speaker

You can also get some great gifts like smartphone holders and mounts. These make a phone easily accessible while allowing the driver to keep his or her hands-free. It’s the perfect gift for someone who travels a lot, has a busy lifestyle and is often in the car, commuters, and teen drivers.

Dash cameras are a great gift idea for any driver. Not only can these handy devices record the local or long distance drive, but they also will record in the event of a car wreck so that you’ll be protected from other drivers who might try to say that the accident isn’t their fault when it is.

If you’re looking to give someone the gift of peace of mind, you can get them a GPS tracker, which is handy for a multitude of reasons. It can be used to keep track of young drivers, but it can also help recover the vehicle if an authorized driver or thief takes it.

AT&T Velocity 4G LTE Mobile WiFi Hotspot

One gift that fits almost everyone is a mobile WI-FI hotspot device. This helps people not only stay connected, but it can be used as a safety feature as well when someone is traveling in an area where they can’t get coverage.

Young drivers should always have access to either cell phones or other devices, so they can reach a family member or friend in the event of an emergency. They can’t do that if their cell phone goes dead.

You can give them the gift of a USB car charger for this purpose. Another gift that you can give is the gift of a radar detector. This can help save the receiver the high cost of a ticket as well as getting points taken off his license.

Of course, there are some items that are the most popular and on everyone’s Christmas list. There are two items topping the list this year and they’re GPS systems and subwoofer packages.

Garmin DriveSmart 60 NA LMT GPS Navigator System

The good thing about a GPS system is that it’s a great gift for any driver, especially for new drivers or for drivers who do a lot of traveling. The Garmin DriveSmart 60 NA LMT GPS Navigator System is one of the best in GPS gadgets as well as one of the most reliable when it comes to directions.

You can find others in the same line but make sure you get the one that offers lifetime maps. Speakers for cars are another hot item on everyone’s list, but not just any speakers.

AOMAIS Ball Bluetooth Speakers

Consider those that offer surround sound like the AOMAIS Ball Bluetooth Speakers,Wireless Portable Bluetooth 4.2. This is a gift that’s more popular with men and teenage boys in most cases.

Laptops and PCs

Laptops and PCs are high on everyone’s want-list because they can be used for work, school, play, gaming, video making and an endless list of ideas. You can find laptops that are lower cost that make great first gadgets for younger kids.

These can perform simple all the way up to complex commands.When it comes to technology, you’ll find that there’s a good portion of the demographic that prefer laptops over desktops.

However, desktops are still just as popular but you don’t hear about them as often as you do laptops. Desktops are particularly popular and high on the wish list among those who are older.

But they’re also still hugely popular among gamers. Many people who work from home prefer desktops in addition to laptops. So they’ll want both. Tablets are also very popular.

All-New Fire HD 8 Tablet with Alexa

One of these is the All-New Fire HD 8 Tablet with Alexa. This one is high on the wish list for everything it has to offer, but also because of Alexa. With that, people can not only ask questions, but they can instruct the device to play music or do tasks like check to see what the weather is like.

You’ll want to do the person on your list a huge favor if you do buy that tablet or any other. Make sure that you also get one of the many cases that the person can use to protect the device.

ASUS Chromebook Flip C302CA-DHM4 12.5-Inch Touchscreen Intel Core

If you’re buying a tablet for a child, then you’ll want to look for a case that specifically says that it’s shock proof. Those are usually the toughest cases that you can buy. In laptops, there are plenty of choices that you can choose from – but if you’re looking for both the hottest as well as the newest, then you’ll want to check out the ASUS Chromebook Flip C302CA-DHM4 12.5-Inch TouchscreenIntel Core.

This one is very popular and loaded with features like plenty of ram. What users love about it is the 360 degree hinge and the touchscreen. Both of those make it high on college students’ wish lists. They like the versatility of it plus it’s pretty sturdy.

With desktops, the kind that you’ll want to get matters according to the main purpose of use. So if you were buying a desktop for someone who was really into gaming, especially ones like live action virtual reality, then you’d look for a desktop that was known for VR play.

Many of those types of desktops can also be used for purposes like graphic design or different types of computer art. You can also get an all-in-one which are great space savers.

These computers can have the larger screens – including the popular and trendy curved ones. They offer a lot of power, storage and function in touch screens – including the 4K models.

Cell Phones and Accessories

Cell phones can do so much more today than they used to be able to do. It used to be that they were good for making phone calls or using them to set calendar reminders or alarms, but that was about it.

Now, a good cell phone with a decent operating system can do what a tablet can do and then some. Anyone can use a cell phone. Many people on your list might want to upgrade, but can’t necessarily afford to do that.

A cell phone would make a great gift for teens, college kids, moms, dads, and friends. When you’re looking at them, though, you have to pay attention to whether or not they’re locked or unlocked.

Apple Iphone 8 64gb GSM Unlocked

You want to get an unlocked phone if possible. If you get one that’s locked, it means that it can only be used with a certain carrier. So if you buy it for someone and they can’t use it with their carrier, then they’ll either have to switch cell phone providers or return the gift.

There are some new iPhones coming up for release in the fall of 2017 and those are the iPhone 8, the 7S and the 7S Plus. The most popular phones today are the iPhone 6 as well as the iPhone 6 Plus.

The Galaxy S5 is on the top of the wish lists as is the Galaxy Note 3 and 4.  The Blackberry KEYone is an unlocked phone that uses the android system that’s also done fairly well as far as features and satisfaction goes.

Samsung Galaxy S8 Unlocked 64GB

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Unlocked 64GB continues to be a top seller for its high customer approval thanks to its performance. With cell phones, there are plenty of accessories to go along with them.

Some of these are considered extras while some of them are must haves like screen protectors. You don’t want to buy an expensive phone for someone only to turn around have them drop it and shatter the screen.

OtterBox COMMUTER SERIES Case for iPhone 6

You’ll want to get the screen protector or case that’s specific for the type of phone that you bought because many of them can’t be used among the different brands. One of these, which is for the iPhone 6, is the OtterBox COMMUTER SERIES Case for iPhone 6/6s.

While you can’t use this one for the PLUS version of the phone, it’s well known as one of the toughest cases that you can buy. When you’re buying cases, many them will already come with the screen as well – but you can buy these separately in the event a phone was dropped and the protective screen broke.

Look for screens that say they’re explosion or shatter proof, tempered glass and anti scratch for the best bet. You’ll want to also consider accessories like a selfie stick, headsets, and chargers.

Best Sports Gifts for Christmas 2017 – Top Christmas Gift Ideas 2017

Posted on by

Best Sports Gifts for Christmas 2017 are here! Every year, people strive to better themselves physically by getting in better shape. You can accomplish this without just buying a gym membership, it can be very fun getting into shape by engaging in sports and outdoor activities, especially with your friends and family.

Many men and women take New Year’s Day as their signal to start a new fitness regimen, so giving them some sort of sports and outdoors item as a gift just beforehand at Christmas is a perfect idea!

Cycling and Skating Gifts

Possibly one of the most popular means of being active among kids and teenagers today is by going cycling or skating. Both require a significant amount of physical effort and provide the additional bonus of acting as a means of transportation, especially in suburban areas.

Likely the easiest to learn and the most common is the bicycle. Many people learned to ride bikes when they were children, and even if you didn’t, it’s not hard at all to pick up. It’s a very efficient way to get around if you don’t have a car or need to walk around outside.

Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike

First, you want to make sure you select the right bike for the person you’re buying for. If they’re mostly going around on pavement, they’ll want some kind of road bike like the popular Vilano R2 Commuter Aluminum Road Bike Shimano 21 Speed 700clightweight option.

Roadmaster 26″ Men’s Granite Peak Men’s Bike

However, if they’re doing any off-roading, they’ll want some kind of mountain bike like the Roadmaster 26″ Men’s Granite Peak Men’s Bike that’s known for its incredible suspension and easy maneuvering.

Another very popular kind of transportation, especially for teenagers, is skateboarding. Skateboards are more compacts and easily transportable than bikes, and are usually a lot cheaper. However, they may be a little bit more difficult to learn.

Penny Classic Complete skateboard

For people who solely use their skateboard for commuting, they might consider trying out a penny board. Penny boards are extremely compact and meant more for beginners so something like the Penny Classic Complete skateboard might be a great gift to consider.

However, if they intend to get more into skating, they might find a longboard to be more preferable. Longboards are also a bit more versatile than penny boards, which are only really good on pavement.

Quest Skateboards Best 44″ Bamboo Super Cruiser Longboard Skateboard

One of the most impressive ones you can give as a gift this year is the Quest Skateboards Best 44″ Bamboo Super Cruiser Longboard Skateboard. It’s a beautiful hardwood maple design that will wow the person you’re buying for.

Another less popular, but equally fun option are skates. There are two main kinds of skates: roller skates, and inline skates. Both are fine for indoor and outdoor use, though you can go a bit faster using inline skates.

Once you get it down, it can be a fast, exercise intensive form of transportation. There are skates available for people of all ages on your gift list – from toddlers up through adults, men and women.

Of course, no matter which of these products you choose to buy for someone, you’re going to want to get them the basic safety gear to avoid injuries. The most important piece of safety gear is a helmet.

Falling on your head can result in extremely serious injuries, so make sure they always wear a helmet and be sure you buy the right size. Additionally, you should get them elbow, knee, and wrist guards to make sure they don’t cause serious damage to any of their most important joints.

Hunting and Fishing Gifts

Many people, especially older men, enjoy spending their time outdoors hunting or fishing – and there are many items that can make the perfect Christmas gifts. It’s a skill than can be passed on through generations, and some consider it a rite of passage to becoming an adult.

Whether your family is experienced or you’re brand new to the idea, hunting and fishing can be enjoyed by all. Fishing is a bit easier for beginners to get into, as well as a bit more casual.

If you’re buying for someone who is new to fishing, you need to get them a rod and a reel. The rod is the long flexible part, and the reel is the part that you crank with the fishing line on it.

PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos

You can either choose to buy these separately, or in a bundle combo, which is recommended for beginners. A good option to consider is the PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combo, which is perfect for either freshwater or saltwater.

Once they have the reel and the rod, they need the fishing line. Fishing line can be bought in various lengths and weight limits depending on what they plan to catch. If they’re going deep sea fishing and plan on getting some larger fish, they’ll want to get longer line with higher weight limits.

However, if they’re just at their local lake catching bass, you can get them a shorter line with lower weight limits. You want to get their line as small as possible for the fish they plan on catching, because the wider the line is, the more noticeable it is to the fish.

Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 Bbuilt-in GPS Fish Finder

For more serious fishermen, electronic fishing gadgets such as a Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 Built-in GPS Fish Finder would make a great gift. This takes the guesswork out of the sport and ensures that your gift recipient comes home happy!

If they don’t live near a good place to fish or just prefer the woods over the water, then hunting might be more their speed. One of the most important parts of hunting, because they’re spending long days out in the woods, is making sure they have everything they’ll need for a day away from civilization.

This means having the right clothes, the right equipment, and the right safety measures.For clothing, you should get them something that’s very comfortable but also works well with their environment.

Red Rock Gear Ghillie Suit

For camouflage, the Red Rock Gear Ghillie Suit is a big hit and it is available in a variety of color options, including desert, greenery and even snow! This is a gift that a dedicated hunter will appreciate.

If they’re hunting in late fall in a cold area, be sure to get something that can keep them warm all day. If they’re hunting in the arid deserts of Arizona, however, something breathable and comfortable is a much better option.

Whatever you get them, make sure it’s durable and appropriate for outdoor use. It’s worth looking into getting them a good first aid kit as well, because if something happens while they’re out in the deep woods, it can be difficult for help to get to them.

They need to know how to treat injuries that may occur while they’re in the outdoors, such as bites, scratches, scrapes, and stings. A little bit of knowledge can prevent a scratch from getting infected and turning into a much larger problem than it needs to be.

There are all sorts of accessories you can get for hunters – such as bags, belts, knives, eyewear and even bigger ticket items like tree stands and blinds that are more permanent options.

Golf Gadgets and Gifts

Golf is a very classic sport, but today more and more young people are becoming interested in learning how to play, so golf items make a great gift for any generation. Golf is a great game that just about anyone can pick up if they’re willing to invest a bit of time to learn the proper rules and form.

You might choose to get the person a gift card to a place like TopGolf, where they can rent a set of clubs and get acquainted with how they feel. Then you can start getting some equipment for them if they want to keep learning.

Paragon Golf Youth Golf Club Set

The first thing they’ll need, obviously, is the clubs. They can either start off with a single basic driver just to get their form down or you can get them a complete set if they’re really passionate about it. The Paragon Golf Youth Golf Club Set would make a great starter set.

When they’re just starting off, don’t get one of the overly expensive clubs just yet – it won’t make them much better until they’ve mastered the basic clubs. Basic clubs can also be a bit more forgiving, and the recipient won’t worry so much about messing them up if they do something wrong.

If they already have clubs, then you might consider getting them some items they can use for practice. Most people find it easier to head out to their nearest driving range, which will typically rent out bags of golf balls to people there.

If they’re going out to a driving range, they’re going to have to bring some things with them. First off, they’re going to need tees. Tees are fairly cheap and often disposable, but you can get higher quality multiple use ones if you’d like – and maybe use these as stocking stuffers.

The disposable ones will usually be made out of wood, and can break easily if you make contact with them on your swing. The multiple use tees can be made out of rubber or plastic, so they don’t crack when they’re hit.

If they want to be able to practice but don’t want to spend the time and money going out to the driving range every few days, you can get them training equipment to practice in their own back yard.

Rukket 10x7ft Haack Golf Net

One of the most common forms of training is hitting into a large net with a bit of flex to it, which catches the balls but allows them to get the full experience of the swing and the hit. One of the bestselling ones is the Rukket 10x7ft Haack Golf Net.

Alternatively, you can get them sticks that simulate the swing of a golf club fully, but don’t even require a ball to hit. This means they can do it anywhere that they have the free space – whether it’s a large, empty room or part of their yard.

MECO(TM) Golf Gesture Swing Trainer Training Aid

These golf training sticks like the MECO Golf Gesture Swing Trainer TrainingAid allow them to work on the tempo and feel of swinging their club, making it a good training tool for new players and a good practice tool for seasoned players.

Putt-A-Bout Grassroots Par Three Putting Green

And don’t forget the short game. A practice putting green like the Putt-A-Bout Grassroots Par Three Putting Green will help them shave their score down quickly and easily!

Team Sports and Collectable Gifts

Almost everyone at one point in their life has played a team sport, whether it be for high school, college, or any other team. Team sports are a great way to not only get in shape, but also to form new friendships with other players on the team – and if you know someone on a team, you can get gifts for them this holiday season.

Whether they actively play sports to this day or simply enjoy watching them, there are plenty of products available for the sports enthusiasts out there. In the United States, three sports remain the most popular: baseball, basketball, and football.

They’re on TV all the time, and people go absolutely crazy for them. There are so many items you can buy for the sports fans in your life. They range from collectible cards to jerseys, bobble heads, helmets and more!

While it’s fun to sit and watch pro sports with friends, it’s even more enjoyable to go out and play some of the sports yourself. Basketball is probably the easiest of those three to go and pick up and play with some friends.

Lifetime 1269 Pro Court Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System

Basketball hoops can vary in how advanced they are, but if it’s just a backyard court, you can just get one of the bare bones hoops for someone on your list. Consider getting one like the Lifetime 1269 Pro Court Height Adjustable Portable Basketball System.

You can get hoops that extend and vary in height, allowing both kids and adults to play on it. Once they have the hoop set up, all they really need from there is the basketball itself.

Spalding NBA Street Basketball

Official-sized basketballs are an inexpensive gift to give when you buy from trusted brands such as the Spalding NBA Street Basketball. Football and baseball can be played fairly casually as long as you have a large open field, but the person you’re buying for may want to bring along a few accessories to make it a bit more official.

For example, if they’re playing baseball, you can get them some bases fairly easily, so they don’t have to use some random object to mark bases. You’ll also want to get them baseball bats and mitts.

Bats can get a bit pricey if you buy alloy ones that are meant for real games, but if you’re only playing recreationally, a wooden one will be just fine. For mitts, adult-sized ones will cost you around $50, but for kids, they’ll only be about $15-$30.

For many people outside the United States, soccer, or football as it’s commonly known among them, is the most popular sport, hands down. Soccer is a fairly easy game to pick up, much like basketball.

As long as you can establish two goal areas, you can play wherever there’s enough space. You can get the sports enthusiast on your list a standard soccer ball for around $10, and you’ll want to get them a pump to keep it aired up, which is also around $10.

Once they have the basic equipment, you can get a bit fancier if you want by buying them collapsible goals and nets, or even soccer cleats and shoes. Soccer cleats make it much easier to play outside and on turf, but if they plan on playing indoor soccer, don’t go for the cleats.

Camping and Hiking Gifts

Camping and hiking is a great way to bond with your family and friends, relax by yourself, or get in touch with nature and there are many products that make fabulous gifts for the people on your lift.

There are plenty of wonderful places to go hike or camp, no matter where you are in the world. Even if the person you’re buying for is in a very urban area, a nice hiking trail is usually within driving distance.

The time they spend and the difficulty of the hikes can vary greatly, from spending a day out on a trail as a beginner or spending weeks out on one of the massive trails as an expert.

Timberland White Ledge Men’s Waterproof Boot

Either way, you’re going to want to make sure the person is properly prepared with the right equipment. The most important thing you can have on a hike is the right shoes and socks. The Timberland White Ledge Men’s Waterproof Boot are the most popular brand of hiking shoes.

Without the right support and protection for their feet, the hike can go from fun to miserable very quickly. If there’s one item you don’t want to skimp out on as a gift giver, it’s the shoes.

Get them some high quality hiking boots or shoes that provide good traction on just about any surface, which prevents unnecessary slips and falls. The next most important thing to buy is a reliable source of water.

Nalgene Tritan 32oz Wide Mouth BPA-Free Water Bottle

The worst thing they can possibly do is not bring enough water out on their camping or hiking trip. They need to bring at least two liters of water per person per day. You can get them Nalgene water bottles at a very fair price, like the Nalgene Tritan 32oz Wide Mouth BPA-Free Water Bottle, which are some of the most durable bottles on the market.

You might even consider getting them one of those water bladders that hold around 2 liters, and can fit in their bag. If they decide they want to go camping, a good tent and sleeping bag is a must-have.

If they have a sleeping bag that’s too thin or too small, they’ll be very cold when night hits and the temperatures drop. You can get them different sleeping bags that work better in different temperatures, such as ones that work in 40o F or ones that work in 5o F.

Additionally, to make sleeping in the tent more comfortable, you should buy them a ground pad or even an inflatable mattress. You also want to make sure their tent is durable and set up correctly, because if you get them a cheap, flimsy one, they might find some unwanted creatures inside when they wake up.

Mountain House 3 Day Emergency Food Supply

Finally, if they’re staying out camping for multiple nights, they’re going to want some source of food. Freeze-dried foods such as the ones from Mountain House are quick, easy, and delicious.

They come in tons of different flavors for all meals of the day, all they need to do is heat up some water. They can heat up some drinking water in a metal pot, and bring along a small portable stove for the heat source – another item that makes a great gift for outdoorsy folk.

Winter and Water Sports Gear and Gifts

Seasonal sports are great ways to have more fun on vacations and during breaks and if you have people on your list that like to participate in them, there are some wonderful, thoughtful gifts you can consider.

Water sports are of course best during the warmer months, while winter sports are better during the colder months. They can be safe if done right, fun, and a great way to exercise.

Water sports are a bit more common since you can partake in them anywhere where there’s a body of water large enough. One of the easiest and definitely the most common water sports is simply swimming.

They can make swimming a bit more exciting in natural areas such as oceans by adding the element of snorkeling. All they need to go snorkeling is a good set of goggles that will cover their nose and eyes and the snorkel itself.

TOMSHOO Snorkel Mask with Action Camera mount

You can either get them a full face mask that lets them see all around them or the traditional goggles. Once they have that, they can appreciate the beauty of the ocean in full. Consider a very popular gift of the TOMSHOO Snorkel Mask with Action Cameramount!

Another fun and easy water sport is kayaking. Kayaks can be a bit pricy, but it’s definitely worth giving it as a gift if they get into it. They can start off by renting one to see if they like it, and if they do, then consider getting them their own as a big gift to stand beside the tree on Christmas morning.

Sea Eagle SE370K_P Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package

The Sea Eagle SE370K_P Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package has everything they’ll need. But if you buy a different one, then you’ll want to get a good paddle and the right safety gear to go with it. For example, a life vest is a must have if they’re going out on the lake, especially if they get flipped over.

For winter sports, they may end up having to travel a bit to get to a place where they can engage in them, depending on where they live, but it’s so worth it once they do. Obviously, since they’re going out somewhere cold to do them, you need to be sure they have enough winter sports clothing to keep them warm.

Multiple layers are highly recommended, both for pants and for jackets. One of the most popular winter sports is skiing. Skiing is almost always done at a resort, so you typically rent your skis from them, and they make sure they fit properly on you and that you’re all set to go.

2017 Atomic Vantage 100 CTI 188cm Skis Only

But some people who go regularly buy their own skis and one brand that sells well are the 2017 Atomic Vantage 100 CTI 188cm Skis. You can get a great set for the person on your list – and that includes adults and children alike. They might like to bring their own goggles to make sure they’re comfortable in them.

Good skiing goggles should only cost you around $15-$25, and a good helmet will likely cost you around $70. Another good winter sport that you can do almost year-round is ice skating.

Many places keep ice skating rinks operating at all times of the year, so it doesn’t have to be winter for the person to enjoy it. You can either choose to get normal figure skating ice skates or adjustable skates if they plan on playing sports such as ice hockey.

Best Gifts for Gamers 2017 – Top Christmas Gift Ideas 2017

Posted on by

Best Gifts for Gamers 2017 are here! With the holiday season bearing down, you’ll want to get a jump on all your shopping. One of the categories where you’ll want to shop early is video games and their related accessories.

That’s because these are hot selling items that go quickly. If you wait until the last minute, you might not get what’s on your to-buy list. Video games are a great gift for almost any age and both genders.

There are games for toddlers all the way through adulthood – and gaming isn’t just a guy’s thing – many girls love gaming, too. It’s a way to connect with others socially through live accounts, so teens especially enjoy the activity.

Consoles and Bundles

Consoles and bundles make great gifts because you’re giving the gift of entertainment. People of all ages love video consoles and they’re great for families as well because many families use gaming consoles as a way to spend time together.

So if you’re looking to get a console or a console bundle for some of the people on your list, you’ll want to know what’s popular, what’s the most wanted and what’s new on the scene.

PlayStation 4 500GB Console – Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection Bundle

One of the popular ones is the PlayStation 4 500GB Console – Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection Bundle. This one is going to be on many wish lists for teens, kids, and adults.

Some people use the console for getting fit or sports games that allow them to combine health with the fun of games or dancing. One of the reason for this particular console bundle’s popularity is because players get access to more games – including online multiplayer options.

Great gaming moments can be shared on YouTube, Ustream and other social sites. In addition to that, the console gives users the ability to stream all kinds of other entertainment – from music to sports and beyond.

Nintendo Switch with Gray Joy-Con

One of the newest consoles this year is the Nintendo Switch, and it’s made many kids as well as their parents extremely happy. That’s because this is one of the most versatile consoles on the market and it’s backed by the reliability of a company well known for its popular games.

When kids play games using the console, it sits on a docking station. In the past when it was time to go somewhere, kids would have to pause their game or save and quit, then leave the house.

PDP SNES Classic Deluxe Carrying Case for the Super Nintendo Classic Console

But with Nintendo Switch, the console goes from a docked console to an on the go gaming system. It easily becomes a handheld game and players can continue to battle other players in multiplayer mode even while they’re not home.

What many parents like about Nintendo gaming consoles is that the games tend to be more family friendly than other games are. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for the release of the Super NES Classic.

Xbox One X Project Scorpio Edition 1TB Console

This much loved console will be making another appearance later in the fall. But one of the most anticipated consoles lurking just on the horizon is Xbox’s newest creation. The Xbox One X.

Shrouded in secrecy, the console was known as Project Scorpio and the good news for all those who love gaming is that it’s supposed to hit shelves in November 2017. The anticipation surrounding this console is due to the promise that the Xbox One accessories are compatible with this newest offering.

It’s also due to top rated graphics and great compatibility. That means that you won’t have to leave your library of previous games behind. The console is backwards compatible, so you’ll be able to play the games that you love as well as the games that will be new on the market.

Accessories for Gaming

When it comes to giving gaming gifts to the teens or adults on your list, you can give things like consoles or console bundles. But sometimes these people might already have those items.

What you want to do is to look at a list of all the accessories that you can get. Some of them are necessary items and some of them can make game play a little sweeter. You can look for things like accessory kits or adapters.

Cases and storage containers make great gifts, but so do cooling stations or face plates. Skins are a great gift to give because these let people personalize their gaming gear.

You can get skins for controllers in the design of superheroes, camouflage, stars and stripes and more. Stands and thumb grips make good gift ideas, too. Headsets are gifts that are on many wish lists for gaming accessories.

They help give users a more immersed game play plus noise cancelling headphones can keep background noise to a minimum if you get ones with that ability.You’ll want to check the compatibility of whichever headset that you buy, though, because not all of them will work with every console.

BlueFire Professional 3.5mm PS4 Gaming Headset Headphone with Mic and LED Lights

However, the BlueFire Upgraded 3.5mm Gaming Headset Headphone is compatible with many different consoles. You can use it with the Xbox One as well as the newer version that’s going to be released later in 2017.

You can also use with the PS4. It’s also compatible with the newest Nintendo console, the Nintendo Switch. These headphones have LED light, and easy to adjust volume control.

With gaming consoles, you’re going to want to get some controllers. If you buy a bundle, it’s true that they usually come with at least one controller, but not all of them do. But controllers are also the item in game play that takes the hardest workout.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

They get dropped, tossed around and used frequently. Good controllers, like the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, are not only the newest controllers, but they’re also the hottest ones you can buy for Nintendo.

They’re on manywish lists this year thanks to the HD rumble and the amiibocompatibility. Other accessories that you’ll want to think about getting are charging stations.

You can find these items specifically for controllers for the particular model of gaming console that someone has. But you can also find some that are universal so they can be used with any console.

The most popular kinds of controller charging stations are the ones that offer dual charging so that two controllers can be charged at the same time. Make sure you find out from the person you’re buying for to see what systems they have and what will be compatible for it.

Gaming Gift Cards

One of the best gifts that you can give someone who enjoys playing video games is a gaming gift card. It’s the perfect present for kids, teens, adults, for die-hard gamers and for people who are just now starting to build their gaming entertainment collection.

Destiny 2 – PS4 [Digital Code]

The kinds of games that you can get are as varied as the consoles that you can buy.  You can buy the hot digital game download gift card such as the Destiny 2 Pre-load for PS4. This card is the sequel for the original game.

You can find many digital game cards for everyone’s favorite game. Some will be for sports like motorsports. Some are for football or basketball. Others will be for action hero games.

Some you can find in a line of favorite games like the ones in the Grand Theft Auto line. Some of the different gaming cards that you can buy won’t have a specific game listed. What they’ll have listed instead is the name of the console.

For example, some will say PlayStation Store. If you look at the front, these cards will clearly list which PlayStation consoles that they can be used with. The difference in the cards will depend on the face value of the card.

Some go for as little as ten dollars all the way up to a hundred. It’s the same thing with the different Xbox cards that you can get. Each one of those will also have a different amount.

Xbox LIVE 12 Month Gold Membership Card

With the Xbox gift cards, you can get them for specific games like the ones featuring favorite superheroes. Some of the much anticipated games for Xbox haven’t even been released yet, but you can still go ahead and pre-order them.

Some of the hottest ones slated to make an appearance later in the year are Metro Exodus, State of Decay 2 and Far Cry 5. What’s popular with many parents and with many younger kids are the cards that are for Nintendo games.

You’ll see these as Nintendo e-Cash. What you give when you gift someone one of these cards is the gift of choice. They can pick whatever game they want. What they can get will depend on the face value amount of the e-card that you buy.

Sometimes, these can be enough to purchase more than one game depending on the amount. But Nintendo has a huge selection of games for kids to choose from. There are more than 1,000 and these include both favorite games in Nintendo as well as their new releases.

Steam Gift Card

These can be used with the Wii U or kids can use the cards with the 3DS system. Steam gift cards are another great gift idea. This is a gaming platform that offers access and the ability to download thousands of different games.

You can get favorites as well as new releases like Skyrim, Rocket League or Sonic Mania, or Call of Duty WWII. Steam is a great platform and many teens and oung adults are members.

Virtual Reality Gaming Gifts

There are plenty of reasons why people of all ages like virtual reality gaming. When they play these games, it’s as if they’re stepping into a whole new, three dimensional world. They can feel the action and it’s like they’re right in the middle of it rather than playing as a bystander.

These types of games are popular with kids, teenagers, adults and especially hard core gamers. But the experience that anyone can enjoy really will depend on the console and the accessories that they have.

PlayStation VR

The better the equipment they have, the better they play. In 2017, there were many great items brought to the market for the virtual reality gaming community. One of these is the Sony Playstation VR.

The reason that it’s one of the best virtual reality headsets that you can buy is because it allows player to be able to move naturally. They’ll be able to react to things in the games just like they would in real life.

The headset gives them that immersed feeling so that the world they’re in fades away while the virtual reality one takes over. Another reason this one is on many wish lists is because it has 3D audio.

HTC VIVE – Virtual Reality System

This means that the player can hear the sounds in real time and be able to tell where they’re coming from. Another virtual reality gaming gift that you’ll want to consider is the HTC Vive.

This is a platform that comes with the headset along with wireless controllers and the base stations. With the headset, the player can feel like he’s in the game and the controllers will feel like they’re part of the player’s hands.

The base stations have SteamVR Tracking capability, which means that the player can have precise movement within the gaming world. With the HTC Vive, the person can play standing, sitting down or can move around in a wider space.

Oculus Rift + Touch Virtual Reality System

The graphics on this are good and so are the audio. Plus, with this, players get access to more than 1,500 games – and that includes the new games and any updates that are released.

If you’re looking for something that’s in the Playstation line as far as consoles go, then you’d want to look for the Playstation 4 Pro console. The Oculus Rift + Touch virtual reality system is also popular.

SILMIEN 3D VR Glasses

Sometimes, people who wear glasses can experience trouble using the headset with virtual reality gaming. That’s why you want to look for glasses like the 3D VR Glasses.

These can be worn right over top of a pair of regular glasses because they’re made specifically with extra width for that purpose. People who love virtual reality gaming would love to get gifts of new games for the holidays.

What you have to look for in this area are games that are sure to be compatible with the type of system that they have because many of them don’t have crossover ability. What you want to look for is what’s newest in 2017 or what the hottest games are on bestseller lists.

Star Trek: Bridge Crew

Among those, you’ll find ones like Fallout 4 for the Vive, Star Trek: Bridge Crew for the Playstation and Syren for the Rift. Those are just a few though, there are more new ones that you can get as well as some older favorites.

XBox Video Gaming Gifts

If you’re looking at gaming gift ideas, you can’t go wrong choosing one of the many Xbox options that are available. One of the most popular ones as well as the one being on the top of every game lover’s holiday wish list is the Xbox One S.

This console allows users to play their favorite games and gives them options for the latest releases. You can find these sold as a console or as bundles. The bundles, even with their varying game titles, are all popular.

Xbox One S 500GB Console – Battlefield 1 Bundle

The Xbox One S 500GB Console – Battlefield 1 is a bundle deal. With this gift, the user will get the console, the complete Battlefield 1 game, the Xbox wireless controller, the HDMI cable, a power cable and a couple of extra trial game access features for EA and Xbox Live Gold.

You can get the same deal in a bundle but the game changes to Gears of War 4. Or, you can get the Forza Horizon 3 bundle. You can get the Xbox 360 console and some of these you can still get as a bundle.

Many of them offer players a free trial to Xbox Live Gold. One of the things that’s popular with Xbox are getting the different controllers that are different from what you’d get in a bundle.

Xbox Wireless Controller – Dawn Shadow Special Edition

One of these is the wireless controller the Dawn Shadow special edition. You can get one of the wireless controllers in blue as well and these different hued controllers are on many wishlists this season.

Something else that’s topping many lists is the docking station for Xbox One that’s designed to be compatible with the X as well as the S controllers. It’s the Fosmon Dual Shot high speed docking station.

One thing that Xbox is well known for is the kind of games that you can get with the various consoles. Many of these are such huge hits that when the pre-order sales begin, they can end up selling out quickly.

These games are usually broken down by who’s going to be playing them. For example, the games that are for kids are geared towards family entertainment. This means that there will be less or no violence in the game.

LEGO Marvel Superheroes 2 Deluxe – Xbox One

The newest kid game for 2017 is the LEGO Marvel Superheroes 2Deluxe and it’s not out yet, but you can pre-order it in time for the holidays. Or you can get the LEGO Ninjango game.

For adults, the newest and most wished for upcoming games for the year 2017 are Konami Pro Evolution Soccer 2018, Nascar Heat 2 and Dishonored: Death of the Outsider.

Playstation Video Gaming Gifts

You might be looking to buy gifts for your friends or family whose existing gaming platform is a Playstation- or they want the console. This is one of the most popular video game systems that you can buy today.

PlayStation 4 Slim 500GB Console – Uncharted 4 Bundle

You can get the PlayStation 4 Slim 500GB Console- Uncharted 4 Bundle which is very popular – and it’s on the list of both kids and adults. With this, you get the system plus a DualShock wireless controller.

You also get the Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End game. One thing to make a note of when you’re buying a console system or a console system bundle is that most of them only come with one controller.

So you’re better off going ahead and buying a second controller because it’s no fun to get a gaming system and discover that no one else can play it with the person that you give it to.

ASTRO Gaming A10 Gaming Headset

Besides getting a console or a bundle, there are also plenty more great items that you can get for your gift recipient. One of these is headsets. The newest headset for Playstation consoles is the ASTRO Gaming A10 Gaming Headset.

The headset is a combination of blue and black. They have memory foam ear cushions – so even if someone wears them for a marathon gaming session, they’ll still be comfortable.

In addition to being comfortable, the headset has an omnidirectional mic as well as immersive audio, so they’re sure to be a big hit. Of course, it’s not fun at all to go to play a game and end up finding out that the controllers haven’t been charged so you can’t play.

PS4 Controller Charger Dual USB Charging Docking Station Stand

You don’t want that to happen to the person you’re giving a Playstation gaming gift to. That’s why you’ll want to consider getting the PS4 Controller Charger, Dual USB Charging Docking Station Stand.

It can hold two controllers for charging at the same time. You get the cable with this. What makes this such an in demand gift is that players don’t have to wait for their controllers to charge.

They can still play whatever game they’re playing while the controllers are being charged. If you’re thinking about getting Playstation video gaming gifts for someone, but they already have the console as well as the headset, controllers and charging station, then what you’re going to want to get for them are some of the latest games.

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

One of the newest releases is Uncharted: The Lost Legacy or the NBA 2K17 Standard Edition. If you’re not sure what game to get for an adult, you can get a Playstation gaming gift card and let the recipient choose for himself.

NBA 2K17 Standard Edition

If you want to buy for kids who love video games, just remember to plan your purchase on whatever game is based on a popular movie. You can’t wrong with that. Check out upcoming releases to have a gift that is sure to impress!

Best Tech Gifts 2017 – Top Tech Gift Ideas for Christmas 2017

Posted on by

Best Tech Gifts 2017 are here! Many people are starting to tie everything in their house to their smartphones, so they can easily access anything at any time – even when they’re not home. Smart technology enables you to use an app or website on your phone, tablet, or computer to get information from or control the gadget remotely.

They’re soaring in popularity, as convenience is becoming more and more important to consumers. But some people aren’t aware of what all is available, or it’s out of their budget – so they make a perfect gift for someone you love.

Smart Wearable Gifts

One of the most common, useful, and basic pieces of smart technology is the tech you can wear and they make wonderful gifts this Christmas season. The most common type of wearable tech is the smart watch. Smart watches are often geared towards fitness tracking, but also do a fine job of keeping track of time and performing a few other duties.

Apple 42mm Smart Watch

Possibly the most well-known smart watch is the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch requires an iPhone 5 or later to work with it, and it allows you to access most of the information on your phone from your wrist.

For example, you can read and respond to text messages by using the touch screen interface, or by using Siri. You can also see your calendar events, the weather, and even some basic health information like your heart rate and walking speed.

Like most smart watches, you can also change the face of the watch depending on your style and preference and this is a great additional gift to give someone. While Apple is very popular, the Fitbit watches have certainly made their mark on the wearable technology market.

Fitbit has a wide variety of devices, from sleek smart watches to discreet little wearables that you can attach to your sock. The cheapest and most basic Fitbit is the Fitbit Zip. The Zip is a very small device that you can attach to your shoe or sock, and it tracks your steps, calories burned, and distance moved.

Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate

It automatically syncs with your phone using Bluetooth, and you can view all of the information through a free app. One of the most popular Fitbit devices is the Charge HR.

It’s fairly discreet, and goes around your wrist. The seamless display shows you everything you need to know from the time to your heart rate to how many minutes you’ve been active.

It can also wake you up with a silent alarm and track your sleep schedule. Just like the Zip, you can view all of this information on the Fitbit app, which works for both Androids and iPhones.

Smart Home Gifts

Home based smart technology is becoming very popular very quickly, especially because it’s so easy to set up and use – and this is a great gift for your parents or other loved ones who live on their own.

Smart home technology makes it easier to control many of the aspects of your house such as the temperature, and allows you to seamlessly connect your home to many internet services.

All-new Echo

Most smart home devices allow you to use your phone or even your voice to control these features. Possibly the most popular smart home device is the Amazon Echo, and for good reason.

The Echo is compatible with tons of different services, from Amazon Music, to Spotify, to Uber, and even Domino’s Pizza – so teenagers and adults alike will enjoy this as a gift.

You can access all of these services by using voice commands directed at Amazon’s AI, Alexa. For example, if you wanted to play a certain song from your Spotify playlist, you’d say, “Alexa, play” and then say the name of the song.

You can also use an app on your phone to connect to the Echo if you’re not a fan of voice commands. One of the most important parts about the Echo is that it’s compatible with many other smart home devices.

If you have smart technology in your lamps, garage, locks, TVs, or anything else, you can turn them on and off using the Echo. Alexa will also answer any basic questions that you might ask Apple’s Siri, such as the weather, the news, traffic, and more.

Echo Dot

There are a few different versions of the Echo available. The most common version is the full sized original one. Amazon has also released a smaller, compact Echo called the Echo Dot.

The Echo Dot has all of the same features, but due to its smaller size and lower price, the range on it isn’t as good. You can pair Dots together as range extenders, however. Currently, their most expensive variation of the Echo is the Echo Show, which has a screen and a webcam, allowing you to make video calls straight from the device and watch YouTube videos.

Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation

Another wildly popular smart home device is the Nest thermostat and this is a great higher end gift for someone on your list. Instead of getting up and setting the temperature on your thermostat manually, you can now do it from your phone with the Nest.

The front features a screen that shows you a variety of information, from outside weather to current inside temperatures and settings. It’s fully compatible with the Amazon Echo, so if you have them connected, you can simply say “Alexa, set the temperature to 68 degrees.”

The Nest also helps you save energy by adjusting the temperature accordingly when nobody’s home. So if it’s a hot day, you can have it set low while you’re home, but when you leave for work, it will raise the temperature, so the AC system uses less power.

You can even control the temperature while you’re at work remotely, so you can have the house cooled off by the time you get home. This makes it a fantastic gift for anyone who is trying to control electricity costs.

August Smart Lock 2nd Generation

One increasingly popular smart device is the smart door lock – a perfect gift for someone who you feel needs extra protection and security. They’re very easy to install, and your original key will still work with them, but it has the added functionality of being able to be remotely unlocked.

For example, if you were out and about and you needed to let your friend into your house to let them get something, you could unlock the front door from your phone and lock it again when they leave.

If you got locked out accidentally, but still had your phone, you could unlock the door and get your keys from inside. It will also automatically lock your door if you forget to as you leave.

Smart Car Gifts

While many cars today are starting to include more smart technology already integrated in them, not every car has it. Does someone on your list drive? This may make the perfect gift this holiday season!

You can get someone you love the smart technology they need to use in their car, even if it wasn’t originally made with smart tech. Smart car gadgets are extremely useful, and also provide a wide range of safety features.

Many smart devices for cars plug into the OBD-II port, which is typically down between the pedals and the steering wheel. All vehicles made from 1996 on have an OBD-II port in them, as it’s a requirement for the car to even be able to be produced.

Hum By Verizon – No Contract

The OBD-II port allows devices to read important information about the car, and OBD-II readers allow you to read this information on your phone. One of the most common OBD scanners available is the Hum from Verizon.

Once you plug the Hum in, you can use an app on your phone to view information such as top speed, fuel mileage, and health reports about your car. The Hum is especially good for protective parents who want to monitor their child’s car, because you can set speed and distance boundaries that, if broken, will alert you on your phone.

For example, if your child goes over 65 on the highway, you’ll know exactly when and how fast they went at their highest speed. The Hum will also alert you if your child is in an accident or other collision.

nonda ZUS Connected Car App Suite & Smart Car Charger

You can even see where the car has driven, as it maps each drive. Another great car monitor to give as a gift is the Nonda ZUS. The ZUS plugs into the cigarette lighter rather than the OBD-II port, and has a different variety of functions.

The ZUS’s main use is helping you find where you parked your car. When you turn off the engine, the ZUS transmits and logs the location using the app on your phone. So when you come back to find your car, you’ll see an arrow on your phone pointing you in the right direction.

This also tells you how far away the car is. The ZUS also acts as a USB port, so you can plug in and charge your phone. The ZUS will give you updates on car health reports, such as current battery life. It makes a great gift for car owners!

Car statistics and safety reports aren’t the only purposes of smart devices for cars. Entertainment is also very important to most people. There are plenty of different stereo and entertainment systems available, and with proper mounts and installation procedures, they can be installed on just about any car.

For example, Xshop sells stereos that allow you to hook up your phone through the AUX cord or Bluetooth, so you can stream your favorite songs. This is especially useful for cars that don’t have these features already built in, like most modern cars do.

Smart Entertainment Gifts

While smart technology definitely has its practical uses, we always find a way to put an entertaining spin on new technology. To nobody’s surprise, many major companies have found ways to incorporate smart technology into common entertainment devices and these options can help you check off your Christmas gift buying list quickly!

Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote

One of the most popular smart entertainment devices that you might want to buy for someone is the Amazon Fire TV stick. The Fire TV stick has a wide range of functions and uses, all focused on entertainment.

It plugs in to the HDMI port on your TV, and by connecting to WiFi, allows you to stream your favorite shows from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, HBO, and more. This is especially useful if someone doesn’t have a cable box satellite dish, because you can get a subscription that allows you to do the same thing cable or satellite would do without any complex installation.

Much like Amazon’s Echo product, the Fire TV comes with a remote that has Alexa. Alexa is Amazon’s smart voice recognition software, which allows you to control your TV hands free, so someone with mobility issues or who is always multitasking might love this gift.

For example, if you say “Alexa, turn the volume up,” then she will automatically adjust the volume. You can also ask Alexa to turn on certain TV shows or certain channels. The Fire TV can also play you music from Spotify, Amazon Music, and more.

Roku Streaming Stick (3600R)

If you have someone on your list who isn’t a big fan of Amazon products, you canget them the Roku Streaming Stick instead. It provides a very similar service to the one that the Fire TV stick offers, but with a few minor changes.

Instead of using voice commands through the remote, you use an app on your phone. This makes it a bit more secure. It you want to watch TV but not have everyone hear it, you can stream the audio to your phone and connect headphones, so you can listen quietly and everyone else can focus on what they need to do.

Sony XBR55A1E 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart BRAVIA OLED TV (2017 Model)

While those smart TV sticks are very useful for adding smart functionality to your TV, it might be better for you to get them a TV with smart functionality already in it. For example, Smart TVs from Sony allow you to use online services like YouTube and Hulu from the built in menus, and it connects to the same WiFi you use for your phone, computers, and laptops.

It also allows you to hook up just about any device via USB to play videos or music from it, such as your phone. You can also share the image directly to your TV using mirroring, so you don’t have to fumble around with cables.

Smart Kitchen Gifts

Smart technology has managed to find its way into the kitchen, where it’s making cooking way easier and more enjoyable for people all the time and it makes a fantastic gift for the home chef in your family.

By using simple interfaces and smartphones, more people than ever are able to be self-reliant and cook for themselves. This new technology has made cooking more efficient and less likely to turn out wrong, so smart kitchen gadgets make great gifts for anyone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen.

One of the most increasingly popular styles of cooking is called sous vide. Sous vide is when you heat up water, which has meat in a plastic bag in it. The meat gets cooked perfectly, so when you take it out, you only have to sear it and then it will be ready to serve. Of course, this presents an excellent opportunity for a smart device to come into play.

Anova Culinary Bluetooth Sous Vide Precision Cooker

One of the most popular sous vide devices available is the Anova Culinary SousVide cooker. The Anova doesn’t require any special equipment outside of a pot, some water, a plastic baggy, and the device itself.

By using either the app that connects to it or the device itself, set the appropriate temperature and watch it go to work. You can see on your phone what the temperature is at, so you don’t have to keep walking over and checking on it.

Because the Anova circulates the heat evenly, you will get even results and no overcooking. Once the food is done, you can make any last adjustments outside of the pot, such as searing the meat, and then serve it.

ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide

However, the Anova has a fairly popular competitor: the ChefSteps Joule. The Joule works in a very similar way, and also has its own app. However, the Joule app is a bit more in depth, allowing you to compare exactly how your food should look for the level of cooked you want it to be.

For example, it can show you what a medium rare steak should look like on the inside. The Joule also has the Anova beat in power, utilizing 1100 Watts to heat up the water, whereas the Anova uses 800.

It’s also very compact, coming in at a mere 11 inches long. Both products can easily make some of the best dishes you’ve ever made, using a simple but effective cooking method and your gift recipient will love it.

Instant Pot DUO80 8 Qt 7-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable Pressure Cooker

Another great smart kitchen device people will want this Christmas is the Instant Pot 7-in-1 Smart Cooker. This pot acts as seven different pots, including a rice cooker, slow cooker, pressure cooker, steamer, and more.

You can control it easily using your phone or the simple interface on the front. The app allows you to view user submitted and preloaded recipes, and set your pot’s settings according to the recipe.

Smart Parenting Gifts

One of the most practical applications of smart technology is making parenting a bit easier, and anyone who has a child on your list will enjoy one of these great gifts. Parenting is a very tough job, especially when you’re looking after a baby.

You have to be on call 24/7, checking in on your baby every chance you get to make sure it’s okay. However, with developments in smart technology, your job can be a lot easier.

Owlet Smart Sock 2 – Baby Monitor

One of the most useful smart parenting devices is the Owlet Smart Sock. The Owlet allows you to monitor your infant’s vital signs at all times from your phone, specifically heart rate and oxygen levels.

With the Owlet you can always be sure your baby is healthy, and the simple interface of the Owlet app lets you see what the heart rate and oxygen levels are supposed to be at, so you don’t have to guess what the appropriate heart rate is.

Fisher-Price Smart Connect 2-in-1 Projection Mobile

A simple yet effective way of helping your baby relax and fall asleep is by using the Fisher-Price Smart Projection Mobile. This smart mobile allows you to play lullabies, light shows, and night lights to calm your baby down.

The mobile also records and alerts you to any unusual sounds your baby makes while it’s asleep, or if there are any other strange sounds in the room. It can connect to just about any crib very easily.

A particularly useful device for babies is a humidifier. Humidifiers keep the humidity in the room at a good level, which is good because if the air gets too dry, your baby will get sick easier.

You can find humidifiers varying in noise level, so if you like having the white noise you can get a louder one, or you can get a quieter one for the baby. You can also set them to automatically shut off after a certain point.

Nest Cam Indoor security camera

Another great gift for parents is the Nest indoor security camera. The Nest indoor camera is fully functional with your smartphone, using the Nest app. You can see live feeds through the camera, hear audio, and even speak through the camera.

For example, if you see your toddler doing something dangerous, you can tell them to stop through the app and then go help them. The Nest camera also works with the Amazon Echo if you have one.

The Nest doesn’t just work during the day. It has proper night vision, which allows you to see your baby at night or catch intruders in your home. For example, if you think one of your teenagers is trying to sneak out, you can check the camera and see if they’re making a break for it.

You can set up the Nest camera to alert you on your phone when it detects activity around a certain time. This kind of electronic gadget makes a great gift for parents of any age group.