Tech gifts you'll want to give and receive

It’s inevitable that tech will be included in your gifts this year. According to a recent survey commissioned by The Mobile Shop, we've learned that smartphones or smartphone accessories are topping many Canadian holiday wishlists with almost 25% of us planning to spend $50 or more in the categories. What else tops the list? 44% of Canadian would most like to receive Bluetooth headphones or a Bluetooth speaker. 21% of us want portable chargers, and 20% of us would love a new phone case or phone wallet. Not surprising, only 1% of Canadians surveyed would like a pop socket. 

So, with all that swirling in our minds here are some additional tech gift ideas to give and to get...

iRobot Roomba i7 Plus: We’ve all heard about the robot vacuum that does the work for you as it roams around, this latest version takes cleaning to the next level by addressing what many of us really, really want. That is, one we don’t have to clean out as often. This model comes with a Clean Base — like a home base only better. As the Roomba returns to the Base, it knows how to clean out its own bin into a larger dirt storage located in the tower. So, we humans don’t have to clean the actual unit as often as before. Game changer? You bet! Also, the smart mapping technology learns the floor plan for a more efficient use of time and energy. It also learns high traffic areas and will do extra duty on those surfaces, like where the dog hangs out near the door. The app allows the user to program when the vacuum needs to do it’s job even when out of the house. Any obstructions and it will send a notification. The Roomba i7+ is so smart it even knows itself when to return to the Base when it needs to clean or recharge...and then returns to where it left off to complete the job if needed. Great for pet owners too!

 

Fitbit Versa 2: More than a fitness tracker this one serves as a smartwatch with a built in voice assistant (yes, Alexa) and access to many apps. You’ll also get notifications that you’d find on your smartphone. So, if you’re on your Peloton but expecting an important text, you won’t have to drag yourself away from your workout to check. You’ll also be able to store and play over 300 songs. Yes, it does what you would expect a Fitbit to do as well like tracking your fitness activity, sleep, and heart rate.  But this geing able to make purchases on the go with Fitbit Pay is handy…you know, for that Kale smoothie break in between runs. It’s sleeker design makes it comfortable and more stylish for everyday and everywhere. What’s really impressive is the battery life of over 4 days.  

 

Theragun LIV: Percussive therapy massage devices are popular amongst professional athletes and Theragun has created a version that is great for a broader range of users. The hand-held unit helps with post work out recovery on sore muscles as well as every day aches and pains. It also helps wake up tired bodies. Ergonomically designed to get the most comfortable angle needed to reach areas you need to address. Available through Healfaster.ca in Canada. 

Nintendo Switch Ringfit Adventure: Get more use out of this gaming console and get moving with the latest fitness game.  RingFit Adventure comes with a Ring Con that wirelessly connects to the Switch. Customize your workouts or take on one of the quick challenges. It’s amazing how a few fun minutes can work up your heart rate.  

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games for Nintendo Switch: Gear up for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with the latest release for the Nintendo Switch. Single player or compete with your friends and favourite characters including Mario, Luigi, and Sonic in classic Olympic summer sports as well as some new ones including skateboarding, surfing, sport climbing, and karate. 

PetSafe Canada Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder: Coming in the new year is this ultimate pet feeder that connects to WiFi so you can monitor your furry friend's meals even when you're not home. Program your smartphone to feed and monitor anywhere. It can schedule up to 12 meal times a day wiht portions from 1/8 of a cup to 4 cups. The app will send you alerts on your smartphone when your pet has eaten and also when food levels in the unit is low or empty. A "feed now" button on the unit as well as the app instantly dispenses food. A slow feed option is great for pets who eat too fast. 

 VistaPrint Custom Phone Cases: For the new mom, grandparent,  cat lover, design lover in your life create a custom phone case is simple. Follow the instructions online, upload photos, add text. Available in glossy or matte finishes for iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones.

LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox: For fans of LEGO that want to take it to the next level, this Fun Robot Building Set doubles up as an educational coding kit for kids. You’ll need a tablet running iOS 10.3 and newer or Android 5.0 or above to build and play. Includes over 840 LEGO pieces. The Move Hub uses Bluetooth connectivity. Sensors detect distance, motion and colour. Building instructions included. 

Girl Code: Gaming, Going Viral, and Getting It Done by Andrea Gonzales and Sophie Houser

For aspiring coders, Girl Code is the story of two teenagers who met at Girls Who Code summer camp. They teamed up to create a video game that went viral and ended up becoming famous. Through their success, they gained unprecedented access to some of the of the biggest tech companies in the world and through this book, they’re sharing what they’ve seen and learned. They also talk about the true value of discovering your own voice and creativity. The book also includes bonus content to help young readers start to code.

 

View-Master Virtual Reality Starter Pack: Bring this retro viewer to today’s world as you enter the world of virtual reality and surround yourself with stunning environments. Download the app to your smartphone and slide it into the new viewer to launch yourself in to a 360 degree immerse experience.