The estimated reading time for this post is 10 minutes
It’s that time of year again, time for the third annual Wonder of Tech Gift List. You can find tech gifts for any budget and any taste here. You don’t have to be a tech fan to crave the tech gifts in this year’s list!
So peruse these tech treasures and keep your gift list handy. You may be able to find the perfect present for everyone on your shopping list and find something special for yourself!
Cases
Help your loved ones cover their tech with cases that are fun and functional. These unique cases will provide protection for their devices and be a constant reminder of your thoughtfulness.
IN1 Case
If you want a case that does more than just look pretty, check out the IN1 Case. This case protects the virtual toolbox of your iPhone with a case that is a real life tool box. This case contains nine tools for you to have handy wherever you go.
The IN1 case contains:
- Flip stand
- Blue pen
- Red pen
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Kickstand
- Nail file
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Toothpick
This video shows you the nine different tools and how they nestle into the case:
This IN1 case fits the iPhone 5 and 5s and is available in black, white and clear from 9to5Mac, currently on sale for $35.99.
Custom Cases
Make tech more personal with custom cases you design to be unique. You can add your own photos or use a photo from a gallery to craft a case just the way you want.
Wireless Emporium
Never mistake another phone for yours with a custom phone case. These cases from Wireless Emporium can be customized with a photo of your choosing. Unlike other custom cases, these cases have the photo printed on them, they’re not a sticker with a clear case over it.
You can use your own image or one from their gallery. Cases are available for:
- Apple (iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch)
- Blackberry Z10
- LG
- Samsung
- HTC
- Motorola
- Nokia
- Google Nexus 7
Custom cases from Wireless Mobile are available for $19.99. Video instructions for creating your case are available at the site.
Custom Kindle Cases
You can now order custom Kindle cases with your photo or with a photo from the Amazon gallery. You can add a photo to the front and/or back of the case. Custom cases are available for:
- Kindle Fire
- Kindle Paperwhite
- Kindle Touch
You can order origami cases for Kindle Fire tablets that have foldable covers that turn into a stand.
Custom Kindle covers begin at $14.99 at Amazon. I have custom Kindle covers on order and will write a full review when I receive them.
PicMonkey
You can use PicMonkey to edit your photos for your custom cases. You can add text, special effects, frames and more. You can also use PicMonkey to resize your photos to the proper size for a custom case.
PicMonkey is free to use but a pro membership is available for $33/year that gives you added features. If you know someone who would like a simple but powerful way to edit their photos, consider a gift of a pro membership to PicMonkey.
See my full review of PicMonkey for more information: PicMonkey – Make the Most of Your Pictures
WeMontage
If you’re looking to get a thoughtful, personal gift, consider a photo wall collage from WeMontage. Collect your favorite photos from the year and upload them to the WeMontage website. Instantly you can create a collage in many different sizes.
As if the collage weren’t great enough on its own, well it gets even better. WeMontage is actually removable wallpaper. That’s right, you can put your WeMontage directly on your wall and remove it later if you move or want to hang it in a different spot.
Since I wrote my review of WeMontage in June, the company has introduced a smaller collage for those with less wall space.
Not sure which photos to use? Get a WeMontage gift card!
WeMontage is generously offering Wonder of Tech readers a 20% discount off of collages and gift cards with the promo code WONDEROFTECH. Head to the WeMontage website and check out the collages starting at $69.95.
You can read my full review: WeMontage – This Tech Has You Covered!
Cord Containment
PowerCurl Mini
If you want a convenient way to keep your power cords from getting tangled, check out the PowerCurl Mini. This simple design helps you keep your power cords from becoming tangled wherever you go. Wrap your cord around the power adapter then slide the silicone cover over it to protect it and keep it in place.
The PowerCurl Mini is designed to work with the power adapter from the iPhone 4/4S/5/5s and can also work with earbuds.
This short video shows you how it works:
The PowerCurl Mini is available from Quirky for $9.99.
PowerCurl
If you want to keep your power cord on your Mac from getting tangled, check out the PowerCurl. Like the PowerCurl Mini, this big brother lets you wrap your cord around a silicone shape to keep it from becoming tangled. The PowerCurl also helps keep your power block cool by elevating it.
Here’s a video showing you the PowerCurl in action:
http://youtu.be/1E1xQ3np_tE
The PowerCurl is available from Quirky for $9.99.
Speakers
If the built in speakers on your smartphone aren’t doing the trick, get an external speaker to amplify your tunes!
iRecorder Speaker
If you love 80’s tunes, then why not rock it old school? You don’t need to go back to listening to cassette tapes to enjoy music in a retro mode. The iRecorder Speaker looks like a cassette player but is really a speaker for your iPhone. Pop your iPhone 4/4S/5/5s into the slot and start jammin’ to the oldies!
The iRecorder Speaker is available from Fancy.com for $50.
Gum Rock Speaker
The Gum Rock speaker doubles as a stand so you can prop up your device as you blast your music. The suction cup bottom can affix to a flat surface. The silicone cover is water-resistant so you can enjoy your songs in the shower.
I recently reviewed the Gum Rock: Gum Rock – A Speaker/Stand That’s Fun and Functional!
The Gum Rock speaker is available from Mobile Fun in:
on sale for $22.99.
Instant Party Speaker
If you’re looking for an instant party, check out the Instant Party Speaker. Add sound and lights to your next get together, practically a guarantee of fun! This speaker is Bluetooth enabled and can connect wirelessly to your smartphone, tablet or computer. The lights pulse and change to the beat of the music.
The Instant Party Speaker is available from Hammacher Schlemmer for $199.95.
Goldie Blox
Inspire your child for a future in engineering with Goldie Blox. These toys combine building, design and engineering creations with fun stories to make creations come to life.
My recent review of Goldie Blox GoldieBlox – Toys for Building a Child’s Future!
Goldie Blox toys are available from the Goldie Blox website, beginning at $19.99.
3D Printing
This year you can use 3D printing for creative and unique presents to give your loved ones.
See, Microsoft’s 3D printing app for Windows 8.1 eases you into object creation for ideas on how to make 3D designs.
Shapeways
Astound your loved ones with a custom designed creation from Shapeways. This 3D printing company can transform your original designs into actual objects. No need to buy a 3D printer, Shapeways can print your creations in over 30 different materials. Think coffee mugs, phone cases, art objects, jewelry and more.
If your creative ideas are lacking, you can shop at Shapeways and buy objects that others have created. Check out Strandbeasts, 3D printed animals, for those who want the joy of a pet without the hassle of upkeep:
You can get a 3D printed Batman ornament in six different colors and two different materials from Shapeways beginning at $10.
You can read my full review of Shapeways for more information about their products and services: Shapeways 3D Printing – Transform Your Ideas into Reality
Cube 3D Printer
If you crave the luxury of having a 3D printer of your very own, check out the Cube 3D Printer. Compatible with both Mac and Windows, the Cube 3D printer lets you design your own objects and print them out before your very eyes. Print phone cases, kids’ artwork, magnets, jewelry and any other objects you can imagine. Check out the video at the Firebox website to see the printer in action and get ideas for projects.
The Cube 3D Printer is available from Firebox for $1935.49 with free delivery in the UK.
Smartwatches
Bring the future into 2013 by giving someone a smartwatch. Once you wear one of these on your wrist, you’ll wonder how you did without it!
Pebble Watch
The Pebble Watch, introduced in March 2013, continues to improve with software updates and new apps that bring advanced features to the watch. You can now add watch faces that display the current weather or let you pass the time by playing a game of Tetris.
The Pebble watch is available in white, red, silver, black and orange for $150 from getpebble.com.
Samsung Galaxy Gear
I’ve been testing the Galaxy Gear for a review and (sneak preview!) the more I wear it the more I’m enjoying it. If your loved one has a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 or an S4, check out the Gear watch as a possible present for the holidays.
The Gear connects to the phone and lets you make and receive calls, read text messages, count your steps, find out the local weather and take photos. Add apps such as Evernote and My Fitness Pal to bring even more utility to the Gear.
The Samsung Galaxy Gear is available in black, green, rose gold, silver, beige and orange for $299 at Verizon.
Egg Minder
Fans of eggs will appreciate this tech gift that can help them keep track of their eggs. The Egg Minder connects to an app on your smartphone to let you know how many eggs you have and how soon they will go bad. When you’re at the grocery store and wondering whether you need to pick up eggs, this gadget will give you the answer fast. You can even set up a push notification to remind you to use your eggs before their expiry date.
Here’s a quick video about the Egg Minder high tech egg tray:
The Egg Minder is available from Quirky for $69.99.
The Ultimate Turntable
If you dig your vinyl discs and your loved one won the lottery this year, check out the world’s only counter-balanced turntable. You can spin your LP’s on this turntable that won the coveted Best Sound High Fidelity award from the renowned Munich High End. This turntable maximizes the sounds from records while dampening the external noise from mechanical and environmental vibration. You can play both 33 and 45 rpm records on this turntable.
This Counter Balanced Turntable is available from Hammacher Schlemmer for $28,000 (tone arm not included).
The Batmobile
Whether you’re a fan of cars or a fan of the 1960’s Batman TV series or need a car to match your Shapeways Batman ornament, you’ll want your very own Batmobile. Complete with an afterburner and a bat beacon, this car will catapult you into a new category of coolness. This 430-horsepower car even comes with a Bluetooth enabled Batphone!
Be sure to watch the video at the Hammacher Schlemmer website to see all that went into building this machine.
The only reason not to get one? You already have one!
The Batmobile can be yours for a mere $200,000 from Hammacher Schlemmer.
Your Thoughts
Are you excited to get a tech gift this year? Which tech gifts are your favorites? Do you already have a Batmobile? Let us know in the Comments section below!
Feel free to share this article with your loved ones to give them great ideas about tech on your wish list!
________________
More Wonder of Tech
For even more Wonder of Tech, check out Lisa Denten’s interview of me: PR Tips: Tech Blogger offers Pitching, Blogging Tips.
________________
* Gift image by FutUndBeidl (edited)
Hi Carolyn,
WOW!! SO – SO much more for us to choose from 🙂
Where do you manage to get such an awesome collection each time! Gosh! I have to literally sit and absorb this post in small bits to really soak up all these awesome tech gifts 🙂
You know me….I hardly have ever heard of any of these gifts, except for a few, so they are really ‘gifts’ in the real sense because they are ALL so new and wonderful. I like the ones that would make our lives simpler like the cord containments, printer, and egg minder, which were pretty cool too! The party speaker is what the girls would love of course – not to mention the Batmobile…:)
Thanks for sharing these with us…awesome! Have a nice week ahead 🙂
Hi Harleena, This article is one of my most fun ones I do all year. What’s more fun than researching cool tech? I incorporated some of my favorite tech products I’ve covered this year into the article to remind people that these could make great gifts too.
The Egg Minder is such a great idea that people can use in their daily lives. How great when an inventor looks at life and figures out a way to make it better with tech!
The Batmobile is so very cool! I’ve wanted one of those since I was a kid. I can’t imagine driving it around though. I would be so nervous something would happen to it. Or that it would rain. 😉
Thanks so much for your lovely comment and wonderful shares, Harleena!
A great list of prezzies, Carolyn – I’ll have the 3D printer and a batmobile, please 🙂 (Maybe my printer could make the batmobile?)
The egg minder looks very useful – but a bit boring, maybe? Not sure I’d be over-excited to find that in my Christmas stocking!
Hi Sue, Well, if someone got you the Batmobile and the Egg Minder, that would be okay, right? 😉
Great idea to have the 3D printer make a Batmobile. I’m not sure it could handle an afterburner though… 😕
I hope you find wonderful gifts in your stocking, Sue!
Hello Carolyn,
Very nice post for gift ideas. I was planning to gift a smartphone to my brother on his birthday. With the help of your post, I got many ideas for this birthday gift.. Thanks for writing this post…
Hi Himanshu, A smartphone is a very generous gift for your brother! That’s wonderful of you, just make sure that you know what he wants in a cell phone. Perhaps he’s been craving one for a while so you know exactly the one he wants.
Yes, there are really great tech gifts for anyone, techies and non techies alike! No matter what your budget, there’s something for you on this list. You’re right, these make great birthday gifts too!
Happy birthday to your brother, Himanshu!
Hi Carolyn
Awesome post you have written here. I can’t wait for Christmas now 🙂 How cool could it be to drive to work in my own Batmobile. Please Santa, I want one of the for Christmas 😀
Hi Thomas, I want one too! How cool would that be? If you get one, I definitely want a ride in it. You would probably get a lot of volunteers to be your chauffeur! :-bd
(Make sure you check out the video at Hammacher Schlemmer on how the Batmobile is made. Very cool!)
Hello Carolyn,
This list is quite impressive! It will take me at least a full hour to decide on a single holiday tech gift.
However, nothing beats the smart watch in my estimation. It’s technology is simply awesome!
Thanks for sharing and do have a great day!
– Terungwa
Hi Terungwa, Yes, I can understand how it can be difficult to decide on a gift. So many exciting tech gifts in this year’s list!
I agree with you, a smartwatch is what I recommend when people ask me about what gift I recommend. I be you would appreciate getting a smartwatch as a present!
Thanks for your comment, Terungwa. Have a wonderful week ahead!
What a great round up of tech toys! Not sure which one is my favorite. I actually have several. If I had to pick, I think I’d go with the power curl (practical) and the watch (fun!).
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Carol, Yes, this list is definitely a combination of fun and functional! If I could only have one, the Batmobile would be it. 😉
I would like to have you with me when I do my Xmas shopping
Hi Jerry, Happy to help you pick out your Christmas gifts. Remember, you can’t go wrong with the Batmobile! :-bd
I have a suggestion for a fantastic iPhone case. I won a Pad & Quill leather case from MacTrast last February and it is still in wonderful shape. It looks like a little book because there is a wooden frame that the phone sits in and the cover protects the screen when I toss it in my purse. Check it out: http://www.padandquill.com/cases-for-iphone.html
Hi Robin, Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful tech gift idea with us! That case looks fantastic. It protects the phone, looks great and holds a lot of things such as credit cards, drivers license, money, etc. It’s on sale now and available for the iPHone 4/4S/5/5s/5c.
Hi Carolyn,
Wow, what a list you’ve got here. I love those cord thing especially the first one.
Boy, that iRcorder really looked like one of my first cassette players. I was shock when I first looked at he picture before reading what it really is.
I actually need a case for my tablet right now, so a case seems to be what I really need on that list 🙂
Hi Sylviane, Yes, I was surprised when I saw that tape recorder that’s really a speaker. That brings back some memories!
The cord keepers can come in quite handy. I hate pulling out a cord and finding it all tangled!
Definitely check out the custom cases. If you want one for your new Android tablet, check out M-Edge http://www.medgestore.com/ that has a wide selection of custom cases. I’ve ordered from them before and have been very pleased with their products!
Nice, This is really such a Beautiful post to make plane for Tech Gifts specially for 2013 but now there is just only one month left to finish this 2013. So what’s more Tech Gifts for 2014, Carolyn Nicander Mohr ?
Hi Disha, Great question. Who knows what tech awaits us in 2014? It will be very exciting, whatever comes though!
Hmm, a lot of excellent gift ideas…I’m not sold on the case though 🙁 I personally buy all of my cases online at eBay because I can get them SUPER cheap. But I’ve seen that Samsung watch in action and it’s awesome. I’m definitely considering abandoning my iPhone for a Samsung phone once my contract is up…
Great article Carolyn, and thanks for sharing all of these,
Josh May
Hi Josh, eBay is a great source for cases, but make sure you get one that offers adequate protection for your phone.
You’re right, the Gear is truly awesome. I can see many people getting a Samsung phone just to get the Gear.
What a marvelous collection Carolyn, totally stunned looking at these kewl gifts ! :-O
I recently visited Goldie Blox to buy gift for my niece.. Goldie Blox has got indeed a cool collection to gift to kids.. 🙂
Hi Zainil, I’m sure your niece will love Goldie Blox. They look so cool! I’m glad you like these gifts, Zainil. I hope you get something special yourself! :-bd
Thanks for sharing that 3D printer. I had no idea that they were available for purchase by individuals. I thought that they were only for large corporations and cost several times more than the one you listed.
It’s certainly not cheap, but it looks to be very versatile.
Thanks,
Al Green
Hi Al, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! You’re right, the cost of this 3D printer is much less than expected and worth a look if you’re going to do a lot of 3D printing. You should also check out Shapeways to get your 3D printing done without the need to purchase a printer!
Hi Carolyn
I really like the look of those Pebbles watches. They’re a bit pricey over here in the UK though!
I just noticed that they do free expedited shipping worldwide though from the US. That’s pretty cool. Although I’d probably have to pay customs duty in any case. Still it might be cheaper in the long run!
I think my next tech gadget will be the PlayStation 4. It’s out here in a few days. It’s very tempting!
Hey Tim, Yes, the Pebble watch is very cool and it’s great that they offer free worldwide shipping. You can compare the price of the Pebble shipping from the US with customs duty vs. buying it in the UK to see which is a better deal.
Yes, the PlayStation 4 has received great reviews. Have fun with your new tech, Tim! 🙂
Leave it to you Carolyn to find some awesome and crazy gifts for us this year. The egg minder! I’m sorry, I had to laugh at that one. I don’t buy eggs but my Mom uses them so often they wouldn’t ever have time to go bad. LOL!!!
A turn table for $28,000. Oh my word… I have one that cost us $300 but what it does is it will take your albums or 45s and record them to a CD! Got that little gem several years ago because I didn’t want to my albums to one day go bad and I could never hear my awesome tunes again.
I think the 3D printer will be a cool present but I know with time, like anything else that is brand new, it will go down in price as they learn how to make it less expensive. I think I’ll hold off on that bad boy!
Thanks again for sharing this Carolyn and for also letting me know about that sound system too! I so appreciate you.
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne, Yes, researching tech gifts is one of the most fun jobs for this blog! I find quite a few that don’t make the list, but these ones are fun and handy!
The Egg Minder is a great example of how an inventor can look at an every day object and figure out a way to use tech with it.
That turn table is amazing. I wonder if any audiophile will get it. I laughed when I read that the tone arm wasn’t included!
Yes, I think the 3D Printer is very cool, but you can always use Shapeways if you want something 3D printed but don’t want to invest in a printer. If you do want a printer, the Cube is very reasonably priced!
I hope you get the tech gift of your dreams, Adrienne!
an iphone is allways a good gift
Hi Tollos, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! Yes, many people would delight at receiving an iPhone as a gift. Except, perhaps, Android fans… 😉
Yes is a very acceptable gift an iphone 5s 🙂
I’m thinking an iPhone is what you want for your gift list, Tollos! 🙂
Ok, so how cool are these gadgets you have found for us. I loved the the toothpick in the IN1. And the turntable, I am really mad that they did not include the tone arm, but the price seemed right $28,000, yikes! Just kidding of course.
The Power Curl and the I Recorder Speaker are must haves.
Thanks for this cool and interesting post!
Hi Steven, I’m so glad that you like these fun gifts. Yes, the IN1 has a lot of cool tools to help you manage through your day.
I hope if someone gives you the floating turntable that you get a tone arm as well, unless you already have your favorite tone arm.
Happy holidays, Steven!