2014 Gift Guide: Gadget Lovers

Now is the perfect time to start scoping out gifts for the gadget lovers on your list. Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales along with deals that will last well into December make it a great time to pick up something that they’re sure to love. I’ve tested a lot of devices over the past year and these are my personal favorites that I’d happy give with confidence. These products will perform well over a long period of time and are at a variety of price points to help you find something that will delight gadget lovers in your life.

Grip & Wrap by Miggo ($39.99)— I have a great camera bag that I love but there are times I’d rather stash my camera in my bag and go although I live in fear of scratching the screen or lenses of my beloved Samsung mirrorless cameras. Thanks to my Miggo Grip & Wrap, my camera is always protected. The padded grip screws to the bottom of the camera with a multipurpose connecting screw to secure it and wraps around my camera to protect it. When unwrapped, the Grip & Wrap serves as a far more comfortable way to hold on to the camera and still allows you to connect a tripod when attached. A handy pocket on the front end allows you to stash your lens cap. Grip & Wrap comes in two different sizes for mirrorless (CSC) and DSLR cameras. If you prefer a longer strap, the Strap & Wrap ($49.99) allows you to carry your camera around your neck or cross-body. Both the Strap & Wrap and Grip & Wrap come in various colors and prints.

USB Charger/Tamper-Resistant Duplex Receptacle by Leviton ($29.99)— In this day in age, everyone needs more USB outlets in their lives. Give the gift of Leviton’s USB Charger Duplex Receptacle that will allow for two USB cables to be plugged in to charge devices simultaneously while leaving two standard plugs for other objects. The smart chip-powered USB ports recognize the requirements of attached device and optimize charge accordingly for faster charging. The integrated USB ports sit flush and blend into your home décor without additional clunky wall adapters that can fall out.

OtterBox Alpha Glass Screen Protectors for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus ($29.95-34.95)— I always feel badly when I see friends’ Facebook posts lamenting their new iPhone 6 screen is cracked. Minimize the heartache associated with favorite devices by investing in protection. One of the best ways to protect the glass screen of your brand new shiny iPhone 6 is with OtterBox’s Alpha Glass Screen Protectors. Available in clear or privacy versions, Alpha Glass Screen Protectors are made of touch anti-scratch and shatterproof material. They’re specifically designed to protect the touch screen while preserving clarity and providing a smooth touch experience. Easy to install, Alpha Glass is a must-have for anyone wandering around with an unprotected iPhone!

Switch 10 USB Multi-Tool Kit by Goal Zero ($119.95)— For those who love their devices but need an off-the-grid power solution, Switch 10 USB Multi-Tool Kit really does it all. The kit contains a rechargeable Switch 10 (3000 mAh) with a USB on one end to charge your Apple, Android, and Windows devices and charge port on the other. The charge port can be plugged into an AC adapter or included solar panel for charging in 4-6 hours. The flashlight, fan, or USB microtip plug into the Switch 10 for ultimate versatility for all of your adventures. For more information on how it works, watch GoalZero’s Switch 10 USB Multi-Tool Kit video on YouTube.

2nd Gen Astro E4 External Battery by Anker ($29.99)— This slim and sleek device has enough power to charge a smartphone battery three to six times thanks to 13000 mAh making it the perfect gift for those on the go who are always draining their batteries and need an extra charge. Its compact size features dual USBs for simultaneous charging of two devices, fits nicely in the palm of one hand, and sports a single button so users can check the power level with a simple thumb-press.

Jabra Stealth by Jabra ($99.99)— I have a love-hate relationships with headsets. I love them for allowing me to talk hands-free but at the same time, I find some to be ill-fitting, unable to isolate sound for a clear call, without the ability to last through the day, and always lost and never where I need it. All of these problems seem to be solved with the Jabra Stealth, a slim headset that provides 6 hours of talk time and has an energy-saving feature called PowerNap. Noise Blackout helps eliminates noise on both ends of the line and the Jabra Assist App is helpful in locating a missing headset using GPS tracking.

Agility System for iPad, Galaxy, and Note Devices by OtterBox ($79.95-$169.85, depending on your device) —The Agility System from OtterBox provides hands-free convenience iPad anywhere in your home. Start by protecting your iPad in an Agility Shell and add a Portfolio, Deluxe Folio, or Folio to take it to work. The Agility Folio is a slim tablet case that converts into a stand and converts into a 2-position stand for typing and viewing, Portfolio is a full-coverage tablet case that converts into a stand and folds around your entire tablet protecting it and the touchscreen. It also converts into a multi-position stand for landscape and portrait typing and viewing angles. The Deluxe Folio is an expansive tablet case that converts into a stand and carries all of the extras you need in exterior and interior pockets. For home use, get the Wall Mount that attaches your iPad to most vertical surfaces with 3M Command Strips, Agility Dock to hold your tablet in landscape and portrait views for your desk, nightstand, or counter, and Power Dock to keep it charged. Not sure what you need? OtterBox makes it easy with Starter, Classic, and Premium packages. And the best part of the Agility System is that it still provides classic OtterBox protection against the bumps and bruises that come from regular use.

Henge Docks Vertical Docking Station for MacBook by Henge Docks($119)— Henge Docks had me at hello. I plug my MacBook into a large monitor and am always reaching behind my screen to unplug my laptop when I need to take it with me. It’s definitely a hassle and contributes to clutter on my desk. The cord situation behind my monitor is a mess and I hate having to reach over the screen to plug in my computer each time it comes with me. First-world problem, right? Luckily there’s a solution that’s space saving, clutter busting, and all around gorgeous. Henge Dock’s Vertical Docking Station not only eliminates cord clutter but is a beautiful way to connect my MacBook to my monitor to save space. A built-in cable organizer keeps all of the cables that once lived on my desk in place and not only is Thunderbolt ready, but also has pre-installed USB, audio, and Mini DisplayPort cables so all you have to do is set your MBP in the dock to connect it to your external monitor. The streamlined look and sleek metal finish make for an absolutely stunning product that helps eliminate clutter from your workspace!

Elevate Solar Backpack by BirkSun ($175)— We’ve all had those moments of searching for an outlet, asking to borrow a charge cable, or hoping that the charge will last just long enough to send that one email, for the long awaited call to come through, or to receive that reassuring text as our phones are about to die. If you’ve ever hoped you could stay powered throughout the day, regardless of your proximity to an outlet, BirkSun is for you. BirkSun solar backpacks and messenger bags feature built in waterproof solar panels to charge your phone, even in low light conditions and provides freedom from outlets! I happen to love this backpack because it’s the perfectly sized day pack for any adventures and includes a solar panel on the front and a charging cable to keep me charged throughout the day. There’s even a spot for a hydration bladder if you want to stay hydrated and charged! For my full review, visit my post: BirkSun Elevate Solar Backpack Provides Smartphones with a 30% Charge for an Hour of Sun.

OlloClip 4 in 1 Photo Lenses ($69.99)— Any gadget lover who wants to step up their mobile photography game needs the OlloClip 4 in 1 for Samsung Galaxy S5 or iPhone or iPad. This compact set of lenses easily attaches to your phone and provides a fisheye, wide angle, 10x macro and 15x macro for more interesting photos right from your phone.

Rockout2Solar Rugged Rechargeable Speaker by GoalZero($59.99)— Gadget loving adventurers don’t want to be constrained by cords and tied to outlets which is why the Rockout2Solar Rechargeable Speaker is the perfect gift for those who love their outdoor time. Just over 6” long and 3” high, Rockout2Solar is a compact speaker with big sound that features a solar panel on one side and a speaker on the other. The rugged, water-resistant shell zips open to reveal a mesh compartment to keep your iPod or mobile phone plugged in. Buttons on the front side with the speaker allow for easy control of your music while keeping devices safe inside. The solar panel on the back charges an internal battery so you can listen to music on your hike, by the fire, in your tent in the morning, or anywhere else you may go.

Amazon Affiliate links included in this post. All images courtesy of the companies. Samples were received for testing purposes but no compensation was received for featuring any of the products in my gift guide. All opinions are my own.