Can’t think of anything to give to friends and family? Got some store gift cards? Planning on returning those ugly sweaters? Here are our suggestions of favorite tech items to buy for yourself this season!
Apple AirPods Pro
$249
If your original AirPods are starting to lose their ability to last through an average phone call, it might be time to upgrade to the Pros. These are noise-cancelling, with silicone ear tips that help with fit and also seal in the sound.
AirSnap Pro Case
$40
If you gift or get the AirPods Pro, it’s helpful to have a way to attach them to a backpack or purse, so they don’t get lost. This is our favorite. (They also have cases for the original AirPods.)
Not shipping until January but you can order now.
AirFly Pro
$60
Use your wireless headphones on the airplane, at the gym, or anyplace that has only a headphone jack. This newer model allows you to connect two pairs of headphones.
Roku Express
$25
This tiny, inexpensive device lets you watch regular TV channels as well as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Showtime, HBO, and thousands of other channels (you must have a subscription already, through your cable company or other method). Great for travel, plugs easily into any TV. It even has an Apple TV app.
Meditation iOS app subscription
approx $70/year
I’ve recently begun doing daily meditations using my iPhone, as a way to stay happier and more focused. The top 2 apps in the iOS store are Headspace and Calm. There are free trials for both, so see which one fits you best.
Sandmarc iPhone camera lenses
starting at $90 each, or a set of 3 for $250, or a set of 4 for $300
I got a set of these as a gift earlier this year and they are amazing–you can take astonishing photos by simply screwing these onto a special case for your iPhone. The macro lens and the wide angle lens are my two favorites. Make sure you get the right version for your iPhone model.
(December 2019)