November 28, 2020

Holston & Garner IT Christmas Gift Guide 2020

Holston & Garner IT Christmas Gift Guide 2020

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our Team of Geeks has spoken: here are some great techy gifts for your shopping list this year![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Bluetooth Speakers Built into a Hat

Music Bee Bluetooth Beanie $24.99

Does someone on your list need an easy comfy way to enjoy their tunes?

Check out the Bluetooth Beanie! This Bluetooth Beanie Cap with Bluetooth V5.0 technology that delivers high-definition and high-quality music playback sounds, with a wireless range of up to 45 feet for quick and easy pairing with smart-phones, Apple Watches or tablets.

This suggestion is from Christy, whom as you know is a pretty up-to-date lady with 2 awesome kids. We suspect her teenage son might be getting one of these trendy techy hats.

This hat is also completely washable! Just take out the headphone speaker drive.

Great for the sulky teenagers, weird uncles, or punky grandmas on your list![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]You Can’t Lose this Trendy, RFID-Blocking Wallet!

Ekster Parliament Slim Leather Wallet $89.00

In this age of smart theft, does someone on your list need a safe wallet? Not only does this little gizmo have sleek and stylish design but it also bears some key security features worth mentioning:

RFID PROTECTION – The integrated RFID blocking technology safeguards your cards from skimmers, keeping you protected against the growing risk of electronic pickpockets.

QUICK-CARD ACCESS—the click of a button expands out your cards. See a 5-second video of this brilliant design by clicking here and scrolling down just a bit to find the always-on quick video.

MAKE IT UNLOSEABLE – Perfectly fits the Ekster Tracker Card to make sure you never lose your wallet again. Misplaced or lost your Ekster? Ring it from your phone or see where you last had it on a map.

Tracker Card sold separately, for $24.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]You’re Still Touching Elevator Buttons and Door Handles? You Must Not Have Seen the…

Clean Contact Carabiner $24.95

Need practical and creative solutions for this COVID Christmas?

Hats off to Timothy Garner on our team who introduced us to this genius tool for Christmas 2020, when Hand-Washing and Social Distancing are at an all-time high.

Minimize your touches with shared surfaces throughout your busy day. Open doors, press elevator buttons, keypads, and more.

Attach it to your keyring or secure it in your pocket with the removable pocket clip.

Here’s a quick youtube review of this handy tool.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Natural Light Alarm Clock

Philips SmartSleep Alarm Clock with Sunrise Simulation $169.99

(An older model, still good but with fewer features, is here for $80.)

Let’s face it, a lot of us struggle with getting up in the morning. Maybe Randall does too, because he suggested adding a Smart Sleep alarm clock to our list!

Clinically proven light therapy lamp and sunrise alarm clock for improving your sleep, energy, and well-being! Check out this video review for all the reasons this alarm clock is top-of-the-line.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Bose Quality Audio . . . in Sunglasses?!

Bose Sunglasses with Open Ear Headphones and Bluetooth Connectivity $149.

Apparently, our people are fans of discreet ways of listening to music. We’re going to have to watch everyone extra closely from now on to be sure they’re actually paying attention and not covertly listening to their tunes.

These could be fun for that someone on your list who enjoys creative techy things, but also likes to get their podcast in. Great for beach, cycling, or maybe a casual walk.

Open-ear audio allows you to stay aware of your surroundings, while enjoying your music.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Inexpensive mini projector for smartphones!

TOPVISION Mini Projector $71.99

One of the disagreeable facets of smartphones is their tendency to divide us. The tiny screens were really made for solo viewing, which makes sharing experiences on smartphones difficult. Kudos to Randall for adding this family-friendly device to our list!

This device comes with a variety of ports such as, VGA / USB / HDMI / AV / SD / audio output, it’s great for indoor and outdoor movie nights with friends and family. In fact, this might be a useful addition to the socially distant activity list![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Wood Pellet Grill for Cooking-Challenged People

Pro 575 Wifi Pellet Grill and Smoker in Black $700

“Hard to Mess up a Meal” with this grill; check out this video review for more info.

Does someone in your life need that little encouragement to cook more often?

While a $700 grill probably doesn’t count as a “little” encouragement, we’re hoping that in adding this to the gift guide, Randall has just volunteered to cook for the company (we won’t hold our breath, though).

Traegers aren’t just for grilling, though! You can smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ food too, from ribs to apple pie.

WiFIRE® Controller

Adjust temperatures and monitor food on your smartphone with the WiFIRE® controller and Traeger App (the app has built-in recipes, even!)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Give the gift of learning!

KiwiCo Project Box About $20

Cost varies by age and subscription level.

This gift actually doubles as a gift to parents and kids. For parents, give the gift of kids-having-fun-and-occupied-for-a-few-hours -off-their-phones.

Andy from our team added this to the guide, with accolades of how much his own kids enjoy it.

There are a variety of ways to do it, but the “traditional” Kiwi Box is a monthly subscription to a fun project for kids that will encourage problem-solving, learning, and fun!

KiwiCo has a widespan of age categories from 0-104 to choose from so you can pick the perfect gift for the child (or grown-up) on your list![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Go Old-School: Read Books with your Kids!

Prices vary Don’t miss our 2020 Booklists: Click here!

In this age where screens dominate so much of our lives and our kids’ lives, we encourage you to be old-fashioned with your little ones: cuddle up and enjoy a simple story together.

We’re honored to publish and share with you Lynette D’Avella’s Booklist and Reading Tips. What a great resource as the holidays approach! Use this as a gift-buying guide for kids of any age, or use it as your library-list (most libraries have Covid-friendly curbside pickup!).

As a bonus, Alison Meredith’s booklist is at the bottom of that same page: click here to check it out![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Mug Warmer for the Coffee Fan in your Life!

Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer $10.99

Do you spend the bulk of the morning re-heating your coffee? Perhaps you feel that the very essence of the mortality can be summarized in “hot drinks don’t stay hot forever”?

Abbie on our team feels the same way, which is why this basic mug warmer is on her Christmas list this season.

The rest of us are excited to see a dramatic drop in the electric bill when she stops running the microwave all the time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Keep reading for recommendations from our 2019 list—many of these are still great buys for 2020![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”imageborder”][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Amerelle Emergency Lights For Home by Amertac: $21.98

Tired of fumbling around in the dark when the power goes out? Amertac’s got a bright idea for you!

This nifty little gadget automatically comes on when the power fails. As a bonus, this power failure light also unfolds into a flashlight!

LED, portable and rechargeable.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”imageborder”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Silicone Floppy Disk Drink Coasters: $15.99

Need we say more?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”imageborder”][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]FIXD Automotive VIZR: $39.99

When it comes to driving, the forces that aim to keep us safe seem to be in constant battle with convenience.

We’re supposed to keep our eyes glued to the road while trying to navigate through Google Maps —without missing a single turn. It’s a dangerous combination. With their new VIZR tool, FIXD Automotive hopes to change this. Here’s how it works:

Select the features you like, connect VIZR to your phone, and place it on your dashboard. It then creates a transparent display.

This way, FIXD says, you can seamlessly navigate without ever glancing at your phone and putting your life in jeopardy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”imageborder”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Galaxy Watch Active2: $229

The slim and lightweight design on the Galaxy Watch Ac tive2 make it a great choice for anyone looking to be more active in the new year while tracking their vitals and having music and a variety of other apps at their fingertips.

Galaxy Watch Active2 Includes Bixby voice functionality, an impressively long-lasting battery, and a range of bands and metals for extra personalization.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”imageborder”][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Bose SoundLink Micro, Portable Outdoor Speaker: $69

Need tunes in difficult terrian? Check out this high-quality waterproof bluetooth speaker.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”imageborder”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]BK01 Bluetooth 4.1 Car Kit Hands-Free Wireless Talking & Music Streaming Receiver: $24.99

This nifty device is great for those of us who frequently find ourselves in the car.

It allows you to connect your smartphone to the phono-jack of any radio/ stereo without having to leave your phone wired to it.

Translation: easy wireless hands-free music and phone calls![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”imageborder”][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Ooma Telo Free Home Phone Service: $99.99

Did someone say FREE home phone service?

Ooma has come up with a way of allowing you to pay a one-time purchase fee of $99.99 and then afterwards you’ll only pay the applicable monthly taxes and fees.

This all comes with some great options such as hooking up the device to Amazon Echo and blocking robo-callers![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”imageborder”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]The Mavic Mini Drone FyCam Quadcopter: $399

The Mavic Mini weighs under 250 grams, that’s nearly as light as the average smartphone!

The small and lightweight design of the Mavic Mini allows the device to stay in the air longer with extended battery life! Get high-quality footage at unbelievable heights and angles with this little drone, giving you a new perspective on your family vacations.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”imageborder”][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Anker Powerline+ USB C to USB A Fast Charging Cable : $10.99

Our Bristol tech-team can’t stop raving about these cords! High-quality, fast-charging, long-lasting, and a 3ft or 6ft option. What’s not to love?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”imageborder”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]UTLEY Wireless Vertical Mouse: $20.99

Alison’s a huge fan of this vertical mouse! This is a great hand-saver for anyone experiencing symptoms of carpel tunnel, though it is a little large compared to regular devices. So large, in fact, Alison’s own vertical mouse was labeled a not a mouse but a “rat” by a clever client.

As a bonus, this mouse is wireless and rechargeable for easy use![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”imageborder”][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]TC1200 Flashlight: $89.98

Made with aircraft-grade aluminum, the TC1200 Pro Tactical Flashlight has a powerful beam 25 times brighter than an ordinary flashlight. To prove its durability, the designers sent it on a 21mile fall to Earth. It survived just fine. It boasts five modes: low, medium, high, strobe, and SOS. The strobe feature can even temporarily blind an animal or person, so this is NOT for kids! But for a long hard job in the dark, or an emergency backup light for power failures, this 1200 lumen handheld gizmo gets 5 stars.

Perhaps best of all, it only requires three AAA batteries or one Liion rechargeable battery.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”imageborder”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Fire TV Recast: $129.99

Over-the-air digital video recorder which holds up to 500 GB! Record and watch TV on the same device! An Alexa compatible device, use your voice to search shows and manage recordings.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1576684217038{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”imageborder”][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]FlexSafe: Protect Your Valuables: $69.95

We all know the security dilemma that comes with a day of sun, sand, and waves:

When it comes time to set aside your stuff and get wet, where do you put that stuff?

FlexSafe is a handy, personal, portable safe designed to stave off thieves, wherever you are. Water-resistant, slash-proof, RFID-blocking, and equipped with a heavy-duty three-digit combination lock, it turns you from an easy target into a walking fortress. The bag-shaped design clips into itself, allowing you to secure it to a beach chair, umbrella or any other unwieldy surface and go on your merry way without worry.

At $69.99, it could be a sound investment for regular beachgoers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]


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