As you make your list and check it twice this holiday season, you may find some people on your list are more difficult to shop for than others. With the advancement of technology, there are a lot of new and exciting gadgets to buy loved ones that range from entertaining to useful. If you need some ideas for those on your list, here’s a few suggestions.
Stream playtime with PBS KIDS Plug & Play
For the youngsters on your list, the PBS KIDS Plug & Play is the first kids’ TV and playtime streaming stick. With more than 100 hours of on-demand videos, sing-alongs, exclusive games and other original content, this device offers an interactive, safe and educational playtime experience. All you need is a TV. Most of the features are pre-loaded and can be accessed without Wi-Fi, but when connected, features expand to free access to the new PBS KIDS channel and more.
Best Buy, Target, Walmart – $50
Playtime Pad, a tablet for kids
PBS KIDS also offers a tablet for children ages 2 and up. The Playtime Pad is a 16 GB, kid-friendly tablet loaded with educational content including video clips, songs, and music videos that features PBS KIDS characters and educational games. This 7-inch HD touch screen device also includes a front-and-back camera and many PBS KIDS apps. It also comes with controls that enable parents to customize the device for each child, set limits on screen time and manage what they can access.
Best Buy, Walmart – $80
See from the drone’s eye view with a Dromida Drone
Great for both amateur or experienced remote drone pilots, the Dromida KODO FPV Drone mixes the world of drone flight with a first-person viewer experience. This lightweight, durable drone comes with a Wi-Fi FPV camera that links with the KODOVIEW mobile app, giving you video and photo capabilities. You can also perform pro-style flips on demand. By adding your smartphone to the goggles or mounting it to the transmitter, or remote, you can immerse yourself in the action. For ages 14 and older.
Available on Amazon and dromida.com – MSRP $89.99
The Tile Slim helps make the lost found
Do you have someone in your life that is always losing their wallet, tablet or phone? The Tile Slim Bluetooth tracker may be just what they need. Designed for wallets, purses and passports, this tracker is thin as two credit cards and can be attached to anything you don’t want to lose. With a simple free app, you’ll be able to find what’s lost. It can also be used in reverse to find a lost phone.
Best Buy, Amazon, Target – $30
Smarter Coffee for coffee lovers
Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, Smarter Coffee is a smart kitchen appliance that’s capable of fresh grinding and brewing coffee that can be controlled by an app on your phone. You can set the coffee strength, number of cups, length of time to keep warm and schedule brewing times so you can wake up in the morning with a freshly brewed pot. This coffee pot can also be used manually.
Best Buy – $250
Sleep restfully with iHome Zenergy sleep therapy
The iHome Zenergy sound therapy line is designed to calm your mind, lower your breathing and heart rate, and prepare your body for sleep with a combination of light and sound therapy. The device has built-in sound therapy, Bluetooth audio streaming and FM radio. Its alarm clock has settings to help you wake feeling more energized. It is also a clock and a USB charging station.
Best Buy, ihomeaudio.com – $100
You’ve got the power with the RAVPower portable charger
Never run out of power again with the RAVPower 27,000-milli-amp-hour Universal Power Bank portable charger. Its multiple ports allow simultaneous charging of several devices, and the convenient AC outlet provides for easy laptop charging. The power bank can be quickly recharged, and the built-in air vents keep it from overheating and won’t let dust in.
Amazon.com – $150
Greener yard work with Greenworks
Greenworks Tools provides Lithium-ion battery-powered outdoor power equipment designed to make outdoor work simpler and more enjoyable. The new 60-volt family of products is lightweight, emission free, quieter and has plenty of power for outdoor chores. These products are designed with medium/heavy duty materials, high efficiency motors and a universal 60-volt battery system that works across multiple products (i.e. mower, blower, trimmer).
Lowes, Greenworkstools.com – battery and tool prices vary
Products are not endorsed by Illinois Country Living magazine. Product prices and availability are subject to change.
