Whether you’re the tech-obsessed one in the family or it’s your sister/brother/uncle with the passion for geeky gadgetry, one thing is for sure – there are a plethora of technology presents on the market to choose from. From laptops and digital cameras to lunch boxes shaped like R2D2, the newest gizmos are always great to unwrap on Christmas day. Still looking for that last minute gift? Check out the list below for a few unconventional ideas that are sure not to be returned come December 26th.
LED Ugly Christmas Sweater
Merging two of quite possibly the nerdiest things out there – tacky Christmas knitwear and LED technology – this wacky sweater might not get you style points, but it is certainly a conversation piece. Brighten up water-cooler talk with a roaring yuletide fire, displayed right on your chest. No one will ever call your “Christmas spirit” into question again.
PetChatz – Pet Communication Device
Does Fluffy suffer from separation anxiety? Or are you just afraid she’ll tear down the house in your absence? Either way, the PetChatz device (essentially a Skype program for pets) allows nervous owners and lonely pets to communicate quickly and easily. Never before has there been an intimate way for pet owners to check in with their pets throughout the day – PetChatz fulfills that need. The device also caters to animal’s heightened senses of smell and taste, allowing owners to “Greet and Treat” their furry friend, dispensing treats or even medication from the device console.
Myo Gesture Control Armband
This unobtrusive armband imbues the wearer with the power to control numerous tech devices at once, using only the motion and actions from their arm. Combining muscle response and gestures, the Myo armband uses the electrical impulses from your muscles as input for control options. You can flick your wrist, tighten your fist, and the Myo will dutifully respond. With this armband you can switch songs on iTunes or choose a film on Netflix. When pressing buttons is just too much sometimes, this gift is absolutely perfect.
Ringly Smart Ring
This attractive cocktail ring doubles as a convenient phone alert tool. Whether you’re at home or out on the town with friends, the Ringly Smart Jewelry ring remains synced to your phone. You’ll stay on top of calls, e-mails and other notifications without being tied to your mobile device. Colored lights and discreet vibrations reveal when someone is trying to get through to you. Solving social conundrums and fashion emergencies at the same time, Ringly is perfect for your tech-obsessed, well-connected female friends.
Robo 3-D Printer
Melting plastic or nylon into anything your heart desires – from cellphone holders to creepy skulls – the Robo 3-D is the ideal gift for the nerd who already has it all. NASA has already made rocket engines with its 3-D printing capabilities, but you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to use this cool gadget. Highly versatile, it can be used with almost any open-source software and most current operating systems. Design an object with any kind of CAD software, send it to the printer via USB or an SD card, and start printing right away.
Karma Mini-Wifi Device
No one is above the cloud these days, and if you’re a freelancer, artist, or anyone who likes having unfettered access to wifi regardless of their location, this teeny-tiny hotspot takes care of business. Internet access for travelers can be spotty, and in areas where satellite internet connections are a no-go, the Karma boldly blazes a trail.
R2-D2 Car Charger
The charger itself sits in the cup holder and plugs into the cigarette lighter. When connected to power, little R2 will emit cute beeps and whistles. It can charge up to two USB devices simultaneously, and R2’s dome even lights up and rotates, just like in the movie.
