***SPOILER ALERT: you should stop reading here and simply forward this link directly to your loved ones if you actually want to be surprised. ***
Church techs are notoriously hard to buy gifts for. After all, most everything on their Christmas list is expensive (and probably comes along with flashing lights). If you are looking for gifts in the $30 range for the tech-savvy in your life, here are 10 ideas to get your Christmas shopping started:
The Sumo
You know how annoying it is when the chargers for your devices slip off the back of your desk when nothing is plugged into them? Sumo is a cable management tool designed to be placed on a desk, nightstand or workstation to keep cables from dropping off the edge. Cost: $11.95 (Check out Blue Lounge's other sleek digital gadgets like the Rolio, Mika and Nest.)
Bellino Slim Sling
Yes, your church tech's friends may mock him if he carrys a "man purse" however having a backpack for a tablet usually gets a free pass. (And creates a handy place to stash other items like wallet, phone and keys.) The Bellino Slim Sling fits an Ipad and nicely bridges the gap between stylish and a-little-too-metro-for-most-guys. Cost: $20.99
Stylus Caps
The More Real stylus cap turns a pen into a touchscreen stylus. The capacitive stylus fits on the end of a Sharpie and is machined from aluminum making it light. Cost: $25
Go Anywhere MP3 Speakers
Okay, so while there are a number of high-end MP3 speakers, this Go Anywhere model from Restoration Hardware features a sleek design for just $29.00. (Which is great, if the Bose SoundLink is out of your budget).
Aerobie AeroPress Coffee Maker
If the person on your list is into the perfect cup of coffee, then the Aerobie AeroPress Coffee Maker might just be the perfect gift. It is geared to making coffee one to two cups at a time and delivers full, gourmet taste. (Wired Magazine even referenced the subculture that has grown up around this device.) $25.95
Airzooka
The bummer thing about Nerf Gun Wars in the office is that the darts have to be retrieved between rounds. But what if you could you mess up hair, blow away papers and just generally annoy people without ever having to reload? Arm your favorite church tech with an Airzooka which shoots a blast of air across the room. Cost: $12.99
Google Chromecast
Google’s Chromecast plugs into an HDMI jack on the TV and connects to your home WiFi network making it easy to watch videos from YouTube, Netflix and Google Play on the big screen. Cost: $30.00
Bacon Salt
Does the church technical person in your life believe that everything should taste like bacon? You can empower them in that quest. Cost: $7.00
Duracell Instant USB Charger
Don't you hate it when you run out of power and have to ration that last bit of juice. Well, Duracell has a plan for that. The Duracell Rechargable Instant USB Charger is easy to carry and can provide up to 3 hours of back-up cell phone power. Cost: $9.99
Digital Subscription to MAKE Magazine
MAKE is a bimonthly magazine that focuses on do it yourself (DIY) and/or DIWO (Do It With Others) projects involving computers, electronics, robotics, metalworking, woodworking and other disciplines. (Not that the church tech in your life will actually have time to do any of this, but sometimes it is just fun to get inspired by the projects.) Digital subscription is just $19.99.
That's our top 10 for this year. Are you a church tech with something on your wishlist that is less than $30? If so, add it in the comments below.
