We here in Pitt IT have a special place in our hearts for tech gadget gifts. Everyone thinks laptops, gaming systems, and headphones when they think about tech items. But we tracked down six tech gadgets at a variety of prices that are a lot more fun for everyone on your list, regardless of tech skill.

Affordable Gems

iFox Portable Bluetooth Shower Speaker

This Bluetooth speaker is completely waterproof, so you can use it in the shower, at the pool, on a boat, or outside on a drizzly day. It’s got a built-in mic, so you can take calls or use voice controls, and includes a carabiner and suction cup so you can slap it on a shower wall or dangle it from a bike or backpack. It has a long battery life (~10 hours) and a 33 ft. range from your device. Its volume is impressive, making it perfect for rocking parties or romantic ambiance. This palm-sized wireless speaker is more durable than the cheapest options, but still very affordable.

Cost: $25 — Find the iFox Portable Bluetooth Shower Speaker on Amazon

Rocketbook Reusable Smart Notebook

Sometimes you just want to take notes the old-fashioned way … with pen and paper. After all, studies show that you retain information significantly better when writing vs. typing. Not to mention doodles, diagrams, and drawings. The Rocketbook Reusable Smart Notebook includes 36 durable, reusable pages. Just use any color Pilot FriXion erasable pens to write and draw like normal. Then, use the Rocketbook app to quickly scan the pages, instantly digitize the text and save drawings, and upload it to your cloud account or device. When you’re done, just dampen the microfiber cloth, wipe off the pages, and start all over again. It’s the perfect marriage of a traditional notebook and an ecofriendly digital tablet. Available in a ton of colors in executive (6 x 8.5 in.) or letter (8.5 x 11 in.) format.

Cost: $22 executive/$27 letter — Find the Rocketbook Reusable Smart Notebook on Amazon

Moderate Must-Haves

MEATER Plus Long Range Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer

Under- or over-cooking meat, fish, and poultry not only leads to a lousy meal, it can lead to whole host of disgusting food-borne pathogens. This wire-free electronic thermometer connects to your iOS or Android device for continuous monitoring of your culinary masterpiece. The Bluetooth booster lets you hang out up to 1,000 feet from your oven, grill, or smoker, so even the cook can socialize and play. Using the Meater app, just set the internal temp/doneness you want, and it will estimate the cook time, monitor the temperature, and notify you when it’s done (including resting time). Perfect for the new cook or experienced grill-master alike. Just set it and forget it! The Original MEATER Smart Meat Thermometer is similar and $30 cheaper, but its major drawback is the range of just 33 feet.

Cost: $100 — Find the MEATER Plus Long Range Smart Meat Thermometer on Amazon
(Cost: $70 — Find the MEATER Original Smart Meat Thermometer on Amazon)
 

Ember Smart Mug 2

Sometimes, you need a cup of coffee or tea to keep you going through a long workday or study session. This 10-oz temperature-controlled mug has a built-in temperature gauge and heating element to keep your beverage at the temperature you select (120 – 145°F). Use it on its own for about 80 minutes or rest it on the charging coaster to keep it going all day long. You don’t need to use the app, but doing so makes it easy to customize the temperature and other settings. No need to worry about burning down your desk — it automatically detects when the cup is empty or hasn’t been touched for 2 hours and turns itself off. We love that the mug has a sturdy shape and weight, without being too bulky or heavy.

Cost: $100 —  Find the Ember Smart Mug 2 on Amazon  

Special Splurges

Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector

Arranging for projector or a screen that you can connect/cast to is a pain … if it’s even available. Having everyone gather around your laptop or phone screen is even more annoying. This pocket-sized HD 1080p LED rechargeable projector is the handiest gadget around. It can display up to 100 inches with crisp, bright color and has a built-in speaker. The device can connect via HDMI, USB, and Micro SD to compatible iPhone, iPad, and Android devices, as well as PCs/Macs, gaming consoles, or the cable box. It can run on battery for up to two hours or keep going indefinitely when connected to a battery pack or outlet charger. We love the simplicity of this sucker — you plug it in and project away. Share an idea during a club or work meeting. Project your gaming session. Turn the car roof into a movie screen. Share vacay pics in your living room. This ultra-portable projector makes you a walking on-demand projector.

Cost: $180 — Find Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector on Amazon

Meta Quest 3 Mixed Reality All-In-One Set

This is our most expensive item, but it is cool. This VR system (headset with facial interface, Touch Plus controllers with wrist straps, and charging cable/power adapter) promises to transform your home into an immersive 3D graphics environment. You can game, train, and stream with hundreds of apps. It’s been completely redesigned from the Quest 2 for better comfort and performance. It’s still a little awkward to use, but it is super cool for those who want to dive into futuristic VR.

Cost: Starting at $500 — Find the Quest 3 from Meta

Have a Happy Hi-Tech Holiday

We hope you find and receive the perfect gifts this year. Happy holidays!

-- By Karen Beaudway, Pitt IT Blogger