Holiday Gifts for the Tech Savvy Family

To contact us Click HERE
It's certain to be a very techie Christmas in our household.  My oldest 3 children don't travel far without their smart phones and my youngest two (the twins) sure give our iPads and Tablets a regular work out.  And what kind of gifts has santa found for my electronics loving clan?


The Nest Earbud Case:  If you have ever thrown a pair of earbuds in your bag or drawer you'll immediately realize this product's merits.  The Nest provides a clever easy way to store those buds so that you'll never waste time untangling them again.  You simply push it open, stick the little ear pieces in the center, wind the cord around the side, stick the end plug in the center with the buds and close it again.

Connect + Charge 4 port travel hub:  Sharing a single laptop as we travel can get complicated when everyone wants to plug in their devices during stops.  However, this 4 port travel hub allows all the elves to plug in.

3M™ Natural View Fingerprint Fading Screen Protector for iPad:  As I mentioned, I have a lot of kiddos vying for time on my iPad which had previously meant it was constantly all smudged up with fingerprints.  Fortunately Santa gave me a fingerprint fading screen protector early.  Fingerprints not bothering you?  They also offer anti-glare or screen privacy versions.  Available at Target, Walmart and Amazon.com.

3M Projector Sleeve
If you are looking for an easier way to share your the photos and videos on your iPhone 4 or 4s with a crowd, you'll love this compact projector.  It can turn any blank surface (the walls, the ceiling, a sheet, the garage door) into a 60" theatre screen. I love the idea of using this to share all those photos the less connected parts of the family (non-facebook users) during the holidays.  Plus this would be a fun way to share pics taken each evening of a vacation.  Available at Target and Target.com.

Thomas & Friends Steam Team Station (for iPad):
The Thomas & Friends Steam Team Station adds another dimension to iPad play for your little train fans.  The device unfolds to make a secure train station themed stand and comes with 6 hard plastic engine cards that interact with the Steam Team Station.  One simply places the iPad on the stand and downloads the free app to begin play.  The app includes two fun games Steam Engine Relay as well as Sodor Spot-it.  Plus, there is an additional compatible game app called "Seek and Find Adventure" available for $1.99 add-on through in-app purchase.  I particularly loved the fact that kids are encourage to get up and move while playing.





Duo Pinball for (iPad):  This iPad game controller device brought back fond memories of playing gobs of pinball in my basement with one of my brothers as a kid.  You simply insert your iPad into this device, connect it via bluetooth,  and download the duo pinball app.  The app allows you to pick from 5 different pinball machine themes and keeps track of the winner's high scores in the 3 initials style of old arcades.  I was pleasantly surprised by how much it really gave me the feel of playing on an actual pinball machine.  I can't wait to pull this one out over the holidays so everyone can experience the realistic pinball play due in large part to this devices flipper buttons and spring-loaded plunger.  I can see this being a crowd pleaser with all the age groups.


Duo Gamer (for iPad, iPod, or iPhone):  Who says the iPad isn't for hardcore gamers?  The box includes a stand for your device along with a a handheld game control complete with two analog joysticks, d-pad, four buttons, and two triggers.  Set-up is similar to the Duo Pinball device in that you'll need to connect it via bluetooth and download any of the Gameloft compatible apps such as N.O.V.A. 3, Asphalt 7: Heat, Order & Chaos Online, Brothers in Arms 2: Global Front, and Modern Combat 3: Fallen Nation.  I'm told more games are coming soon, including NFL Pro 2013 and Wild Blood.  I enjoyed playing the apps with the controller.  It really gives that true gaming feel and it just seems easier than all that dragging and tapping.  My older sons (14 & 18) are really going to get a kick out of this one.

Disclosure:  Please note that the items mentioned in the above post were provided to help with this review round-up.  All opinions are my own.