The holidays are getting closer, so if you’re still looking for ideas for what to gift this season, look no further than our TNW staff picks. Our Ideal Gifts cover all budgets, and include presents for recipients old, young, or young at heart.
Anki Overdrive Robot Car Starter Kit [$150]
Toy trains are a classic, but if you’re looking for something set for the 21st century, UK Editor Ben Woods recommends the Anki Overdrive robotic racing set. A starter kit with two cars will set you back $150 and additional cars are extra, so plan ahead if you’ve got a big family who’s not quite willing to share.
Movo Wave [$35]
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Getting back in shape is on most people’s New Year Resolution, so help them kickstart it with the Movo Wave, an inexpensive fitness tracker that won’t make you feel bad if your cousin don’t end up using it religiously.
Dash [$149]
Looking for a gift that’s both techy and educational? Reporter Bryan Clark recommends Dash, a toy robot that’ll help kids learn the fundamentals of programming while chasing the house around with the adorable, three-wheeled fella.
Polaroid Snap Camera [$99]
Nostalgia is a gift that never goes out of style. The Polaroid Snap Camera is a refreshed instant camera that can print 10MP photos on a 2×3-inch sheet in full color. You can also opt for black and white or “vintage” style prints for old-timey goodness.
Velcro Straps [$4.99]
Don’t laugh, but come on, we all know someone who could benefit from getting their cords in place. They may be a cheap gift, but combine it with your willingness to actually help organize some wires and you’ve got yourself the most priceless gift of the year.
Lost My Name Customized Book [$29]
Everybody loves a gift tailored to the recipient, and you can’t get more customized than to have your name influence the actual present. Enter Lost My Name, a company focused on creating children’s books made to fit your child’s name or hometown. After all, identity is such a big part of who we are.
Roku 2 [$69]
The holiday season doesn’t always mean you need to get the latest and greatest for family members. In fact, reporter Lauren Hockenson says nothing’s wrong with going one back gadget generation when it still functions perfectly fine and puts a couple of Benjamins back in your pocket…
Chromecast Audio [$35]
… but if you are looking to impress with the newest gear from 2015, Chromecast Audio is one gift that won’t break the bank. The dongle lets you turn any old speakers into an internet-connected one for just $35.
Co-opoly Boardgame [$35]
For those looking for a gift that encourages family to spend even more time together, boardgames are generally the route to go. Reporter Kirsty Styles is all about Co-opoly, the game where instead of trying to one-up each other around the board, everyone works together to try to win. That’s the spirit!
Anker Portable Battery [Starts at $19]
In our ever-connected world, there’s never enough battery to go around so Anker portable battery packs are great for power users who could use the boost. They’re also quite affordable, so you may just want to pick up a few for yourself while you’re at it.
Sonos speakers [Varies]
Give the gift of synchronized sound this year with a set of Sonos speakers, our reporter Owen Williams recommends. A two-room set starts at $349 and goes up from there, but at least it won’t break in a year like any old, crappy set of cans.
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