This article was published on December 2, 2014

11 Ideal Gifts: Our staff picks for the holidays this year


11 Ideal Gifts: Our staff picks for the holidays this year

Last week, The Next Web’s editorial team put together their personal gift recommendations for this holiday season. If you’re looking for ideas, browse our favorites below to find the perfect present for your loved one.

The Mi Power Bank [$24 on Amazon]

Mi Power Bank

Practicality is the name of the game – well, at least for our Asia reporter Abhimanyu Ghoshal. The Mi Power Bank is a compact battery pack that fits into any gadgeteer’s lifestyle.

➤ The Mi Power Bank charges up your devices in style

Google Chromecast [$35 on Google]

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chromecast_android_3

The Google Chromecast may be a household name in the states, but its arrival in Canada, the United Kingdom and nine other European countries this year makes Chromecast an ideal gift for cord-cutters.

➤ Chromecast can change your TV viewing habits

Stack Magazines [Price varies by location]

Stack Magazines

For those who can still appreciate the charm of print magazines, our UK reporter Mic Wright‘s got you covered. A subscription to Stack Magazines helps keep independent publishing in print alive and exposes you to interesting, beautiful magazines.

➤ Stack Magazines delivers a monthly dose of beautiful analog reading

Sol Republic’s Tracks Air [$199 on Sol Republic]

SolRepublic

With a new and improved battery life and fashionable array of colors, UK editor Ben Woods chose the Sol Republic Tracks Air headphones as his pick for the holidays.

➤ Sol Republic’s Tracks Air deliver the ultimate in headphone convenience

The RHA MA750i earphones [$129 on Amazon]

rha-ma750i-noise-isolating-headphones-800x401

If over-the-ear headphones aren’t quite your style, NY reporter Napier Lopez recommends the RHA MA750i earbuds for a mix of quality sound and beautiful construction.

➤ The RHA MA750i earphones have portable audiophile-grade sound and stainless steel construction

Our Final InventionOur Final Invention’ by James Barrat [$16.25 on Amazon]

If you’re looking to gift a fascinating read this year, Editor-in-Chief Martin Byrant recommends ‘Our Final Invention,’ which explores the world where Artificial Intelligence may just be the very thing that eradicates the human race.

➤ ‘Our Final Invention’ – the perfect guide to how AI could kill us all

Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 [$147 on Amazon]

fujifilm instax 90

I went for the anti-Snapchat route and wanted a gift that found a happy middle between modern tech and nostalgia. The Fujifilm Instax 90, a retro-inspired instant camera, is just what the (hipster) doctor ordered.

➤ Fujifilm Instax 90 reminds you that memories are not disposable

Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth speaker [$199 on Bose]

soundlink_mini_large_08

As our lifestyles become more portable, so do the tools around us. Don’t mistake this Bose’s SoundLink Mini Bluetooth speaker for a toy, however. This machine may be travel-sized, but its sound is anything but small.

➤ The Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth speaker packs a punch

Timbuk2 Command backpack [$129 on Timbuk2]

1125_timbuk22

An avid outdoorsman, SF reporter Roberto Baldwin wants you to shut the laptop, put down your phone and get exploring with this Timbuk2 Command backpack that’s stylish, functional and TSA-complaint.

➤ Send your friends on a trip with the Timbuk2 Command backpack

Adobe Ink & Slide [$200 in Adobe]

Adobe-Ink-and-Slide-Mighty-Slide

A great tool for creatives, Creativity Editor Jackie Dove recommends the Adobe Ink & Slide digital stylus and ruler for a more precise art editing experience.

Adobe Ink & Slide pen-ruler set is the ultimate digital artist’s tool

Kindle Paperwhite + ‘The Circle’ by Dave Eggers [$119 on Amazon/$9.99 on Kindle]

kindle

If you’re looking to gift a Kindle this holiday season, the Paperwhite is the model to go, along with NZ reporter Owen Williams‘ recommendation to pre-load the device with “The Circle,” by Dave Eggers. If your recipient already has a Kindle, gift just the e-book.

➤ Rekindle your love of reading with Kindle Paperwhite and The Circle by Dave Eggers

Don’t miss: Our holiday gadget gift guide 2014

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