LET’S get the iPhone 14 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 out of the way because anybody would love to get those phones for the holidays. There are a lot of tech gifts you can give people on your holiday list. Most of these gifts are quite expensive though, so let’s imagine for a while that our gifting list does not have a budget and that we can give anyone anything.
Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones. This is said to be Sony’s best noise-cancelling headphone yet. An upgrade from 2018’s WH-1000XM3 headphone, this has improved voice quality and support for two simultaneous Bluetooth connections. Now that people are traveling again, what makes these headphones a great holiday gift is that they’re collapsible so they can easily fit into your carry-on or even your purse when you commute to work. You can get it here: amzn.to/3gxxWFE.
Dyson Airwrap multi-styler. There are polarizing reviews about the Dyson Airwrap but if you have the budget, it really is worth trying or giving away as a gift. The new iteration of this hair multi-styler brings new and reengineered attachments powered by enhanced Coanda airflow. The next-generation styling barrels, which feature a rotating cool tip, make it faster and easier to achieve curls and waves with no heat damage, and help maintain hair strength. Combining two attachments in one, the Coanda smoothing dryer hides flyaways in a single pass, with no extreme heat and transforms into a powerful dryer with the flick of a switch. A wide-tooth comb attachment, engineered for curly hair, helps to add shape, volume and length as it dries. Dyson’s comb teeth are designed with soft curved tips to glide through the hair, with no sharp edges to catch, pull or cause damage. The Dyson Airwrap retails for around P32,900. For information, go to www.dyson.ph.
Garmin Descent G1. This would make the perfect gift for the person who loves the outdoors but still needs a watch that looks good. Featuring an easy-to-read, high-contrast display and 45mm watch case, the G1 Series introduces a new compact design into the dive lineup that is purpose built in both form and function.
Water rated to 10 ATM (100 meters) and tested to engineering standard EN133319 for dive compliance with leakproof inductive buttons and a sapphire lens, the Descent G1 Series is rugged and ready for excursions above and below the water’s surface. Available in multiple color options and compatible with Garmin QuickFit bands, divers can switch between long and short straps for wearing over wet suits when needed, or switch up their style in a snap to take their timepiece from a dive to dinner. The Descent G1 and Descent G1 Solar are available in P31,195 and P36,995, respectively. You can find Garmin on Lazada: bit.ly/3gxRr0M.
Google Chromecast. This is way less expensive than Apple TV but it’s easy to set up and works with every streaming service from Netflix to Hulu to HBO Max to Peacock. There’s a cheaper version that’s limited to 1080p streaming and a more expensive one that supports 4K playback. You can get it here: amzn.to/3VrTO45.
Casetify phone cases. If you have the latest smartphone models, it makes sense to protect them with good phone cases. If you’re looking for a cool brand that can offer maximum protection, go for Casetify. They have a variety of cases—from playful to those that are more serious and professional-looking. The Focus On The Good By Mirrors Reflect You case has an electroplate-coated polycarbonate structure which allows it to function as a mirror, minus the glass. Casetify ships directly to the Philippines. Get it here: bit.ly/3GJf6pE.
Apple AirTag. This Bluetooth tracker can be used on luggage, bags, and iPhones (it doesn’t work on Android devices). To work, AirTags utilize Apple’s extensive Find My Network. The AirTags are easy to set up and small enough to fit into your luggage or purse. I’m not sure though if the AirTag can be used to keep track of your other possessions, such as eyeglasses. I’m putting this out there because I frequently misplace my glasses. You can get them here: apple.co/3VnDC3L.
Helios 300 PH315-53-53KP Gaming Laptop. The Acer Predator Helios 300, which is considered one of the best gaming laptops, is available in a wide range of variations. You can choose from mid-range to the most advanced models—i5, i7, i9 processors, 16 or 32 GB of RAM, GeForce RTX 3050Ti, RTX 3060, RTX 3070, RTX 3080 video cards, with video memory from 4 to 16 GB, SSD—from 512 GB up to 2 TB, there are also versions with an additional HDD.
There are also two screen diagonal options available—15.6 or 17.3 inches. The resolution can be standard 1920×1080 or extended 2560×1440 pixels. You can score a Digital SM Gift Pass of up to P8,000 when you register your new Acer product for warranty during the “Unbox the Holidays with Acer” promo, which runs until December 31, 2022. For more information, go to acer.co/3EYOvDK.
Image credits: Acer, Sony and Garmin