Co-workers in the AEC industry can be notoriously difficult to buy gifts for. If you are looking for gifts in the $30 or less range for your office mates, here are 10 ideas to get your Christmas shopping started:
The Nest
A deceptively simple gadget, the Nest is a portable multi-function stand for your iPad or tablet. When not in use, it looks like a simple holder for phone, keys or loose change. Cost: $14.95 (Check out Blue Lounge's other gadgets like the Sumo, Rolio, and Mika.) (visit link)
Bellino Slim Sling
As much as your male co-workers may be labeled 'metro' for carrying a "man purse," having a backpack for a tablet usually gets a free pass. (And creates a handy place to stash other items like wallet, phone and keys.) The Bellino Slim Sling fits an IPad and nicely bridges the gap between stylish and metro. Cost: $20.99 (visit link)
Stylus Caps
The More Real stylus cap turns a pen into a touchscreen stylus. The capacitive stylus fits on the end of a Sharpie and is machined from aluminum making it light. Cost: $25 (visit link)
Go Anywhere MP3 Speakers
The Go Anywhere model from Restoration Hardware features a sleek design for just $29.00 which is great, if the Bose SoundLink is out of your budget. (visit link)
Aerobie AeroPress Coffee Maker
If the person on your list is into the perfect cup of coffee, try the Aerobie AeroPress Coffee Maker . It is geared to making coffee one to two cups at a time and is rumored to deliver better taste than a Keurig. (Wired Magazine even references the subculture that has grown up around this device.) $25.95 (visit link)
Airzooka
The bummer thing about Nerf Gun Wars in the office is that the darts have to be retrieved between rounds. But what if you could you strike without ever having to reload? Airzooka shoots a blast of air across the room. Cost: $12.99 (visit link) (For the record, you might want to buy one for yourself as well.)
Google Chromecast
Google’s Chromecast plugs into an HDMI jack on the TV and connects to your home WiFi network making it easy to watch videos from YouTube, Netflix and Google Play on the big screen. Cost: $30.00 (visit link)
Bacon Salt
Do you have a foodie at the office who believes that everything should taste like bacon? You can empower them in that quest. Cost: $7.00 (visit link)
Duracell Instant USB Charger
Don't you hate it when you run out of power and have to ration that last bit of juice? The Duracell Rechargable Instant USB Charger is easy to carry and can provide up to 3 hours of back-up cell phone power. Cost: $9.99 (visit link)
Digital Subscription to MAKE Magazine
MAKE is a bimonthly magazine that focuses on do it yourself (DIY) projects involving computers, electronics, robotics, metalworking, woodworking and other disciplines. (Not that anyone in our industry will actually have time to do any of this, but sometimes it is just fun to get inspired by the projects.) Digital subscription is just $19.99. (visit link)
Happy gifting!