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Oregon Family Magazine

Make Tech Gifts Meaningful

11/29/2015 ● By Sandy Kauten
Technology gifts continue to dominate holiday wish lists. Before purchasing the latest gadget, remember that one size doesn’t fit all. Just as you wouldn’t buy the same sweater for everyone, different recipients have different needs when it comes to tech gifts.

This season, consider technology gifts that can improve your loved ones’ daily lives by matching devices to their personal interests. Here are some ideas for thoughtful holiday tech gifts for everyone on your list.

The Go-Getter

Purchasing a gift for a busy parent, a world traveler or a social butterfly? Wearable technology will definitely be at the top of their lists this season.

Fitness fanatics will love souped-up Bluetooth headsets and activity trackers; while on-the-go moms will be grateful for the ease a smart watch provides them.

Do your homework to ensure whichever gift you pick is compatible with the recipient’s existing technology. If your loved one is an Apple fanatic, you don’t want to get an Android smartwatch.

Add extra personalization by taking into account product design. For example, several jewelry designers have introduced necklaces and bracelets that cleverly house sports activity trackers inside the accessory.

The Home Office Worker

Entrepreneurism is on the rise and that means home offices are becoming a staple. The key to working from home is staying organized, maximizing space and minimizing clutter. Many entrepreneurs and telecommuters don’t realize that their phones can actually help them streamline their home office experience. These days, you can link your mobile phone calls to your home phone to maximize efficiency. For example, with the Panasonic KX-TGF382M Link2Cell Digital Phone, you can link up to two smart phones to make and receive calls, as well as receive talking ID alerts so you never miss texts.

Added benefit? This product helps increase efficiency. A downloadable Android App provides alerts when the linked cell phone receives emails and social media updates. A busy entrepreneur can block up to 250 unwanted numbers with the touch of one button, cutting down on time-sapping conversations. Additionally, a powerful battery backup system will keep the phone connected for up to seven hours even if the power goes out. More information is available at www.amazon.com.

The Entertainer

Gift lists always include a friend or family member that loves to entertain guests.

Home chefs who like to throw dinner parties will surely appreciate a wireless Bluetooth cooking thermometer that syncs with a smartphone to alert them when their main dish is done, or a digital measuring cup, that enables cooks to precisely measure liquids and easily convert measurement units.

Wine aficionados can also go high tech this season. New gifts include sonic decanters, smart chillers, and even special devices that allow you to pour wine without uncorking it to preserve freshness.