The 7 Best Holiday Tech Gifts 2014

By Dan Moshe

This year’s Holiday Tech Gift Guide has something for everyone on your list.  Dan Moshe, founder and CEO of Tech Guru, the Caring IT company, and Micah Thor, its COO, share their best gadget discoveries of the year.  Forget chocolate, forget the tie… here’s what your special someones want all wrapped up.

1. iPad Mini

“It’s the perfect size for reading, chatting, and texting,” says Dan of the iPad Mini.  “And now all Apple devices talk to each other, so everything stays in sync.”  With a camera for Face Time, a 7.9 inch display, and endless apps to add on, this will bring good cheer to just about anyone.  Price: From $249

2. Fitbit Activity Tracker

Micah suggests this might be just the thing to kickstart a New Year’s Resolution.  The Fitbit Activity Tracker measures steps, distance, calories burned, floors climbed, active minutes, and sleep. Who knew there was so much to calculate?  Fitbit claims that its users take 43% more steps than they did before using Fitbit.  Price: From $129

3. Nest Learning Thermostat

The only thing cozier than the lights from the menorah is the warmth provided by a Nest Learning Thermostat.  Dan is dazzled by how the wifi-connected smart thermostat learns your schedule and senses when you’re around.  Open it up from an app on your phone and warm up the house up ahead of time.  Make sure the system in your house is compatible, and you’ll probably be able to install it yourself in under 30 minutes. Price: $249

4. Ratio Eight Automatic Pour-Over Coffee Maker

For coffee-lovers “in pursuit of perfection,” Micah raves about the Ratio Eight.  Boasting gorgeous design to instantly upgrade any kitchen, the Ratio Eight will be a dream for those who care about the details.  The receiver of this gift must have the virtue of patience – this item is only available for pre-order, estimated to ship in February. Price: $480

5. Moto 360 Smartwatch

There’s one on every holiday list – the friend or family member who thinks of him or herself as a world-traveling superstar with Very Important Things To Do.  Enter Motorola’s Moto 360 Smartwatch (Android Only), a sleek-looking watch featuring voice-response commands, and activity tracker, and a growing availability of apps.  Micah thinks you should get it before the next trip to Uzbekistan.  Price: From $249

6. iPhone 6

Dan’s simple review of the iPhone 6: “I love it.”  After having an Android phone that fell apart, Dan was ready to try out the most buzzed-about item of the year.  The battery life is “spectacular,” and the 4.7 inch HD display won him over.  Price: From $199

7. Google Nexus 6

Android phones deserve some love too, and they don’t get better than the Google Nexus 6.  With a  24 hour battery life and a giant 6 inch HD display, Dan says it might be too big for a stocking, but perfect under the tree. Price: From $649 (less with cellular service contract)

 

Tech Guru wishes you happy shopping, but reminds you the best gift of all might be simply serving a hot cup of cocoa to your loved ones.  And the cost?  As the credit card company likes to say: “Priceless.”

Dan Moshe helps business owners in the Minneapolis area with all things tech, and is the CEO of the Caring IT company Tech Guru.  He cares about your business as much as you do!