The gifts — technology and otherwise — that I'm coveting this holiday season.
2016 has been a year of big purchases for me — new iPad, new iPhone, new Mac, new car — but despite everything I've picked up this year, there's still plenty on my wish list. (Ah, the life of a tech geek: always something new to covet.)
So whether you're looking to shop for me (hi, mum), or simply looking for inspiration for the fellow tech roller derby geek in your life, here are some of the items that absolutely captivated me this year.
Libratone Q Adapt On Ear
While I love my Bose QC35 noise-cancelling headphones for traveling, they can be a bit bulky for everyday café travel; as such, I've been looking for an in-between option to toss in smaller bags when I want to go write for a few hours. Lucky for me, I got to test Libratone's new Q Adapt On Ear noise-cancelling headphones over the last few weeks, and they're exactly what I've been looking for: a lightweight on-ear option that sounds great, offers varying levels of noise-cancellation, and even lets you quickly disable all sound and noise-cancellation with a quick tap over the right earphone.
Do I need another pair of wireless, noise-cancelling earphones? Probably not; my Bose headphones are still amazing, even if they are a bit bulky. But that's what wish lists are for, right?
Fermata Headphone Charging Stand
I reviewed Twelve South's headphone stand and charger back in November, and it's still in my thoughts and on my wish list. The $80 stand may have a hefty price tag, but it makes up for it by being wonderfully constructed and offering an easy charging experience for your Bluetooth headphones and an additional device.
Pad & Quill Messenger Bag
I've collected a large assortment of pretty wonderful laptop bags over the years, but I keep coming back to Pad and Quill's gorgeous Messenger bag — the charcoal gray canvas and whiskey brown leather flip-top bag has P&Q's signature handmade look and quality construction, all while offering a variety of pockets, nooks, and crannies to hide away cables, iPads, and more. Between the Messenger and the company's Roll Top Leather Backpack, I've been spending a lot of time staring at Pad and Quill's website this year.
Apple 87W USB-C Power Adapter
This is a simple gift, but a practical one: After picking up a new MacBook Pro, I no longer have an assortment of compatible chargers hidden in my house and travel bags. And as much as I appreciate the MacBook Pro's more powerful battery, it's not quite enough to last me a full day at the café. Bring on the secondary charger!
Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker
I bought a set of Tiles last year right before Christmastime, and they've spent the intervening eleven months saving my sanity time and time again by helping me quickly locate my keys, wallet, gear bag, and more. I've been meaning to pick up more to outfit the rest of my traveling bags, but heck — they'd make a pretty good stocking stuffer, too.
$69.95 for a four-pack from Amazon
Amazon Echo Dot
Until Apple presumably releases a Siri Home Hub of its own, Alexa is my voice assistant of choice — and I wouldn't mind having another Echo Dot living in my bedroom for evening music selections, news reports, and info about the weather.
WaterField Designs Finn Wallet
I actually bought the Finn Wallet last year for my iPhone 6s Plus, but between its new RFID-blocking capabilities and red finish, it might be time for an upgrade. I love the wallet for its ability to comfortably fit (and protect) a caseless iPhone 7 Plus, but I've also used it to hold passports, money, extra receipts, and an iPhone battery charger.
Breville BKE820XL Variable-Temperature 1.8-Liter Kettle
I drink enough tea to fuel a small army, but since moving to my new house, I've been without an automatic tea-maker. I've had my eye on this Breville option for the last year, which lets you program boiling water for tea at a variety of temperatures, but have yet to slide it off my Amazon wish list and into my cart. Maybe this year...
The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook
When not skating or writing, my fiancé and I like to experiment in the kitchen. I've been obsessed with the Smitten Kitchen blog since a friend referred me a few years ago, and Deb Perelman's cookbook has been on my wish list about as long. Just look at the cheese and tomato sandwich on the cover! How can you not want to eat everything inside those pages?
Low Life Ribbed Toque
Last but certainly not least, a wish list item from Montréal's local skate shop and apparel boutique, Low Life — I've got a set of new Riedell skates on my "to buy" list next year, but in the meantime, I've had my eye on a number of the company's apparel options for winter warmth, including this awesome ribbed toque. Low Life's co-founder was rocking it at Team Canada practice all last weekend, and it looks just as cozy in person as it does on the Low Life website.
Your wish list picks?
What's on your personal wish list this year, iMore? Let me know! I'm sure I need even more cool gadgets to add to mine.
Reader comments
Serenity's 2016 holiday wish list
Based on your recommendation (and Georgia Dow's) ... I ordered a 42 mm Apple Watch Series 2 in Aluminum Space Gray. The funny thing is that I have been trying to order it from T-Mobile for over a week and they have been sold out. I went on their web site on Tuesday and low-and-behold, they had it back in stock. I jumped on it immediately. I checked this morning (Thursday) and they are sold out again. Mine arrives via UPS tomorrow! Very excited to be getting it... actually its a Hanukkah/Birthday present. Birthday is in February. I'll have to roll all 8 days of Hanukkah into one but its well worth it. Figured if I didn't order it now I wouldn't get it until January the way stock has been selling out so quickly. Mine comes with the black sport silicone band, but rest assured I will be getting other straps and a bracelet for it in short order!
You're going to love it! Be careful though, buying new bands can become a bit of a habit... :)
It sure does. Apple made it too easy to change them. I might have to glue those buttons down.
Well Serenity, this looks like a great hint if you have someone in your life who just might decide to buy you a holiday present, or two. Not mentioning names, as I don't want that possible someone to know that. Heh.
This list is much better :)
Nice list well done!
I had to do a double take on the wallet. Almost looks like a tattered lady part.