Holiday Gift Guide

I haven't carried a wallet in years because of card sleeves like this one. Stick one to your phone, insert a couple of debit/credit cards, a driver's license and go. Everyone's getting these from me this year.

This 4-in-1 camera lens kit has the basics I need to grab some "better than cellphone" photos when I'm on the fly. It includes zoom telephoto, wide angle, macro, and fisheye lenses in a handy little case.

Know someone who prefers handwriting to typing? Give them a smart pen. Writing is captured in the app for digital editing later if you like; it comes with a notebook, charger, and extra tip. No! You can't have mine!

We’ve all been there: the lightning cable doesn’t reach the iPhone, the microUSB doesn’t reach the PS4 controller on the couch or ... (insert your problem here). A USB extension cable solves those hassles instantly!

Level up workouts with Samsung's sleek, powerful, little wrist mounted fitness tracker. It's lightweight, super accurate, and has the battery power to last through even the most rigorous, masochistic workout sesh.

Jewelry that gives health advice? Sign me up. This battery-free, waterproof device measures exposure to UV, pollen, humidity, and more. The companion app makes appropriate recommendations. Adding to my list now!

The Echo Flex works great in space-limited places by turning any outlet into an Alexa-powered smart home control hub and speaker. Why spend more when you can spend less and get portable smart features?

Call me Captain! I feel like I'm on the bridge of the Starship Enterprise with this curved 49-inch monitor and its panoramic experience. The only downside is that my wife says I need to work more to pay this off.

Slide your laptop in here, then organize the important extras - cords, hard drives, power bricks, external batteries. Everything but the proverbial kitchen sink fits into this stylish beauty of a bag.

Like insurance, you don't need a backup until you need a backup. When you do, this portable HD is the best way to get it. My favorite part? The software takes the guesswork out of backing up your system.

I love words on paper but sometimes an instant book download to curl up with beside the fire is exactly the right fit. This light, thin e-reader is waterproof, glare-free and has an extra long-lasting battery.

At a computer all day and need an ergonomic power house (power mouse?). Programmable buttons make the work move really fast (try setting the thumb roller to scroll through tabs to the right one.) Game changer!

Gifting a gamer this year? You won't go wrong here. Billed as the world's smallest gaming laptop, this beast offers an unparalleled portable gaming experience (with a little work or school on the side, too.)

Small laptop screen? Connect it to this big, beautiful, and versatile 4K UHD monitor for blur- and lag-free entertainment. Merry holiday to me! (Hope my family takes the hint!)

Small, great camera, cheap-ish. The budget likes this one a lot. This entry level phone offers all the awesome features of the Pixel 4 at roughly half the price of its big brother.

Large buttons that are easy to hit and giant numbers on the screen that are easy to see in a retro flip style Dad can slip into his shirt pocket? Yeah, I'm scoring big brownie points this year.

Once impossible to find, these must-have germkilling gadgets are back in stock at most retailers. Help loved ones kill the invisible bugs that regularly collect on a phone each day to stay healthier this year.

Drop your phone a lot? (Raises hand.) Prevent cracked screens and body dents with a Symmetry Case, which is durable yet slim and cool. Lots of color choices and versions for Apple, Google, and Samsung phones.

The OnePlus 8 Pro is a stylish phone with a powerhouse processor and high refresh display. It works great for gaming, multitasking, and photography plus the brand is well-regarded, even if you've never heard of it.

My smartphone has taken some blows, but this screen protector has been vigilant through it all. No scratches, no cracks, and best of all, I can use my stylus with it. Oh, and it absolutely does not bubble up!

One of the coolest devices of its kind, the Z Fold2 flips out into a larger tablet to browse, watch Netflix on a big screen, or multitask with ease. It's futuristic 5G tricks make folding phones the real deal.

You don’t want to sweep the floor, they don’t want to sweep the floor. Get a Roomba, program it with Alexa, and let it do it’s thing. Then everyone’s happy! This one works on carpets and pet allergens, too.

This clever gadget is a smart home geek's dream. It controls up to 15 of your smart home devices (including TV), pairs with other smart hubs, and automatically powers on to switch devices to the right settings.

Need a smart hub for all your devices? The Nest Hub is a great combo device capable of filling several roles that's somehow cheaper than most competitors. We always like cheaper when it works as brilliantly as this.

Can't make something smart because it needs someone to actually push a button? Get a Switchbot Bot. Attach it to (almost) anything that uses a rocker switch or button and voila! You've got voice control!

No more dead spots or buffering problems, and you can control it (plus manage kid profiles) with Alexa or Apple Homekit. I'm telling you: This baddie is so good I almost forgot I had one. In the best possible way!

I'm asking for this adorable little smart clock from Lenovo this year. It'll let you set alarms and control your smart home from bed, and it looks super cute as a clock on the night stand. Yeah, I said cute.

Smart home newbies will love this kit designed to smarten up any home. It even includes bulbs and switches to control and synchronize lights to music, TV, and games for immersive effects. Even Alexa says 'Buy this!'

We use this more than I thought we would. It has a great field of view and the video notifications to my phone show who is at my house. Plus I can change the chime on it from time to time to keep the dogs confused.

It's not a gift guide without something from Brookstone in it, is it? My not-so-secret geek wish is for this retractable plug that lets me go anywhere in the house and still reach a plug in.

Who says Hot Wheels are just for kids? I'll admit it: I want this kit now! The smart track and app kick it up a notch to log racing stats, play tons of games, and see how you stack up against friends. Vroom, vroom!

This Bluetooth robot ball can be controlled via an app in three different modes for a variety of challenges. You can also play games and learn programming with it. Who doesn't want to play with Sphero? Including me!

This mini flyer is as cheap and portable as it is delightful. It's the perfect choice for beginners looking to dip a toe into the morally ambiguous world of unmanned aerial vehicles and surveilance.

Man, this is one expensive gift but the look on a kid's face would be priceless, wouldn't it? This Lego robot can walk, talk, play games and complete tasks. Hey, if it can clean my son's room, I'm in.

Come on: Who doesn't love Baby Yoda? Anyone would love this smart take on the icon, especially when it giggles. It even pretends to take Force Naps! You had me at nap, Yoda.

This modern take on the lava lamp concept makes for a grown-up tech toy that will hynotically soothe your senses and make the day seem a little less nuts. I want this for my own desk (but my kids will hijack it.)

Finally! This gadget attaches to any paper airplane you can create, then lets you pilot it via your smartphone. Launch sneak dive-bomb attacks on your snoozing cat and let the games begin!

Paddles on the back, adjustable triggers, interchangable thumbsticks, and you can choose the design? YES. Hardcore gamers like me appreciate the ergonomics, too; once you go SCUF you'll never go standard again.

War games don't get better than this dynamic, romantic Chinese epoch that demands diplomatic poise, grand strategic vision, and the unbending will of the god-emperor to steer your faction to ultimate victory.

Live your best virtual life completely free of wires and sensors. The Quest 2 offers updated resolution and refresh rates for incredible virtual experiences at a fantastic entry point for those interested in VR.

Trash talking your buddies never sounded so good. Lightweight, mod kit ready, and distinct clarity plus personalization options. Even pro gramers say they want this headset. Go forth and frag, young player!

This wireless, ambidexterous gaming mouse rightfully earns its 'Lightspeed' moniker with excellent responsiveness, wireless connectivity, RGB lighting, and programmable buttons. Spendy but totally worth every penny.

This has amazing games, shorter load times, SSDs, and a controller with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Add in a PS5 design so unlike previous PlayStations, and you can’t help but stare at it. With love.

Nintendo '80s retro styling, the OG Super Mario Bros. game and a digital clock that has 35 different screen-saver scenes with Mario and the clock? Grab one fast; this will be gone before you can say "Wa-hoo!"

This tough CORSAIR aluminum frame keyboard has cool backlighting, playback complex micros, and lightning playback capability. My kids all have this one at the top of their wish lists this year. I can see why!

Can't go all in on a surround sound setup? Soundbars are the next best option. This one from Vizio is easy to set up, doesn't take up a ton of space, and spares you from using TV speakers. Down with TV speakers!

These awesome wireless headphones are perfect for tuning out the world around you. Investing in a pair of these top notch cans from Sennheiser are sure to win you roommate of the year even from the snootiest cat.

Go from flat screen to silver screen without leaving your living room. This Silver Ticket model works like much more expensive alternatives, but doesn't need a second mortgage to afford it. Where's the popcorn?!

Know a wannabe cord-cutter? For the hands-down simplest streaming experience, get them the Roku Ultra like I have. They can ditch cable and start streaming the same day, it's that easy!

This backlit movie poster frame will make any home theater the absolute coolest place to hang out. Easily switch out posters for the latest coming attraction to be featured at your home theater. Godzilla, anyone?

Into vinyl? Me, too. This budget-friendly 21st century record player is portable enough to take anywhere or stow easily. You can even skip the vinyl to use smartphone audio through the Bluetooth speakers.

Tight budget? The H8G Quantum Series is an all-round performing smart TV with built-in Android TV, a huge app selection, and a killer contrast ratio for impressive picture quality. It's high on my list this year!