coolest tech gifts 2017
The holiday season is upon us and it’s time to start thinking about gifts for your loved ones. With technology constantly evolving, it can be overwhelming to keep up with the latest gadgets and gizmos. But fear not, we have compiled a list of the coolest tech gifts of 2017 that are sure to impress even the most tech-savvy person on your list.
1. Virtual Reality Headset
Virtual reality has been a buzzword in the tech world for a while now, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. A virtual reality headset is the perfect gift for anyone who loves gaming or wants to experience immersive movies and videos. The Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR are all top contenders in the virtual reality market, offering high-quality graphics and an unforgettable experience.
2. Smart Home Devices
Smart home devices have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. These devices allow you to control various aspects of your home, such as lighting, temperature, and security, all from your smartphone. The Amazon Echo and Google Home are two of the most popular options, with their voice-activated assistants, Alexa and Google Assistant, respectively. These devices can also be integrated with other smart home gadgets, making them a must-have for any tech enthusiast.
3. Wireless Headphones
Say goodbye to tangled cords and hello to the convenience of wireless headphones. With advancements in Bluetooth technology, wireless headphones have become a staple for music lovers and those who are constantly on-the-go. The Apple AirPods, Bose QuietComfort 35, and Sony WH-1000XM2 are all top contenders in the world of wireless headphones, offering superior sound quality and noise-cancellation features.
4. Fitness Tracker
For the fitness enthusiast in your life, a fitness tracker is the perfect gift. These devices can track steps, distance, calories burned, and even monitor heart rate and sleep patterns. The Fitbit Alta HR, Garmin Vivosmart 3, and Apple Watch Series 3 are all top choices for fitness trackers, offering a variety of features and sleek designs.
5. Drones
Drones have become increasingly popular in recent years and are no longer just for professional photographers and videographers. With models ranging from toy drones to high-end professional ones, there is a drone for every budget. DJI, the leading brand in the drone market, offers a variety of models, including the DJI Mavic Pro and the DJI Phantom 4 Pro, both of which offer high-quality images and videos.
6. 4K TV
Upgrade your loved one’s viewing experience with a 4K TV. These televisions offer four times the resolution of standard HD TVs, providing a crystal-clear picture. The LG OLED C7, Sony X900E, and Samsung Q8C are all top contenders in the 4K TV market, offering stunning visuals and a variety of features.
7. Smartwatch
Smartwatches have come a long way since their initial release, and they are now more than just a fancy accessory. These devices can track fitness, receive notifications, and even make phone calls. The Apple Watch Series 3, Samsung Gear S3, and Fitbit Ionic are all top choices for smartwatches, offering a variety of features and sleek designs.
8. Portable Bluetooth Speaker
A portable Bluetooth speaker is the perfect gift for the music lover in your life. These speakers offer high-quality sound in a compact and portable design, making them perfect for parties, outdoor activities, or just listening to music at home. The JBL Charge 3, Bose SoundLink Mini II, and UE Boom 2 are all top contenders in the portable speaker market, offering different levels of sound quality and battery life.
9. Instant Camera
Capture memories instantly with an instant camera. These cameras have made a comeback in recent years and are a fun and unique gift for anyone who loves photography. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9, Polaroid Snap Touch, and Lomography Lomo’Instant are all top choices, offering different features and designs.
10. Wireless Charging Pad
Say goodbye to messy cords and hello to the convenience of wireless charging. A wireless charging pad allows you to charge your phone by simply placing it on the pad, eliminating the need for cords and ports. The Samsung Wireless Charging Pad and the Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Pad are both top choices, offering fast and efficient charging for compatible devices.
11. Smart Luggage
For the frequent traveler in your life, smart luggage is a game changer. These suitcases come equipped with features such as GPS tracking, built-in digital scales, and USB charging ports. The Bluesmart One and the Raden A22 are two top choices for smart luggage, offering convenience and peace of mind for travelers.
12. Smart Thermostat
Save energy and money with a smart thermostat. These devices allow you to control the temperature of your home from your smartphone, and some even have the ability to learn your habits and adjust accordingly. The Nest Learning Thermostat and the Ecobee4 are both top choices, offering convenience and energy efficiency.
13. Wireless Security Camera
Keep an eye on your home or business with a wireless security camera. These cameras offer remote viewing, night vision, and even two-way audio communication. The Nest Cam, Arlo Pro, and Canary All-in-One are all top contenders in the wireless security camera market, offering different features and designs.
14. E-Reader
For the bookworm in your life, an e-reader is the perfect gift. These devices allow you to carry thousands of books in one compact device, making it perfect for traveling or just reading on-the-go. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, Kobo Aura H2O, and Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 3 are all top choices, offering different features and designs.
15. Smart Mirror
Turn your bathroom into a futuristic space with a smart mirror. These mirrors come equipped with features such as LED lighting, touch-screen displays, and even voice-activated assistants. The HiMirror Plus and the Simplehuman Sensor Mirror Pro are two top choices, offering convenience and high-tech features for your daily routine.
16. Home Security System
Give the gift of peace of mind with a home security system. These systems come equipped with features such as motion sensors, door/window sensors, and even remote monitoring. The SimpliSafe Home Security System and the Ring Alarm are both top choices, offering easy installation and customizable features.
17. Electric Toothbrush
Upgrade your oral hygiene routine with an electric toothbrush. These devices offer superior cleaning compared to traditional toothbrushes and some even come equipped with features such as Bluetooth connectivity and pressure sensors. The Oral-B Pro 7000 and the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean are both top choices, offering different features and designs.
18. 3D Printer
For the creative person on your list, a 3D printer is the ultimate gift. These devices allow you to bring your ideas to life and create unique objects right in your own home. The Ultimaker 2+ and the MakerBot Replicator+ are both top choices, offering high-quality printing and a variety of features.
19. Portable Power Bank
Never run out of battery on-the-go with a portable power bank. These devices allow you to charge your phone or other devices when you don’t have access to an outlet. The Anker PowerCore 20100 and the Mophie Powerstation XXL are two top choices, offering different levels of charging power and portability.
20. Smart Water Bottle
Stay hydrated and track your water intake with a smart water bottle. These bottles come equipped with features such as hydration reminders, tracking apps, and even temperature sensors. The Hidrate Spark 2.0 and the Thermos Connected Hydration Bottle are both top choices, offering different features and designs.
In conclusion, the world of technology is constantly evolving and there are always new and innovative products being released. This holiday season, surprise your loved ones with one of these coolest tech gifts of 2017 and they will surely be impressed. From virtual reality headsets to smart water bottles, there is something for everyone on this list. Happy shopping!
harry potter party ideas for teenagers
The world of Harry Potter has captured the hearts and imaginations of teenagers for decades. With its magical spells, enchanting creatures, and thrilling adventures, it’s no wonder that many teenagers dream of attending a Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. If you have a teenager in your life who is a fan of Harry Potter, why not throw them an unforgettable Harry Potter party? Whether it’s for a birthday, graduation, or just a fun get-together, a Harry Potter themed party is sure to be a hit with teens. In this article, we will explore some creative ideas for throwing the ultimate Harry Potter party for teenagers.
1. Invitations
The first step to any great party is the invitations. To set the tone for the Harry Potter theme, you can design your invitations to look like the Hogwarts acceptance letter. You can find templates online or create your own by using a Hogwarts crest and adding the party details. Another idea is to create a “Marauder’s Map” invitation, where the party details are hidden in a map of Hogwarts. This will not only get your guests excited but also add an element of mystery to the party.
2. Decorations
The key to a successful Harry Potter party is creating a magical atmosphere. You can transform your party space into Hogwarts by hanging up Hogwarts house banners, using floating candles (LED ones for safety), and putting up a “Platform 9 ¾” sign at the entrance. You can also add some wizarding world touches by placing a sorting hat, broomsticks, and cauldrons around the room. Don’t forget to play some Harry Potter movie soundtracks in the background to complete the ambiance.
3. Dress Code
Encourage your guests to dress up as their favorite characters from the books or movies. This will not only add to the fun but also make for some great photo opportunities. You can also provide some props like wands, glasses, and scarves for those who might not have a costume.
4. Hogwarts Classes
One of the most exciting aspects of the Harry Potter series is the classes that the students attend at Hogwarts. You can recreate this experience at your party by setting up different stations for different classes. For example, you can have a potions class where guests can mix different colored liquids to create their own “potions.” You can also have a divination class where guests can read tea leaves or a charms class where they can learn a spell or two.
5. Harry Potter Trivia
Teenagers love a good challenge, and what better way to test their knowledge of the wizarding world than with a Harry Potter trivia game? You can create your own questions or find ready-made trivia games online. You can also divide the guests into teams and offer some prizes for the winning team.
6. Quidditch Tournament
Quidditch is the most popular sport in the wizarding world, and it’s a must-have at any Harry Potter party. You can set up a DIY Quidditch pitch in your backyard or a nearby park. You can use hula hoops as the goalposts, brooms (or pool noodles) as the brooms, and a ball (or water balloon) as the quaffle. Divide the guests into two teams and let them have a friendly competition.
7. Potions Bar
For the older teenagers, you can set up a “potions bar” where they can mix their own drinks. Offer a range of colorful sodas, juices, and syrups, and let them mix and match to create their own magical concoctions. You can also label the bottles with names like “Felix Felicis” or “Polyjuice Potion” to add to the theme.
8. Wand Making
Every witch and wizard needs a wand, and what better way to make one than at a Harry Potter party? You can provide some wooden dowels, paint, glitter, and other craft supplies for your guests to create their own unique wands. You can also have a “wand choosing ceremony” where each guest can be assigned a specific wand based on their personality.
9. Photo Booth
No party is complete without a photo booth, and a Harry Potter themed one will surely be a hit with teenagers. You can create a backdrop using a brick wall or a scene from the Forbidden Forest. You can also provide some props like scarves, glasses, wands, and even a Harry Potter robe for your guests to pose with.
10. Harry Potter Inspired Food
Food is an essential part of any party, and you can have fun with it by incorporating some Harry Potter inspired dishes. You can make “Golden Snitch” cake pops, “Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans” (jelly beans in different flavors), or “Butterbeer” (cream soda with whipped cream on top). You can also make some labels with fun names for each dish, like “Dragon Eggs” for deviled eggs or “Hagrid’s Rock Cakes” for cookies.
11. Escape Room
For a more interactive and challenging activity, you can set up a Harry Potter themed escape room. You can create puzzles and challenges based on the books or movies, and the guests can work together to solve them and escape the room. This will not only be a fun activity but also a great team-building exercise.
12. Harry Potter Movie Marathon
If your teenager and their friends are die-hard Harry Potter fans, why not end the party with a movie marathon? You can set up a cozy movie area with lots of pillows and blankets, and let them watch their favorite Harry Potter films. You can also provide some movie snacks like popcorn, candy, and drinks to make it a complete movie-watching experience.
In conclusion, throwing a Harry Potter party for teenagers can be a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved. With these ideas, you can create a magical world of Hogwarts right in your own home. Just remember to have fun, be creative, and let your inner witch or wizard shine. Accio party planning!