Recharge Your Gift Giving With Fun Tech Gifts

www.ozy.com [OZY]( [OZY]() Your World. Bold & Bright Sponsored by [Cariuma]( Leisurely reads. Quirky tips. Meet your weekend BFF with the lowdown on the coolest art, culture, food, travel, TV shows, music and more. Dec 10, 2022 Today Tech gifts are often the most coveted ... and pricey. From a safer smartphone for kids to a futuristic skin-smoothing device, check out our list of the tech gifts people want to receive. — by Rachel Weingarten, beauty expert and culture journalist in New York [GOING, GOING…GONE!]( [Cariuma]( Walk into a winter wonderland with [Cariuma’s]( OCA Suede sneakers. They’re soft, warm, and sure to make a statement this winter with their exceptionally timeless design. From catching some waves to riding the pipes at the skatepark, cool and sustainable sneaker brand, Cariuma, has your back with this perfect pair. They’re so popular they go fast. In fact, they’ve back after racking up a 77,000+ person waitlist! They’re sustainable and durable, with a premium look and feel. Crafted from high-end, raw materials (shout out to the premium soft suede from LWG-certified tanneries). These sneaks are sure to vamp up your wardrobe this holiday season. We forgot to mention…slip-resistant rubber on the bottom makes them perfect for those frosty days! Hurry and grab a pair before they’re gone! Enter code [OZYDEC]( at checkout for an additional 15% off. [LET’S GO]( Tech Gifts for Everyone on Your List No matter how many gadgets or devices we have, we always seem to want more. And there’s a reason for it. “We live in an age where technology is exciting!” says Kevin Mercuri, who works with consumer tech companies in his role as CEO of Propheta Communications. “The very nature of technology is to enhance one’s life,” Mercuri says, “so every laptop, every game system and every wireless speaker can spark joy. Which makes tech gifts a particularly desirable gift across ages and demographics.” Pretty much everyone — from [Gen Z]( to [Baby Boomers]( — relies on tech. However, in tougher economic times, people might delay an upgrade or the tech purchase that will make their lives brighter in some way. If the people in your life are holding back on splurging on items they covet, you can swoop in and be the holiday hero by treating them to new tech. One thing to keep in mind: Pay attention to what they say they want or already use — or whom it might annoy. Mercuri once bought a friend a PlayStation II without consulting with the friend’s spouse. “The opening of the gift was the tipping point in an already strained marriage and led to marriage counseling.” Mercuri says the three can laugh about it now, but he’s learned, “Some gifts are better left un-gifted.” As long as you’re on the right track, you don’t have to chase a one-of-a-kind experience or spend a fortune to treat someone you love to something they’ll love. There are exceptional tech products or accessories out there for a variety of interests and price points. Here are a few of our favorites. An Affordable Smartwatch This iTouch Air 3 Smartwatch helps keep track of a lot more than just time. You can monitor wellness and set daily steps goals. And you can check if you’re hydrated enough or if your heart rate is at a comfortable pace, and even set a reminder to wash your hands or practice some breathing exercises. There are a variety of color combinations and watch band options to choose from. Depending on the variation you prefer, you can find this cute Apple imitator — at a much lower-than-Apple price — at [Amazon](, [Target](, [Kohl’s]( and [Macy’s](. A Wireless Doorbell With porch pirates and other undesirables hanging around some holiday deliveries, a doorbell video camera is less an indulgence and more of a safety necessity. Of all such doorbells I’ve tested, my favorite is the [Arlo Wireless Video Doorbell](. You set motion sensors, and use the app to answer the doorbell from your smartphone and download any important video footage — even check in to see who might be visiting your mom or granddad. [The World’s Fave Sneaker]( [Cariuma]( If you missed them the last time, the world’s fave sneaker from [Cariuma]( is back. These all-season low-tops are OZY’s favorite look for dressing up or dressing down and are great for every occasion. The OCA Low Canvas brings you old-school aesthetics with new-school ethics, providing the perfect mix of classic and comfort, making them loved by many. With over 20,000 five-star reviews and mentions from Vogue, Fast Company, Forbes, Los Angeles Times, Hypebeast, and more, we’re surprised you haven’t added to your cart yet! These sneakers never go on sale, but to spread some holiday cheer, we’ve snagged you a code for 15% off. Use code [OZYDEC](at checkout. [SHOP NOW]( A Sleek and Speedy Laptop I’m a big fan of both the design and functionality of Microsoft Surface laptops. In my experience, they provide the ability to multitask (while already multitasking) without losing steam. The new [Surface Laptop 5](, which comes in two sizes (13.5-inch or 15-inch), is a thoughtful gift for someone who’ll be working from home for the foreseeable future, but needs something light enough to pack for business trips. And if you’re not great at choosing tech gifts, the Microsoft Store offers the option of [shopping with an expert virtually or in-store](. Of course, the [Apple Store]( also offers personal shopping service. A Back-Friendly Desk Chair All that sitting in one place and tapping at the keyboard can wreak havoc on one’s back. The [HON Ignition 2.0 Desk Chair]( is easy to assemble and the seat height and arms can be adjusted for height and width. But here’s the best part: The stretch mesh back is breathable (yay!) and built for ergonomic support (ooh) and there’s a lumbar support cradle to take the pressure off your spine (well, now!). And while this cool chair resembles the pricey Herman Miller chairs, it’s about half the cost. The least thrilling part is that it comes in just two colors (black or fog). Blue Light Blocking Glasses If the person on your list spends most of their days staring at screens, they could likely use a pair of glasses to protect their peepers. Here’s why: The [Sleep Foundation]( reported that computer screens, tablets and computers all emit high-energy blue light that’s actually similar to the sun. Using digital devices well into the night can cause headaches, blurred vision and sleep disruption. Blue light glasses can filter or block the most harmful rays. Find them at places like [GlassesUSA](, which has a huge selection of blue light blocking glasses, with or without prescriptions. Retro-Inspired Tech If you want to gift someone a way of staying connected while simultaneously disconnecting, treat them to a [Tidbyt](. It's a wooden-encased display device that shows need-to-know details — such as weather, stock prices, sports scores, subway times, bitcoin values, calendars and more — in a retro-looking box. No need to reach for your phone! The fun part of this device, which appears to be channeling a Lite Bright toy, is that it’s decidedly untechnical-looking. There’s also the option to upload photos (that will look charmingly pixelated) or even build scripts with just a few lines of code. For [under $180]( you can give the gift of cheesy notifications with a “Stranger Things” vibe. Or you can just upload pictures of your pup and grin like an idiot while on your next Zoom meeting. A Kid-Safe Smartphone The average U.S. child aged 8-12 spends [4-6 hours a day on their screens](, and teens average up to 9 daily hours. [Teracube Thrive](, a new children’s smartphone, comes with a built-in monitoring system that allows parents to set time and activity limits, without invading their child’s privacy. Parents can also set the system so they have the ability to approve or reject any downloads. The smartphone, which is supported by most carriers, also ensures safe searching functionality. It’s an easy way to monitor kids’ safety online without having to configure parental controls. A Smarter and Sustainable Diamond Option This is one of the cooler technology related gifts out there, and it doesn’t have a screen or keyboard. And you can wear it. Diamond Nexus’ simulated diamonds look almost exactly like the real thing, but cost much less. My fave is the [Toi Et Moi Round and Asscher cut ring]( (set in 14k gold and available in three colors), which embraces the current trend of two-diamond rings. These lab-created beauties are a conflict-free and eco-friendly way to give someone special something sparkly. NEW FROM OZY MEDIA PRODUCTIONS Uniting and celebrating women in sneaker culture and creating a space for everyone who loves dope kicks and fly 'fits. Check out Sneaker Fiends, hosted by The Notorious KIA -- new episodes drop every Thursday. Would you like to hear the stories of brave women who have turned hardship into crusades of love? Join the former Mayor of San Juan, C. Yulin Cruz, as she brings you these compelling stories in OZY Studio's new podcast Sheroics! A Chic iPad Mini Case Dooney & Bourke are best known for their handbags and accessories, but they also have the cutest [iPad case](. Crafted from stain-resistant, waterproof and low-maintenance fabric, the Cabriolet Ipad Mini Case weighs about 2 ounces and fits in a purse or small backpack. And, it retails for under $100, making it an affordable gift for the tech fashionista on your list. A Safer (Portable) Safe Does the person on your list need a secure place to stash a vape or protect valuables when traveling? The [Trova Go](, which looks like an external hard drive or battery pack, is a discreet and portable safe for any private (ahem) belongings. It connects wirelessly through Bluetooth and is accessible through biometric scanning (like a fingerprint). Users receive notifications via an app if their safe has been moved, accessed or opened. A Personal Power Pack Much in the same way battery packs and extra chargers have become the norm, [Runhood]( is the perfect gift for anyone literally in need of a recharge. In this case, though, instead of a smaller battery, it’s a veritable power station that can operate as an emergency backup system for one’s home during a power outage. It’s also a nice option for anyone wanting a bit more light or the ability to charge devices while camping or glamping. A Much Smarter Bed Here’s a gift you can ostensibly buy for your partner and benefit from yourself. The [Sleep Number Climate360]( uses technology to create a personalized microclimate, whether you prefer your bed warm or cool. It also works with natural sleep cycles, adjusting the temperature as needed. But get ready for sticker shock — prices start at just under $10k for a queen-sized model. A Futuristic Skin Device If someone on your list loves beauty treatments and spa experiences, they might appreciate a [Solawave](. This small device (about the size and shape of a disposable shaver) uses red light to target wrinkles, fine lines and dark circles. It also claims to add glow and youthfulness to skin. Tech-Enhanced Crafting Options Sewing has become hot again, and whether the person you’re gifting is new to the craft or ready to audition for the Great British Sewing Bee, a new machine is a special gift. Brother’s [XM2701 Sewing Machine]( might not have a catchy name, but it does feature an automatic needle threader and a jam resistant drop-in top bobbin. Hot! This model is perfect for beginners, and comes with 27 unique built-in stitches. For quilters or paper or leather crafters who prefer to create their own shapes and patterns, a cool gift option is the [ScanNCut DX SDX125E]( (similar to the [Cricut range]( of cutting and engraving tools, only this one has a built-in scanner) and can cut materials including felt and foam (up to 3 millimeters thick!) without frays or damage. COMMUNITY CORNER What tech-related gift would you most like to receive? [TELL US ABOUT IT HERE]( ABOUT OZY OZY is a diverse, global and forward-looking media and entertainment company focused on “the New and the Next.” OZY creates space for fresh perspectives, and offers new takes on everything from news and culture to technology, business, learning and entertainment. [www.ozy.com]( / #OZY Curiosity. Enthusiasm. Action. That’s OZY! [TV]( | [PODCASTS]( | [NEWS]( | [FESTIVALS]( A Modern Media Company OZY Media, 800 West El Camino Mountain View, California 94040 This email was sent to {EMAIL} [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( | [Read Online](