We’re all looking for gifts to give because it’s among the ways of sharing the holiday spirit and I’m happy about the season because FossMint might get gifts 🎁🎁🎁from generous readers in the form Donations.
When giving out gifts it is important to think of how useful it will be if you were in the shoes of the receiver.
As Christmas approaches, be rest assured that FossMint has got you covered because we have a curated list of gift ideas for your designer and developer friends, and almost anybody else.
1. Apple Airpods
Airpods are a perfect gift for almost anybody. The Apple-produced Bluetooth earbuds are sleek and portable. Imagine using airpods to pick calls, listen to music, talk to Siri, etc. They put all the hassles of using wired earphones out of service.
There are other manufacturing companies of airpods other than Apple but whatever your decision is, make sure that it fits the need of its future owner.
2. Drone – DJI Mavic Pro 2
Drones are the latest coolest toys. Yes, cooler than hoover boards and Siri – because apart from being toys that you can have fun with, you can use them for heavy-duty missions like shooting videos, surveillance, etc, and it can be a butler if you pimp it.
Word online is that DJI Mavic Pro 2 is the best you can lay your hands on as it hosts an ultra HD 4k camera and a swiss knife of other features. You should check it out.
3. Ergonomic Kneeling Chair
Research has shown that sitting for long periods at a stretch is bad for not just our posture but our overall health. Several companies worldwide come up with different chair styles that encourage healthier sitting postures by minimising the strain on the spinal cord.
Some chairs have built-in reminders to make you take breaks from sitting, some others have built-in massage capabilities by means of vibration. For starters, you might want to go with a simple kneeling chair suitable for both office and home workspaces. Its structure avoids neck pain, helps you maintain a straight back when sitting, and keeps your knees comfortable.
4. Robot Vacuum Cleaner with Wi-Fi
When I saw iRobot Roomba I concluded that this list cannot be restricted to items that directly relate to design or development. iRobot Roomba is a WiFi-enabled vacuum cleaner that will clean its environment for 90 minutes and automatically stop and locate its docking station to charge itself.
It has intelligent sensors that it uses to differentiate dusty areas from clean ones and do its job. As if that is not enough, you can give commands to the vacuum cleaner via Google Assistant and Alexa. Look me in the eyes and tell me this smart vacuum cleaner isn’t cool.
5. Microsoft 3RA-00022 Surface Ergonomic Keyboard
Just like in the case of chairs structured to reduce the negative side effects of sitting, ergonomic keyboard and mice come in shapes that boost productivity and reduce the strain of your hands when working.
My pick is Microsoft 3RA-00022 Surface Ergonomic Keyboard. It has a grey base where the base of your palms can rest as you type and it is wireless (since it uses Bluetooth).
It hibernates when left ideal for a while and comes back on at the click of the mouse.
6. Logitech BRIO – Ultra HD Webcam for Video
Laptops and monitors come with built-in webcams but not all such webcams are born equal and, depending on how much of a webcam user you are, it is better to go with an ad-hoc camera installation.
Logitech BRIO Webcam is currently the best app-reviewed webcam and it is a perfect asset for anyone who takes pictures or records videos with his computer. It supports all computers, works well in low light, features a built-in security cap, and houses an HD 4k camera.
7. Dell USB 3.0 Ultra HD/4K Triple Display Docking Station
Developer or not, anyone who makes extensive use of a computer needs a dock for connecting USBs, external disks, monitors, sound cards, etc. There seems to be an unending list of docks you can purchase but our pick is the Dell USB 3.0 Ultra HD/4k Tripple display docking station.
It is perfect for MacBook users who have fewer ports than other computers and generally those who use monitors to boost their workflow.
8. HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites
HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites is a perfect book for any web designer (and developer) just getting into the field and for any expert who wants a recap of the web design and development process.
It is a full-colour intro to HTML and CSS basics with a modern minimalist approach to approach that takes its readers along whether they want to be programmers or designers.
9. You Don’t Know Js (6 Book Series)
You Don’t Know Js is an in-depth guide into the JavaScript programming language. Each series focuses on specific topics that more often than not prove that its readers don’t know JS – at least not enough of it.
This is an excellent gift for JS programmers at any level and there is a free version of all the series that you can get on GitHub.
10. The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything . . . Fast!
Research results imply that it takes 10,000 hours to master a new skill including the most difficult first stages of the learning process.
The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything . . . Fast! is a best seller that teaches how to forge ahead in spite of those difficult first stages and finally learn a new language, how to play golf, take great photos, play an instrument, etc.
11. Apple – 12.9-Inch iPad Pro
Apple’s latest 12.9″ iPad Pro boasts an advanced display, an A12X Bionic chip, WiFI, Face ID, and many other features that its users will be forever grateful to you for. Mind you, it can be used with the new Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio to boost creativity.
12. Wireless-N WiFi Range Extender
The MSRM US300 300Mbps Wireless-N WiFi is a network repeater with a built-in dual Realtek chipset. Its work is to amplify the WiFi signals in its 360-degree range and it works at 300Mbps. If you set this up in your house say goodbye to poor connectivity irrespective of the structure and position of the walls – definitely a must-have for Internet lovers.
13. Autonomous SmartDesk
I have listed an ergonomic mouse, keyboard, and chair – you probably saw a desk mention coming. SmartDesks exist to lessen the time you spend sitting and ultimately keep you fit. They are adjustable to 51 inches and electric.
14. Vibrating Fitness Roller
The Hyperice Vyper is a fitness roller that vibrates at a high intensity. Massage areas of your body like your back, hands, thighs, etc. by simply rolling on it.
This is an excellent gift for anyone who wants to reduce muscle soreness, increase flexibility, and circulation. It features 3 levels of vibrating intensity among other features.
15. GripTight GorillaPod Stand PRO
The GripTight GorillaPod stand is a portable tripod that works with any smartphone and can be attached to any surface for convenient video and photo shoots.
The legs are adjustable and made of durable material so expect this one to last for ages.
16. Design for Hackers: Reverse Engineering Beauty
Design for Hackers: Reverse Engineering Beauty is a web design that debuted at #18 on Amazon. It teaches both web designers and developers the principles of design and how to make aesthetically pleasing User Interfaces to improve User Experience.
17. Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones
Headphones are a universally agreed-upon must-have but what is tricky is making the ideal choice given the variety of products even from the same company.
My pick is the fan-favourite Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones because of its excellent noise cancellation features of which it has 3 levels. It is also Bluetooth enabled with built-in Alexa voice controls and noise-dampening microphones.
Given that the Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones work nicely in any environment, it is a perfect Christmas present.
18. Anker PowerCore+ Mini Portable Charger
The Anker PowerCore+ Mini is a mobile phone charger the size of a lipstick. Ideal for friends who like to work on their smartphone even while on the go.
19. Gift Cards
It is difficult to buy gifts for certain people for different reasons. Sometimes they already have what you got them or you don’t want to take the risk of buying something they wouldn’t appreciate.
Be on the safe side by packing gift cards for them – whether Amazon, iTunes, Shoprite, etc. Just find out the services they use and surprise them.
20. FossMint/TecMint Deals
FossMint has affiliate products which we have tested to make sure are the best picks for any interested consumer. The products include eBooks, subscriptions, tutorials, certifications, etc. Feel free to browse all the offers on FossMint and gift your loved ones with the appropriate picks this Christmas.
That brings us to the end of our list. I’m sure you now have ideal presents to go on a shopping spree for. As usual, drop your comments and suggestions in the discussion section below.
