Gadget Gifts for Geek Girls: 15 Creative Ideas
Cool gadgets she's probably not expecting -- but will love.
'Tis the season...to start stressing over what to buy your wife or girlfriend. Let's face it, fellas: We rarely know what women want. The holiday season is no exception.
If you haven't picked a present by now, I'm assuming you're in the same boat as the rest of us. Not to worry, though: Help has arrived.
We've scoured the Web to find 15 fun and original gadget gift ideas for the lady in your life. These aren't the obvious things like laptops and digital cameras; there are plenty of other gift guides for that. Rather, these are creative and interesting gizmos -- things she probably wouldn't think to buy for herself, but might just end up loving.
Now, I may know a thing or two about technology. I don't even pretend, however, to understand what goes on in the mind of the fairer sex. That's why I've assembled a panel of 30 tech-loving ladies to help guide our tour and provide female perspective along the way. You'll see their thoughts and comments after each gift idea.
If something seems too cheap or too steep, hey -- it's all good. Just keep clicking. These gifts range from six bucks all the way to $200.
(Listed prices are accurate as of the time of this publication. They could very well have changed by the time you're reading this. C'est la vie.)
Ravi Instant Wine Chiller
Price: $35.50 - $49.95
Available at: WineEnthusiast.com, Amazon.com
Chill out, bro -- getting a gift doesn't have to be hard. Maybe the Ravi Instant Wine Chiller is just the thing for your gal pal.
The Instant Wine Chiller chills your wine (or other favorite beverage) as you pour it, bringing the liquid from room temperature to drinking temperature in a matter of seconds. The device sits in your freezer until you're ready to use it. When you attach it to a bottle, the liquid passes through a special chamber that does the deed. A valve allows you to control just how low the temperature goes.
Pretty cool, eh?
From the Panel:
"Love this! I am a wine lover, as are most of my girlfriends. If someone stops by unannounced, no worries about having to chill the bottle first." --Jen W.
"Patience is not on my list of things to do after a long day. Sometimes a girl just wants a cold glass of Riesling without having to wait or add ice cubes." --Tori P.
"This would be great when you just want a glass of chilled white wine, but your bottle is warm and you don't feel like waiting for it to cool in the freezer. Definitely would love this as a gift." --Samantha P.
"Perfect. Now I can serve the wine a guest brings without having to make space in the freezer first." --Susan S.
Next page: Moshi Voice Control Digital Alarm Clock
Moshi Voice Control Digital Alarm Clock
Price: $42.00 - $49.95
Available at: Brookstone, Amazon.com
Who wouldn't want an alarm clock you can talk to? Moshi -- yes, that's its name -- is a voice-controllable digital clock that's as sleek as it is practical. You activate voice commands by saying "Hello, Moshi." Then, you tell the clock what you want, saying "set alarm," "night light," or any of the other 10 handy commands.
Unfortunately, "make me waffles" is not an option.
From the Panel:
"Way easier than fumbling around in the dark at night or in the morning. I'd never buy it for myself, but I'd love to see it under the tree on Christmas morning." --Amanda H.
"I would give my right arm to not have to fight with alarm clocks and the stupid buttons. Plus, it looks very sleek and modern." --Stephanie N.
"I hate messing with confusing menus and buttons. Being able to just tell the clock when I wake up would be ideal." --Liz A.
"I think a lot of geek gals would like it. It's gorgeous and modern-looking." --Meryl E.
Next page: USB-Heated G-Gloves
USB-Heated G-Gloves
Price: $22.00 - $24.99
Available at: USB.Brando.com, PerpetualKid.com
Help your lady keep warm when you aren't around with these USB-powered heated gloves. The G-Gloves -- the "G" is for "girl" -- plug into any USB port and immediately start to defrost frozen fingers. The gloves have an adjustable warming pad inside and feature an open-finger design for easy typing.
From the Panel:
"These are cute! I work in a drafty office and these would help me warm up quicker." --Gina G.
"Cold fingers make typing a pain. I can see these being very useful." --Stephanie N.
"Yes! I can imagine sitting outside in the cold winter sun, tapping away on my laptop while it's keeping my hands warm." -- Carla K.
Next page: Logitech Squeezebox Radio
Logitech Squeezebox Radio
Price: $199.99
Available at: Best Buy, Amazon.com
Encourage your girl to get her groove on with the Logitech Squeezebox Radio, a high-tech stereo that streams music anywhere in your house. The Squeezebox hooks up to your Wi-Fi connection and gathers tunes from every PC on the network. It also connects to online music services such as Pandora, Rhapsody, and Slacker, letting you rock out to a limitless playlist regardless of what room you're in.
From the Panel:
"For the girl with everything, except her music in that one room." --Susan S.
"Portable, sleek, hip -- a great gift." --Deb B.
"This is what home technology should be about: creating convenience instead of frustration, and rocking out hassle-free." --Kristine H.
"Wireless and access to my music library = I need this product." --Linda S.
Next page: Zadro iSing Wireless Radio
Zadro iSing Wireless Radio
Price: $99.99
Available at: Wal-Mart, SkyMall
For the girl who likes to sing in the shower, check out Zadro's iSing Wireless Radio. The gadget wirelessly transmits tunes from your PC, MP3 player, CD player or TV to its waterproof interface, letting you stream music while enjoying a steady stream of hot water. The iSing has a 100-foot range. It features four speakers and even has a lighted fog-free mirror for your viewing pleasure.
From the Panel:
"I'm always a fan of gifts that I think are cool but would never buy for myself. This definitely falls under that category." --Carrie P.
"I would LOVE this gift. I might end up using all the hot water, but it's a small price to pay when you can be entertained while exfoliating." --Tori P.
"LOVE THIS!!! I always sing in the shower, and this would make me sound so much better!" --Michelle P.
"I could play the music loud enough so I wouldn't have to hear myself singing!" --Shellie L.
Next page: USB Aromatherapy Diffuser
USB Aromatherapy Diffuser
Price: $5.99 - $9.50
Available at: ThinkGeek, Amazon.com
Let your ladyfriend come to her senses with a pocket-sized USB aromatherapy diffuser. The device looks just like a regular flash drive. Instead of holding data, though, it holds a drop or two of scented oil. Once plugged into a computer, it heats the oil and sends a delightful scent into the air.
Mmm...do I detect the scent of a successful gift?
From the Panel:
"With all that women do, a calm sense is a welcome addition to a busy day." --Deb B.
"Staring at a computer all day gives me headaches. This would calm the tension." --Gina G.
"I'm very affected by my environment and hate stuffy office smell. Being able to have a nice-smelling office would be very cool." --Stephanie F.
"Saves getting out that complicated aromatherapy oil burner you got me last year." --Carla K.
Next page: SmartShopper Deluxe
SmartShopper Deluxe
Price: $99.99
Available at: Best Buy, Brookstone
Technology should make life easier, and that's just what the SmartShopper Deluxe aims to do. The fridge-sticking device lets you (and anyone else in your home) compile a grocery list simply by saying what you need. You tap a button, say "bananas," and the SmartShopper Deluxe remembers it. At the end of the week, you hit a print button and the gadget spits out an easy-to-read, alphabetized list of everything you've said.
FYI, in case you get this: We're out of chocolate pudding. Please put it on the list.
From the Panel:
"I wish I had patented this myself! Great idea and totally useful for the woman on the go." --Julie C.
"I tend to forget things when I make my grocery list each week, but with this it would be virtually impossible to leave something out." --Shellie L.
"This looks ridiculously convenient. I'd save a lot of time using this!" --Kristine H.
"I love this -- it does all the work for me. It would be easier than the phone." --Gina G.
Next page: PowerMat Portable Charging Mat
PowerMat Portable Charging Mat
Price: $99.99
Available at:Best Buy, Amazon.com
Say so-long to stacks of chargers and messy wires with the PowerMat portable charging mat. The PowerMat, a recent innovation, charges most any device wirelessly: All you do is set your phone, MP3 player, or whatever else down on the surface. The PowerMat magnetically fills your gadgets with juice -- and it does it in less time than their own adaptors would require.
From the Panel:
"I'm in love with it: no cords, just set the device down in one centralized location. I hope I get this from my boyfriend this year." --Amanda H.
"Swoon...I just fell in love with this! I find myself hiding all my unsightly chargers around the house -- so well, in fact, that sometimes even I have trouble finding them." --Ellen C.
"No more forgotten chargers and no more tangles of cords in my briefcase. One device is such a 'KISS' invention." --Gail D.
"I'd appreciate my hubby give me something like this. This gift says that he is actually thinking about my real needs -- not a strength of the male gender." --Xenia V.
Next page: Kymera Magic Wand Remote Control
Kymera Magic Wand Remote Control
Price: $69.95 - $81.60
Available at: TheWandCompany.com, Firebox.com
Turn your sweetie's television-watching into a magical experience with Kymera's Harry Potter-esque Magic Wand Remote Control. The wand lets you control your TV by swishing and flicking: One gesture changes the channel, another adjusts the volume, and so on. It's a can't-miss gift for any girl who secretly wishes she were at Hogwarts -- and, best of all, you don't even have to travel to Diagon Alley to get it.
From the Panel:
"The Harry Potter geek in me would just LOVE this." --Trina S.
"A toy for big kids that makes it fun to adjust the volume? Yes, please!" --Amanda H.
"The Harry Potter fan in me can't resist saying 'accio, wand remote!'” --Shellie L.
"You mean I can have fun being a couch potato? A fun gift I'd never buy for myself." --Susan S.
"It's a wand remote control. Need I say more?" --Linda S.
Next page: Vestalife Ladybug Portable iPod Dock
Vestalife Ladybug Portable iPod Dock
Price: $65.99
Available at:Amazon.com
Don't be fooled by the cute design: The Vestalife Ladybug iPod dock packs some serious power. The trendy-looking system has dual "wings" that open up to reveal solid speakers with built-in subwoofers and a digital amplifier. Just drop any iPod in and start jammin' in style.
The Ladybug can run on either batteries or AC power.
From the Panel:
"LOVE the design, portability, and functionality!" --Sara S.
"It's cute, it's red, it's portable -- I mean, what is there to dislike?" --Gina G.
"I love that this can be a sleek addition to my living room or packed up and brought to where the party is. This would absolutely be on my wish list!" --Tori P.
"It's portable and has a fun design. I would enjoy using this." --Liz A.
Next page: Targus Lap Chill Mat
Targus Lap Chill Mat
Price: $39.99
Available at: Staples, Targus.com
If your better-half is a frequent laptop user, take a look at the Targus Lap Chill Mat. The mat has a set of built-in fans that keep legs cool and computers ventilated (something a pillow under the laptop doesn't do). It connects to the laptop via USB for power. The Lap Chill Mat is built for ergonomic support and is even cushiony, ensuring it'll be completely comfortable on your lady's lap.
From the Panel:
"My hubby got me a similar product last Christmas, and I love it. Super helpful for the heavy-computing chick." --Julie C.
"Sometimes I feel like I'm being slowly roasted by my laptop. This would save my legs." --Linda S.
"If your gal uses her laptop a lot, I'm sure she's sick of her thighs overheating. Save that for the bedroom and get her this." --Carrie P.
"I like the fact that it is cushioned and has an ergonomic tilt for typing comfort." --Kishau R.
"I can't confess to the level of geekiness I feel every time I want to buy one. I would need someone else to buy it for me." --Amanda H.
Next page: Audiovox Digital Message Center/Picture Frame
Audiovox Digital Message Center/Picture Frame
Price: $49.99 - $99.99
Available at: BJ's Wholesale Club, Amazon.com, Best Buy
For the woman who has a lot going on, the Audiovox Digital Message Center can provide a centralized command-post with a personalized touch. The gadget features a built-in microphone for note-recording, an erasable white-board, a magnetic board for notes and coupons, and a Post-It notepad holder. That's all accented by a 7-inch LCD digital picture frame that holds up to 125 high-resolution photos.
Smile!
From the Panel:
"Great for the family, but also great for my home office! I'd love to have the pictures rotating throughout the day while also having a place to write notes and make to do lists." --Sara S.
"I want this for Christmas for sure. This is so cool, and I didn't even know it existed!" -- Julie C.
"This would certainly clear up the clutter on the fridge, and it's cute to boot." --Gina G.
"I love picture frames as most women do, and writing on them is perfect. A unique present." --Deb B.
"This is just pure fun! I love that it helps you organize and show off your personal life at the same time. It's a whiteboard 2.0!" --Jennifer J.
Next page: Wireless Key Finder
Wireless Key Finder
Price: $49.99
Available at: Brookstone, Amazon.com
Don't forget this gift for the girl who's always forgetting her keys. The Wireless Key Finder provides you with a small colored ring for your keychain. When the keys disappear, you press the button on the main transmitter and listen for the loud beeping. The Wireless Key Finder can sound its alarm from as far as 60 feet away. It works through walls, floors, and yes -- even sofa cushions.
The device comes with two separate receivers, so you can attach the extra one to anything else regularly lost (except for maybe your sanity).
From the Panel:
"I leave my keys all over the house without thinking about it. This device would save me hours of endless searching for them." --Linda S.
"I know several women who would love this gift, myself included." --Jennifer J.
"This could be a GENIUS gift!" --Stephanie N.
Next page: BlueAnt Bluetooth Car Kit
BlueAnt Bluetooth Car Kit
Price: $56.00 - $69.99
Available at: NewEgg.com, Fry's Home Electronics, Amazon.com
Safety and style collide with the BlueAnt Bluetooth Car Kit, a cool gift for any woman who spends time behind the wheel. The BlueAnt clips onto your car's visor and then functions as a voice-controlled Bluetooth speakerphone: You simply say "answer" when a call comes in, and you're connected. Dialing out requires only pressing one button and then speaking aloud the name or number. The gizmo even lets you play music from your phone through its speaker, and it can connect to up to two phones at the same time.
That's kinda romantic, right?
From the Panel:
"Says 'I love you,' 'I want you to be safe,' and 'let me entertain you' all at once!" --Dayna S.
"Safe, stylish, and doesn't require me putting that stupid blinking thing in my ear. Love it!" --Stephanie N.
"I get tired of the hands-free earpiece. I can only hear the music one ear when it's in, and when I use my car hands-free, I can't hear the music at all. This covers the hands-free and lets me listen to my tunes at the same time." --Michelle P.
"Nice to have for hands-free -- safer and probably easier to hear. Of all the gadgets, I like this one. Maybe Santa will bring me one." --Tami F.
Next page: MP3 Recording Karaoke Player
MP3 Recording Karaoke Player
Price: $49.95
Available at: Hammacher Schlemmer
Warning: The following gift may result in hours of loud and potentially annoying singing. But if you can live with that, you might soon hear her singing your praises. The MP3 Recording Karaoke Player by Hammacher Schlemmer lets you skip the specially formatted karaoke discs and instead grab tracks directly from your own MP3 collection. The device can lower or fully mute the original vocals, and it even loads lyrics off of the Internet for you.
As its name suggests, the MP3 Recording Karaoke Player records as you sing, creating new MP3s with you on lead vocals. Just please, for everyone else's sake, keep those files to yourself.
From the Panel:
"I love to sing karaoke, but I don't want to subject other bar-goers with my voice. This is perfect." --Carrie P.
"I'm always bummed when my favorite tunes on my iPod aren't available at the bar. I can see hours of endless entertainment with this gadget." --Stephanie N.
"Fun, and has a lot of features that have been missing in other 'easy' karaoke products, like the vocal track volume control and the recording option." --Nikki B.
"Watch out Beyonce! This seems like a really fun way to have a karaoke party at home with friends, or just rock out when nobody's around to fulfill the call of my inner diva." -- Tori P.
JR Raphael belts out geek-friendly humor at eSarcasm, the world's funniest Web site ever (based on a survey of four stray cats). You can keep up with him on Twitter: @jr_raphael.