Best Electronic Gifts for 2015
Each year we select a suite of cool gadgets and gizmos from all over and help you with your hunt for new and interesting electronic gifts for your loved ones. Well, our picks for the Best Electronic Gifts for 2015 is here, and it’s packed with great products across multiple price points so that you can find the perfect gifts for your special someone. Buy these, and you’ll be in the know—and claim the title of favorite dad, mom, aunt, uncle, or relative this holiday season!
Best Electronic Gifts for 2015 Under $100
Check out these recommended electronics gifts if your budget is limited or you just want to pick up quick gadget for extended family or the guy at the office who always gets your coffee.
Power2U Dual USB Wall Outlet
Price: $25
Why We Like It: Everyone is always looking for a USB charger. In the bedroom, the kitchen…wherever you are, you can always use more power sources for charging up your smart phones, tablets, or personal audio devices. The Power2U Dual USB Wall Outlet lets you do just that—and it fits within any standard outlet space. It comes with a decorator-style cover plate, and will support two 2.1A devices. Internal witches make sure the USB ports aren’t active until you insert a plug.
Where to get it: http://www.newertech.com/products/power2u_universal.php
PYLE Sound Box Splash Bluetooth Speaker
Price: $44.99
Why We Like It: With the Splash SoundBox yogurt a Marine Grade speaker equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology and a rechargeable battery. It brings the audio with you wherever you go. You can stream and play music from virtually any Bluetooth enabled smartphone, MP3 player, tablet, or computer. The rugged splash proof and shock resistant design makes this the perfect speaker for the pool, the beach, hiking or any outdoor activity.
Marley Chant Mini
Price: $49.99
Why We Like It: The Marley Chant Mini combines Bluetooth convenience, socially responsible craftsmanship and impressive audio quality into a tiny “drum” of sound. Crafted with exclusive “Rewind” fabric covering, blended bio-plastic, and recyclable aluminum, the Chant Mini balances style and substance equally. Add to that bamboo detailing, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, aluminum housings, and auto reconnect Bluetooth capabilities, and you’ve got a wunderkind of sound, a world of sonic boom.
Where to get it: http://www.thehouseofmarley.com/chant-minitm.html
EcoPebble
Price: $59.99
Why We Like It: Unlike most “water resistant” products, the EcoXGear EcoPebble can be tossed in a pool, stuck in the shower, brought with you to the lake, or just about anything else. It floats! If you want a small, compact speaker that can handle the outdoors better than you—this might be your next speaker.
Where to get it: https://ecoxgear.com/ecopebble/
Hercules WAE Outdoor 04Plus Speaker
Price: $89.99
Why We Like It: The Hercules WAE Outdoor 04Plus Speaker is IP66-rated for water and dust-resistance as well as shock-resistance. Drop it, splash it, kick it…this speaker can take a beating and keep on playing for hours and hours. It has a built-in lithium-ion battery for over 12 hours of run-time and the Bluetooth 3.0 A2DP wireless technology helps it connect quickly for high quality streaming from your smart phone or tablet.
Where to get it: https://www.hercules.com/us/wireless-audio/bdd/p/246/wae-outdoor-04plus/
Ridgemont Monty Shoes
Price: $99
Why We Like It: The Monty is like a boot and sneaker combined into one. Durability meets with aesthetics in a very classic design. The styling seems to target those who want a footwear option that combines the technical qualities of a hiking shoe, but is still visually appealing to wear when you’re off the trail as well. The shoes incorporate a bespoke Ridgemont half cup outsole on an exposed EVA midsole with a heel stabilizer to ensure balance and comfort and a stylish upper made from oiled suede and high grade nylon.
Where to get it: http://shopus.ridgemontoutfitters.com/collections/monty/products/monty-hi-oiled-suede-brown-orange
Boston Acoustics SoundWare Indoor/Outdoor Speakers
Price: $69.99
Why We Like It: The Boston Acoustics SoundWare indoor/outdoor speaker is a great combination of price, aesthetic and performance that works indoors on a desktop or even on the floor. You can mount it outdoors under the eaves or place it on your deck. Whether it’s tucked neatly away a corner, aimed up, down or sideways, the SoundWare is a colorful, high-performance loudspeaker designed to fit anywhere you need entertainment. Better still, articulating mounting brackets are included and, while you can choose from 7 standard colors, you can also take advantage of the paint-ready surface to give it any color you wish.
Netgear PowerLine AV Products
Pricing: XWNB5201 $89.99/kit; XAVB5101 $79.99/kit; XAVB5602 $69.99/kit
Why We Like It: WiFi is great, but sometimes a hard line is just what you need for streaming higher quality audio or networking your computers and accessing the Internet. With the XWNB5201 you can create a high-speed WiFi (802.11b/g/n) access point while delivering 500 Mbps locally via Powerline technology. We also like that the new Netgear Powerline products are tiny. The new AV500 “Nano” devices are roughly 30% smaller than previous models and they perform the same. Each device has an automatic push button wireless setup and the LEDs actually let you know which outlets are better than others for optimal performance.
Best Electronic Gifts for 2015 from $100 to $200
XQisit Bluetooth Headphones
Price: $120
Why We Like It: The XQisit Bluetooth headset is fitted with flexible, padded ear cups and a headband designed to ergonomically adjust to your head shape. Bluetooth allows for wireless sound transfer from your smartphone, computer, or tablet, and the right ear cup features a touch panel for effortless track skipping and volume control. If that’s not enough, the XQisit will deliver a full 10 hours of runtime on its internal battery. As a backup, you can plug it directly into your input device. Finally, the glossy, bold colors and elegant curves make these headphones truly stunning.
Where to get it: https://www.xqisit.com/index.php?productdetail=13616
Optoma NuForce BE6 Bluetooth Earphones
Price: $129
Why We Like It: The BE6 gives audio enthusiasts a wireless experience without compromising on sound quality.
It supports the CD-quality Bluetooth aptX streaming format (Bluetooth 2.4Ghz V4.0 +EDR compliant) as well as AAC. It’s also crafted from aluminum, making it as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. The Optoma NuForce BE6 is an ultimate crossover product combining superior sound quality with the durability required by an active lifestyle. We love its lightweight feel and the ample amount of silicon ear cup options afforded to get just the right fit. If that’s not good enough, the integrated lithium polymer battery will give you a full 6 hours of “all-day” runtime.
Where to get it: http://shop.optomausa.com/pico_accessories_data.php?p_no=1067
Braven Balance Bluetooth Speaker
Price: $129.99
Why We Like It: The Braven Balance is a wireless Bluetooth speaker with rich, warm bass optimization technology wrapped in a waterproof exterior. Designed for portability, toss the Balance in a backpack, sports tote or day bag to stream your favorite music anywhere. The Balance plays for an impressive 18 hours and features Boost Mode, to instantly surge to a full power outdoor setting, ideal for large areas. Complete with built-in speakerphone and a 4000mAh internal battery to charge your smartphone, the Braven Balance may be the crossover speaker you’ve been waiting for.
Where to get it: http://www.braven.com/braven-balance-waterproof-bluetooth-speaker.html
Denon Envaya DSB100 Bluetooth Speaker
Price: $149.95
Why We Like It: The Denon Envaya Mini DSB-100 takes the features of the Envaya DSB200 and condenses it into an even more compact, sleek, colorful and water resistant package. This perfect travel companion comes with up to a 10-hour rechargeable battery life and includes a noise cancelling speakerphone so you can choose between tunes or talking. The design language of the original Envaya has translated perfectly into the new form that is available in either a black finish with blue cloth grille or a white with orange cloth grille.
UE Boom 2 Bluetooth Speaker
Price: $199.99
Why We Like It: The UE Boom 2 gives you the freedom to take the music as far as you can go. Strap it to your board. Put it on your bike. Grab some friends and party onward into the unknown…it has exceptional Bluetooth range, so you can connect to it from your tablet or smart phone and move about as you want. And when you get hungry, you can always just use the integrated speakerphone to order some pizza and drinks! The Boom 2 will run for 15 hours on the integrated rechargeable battery—then recharge at night using the included fast micro USB charger.
Where to get it: http://www.ultimateears.com/en-us/ueboom2
Marley Get Together Speaker
Price: $199.99
Why We Like It: From the bamboo material to the simplistic design, the Marley Get Together speaker is as beautiful as it is capable. You can wirelessly stream music with the Get Together Bluetooth portable audio system, and the built-in rechargeable battery will give you hours of play time. In addition to the Bluetooth streaming, a convenient 3.5mm input makes it simple and easy to connect just about any device and fire up your tunes whenever and wherever you want them. The exclusive “Rewind” fabric cover and natural bamboo front and back panels are made from sustainable sources.
Where to get it: http://www.thehouseofmarley.com/get-together-bluetooth-portable-audio-system.html
Thonet & Vander Ratsel BT System
Price: $199.99
Why We Like It: The Thonet & Vander Ratsel BT System claims to be the most powerful 2.1 speaker ever created. We don’t know about that, but it’s designed to drive your entertainment to its limits. You can listen to your favorite games, movies, TV shows, and music wirelessly thanks to both Bluetooth and NFC technology. The Thonet & Vender Rätsel BT has 72 watts RMS output—that’s 32 watts on the woofer speaker and 20 watts for each of the satellites. If you can’t fill a dorm, office, or bedroom with music using this system, you need to get your hearing checked!
Where to get it: http://www.thonet-vander.com/ratsel-bt.html
Fluance Fi50W Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Price: $199.99
Why We Like It: The Fi50 2-way High Performance Wireless Bluetooth Wood Speaker System is powered by aptX premium audio technology. Because of this, the Fi50 can deliver crystal clear, high fidelity sound from your smartphone or tablet. This speaker system can produce unprecedented audio reproduction with clean, undistorted bass, a warm midrange, and transparent natural highs at any volume level. This speaker delivers room-filling sound with a wide stereo image.
Where to get it: http://fluance.com/product/Fi50_Two_Way_High_Performance_Wireless_Bluetooth_Wood_Speaker_System_Lucky_Bamboo.eng-157.html
Best Electronic Gifts for 2015 over $200
V-Moda XS On-ear Headphones
Price: $212
Why We Like It: I’ve loved v-moda headphones ever since I put on a pair. The XS, however, present a new way for on-ear headphones to fit your head. Most on ear and over headphones leave a gap on the side of your head. This gap between the headband and your head looks weird, but it also places all of the pressure and support of the headphones on the top of our head—a place that can quickly get uncomfortable. V-moda took a lot of R&D time to design a more form-fitting headband. This SteelFlex headband fits better, but it’s also virtually indestructible. The memory foam cushions inside the earphone cups are supple and adopt well to your ears so you can wear these headphones for hours on end in comfort. If you’ve never tried v-moda, now’s the time.
Where to get it: http://v-moda.com/xs/
B&W P5 Wireless Headphones
Price: $399.99
Why We Like It: Bluetooth audio with aptX decoding is where it’s at, and the Mass Fidelity Bluetooth receiver lets you stream high fidelity sound to your high-end two-channel system or home theater. You get the convenience of wireless Bluetooth connectivity with the clarity, deep bass and fidelity your home stereo or home theater sound system can deliver. The Mass Fidelity Relay is more than a Bluetooth receiver, it’s also a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC). Inside the Relay is a Burr-Brown 5102 DAC and a Cirrus microprocessor to decode aptX, a high resolution CODEC for Bluetooth that gives you near-lossless, CD-quality audio streaming.
Where to get it: http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/Headphones/Headphones/Headphones/P5-Wireless.html
Oppo PM-3 Planar Magnetic Headphones
Price: $399
Why We Like It: The OPPO PM-3 planar magnetic headphones combine true audiophile performance, elegant styling, noise isolation and portability into a pair of sleek lightweight headphones. With the PM-3, users can easily recreate the experience of listening to a pair of flagship headphones on a flagship amplifier or a high quality 2-channel speaker system in an optimized listening room, but in a portable form factor that can be taken anywhere. Tipping the scale at just slightly over 10 oz., the PM-3 is also the world’s lightest closed-back planar magnetic headphones. Its light weight and exceptional comfort make it easy to listen for hours on end.
BeoPlay H8 Wireless Headphones
Price: $499
Why We Like It: These BeoPlay H8 wireless headphones feature Bluetooth 4.0 and use the aptX codec so you get CD-quality sound. That means you get high quality sound whether you’re listening to music or talking on the phone. They also feature an intuitive touch interface that gives you full control of all headphone functionality. You can turn your music on and off, answer calls, switch Active Noise Cancellation on and off, and more—all with just a touch of your fingers. Plus, at just 255 grams, the BeoPlay H8 headphones are one of the lightest headphones in their class—and that means comfort.
More info: http://www.beoplay.com/products/beoplayh8
ZVox Soundbase 670 TV Speaker
Price: $499.99
Why We Like It: If you can’t entertain a full 5.1 system with surround speakers and a sub, then the ZVOX SoundBase 670 will allow you to produce rich, room-filling home theater sound in a highly-reduced form factor. The Soundable 670 is just 3.5” high, but it contains five full range speakers (including three center speakers). When placed under your flat panel television, it virtually disappears. Connection is simple, and you get both analogue and digital options for receiving Dolby Digital audio from your TV. The ZVOX PhaseCue virtual surround system even creates a DSP-based surround experience that has to be heard to appreciate. This model also includes Bluetooth with aptX, so you can stream audio from any smart phone or tablet wirelessly. For under $500 you get a lot of sound that will even blow away most sounders we’ve heard.
Denon AVR-X2200W AV Receiver
Price: $799
Why We Like It: Packed with the latest audio and video technologies, the Denon AVR-X2200W delivers incredibly immersive surround sound, built on an extensive sound tuning and plenty of amp power. With Dolby Atmos, you’ll experience the same revolutionary 3D surround sound found in premium movie theaters. And, via a firmware update (available fall 2015), the AVR-X2200W will be able to decode DTS:X soundtracks, which also deliver an immersive 3-dimensional soundspace.
Klipsch RP-150M Home Theater System
Price: $1,805
Why We Like It: If you didn’t already figure it out, this Klipsch RP-150M Home Theater System is one of the best deals going on the Internet. You get a pair of Klipsch RP-150M bookshelf speakers, a Klipsch RP-250C center channel speaker, two Klipsch RP-240S surround speakers, a Klipsch R-110SW subwoofer, and a Yamaha RX-A750 Surround Receiver. Put it all together, and you’ve got a system that can rock the house and make your movies feel like they were meant to—explosive and vibrant!
Shopping for the Best Electronic Gifts for 2015 may be tough, but hopefully our list is full of great products to help you find the perfect gifts for your loved ones.
