Tech Tuesdays:
It’s hard to imagine this time next week, all the work you’ve taken to carefully select the right item for the right person and then wrap it up beautifully under the Christmas tree will be sitting in a pile of trash after Christmas morning. However, like many people I know the tree is still bare and last-minute shopping is in high gear as those not done (or started) with their list clamor for the shopping centers or online in hopes to have something in hand when they show up for Christmas.
To make things a little easier for finding the right thing for that special person on your list, I’ve put together a few last-minute items that can still be found online or on shelves for the kiddo with the avid imagination, the bigger kid thill-seeker or the next Van Gogh. While developed with kids in mind, some of these are cool enough your “big kids” (or even mom and dad) will want to get their hands on them. And like many gifts now available, each one has a tech capability, so everyone can share their fun and imagination when you attach it to your computer.
For the Adventurer (in the making with an avid imagination):
NERF Nightvision Camcorder, Ages 5-9
I was so excited with this camcorder, I almost had to wrap it up and put my name on it. NERF has combined the world of toys and technology to create the perfect gift with a night-vision camcorder that not only allows you to see up to 50 feet in the dark, but records video with 4x magnification. Best of all, you can store those magic adventures with the SD memory card slot or with the USB port to plug into your family computer. Known of its durability, the Nerf Nightvision Camcorder includes a carry strap, removable lens cover and several button options to capture his/her latest adventure.
At just about one 1 lb., your little one can pick it up, but your big kids will be grabbing for NERF Nightvision Camcorder, especially on Christmas Eve to spot Santa in the act. (Perhaps this is what Santa should be bringing instead.)
SRP: $89.99 – Toys “R” Us, on sale for around $75 at Amazon.com
For the Thrill Seeker – skateboarder, snow ski enthusiast, biker:
Action Shot Camera, Ages 8 and above
Next to a helmet, this is the second thing your thrill-seeker should have – the Action Shot Camera. With the ‘Click & Grip’ mounting system, mount this small camera onto helmets, bike handlebars, skateboards and more and to record those “wow moments” they’ll want to share less with you and more with their friends. Includes a helmet mount, adhesive mount, protective or mounting case, USB connection and editing software is included with the camera as well as 128MB of on-board memory, MicroSD card slot to add more memory. With the digital capabilities of video – VGA resolution (640×480) at 30 frames per second, QVGA resolution (320×240) at 60 frames per second, photos- 640×380 resolution. In a nutshell, they can get some great shots, but they won’t necessarily be able to display them on ESPN.
Thankfully, now with the Action Shot Camera they won’t try to use their smart phone and use both hands on the adrenaline-rush of the day.
SRP: $59.99 – On sale on Toys “R” Us for $34.99, Amazon.com
For the Illustrator, Artist or Photography Nut:
EasyPen i405XE, KYA, Ages 12 and above
Another item that this mom was reluctant to wrap up and put under the tree for someone else is the EasyPen i405XE from Genius Tablet. Ideal for anyone already with an artistic inclination and a computer, this plug-and-play digital art studio allows artists and photography nuts to create their own drawings and add their own creative touches to existing pictures with the ease of a cordless pen. The tablet attachment includes a wide selection of brushes, paints, pens and paper textures to allow the user to add unique touches to photos, scrapbooks, paintings, etc. and includes Corel Painter Essentials 4, one of the leading graphic software on the market today.
The only limitations of the Genius Tablet is what can be created by the person holding the cordless pen.
SRP: $59.99 (but on sale for less than $50 on Amazon.com right now.)
If you’re still looking for the RIGHT present for the right person, make sure to take a look at my HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE!
DISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC’s 16 CFR Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
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