Gadget gifts for the geeky

Looking for a gift for your tech-obsessed partner? We’re here to help you out.

Gift of life skills

Subscription boxes are all the rage. From collectibles to fashion, these boxes contain curated items which will be delivered to your doorstep each month and is a surprise every time. So why not give your loved one a gift that will keep on going? Amid the multitudes of subscriptions, here are some which will not only delight, but also educate: 

Creation Crate

Creation Crate are projects that combine building hardware and programming software with a focus on helping you understand how it works. Each month, you’ll be given a new project that’s slightly harder than the last. With everything you need inside the box, ready to go, this is tech education-in-a-box. Each box contains a UNO R3 microcontroller — pretty much a pocket-sized computer (and is also Arduino compatible), all the necessary electronic components, and access to an online course that includes instructions, video tutorials, exercises, troubleshooting support, and more. Starts at US$29.99 per project per month and up to US$359.88 for a year’s worth of projects (12 projects) delivered at once. Delivery starts from US$8.99 per box for the monthly box, and is available worldwide. 

MasterClass

Annie Leibowitz. Neil Gaiman. Hans Zimmer. Misty Copeland. Spike Lee. Shonda Rhimes. Gordon Ramsay. These are just but a few of the biggest names in food, sports, photography, film and literature who will give you a masterclass in all the skills you have ever wanted to learn. Through video lessons streamed from the website, you will be able to learn about how to write a story, take expert photos, cook like a pro and other crucial life lessons from the best. If this is not something you’re already going to give to yourself, you can also gift an annual membership for your loved one for US$192.60, and this provides unlimited access to classes from over 90 of the worlds’ most renowned experts in their field; or simply sign on to buy a single class from one individual. 

For the bookworm

Reader (do not) beware

Every bookworm knows: physical books are incomparable. However, with space being a luxury these days, why not give the bookworm in your life an e-book reader? Amazon’s latest Kindle Paperwhite (10th generation model), is perhaps the best one yet. It can hold hundreds of books, comics, novels and poems, but is also now waterproof (so you can read in the bathtub) and comes in multiple colours. Oh, and did we mention? Better battery life too! It is also the thinnest, lightest Kindle Paperwhite yet — with a flushfront design and 300 ppi glare-free display that reads like real paper even in bright sunlight. And, hang on, did you say, audiobooks? The Kindle Paperwhite now also comes with Audible and can now pair with Bluetooth headphones or speakers to listen to the story. Get it from Amazon.sg for $203.10 plus $9.11 for delivery

Watch Out

CASIO G-SHOCK

Casio is back with a new and improved G-SHOCK MTG-B2000; a functionally tough yet lightweight timepiece that employs a new Dual Core Guard structure, featuring carbon fiber-reinforced resin case and a carbon monocoque construction. To make things sweeter, the MTG-B2000BD (Red bezel) and MTG-B2000D (Black bezel) models both come with a new layered-composite band made with a higher proportion of resin, paired with metal parts, making them 15% lighter than the predecessor model. The MTG-B2000 watches also feature Triple G-Resist technology to resist dropping shocks, centrifugal gravity, and vibration. Users with a hectic lifestyle would be glad to know that these new watches are the first in the MT-G series to be equipped with three dual coil motors for smooth operation of the watch hands. Besides automatically adjusting to a local time zone without any need for the user to operate the buttons, the watch’s time can also be adjusted via radio wave calibration signals and a dedicated app via a smartphone. Prices start at $1,399. 

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SEE: Christmas gift ideas for 2020

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Gadgets galore

Treat your gadget crazy loved one to one of these sweet tech treats:

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G

If the grown kid in your life is interested in photography, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G is the perfect device to get them started on the visual expedition. The smartphone is equipped with a pro-grade triple camera system along with the 32MP selfie camera that allows them to capture stunning post-worthy pictures in real-time, just like a professional. With bigger pixels and enhanced camera AI, they can take richer and more vibrant images, even in low light. Available in a selection of six colours including Cloud Red, Cloud Orange, Cloud Lavender, Cloud Mint, Cloud Navy and Cloud White, prices start from $1,098. And, while stocks last, receive a free Wireless Battery Pack (worth $98) when you purchase the Galaxy S20 FE 5G, and get $100 off for both 128GB and 256GB variants when you purchase without a contract. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 + 5G

Drawing and sketching are great pastimes to destress and let the mind relax. Help unleash the inner Picasso in the juniors with the Galaxy Tab S7+ 5G. The device comes bundled with an improved S Pen, which now has reduced latency and ergonomic upgrades that promise to elevate the drawing experience. There are also many popular creativity apps available on the device, including Clip Studio Paint, Noteshelf, and Canva, all which will enable them to express themselves fully and freely. Prices start from $1,298 and while stocks last, receive a pair of Galaxy Buds+ and Book Cover (total worth $396), as well as a complimentary 1-month Spotify premium and 4 months of YouTube Premium. 

Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds

The Bose Quiet Comfort Wireless headphones are arguably the best in class when it comes to a noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphone. Now, that same sound quality is available in earbuds-form, with all the noise-cancelling features and long-lasting battery you’ve come to expect from Bose. Priced at $399, this is the perfect gift for the audiophile in your life.

Google Pixel 4a

Want a budget-friendly, yet amazing smartphone for your kiddo? Try the Google Pixel 4a. The budget version of Google’s flagship Pixel phones, you still get all the things that make the Pixel phones great — HDR+ photos, Night Sight photos, three years minimum of Android updates, great battery life and more. Priced at $499 from the Google Store