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If you're still working on your holiday shopping list and aren't sure what technology to incorporate into your life, Rich Brooks at Flyte New Media has some ideas that are also great for DIY projects.
207: What gifts do you recommend this year?
Rich: For the past few years I've been trying to make this a theme for the gifts we talk about here at 207, and I've been taking a woodworking class for beginners this year, so I thought we might consider tech gifts drag. DIY in your life.
For me, having an excuse to get away from a screen was liberating, and since woodworking was an escape, let's start with that. While there are many tech gifts you can give the woodworker in your life, from power tools to a CNC machine, I'll recommend the Prohear Sound Noise Canceling headphones. Perfect for protecting your ears when you can turn on the table saw while playing your favorite holiday classics. You can find this model and other similar models for around $40 online or at a local retailer.
207: Ok, the lumberjack on our list is solved. what else do you have
Rich: Perfect for the gardener or chef on your list, this next gift is the AeroGarden Home Garden System. It fits well in the kitchen and features LED lights that help plants grow faster and healthier, even during the winter sunshine hours. Give it the time it needs and you'll always have the right herbs for your favorite festive dish. Prices range from $70 to $200 depending on size and features.
207: I heard you have freebies for people interested in 3D printing.
Rich: Yes, a few options: For people looking for a desktop 3D printer, the Creality Ender 3 is very popular. If you have a creative person on your list who has expressed an interest in 3D printing, this is a pretty inexpensive gift at under $240. There are many desktop 3D printers available today, ranging from a few hundred to thousands of dollars . .
Another option would be the MYNT3D 3D pen, which allows you to draw in 3 dimensions to create different models, which you can find for around $60.
207: Some may think that these are adult gifts. Any DIY baby gifts on your list?
Rich: Of course, the SunFounder Lizard Robot Kit is great for kids of all ages because it allows them to build a programmable robot. I got it for $33.
For the budding architect, the Arckit range is great as it offers a wide range of building challenges with kits ranging from $75 to over $200 and really encourages STEM learning in the kids.
Finally, what kid wouldn't love to create their own video game? Build Your Own Video Game Deck teaches you how to program and build a retro console that plays real video games for $85.
