It may be Friday the 13th, but we’re feeling more generous than superstitious. We’ve asked a few of our employees what their favorite gifts are this season — either to get or to give, of course — and we have highlighted a few of the best. (For those of you on a budget, don’t worry; check out the article below for our best gifts under $25!)
Will, Product Manager:
- Retina anything – from $449.99
That’s right, Apple has added the crystal-clear Retina screens to just about everything, so naturally I want them all (I guess I’m spoiled because once you see it, non-Retina displays just start to look fuzzy…!). The iPad mini with Retina is the latest to join the party and it’s stunning! A 7-inch display packing more pixels than a new 4K TV. We’ve also got the new 13-inch and 15-inch Retina MacBook Pros where 1080p appears to look small. Of course, there’s also the iPad Air, the lightest, thinnest, most awesome iPad yet. Happy Retina Holiday to all…!
- Drobo 5D – $699.99
For all those storage hogs on your list (know a photographer or videographer?), nothing beats the new Drobo 5D. A 5-bay RAID unit with Thunderbolt connectivity that can be configured with up to 20TBs. That twenty with a two and zero; crazy storage capacity. Plus, it has a slot for an mSATA card that can be used for super fast transfers for the stuff you use every day. The best part is that with Drobo software, you don’t have to fill it all at once or even with identical drives. It’s the gift that keeps giving — well, more storage space, at least.
- WeMo – $99.99
The DIY home automation toy for the “has everything already” person on your list. Use the WeMo switch to to control your Christmas lights or check on your significant other who “forgets” to turn things off in the morning. Use the light switch to take control of the lights in or outside your house. Driving home from work in these dark and cold northeast nights, ensure the lights are on when you pull in with remote-accessible light switches. Or for the prankster, it’s a way to have fun with family and friends — hook the switch up to the TV and right when the a pivotal play is happening in the big game, oooops! Who did that? 🙂 Get free shipping through 12/18 with code KBWeMo!
Hapy, President and CFO:
- Apple TV – $99.99
I find myself using this awesome device more and more! Apple has updated them to pack even more entertainment choices. My #1 use is actually just as a wireless sound router so I can use AirPlay from my MacBook, iPad, or iPhone, and rock the house from my iTunes library, though Netflix and iTunes movie rentals are a close second. It hasn’t quite replaced my satellite TV as my television provider, but it is starting to be 50/50 whether I am watching feeds from the satellite or from my Apple TV. Use code KBTV to get free shipping through 12/18!
- AirPort Express Base Station – $79.99
We have Apple Factory Refurbished AirPort Expresses for $79.99, so there has never been a better time to extend your network in your home. These also feature an audio output port, so I can use AirPlay to stream music to my stereo system from my MacBook, iPad, or iPhone, which is awesome!
Rob, Business Solutions Manager:
- Photo Book from iPhoto – from $29.99
So here’s one that adds some personalization! I love this feature in iPhoto — you can take the pictures on your iPhone, iPad or Mac and with a few simple clicks, produce a very nice Photo Book that your family will love. Go to your iPhoto Library, find the photos you want to use, and click Share at the bottom. You’ll have the option to select ‘Book’ under the Create menu. Go get it started! (Currently using iPhoto 9, though the options may be available in earlier versions.)
Kali, Marketing Director:
- Chill Box – $74.99 (usually $99.99)
Chill Box speakers are my go-to this year. I feel like it’s one of those gifts that seems universal. The Chill Box doesn’t have a docking system, but that’s what I like about it — no matter what phone/device/computer/gadget the recipient has, it’s always nice to have a compatible extra set of sweet-sounding speakers around. We have four colors in stock, and I’m seriously having trouble picking which ones I like best (because I also may not be able to escape without getting myself one…after everyone else is taken care of, of course). So, dad/mom/brother/cousins, spoiler alert: I’m giving you the gift of garage/office/kitchen/bedroom sound this year. Pairs nicely with an iTunes Gift Card!
For more holiday gift ideas and special deals, visit Smalldog.com/holiday No matter what you’re getting or giving this holiday season, be sure to share it with family and friends!