Over the coming weeks leading up to Christmas, WiFi HiFi will be publishing a series of holiday tech gift guides, including items to suit everyone on your list. From gadgets and gizmos, to products for audio and videophiles, we have you covered.
Looking for the perfect gift for that "guy who has everything?" Check out some of our suggestions.
Dubgear Dubstein Bluetooth Stereo Speaker and Beverage Holder
Any man will appreciate both portable sound and being able to keep his beer nice and cold, or coffee toasty warm. Etobicoke, ON-based Dubgear has cleverly put two key summer staples together, music and drinks, in its new Dubstein. The Bluetooth stereo speaker doubles as a BPA-free beverage holder that can hold any 375mL beverage (a standard beer bottle or can). Or, use the hot/cold insert and pour in your favourite drink. Playback controls are conveniently located at the top of the handle, in perfect reach of your thumb. It's splash-proof (IPX4-rated), offers 360-degree stereo sound and dual bass boost, and can run for up to 15 hours per charge. Plus, it has a mic for taking calls so you can invite friends over to come have a beer with you. $130 Dubgear.com
Flexson HeadsUp Base Stand
What do you get the tech-savvy guy that has everything? He might already have a nice pair of headphones, and a cool case for them. This stand (Erikson Consumer) makes for a neat way to display the ‘phones while at home or the office, without having to shove them into a drawer, or fling them atop the desk. They come in black, white, red, and premium chrome, for $53 for the former three, and $125 for the chrome. There's also a chrome floor-standing version for $200. Flexson.com
Jack Spade Dipped Leather iPhone 6 Plus Case
Get him a more fashionable case for his iPhone. Did you know that design brand name Kate Spade has a boyfriend (rather, ex) named Jack Spade? And there's a whole line of mobile accessories for men under his name, including the classy Dipped Leather iPhone 6 Plus case (Erikson Consumer) that features a discreet logo on the bottom, right, soft touch lining, and a spot to engrave (or write) your name, address, and contact number in the underside in case you lose the device. Add a personal touch by engraving a special message inside for your guy. US$79 Jackspade.com
UA HealthBox
Is this guy looking to get fit? Or just better monitor his health and wellness? Under Armour and HTC have smartly packaged everything he would need to get started on a quest to get fit, lose weight, or improve overall health in the UA HealthBox. Inside of the beautifully-packaged box is a UA Band for tracking activities, sleep, and resting heart rate; a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled UA Scale for logging your weight and body fat; and the UA Heart Rate chest strap for keeping tabs on your heart rate as you workout. Keep track of everything through the UA Record app, plus a free subscription to MapMyFitness, and integration with other apps, like MyFitnessPal, for logging your daily food diaries. No more excuses! For the guy looking for an all-in, "for dummies" fitness solution (or the child looking to encourage dad to get fit), this is literally fitness tech in a box. Check out our in-depth review of the system. $549 Underarmour.com
HTC Vive Virtual Reality Headset
For true tech geeks who love adopting emerging technology, consider forking over the $1,150 for the consumer version of the HTC Vive virtual reality (VR) headset. Requiring a connection to a computer versus the need to slot in a smartphone, they come with three VR experiences right out of the box: Tilt Brush by Google, which allows users to paint in 3D space with virtual reality, using three-dimensional brush strokes, stars, light, and fire; Job Simulator: The 2050 Archives by Owlchemy Labs, you enter a world where robots have replaced all human jobs; and Fantastic Contraption by Northway Games in collaboration with Radial Games, which lets you walk around a grassy island floating in the sky, build a machine the size of a horse with your own hands, and watch it roll out into the world. The headset comes with two wireless VR controllers, room scale movement sensors, and an HMD featuring a built-in camera and phone services, plus the three aforementioned VR titles. Set him up in the basement, and let him explore, game, and have fun on his special day and beyond. Htc.ca
Star Wars Toaster
Most men might act as though this toaster is "for the kids," but rest assured there's at least one grown man on your list who would love this - even if just as a gag gift that he breaks out at parties (or when no one else is around.) Not only does the head of Darth Vader make your toast for you in the morning, but the sliced bread will pop out perfectly toasted, and with the Star Wars logo on the front. There are wide slots so you can fit Texas-style toast, and different setting for the perfect toast, whether he likes it lightly toasted or on the dark side. $50-$70 Run a Google search for "Star Wars toaster" and you'll find it at a number of Canadian retailers.
Panasonic 3 in 1 Precision Trimmer
With today's resurgence of the lumberjack beard among men both young and old, a trimmer might come in handy. With attachments for the hair, as well as face and body, this one comes with a 45-degree stainless steel blade, and quick-adjust dial that features 39 settings. Plus, it can operate wirelessly as well as while plugged in. MSRP $140 Panasonic.ca
TEAC TN-400S Turntable
If he's into vinyl and looking for a new turntable, consider this one (Erikson Consumer), which has a built-in phono preamp and A-to-D converter, and can both play back records and archive them in digital format. Available in matte red and walnut veneer finishes, it comes with an Audio Technica moving-magnet cartridge, and can play 33⅓, 45 and 78rpm records. It features an aluminum die-cast platter, attrition resistance stainless steel spindle and brass spindle holder, and static-balanced aluminum S-shaped tonearm. Connect it directly to amplifiers that lack a phono stage via an RCA analog cable. It can also output 48kHz/16-bit PCM digital audio via its USB connector, for archiving records onto a PC or Mac. MSRP $600 Teac.com
Nintendo NES Classic Edition
You might have a hard time getting your hands on one of these, as they're pretty hot this season, and sold out pretty well everywhere at the time of this writing. But if you can, it's a great retro gaming system that will bring any Gen-X or Baby Boomer man back to his own childhood. It's essentially a miniature version of the original 1985 NES, and it's super-easy to use: plug it into your TV, pick up the retro controller, and enjoy. It also works with the NES Virtual Console games on Wii U. $80 Nintendo.com
Kenneth Cole Connect
Get him started on the smartwatch train with a basic, yet fashion-forward, device like the Kenneth Cole Connect. The simple and sporty watch can display standard smartphone alerts, and be used to control music and snap selfies. It operates on a coin-cell battery, and is water-resistant. The "Don't Leave Me" alert advises if a Bluetooth connection is broken, so it can help make sure forgetful guys don't accidentally leave their phones behind. Starting at just US$135, the styling reflects the watch's affordable price point, and casual styling. But that also makes them great for everyday wear, whether he's heading to work, the gym, or relaxing at home. Kennethcole.com
Fidget Cube
Ideal for the male co-worker, or as a fun stocking stuffer for any notorious fidgeter on your list, the handy Fidget Cube desk toy is the new stress ball, featuring six sides, each with a different thing with which you can fidget. There's a clicker with three noisy and two silenced buttons, a mini joystick for gliding, flip switch, indent to rub (inspired by traditional worry stones), gears and rolling trackball, and a circular dial for spinning. It's clear there are plenty of fidgeters out there: the Kickstarter campaign has raised more than US$5.5 million after an ask of just $15,000. Shipping is expected for February 2017, about US$20 per cube. Kickstarter.com
Dyson Supersonis Hair Dryer
With the growing trend (pun intended) toward "man buns," those of the male persuasion are just as likely to have long, flowing hair as women. So a blow dryer might make just as great a gift. Dyson's Supersonic Hair Dryer is the product of more than four years of research, and is designed to be easily balanced in the hand, and uses a focused and fast airflow that intelligent controls temperature to help protect your luscious locks from extreme heat damage. As is expected with Dyson, there are carefully considered design details, like a repositioned grille and filter to avoid hair getting caught, and a digital V9 motor positioned in the handle versus the head. And yes, it looks super-cool, and there's a "man" friendly white/silver option if your guy isn't keen on the fuchsia/iron finish. $500 Dysoncanada.ca
Xbox One S
Sure, the Xbox is more for gaming than it is for television. But it's arguably nowadays more of a full-on entertainment console than a gaming one. The Xbox One S is slimmer than the Xbox One, and comes in a "robot white" finish. It's a great console for the gamer guy (make sure to pick up a few titles for him as well). Plus, he'll appreciate the 4K Ultra HD playback support for both UHD Blu-ray discs and streaming content from partners like Netflix, as well as High Dynamic Range (HDR) support for video and gaming. 2TB for $500. Xbox.com
Nora No-Mask Snore Solution
If you know a bad snorer who won't be offended by this gift, consider the Nora. Developed in Toronto, it stays next to the bed rather than being worn as a mask or nose strip. It keeps an ear out for snoring levels, and will gently move the person's pillow if it worsens, thus adjusting the position of his head to help stop it. Customize Nora based on sensitivity to noise levels, and use it with any pillow, and in any sleep position. In the morning, check the iOS app to see when Nora was activated, and get health tips on how to improve the quality and continuity of your sleep. The rechargeable battery lasts for up to two weeks per charge. US$260 Smartnora.com
Hercules DJControl Instinct P8 All-in-One Dual-Deck DJ Controller
If he's just getting into DJing as a hobbyist, this controller for beginners (Erikson Consumer) builds on the existing DJControl Instinct, adding built-in audio and essential mix and remix features. All that you need is a PC or Mac with a USB port. Connect the controller, a set of speakers, headphones, and music files for beginner DJs. Boost a mix and performance with eight multicoloured pads and the latest version of DJUCED 40° professional DJ software to help keep the rhythm and the structure of tracks intact. There are also effects controls and adjustments, dedicated Sync, Cue and Play/Pause buttons, separate modes on each deck, temporary Loop mode using the pads or permanent Loop mode using the encoder, and more. The built-in sound card with a dual stereo RCA output can be used for mixing and a stereo 3.5 mm mini-jack output for previewing. The Instinct P8 is also compatible with most available DJ software. MAP $180 Hercules.com
B&O Beoplay H5 Wireless Headphones
Every guy needs a good pair of headphones, regardless of how he uses them. The Bang & Olufsen (B&O) Beoplay H5 (Lenbrook Americas) is versatile to suit varying needs in that wearers can use the Beoplay App (iOS, watchOS, Android) to change the tonality of the sound. Choose from sound profiles like working out, commuting, listening to podcasts or relaxing. The app can also be used to monitor battery status and control music playback. When taking a break from listening, click the headphone magnets around your neck, and the earpieces together to automatically power them down. The earphones and braided textile cable are sweat-resistant. Play music for up to five hours, then recharge via the cubic charger. Choose from three sizes of Comply Sport eartips with a SweatGuard membrane and four sizes of silicone tips. Black or dusty rose, $300 Beoplay.com
Netflix Subscription or Renewal Code
Anyone who doesn't yet have a subscription to Netflix will appreciate a year's worth of TV viewing. And even if they already have a subscription, you can get a gift code that they can use as credit toward the upcoming year. Make sure to provide some recommendation as well, based on their tastes. For thrillers, there are original series like Stranger Things and Black Mirror. Foodies will love Chef's Table, and binge-watchers will easily get immersed in titles like Narcos, House of Cards, and Marvel Luke Cage. Into stand-up comedy? Theres are tons of guy-friendly selections, including Russell Peters Almost Famous, Joe Rogan: Triggered, and Dana Carvey: Straight White Male, 60. There are plenty of options on the movie side, too. $132 for a yearly premium subscription (including one month free), or $88 for the basic. Netflix.ca
Looking for more specific gift ideas? Check out our themed Gift Guides for gifts to suit all of those on your list.