10 Gadget Gifts for Him

1. DBTech Headrest iPad Car Mount

Christmas and road trips go hand in hand, but not always in a good way. If you’re sick of hearing “Are we there yet”, pick up this handy iPad headrest. Perfect for long holiday car rides, simply strap you iPad to the backseat, put on the latest episode of Dora the Explorer, and revel in the greatest gift of all: peace and quiet.

Price: $15
Available amazon.ca

Photo: Amazon.ca

2. Jawbone Jambox

Think you need a big expensive stereo system to get great sound? Think again. This tiny brick of awesomeness (availble in different colours, too) offers all the stereo you’ll ever need. Wireless, rechargeable and capable of linking up with your computer, iPhone or any other Bluetooth-enabled device, the Jambox literally has to be heard to be believed. The sound is big enough to fill a large room, making it perfect for the cottage, garage or any other place you need music on the go. Let the party begin!

Price: $200
Available: In-stores and futureshop.ca

Photo: Jawbone

3. Kobo Vox “7 Touchscreen Colour Reader

If you’re looking to take your library wherever you go, the Kobo Vox is the cream of the crop. Capable of holding countless books, newspapers and magazines, the Vox can also play videos, use Android apps like Facebook, and browse the internet. With a 7-inch colour touch-screen, reading never looked so good.

Price: $200
Available: In-stores and futureshop.ca

Photo: Future Shop

4. iPod Nano (Product) Red

While a lot of fuss has been made about the iPod Touch, the new pint-sized Nanos are the mp3-player to get. Like their bigger brother, the tiny Nano has a touch screen and holds up to 16 gigs of data, but also offers an FM radio tuner, built-in accelerometer (great for tracking your running and walking), and can play music for up to 24 hours, non-stop. Pick up the (Product) Red Nano, available exclusively from Apple’s online store, and Apple will donate a portion of the purchase price to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

Price: 8gb Nano $130, 16gb Nano $150
(Product) Red Nano available online at Apple.ca

Photo: Apple Canada

5. ThermaCELL Heated Shoe Insoles

While we would be the first to admit that plain-old shoe inserts are the type of gift best given to that brother in-law you don’t really like, ThermaCells are different. These high-tech miracle workers are rechargeable, wirelessly remote controlled feats of modern technology, and keep your toes toasty, no matter what the weather is like outside. Capable or heating up your feet to 43.8°C for hours on end, these handy inserts make a winter snowstorm feel like a day at the beach.

Price: $130
Available online at Cabelas.ca

6. Victorinox USB Swiss Army Knife

This isn’t your dad’s Swiss Army knife. Packing a flashlight, knife, nail file, clippers and in a modern twist, an 8 gig USB drive, this fresh-take on old fashioned tradition brings the Swiss Army knife rocking into the 21st century. Is a Swiss Army iPhone that far off?

Price: $133
Available swissarmy.com

Photo: Victorinox

7. Rocksmith

You’ve probably seen Rock Band or Guitar Hero, but Rocksmith is the real deal. With Rocksmith you can plug a real electric guitar into your Xbox, PS3 or PC, and begin teaching yourself how to strum like a rock god. Packed with mini-games to teach you basic guitar chords, scales and harmonics, along with a story-mode that teaches you how to play rock classics from the likes of the Rolling Stones and Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Rocksmith is hours of music-lessons crammed onto a tiny disc. Who says video games can’t teach you anything?

Price: $200 with electric guitar, $80 for disc
Available: In-stores and futureshop.ca

Photo: Ubi Soft

8. Lee Valley Swedish FireSteel

If you’re shopping for the outdoorsman, this decidedly low-tech, life-saving device will satisfy any gadget-geek’s primal desire to create fire. Tiny, water-proof and capable of creating 3,000 sparks, the FireSteel makes a perfect addition to any camper’s repertoire, or simply as a safety standby for the glovebox. Remember folks, always be prepared!

Price: $14
Available: In Lee Valley stores and leevalley.ca
Photo: Lee Valley

9. Sony Playstation 3

Good for so much more than just games, the Playstation 3 also works as a DVD and Blu-Ray player, internet browser and media hub, and is capable of streaming movies, music and photos wirelessly from your computer. It literally serves as a one-stop media centre for your living room. Oh yeah, it also plays some great games, too.

Price: $250
Available: In-stores and futureshop.ca

Photo: Futureshop.ca

10. Smart Products Wireless Key Finder

Essential for the absentminded, this year be merciful and give the gift of convenience with this handy keychain finder. It can transmit a signal up to 18-metres away, so you’ll never be stuck scrambling for your keys at the last minute. Finding your wallet, however, is a whole other story.

Price: $15
Available: In Canadian Tire stores and canadiantire.ca

Photo: Canadian Tire