2019 Groove Management Techie Gift Guide

As someone who loves technology, gadgets and home automation I consider myself an early adopter.  For the past several years I have published an annual holiday gift guide.  The curated list of items range in price from under $12.95 to $49,900.  There is something for the technology lover in your life at every budget. Happy shopping!

The titles for each item are hyperlinks to purchase the items online.  As you will see most are linked to Amazon.com because they offer the best pricing and availability. Prices may have changed since the time of publication. Groove Management is acting as an Amazon Associate and is participating in their associates program by linking certain products on this list to their site.

 

NVIDIA Shield TV- $149.99

This is the new updated 4k HDR Streaming Media version of the best streamer available. Makes any TV smart and enables you to stream Netflix, Amazon Video, and Vudu in crisp 4K HDR, and YouTube, Hulu Live, Google Play Movies & TV, and more in 4K. The small form factor enables the device to hide behind any TV. The simple remote offers great control and features Amazon Alexa for voice control and home automation.

 

Nebula Mars II Projector- $449

Take movies and videos anywhere and project them on up to a 150 Inch screen. The Nebula Mars II projector is an awesome TV replacement. With 300 ANSI lumens it is great for evening and nighttime viewing in any room or outside. Perfect for backyard movie night or to watch the big game. Features a built in Bluetooth surround sound speaker, 4 hour of battery life so you can take it anywhere, autofocus, remote control and built in Android so you can stream YouTube, Netflix, Hulu and Amazon content directly from the device. It connects to wifi networks, supports Google Chromecast and Apple Airplay as well as it has an HDMI port to hook up PCs or media receivers. With 720P resolution this projector has an amazing picture. Perfect for a college dorm room as well.

 

DJI Mavic Mini Drone- $399

DJI is the world leader in drone technology. I have had two of their drones and they are amazing. I have had one on the techie gift list every year. This year DJI introduced the Mavic Mini which is the best entry level drone ever. The mini has 30 minutes of flight time, can stream HD video from up to 2.5 miles away includes the controller and all necessary accessories to fly. The drone can capture amazing video and photos. The video and photos are captured by a stabilized 3-axis gimbal camera that shoots 12MP/2.7K. What makes this done special is the fact that at 249 grams it does not need to be registered with the FAA meaning it is safe to fly without any registration process. The app features lots of cool settings for cinematic video, selfies, self flying mode and more. I would highly recommend this drone for any first time drone pilot.

 

Huck Cycles Electric Bike- $1,600

Huck Cycles make super stylish and practical e-bikes. The bikes are pedal bikes that are rated for bike trails, bike lanes and street use. With Fat Tires and full suspension these bikes can be ridden off-road as well. With pedal assist the bike has a range of 60+ miles. In full electric mode the bike range is up to 30 miles. Top speed of 20 mph as shipping and can be unlocked to go up to 28 mph. Bike can seat two comfortably. Includes Shimano 7 speed trigger shifter drivetrain, front and rear hydraulic brakes, headlight and tail light, USB phone charging port, mud flaps. These bikes are super fun to ride and practical for urban transportation. No license required. Purchase Here

 

Super 73 Z1 Electric Motorbike- $1,399

The OG of electric retro bikes, the Super 73 has been ridden by celebtrities in LA and NY. The bike features very stylish retro looks couples with modern electric bike tech. The SUPER73-Z1 is a fun new bike that epitomizes the Southern California vibe. Equipped with a thumb throttle and a newly designed seat, the Z1 allow riders to enjoy the experience of a SUPER73 with the ability to cruise effortlessly in style. Equipped with 500-watts of power and a top speed of 20mph, the Z1 is a formidable challenger in the electric bike industry. The new handlebar and fork design allows riders to turn sharp corners smoothly. With a sleek new design, the SUPER73 Z1 sports a more compact frame, perfect for smaller riders. The Z1 is quickly becoming the most popular electric bike in the SUPER73 model lineup. Purchase Here

 

Wyze Cam Pan 1080p Pan/Tilt Zoom Smart Home Camera-$36.59

The Wyze camera is an affordable home monitoring and security solution with the features and benefits of cameras costing 5x as much.  The camera provide 110 degree range with 360 degree panning to scan a room.  The image quality is amazing delivering 1080P full HD video and enhanced night vision for dark rooms.  Motion tracking features and audio allow you to experience a room as if you were there.  The camera works with Amazon Alexa and is App controllable on an iPhone or Android phone.  Included is 14 day cloud storage of live video recording.  Purchase Here

 

Samsung Smartthings Home Automation Hub- $60.33

The Smartthings hub allows you to control lights, locks, sensors, and all other home automation devices via the iPhone or Android App.  Smartthings is compatible with Alexa and Google home and works on Zigbee, Z-Wave and cloud to cloud protocols.  The version 3 hub connects to the home wifi network and does not require an ethernet connect.  Smartthings supports over 500 devices and require no monthly fee.  If you are interested in creating a smart home, the Smartthings hub should be one of your first purchases. The hub allows you to fully automate functions in your house such as outdoor and indoor lighting, monitor smoke detectors, open and close door locks, control holiday lights and more. Each device must be smart home compatible. There are lots of cool smart devices on this list and available at home improvement shops. Purchase Here

 

SnapPower Guidelight- $18.98

This item has been on my gift guide list for the past three years.  It is such a simple solution that provides excellent utility.  SnapPower is an outlet cover that contains three LED lights and a light sensor.  We have installed these covers in hallways and on counters throughout our house.  They provide great night lighting and ambiance in dark conditions.  They consume very little power and take under one minute to install per location.  Such a clever device that makes navigating your house at night safer and easier. SnapPower also makes usb wall plates that are very handy for charging phones and tablets. USB Wall PlatePurchase Here

 

Nebula Cosmos 4k or 1080P Projector- $469 or $1,099

Meet the future of home entertainment. The Nebula Cosmos and Cosmos Max projectors feature 3d surround sound and up to 4k projection. Cosmos Max combines breathtaking 4K visuals, 3D audio, and Android 9 to realize our ambition of creating the ultimate all-in-one home cinema projector. And Cosmos is the 1080p, but just-as-feature-packed. There’s a reason we love going to the cinema. The huge screens. As a cinema lover yourself, you’ll know that only an enormous screen can provide a true cinematic experience, and to recreate that at home would be extremely costly, with 90” TV’s costing upwards of $6,000. Cosmos captures that magic thanks to its 150-inch picture. From the bustling streets of New York to the mesmerizing emptiness of space, lose yourself in worlds beyond your imagination right from the comfort of your couch. Now available via Kickstarter for spring delivery before they are commercially available. A holiday gift worth waiting for.

 

Xiaomi Zomai 1080P Dash Cam- $41.99

We are all just one wrong move away from a car accident. Using G-sensor technology the Zomai dash camera automatically saves footage in the event of an emergency. The camera records to an SD-card and auto-loop recording insures you never miss an event. Built in wifi and app enabled lets your download recordings and take photos from events. The camera mounts easily to the dash or rear view mirror and comes with a micro-usb cord and 12v plug. The 70mai cam records in 1080P Full HD resolution and has a 130°wide angle lens as well as night vision. This is a must have especially for your teen drivers. Purchase Here

 

DoucheBags Hugger 30L Smart Carry On Backpack- $159

Ok so the name of this product might be offensive to some, but the only logos on the bag are Db and I have to say that this is the best backpack overnight bag I have ever owned. It is super stylish, has tons of room, is very comfortable on the shoulders, is super durable and features a laptop sleeve. Jon Olsson the famous Swedish extreme skier and YouTube star launched this company. Douchebags makes super high quality travel gear and is all designed in Norway. Purchase here

 

Lixada Electric Heated Jacket- $30

Never be cold again during winter time with the Lixada elecric heated jacket. This is a warm jacket to begin with, but the addition of the heating elements makes it super warm yet light weight. This jacket heats up quickly in minutes. Ultra thin carbon fiber heating targets your back, chest, and neck to keep you warm. To use the heating elements this jacket requires a separate powerbank. It is recommended that you use a USB port to 5V power source, 5V/2.1A power bank such as the Omars Power Bank for $13.59. This jacket sells for $111.99 on Amazon but with coupon code LCY14023 it is only $30. Purchase Here

 

Saberlight USB Rechargeable Arc Lighter- $12.95

This super cool lighter will never run out of fuel thanks to USB charging.  It is perfect for lighting candles, grills and campfires.  The lighter is splash proof and windproof.  A rechargeable lithium ion battery provides more than 3 hours of use for each hour of charge.  This is the perfect gift for the technology obsessed person in your life.  Purchase Here

 

Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener-$29.98

Ever leave home and then question whether or not you left the garage door open or not?  With the Chamberlain MyQ you never have to worry about that again.  You can see the status of your garage door from the iPhone or Android app and you can open and close the door remotely.  The app can be set to provide alerts when the door is opened or closed.  The MyQ is compatible with most garage door openers manufactured after 1993.  Purchase Here

 

Sleep Headphones Bluetooth Headband- $19.88

Having trouble sleeping at night because of a snoring partner or external noises? The Buetooth sleep headphones headband plays true HD HIFI sounds over bluetooth. Pair it with your phone for white noise, ocean sounds, waterfalls or relaxing ambient music. Up to 10+ hours of playtime provides for a full nights sleep. The headband is super comfortable especially for side sleepers. Can also be worn outside during the winter as an ear warmer that serves as wireless headphones and even has a built in mic for taking phone calls. Purchase Here

 

Tenda Nova Wave Whole Home Wifi Mesh System, 3-Pack-$124.97

With more and more devices on our home networks, we have become reliant upon stronger signals and better connectivity.  The Tenda Mesh Network system can cover a 6,000 sqft home leaving no deadspots.  Plug one unit into the power and your internet modem and the other two modules can be placed on different floors of the home to provide full coverage.  The Tenda is compatible with all major providers including Spectrum, AT&T and Verizon Fios.  The Tenda Wi-fi app includes parental controls and customizable features.  This is a superior solution to a single router.  Purchase Here

 

Happybuy Orange Juicer Orange Squeezer Machine- $595.99

Nothing beats a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice.  The Gilded Iguana Hotel that hosts the LeaderSurf leadership development program has one of these machines at the restaurant for use by guest during breakfast each morning. The thought of having one of these at home makes my mouth water. This industrial grade juicer does it all. Make quick work out of your juicing process with the juice machine, capable of squeezing 20 to 30 oranges(Squeezes oranges ranging from dia. 40-90mm) lemons or limes per minute. You’ll no longer have to squeeze each orange individually by hand. This impressive machine will easily peel and squeeze multiple oranges at once so you can enjoy as much juice as you desire. This would make a great give for the health food person in your life. Purchase Here

 

Roborock E25 Robot Vacuum Cleaner-$299.99

The Roborock smart robot vacuum cleaner and mop is the ultimate home cleaning gadget. A huge upgrade from the early model cleaners, it combines vacuuming and mopping. This unit is a generation 3 unit that is truly state of the art. Xiaomi is the Apple electronics giant of China and the Roborock Robot Vacuum is an amazing piece of technology.  This radar controlled vacuum cleaner will clean your entire home with the push of a button. The vacuum can be controlled through the iOS and Android app allowing you to schedule the vacuum to run on specific days and at specific times.  The app allows you to remotely start, stop and control the vacuum.  It also gives you visualization of the areas that have been cleaned.  With the combination of a laser distance scanner and three built in processors, the smart robot vacuum will scan its surroundings and create a route for thorough cleaning. Once the vacuum has completed is cleaning route it will automatically return to its home base. Purchase Here

 

EGO 110 MPH 530 CFM 56Volt Cordless Electric Blower- $200.67

It’s time to get rid of the gas powered lawn tools. WIth 56-Volts of lithium ion battery this blower will literally blow you away. Much quieter and environmentally friendly than a two stroke engine, the EGO blower is versatile and easy to use. Up to 75 minute run time at low speed, this blower has some serious power. Can be used indoors as well because it requires no ventilation. Includes one battery and charger. I bought one of these this fall and it is awesome. The EGO POWER+ 530 CFM Blower is the next, big step up in power and convenience for cordless blowers. Turbine fan engineering, inspired by advanced aeronautics technology, performs better than many premium gas-powered models. The light-weight, compact, high-efficiency brushless motor delivers longer run time, low vibrations and an extended motor life. The advanced EGO POWER+ 56-Volt battery uses industry-leading Arc-Lithium technology to deliver Power Beyond Belief and is compatible with all EGO POWER+ products. Purchase Here

 

Wilfa Precision Automatic Coffee Maker- $89.99

Are you a coffee lover? If so this is the coffee maker for you. While it doesn’t have lots of bells and whistles it has amazing design and heats water to precisely the right temperature for ideal brewing. RED DOT AWARD WINNER (2013): The Precision is shaped by our increased understanding of the science of coffee brewing, and technological innovations allowing for unparalleled precision and consistency. The result is a beautiful machine – and perfectly brewed coffee, every time. PRECISE HEATING SYSTEM: This pour over coffee machine delivers water at optimal brew temperature through the entire cycle of coffee brewing (197º-205ºF). DETACHABLE WATER TANK: Fresh, clean water is one of the most important ingredients in great coffee. For that reason Wilfa Svart Precision has a detachable water tank making it extremely convenient to keep clean. PERFECT WATER/COFFEE RATIO: Follow the measurements of freshly ground coffee and water indicated on the water tank, set the flow control to match, and enjoy one of the best cups of coffee you’ve ever tasted. FLOW CONTROL: Wilfa Svart Precision has perfected the ratio between freshly grinded coffee and fresh water. With the flow control you can adjust the amount of brewed coffee you intend to make and to your taste preferences. Purchase Here

 

Teamgee H5 37" Electric Skateboard- $399

The Teamgee electric skateboard is unique. The battery is incorporated into the deck giving it a stealth look as if it is a non-motorized board. The specs on this particular board are awesome. 22 MPH Top Speed, 760W Dual Motor, 11 Miles Range, 14.5 Lbs, 10 Layers Maple Longboard with Wireless Remote Control. Teamgee H5 will blow your mind with its 15mm ultra-thin deck and 14.6 lbs (6.6kg) weight that make you wonder whether you are looking at an electric skateboard at all. Teamgee is one of the first to use a drop-through deck on an electric skateboard and its deck is 15-20mm lower to the ground than most of the electric skateboards, which enables a more stable and confident riding experience. The concave deck makes turning effortless and comfortable; the soft bushing makes the board super nimble when it comes to making sharp turns. Purchase Here

 

Novostella BR30 Smart LED Wifi Flood Light Bulb- $8.99

A dimmable multicolored LED bulb that can be app controlled by an iPhone or Android. No hub required and the bulb works with Alexa and Google Home. Can be grouped with other smart bulbs for control with one command. 85Watt equivalent in a 10W LED bulb. This is a great way to create ambiance in any room and is a fun gift for kids. Regular price is $26.00 but with this code U8BWCSW2 the bulb is $8.99. Purchase Here.

 

Apple Watch Series 3- $199

A smart watch does so much more than just tell time and the Apple Watch Series 3 is one of the best and most affordable on the market. Take a call when you’re out on the water. Ask Siri to send a message. Stream your favorite songs on your run. And do it all while leaving your phone behind. Now you have the freedom to go with just your watch. GPS. Features include:

  • Optical heart sensor

  • Digital Crown

  • S3 with dual-core processor

  • Accelerometer and gyroscope

  • Swim proof

  • WatchOS 5

  • Aluminum case

 

Apple Airpods Pro- $234.98

Not only amazing sound but a fashion statement as well. The Apple Airpods Pro are the second generation version of the wildly popular Airpods (Original ones available here for $134). The Airpods Pros feature improved audio, better battery life, waterproofing and more. See feature list below:

  • Active noise cancellation for immersive sound

  • Transparency mode for hearing and connecting with the world around you

  • Three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit

  • Sweat and water resistant

  • Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to the shape of your ear

  • Easy setup for all your Apple devices

  • Quick access to Siri by saying “Hey Siri”

  • The Wireless Charging Case delivers more than 24 hours of battery lifePurchase here

 

Rachio Version 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller $199.99

This is the fourth year in a row that the Rachio smart sprinkler controller has been on the techie gift guide. With improvements in teh tech each year, the smart sprinkler controller keeps getting better. Are you one of those people who have their lawn irrigation systems running in the rain?  Shame on you.  Wasting money and damaging the environment.  A green lawn is the goal of most homeowners, but at what price.  With the cost of water on the rise, Americans are finding that maintaining a green lawn can come at a very high price. Land irrigation accounts for about 37% of all fresh water usage in the United States according to the USGS.  With water restrictions becoming more prevalent throughout the US, water conservation is becoming more and more important.  So how can technology improve our watering efficiency?  Enter Rachio's Iro smart sprinkler controller.  This home sprinkler controller replaces your existing controller not the system.  It links to you home router and wifi network to provide remote access to the system and real time weather monitoring.  Rachio gets street level weather data and can not only stop watering if it is raining but adjust depending on whether their is rain in the forecast or if it rained last night.  This device will pay for itself within one season.  It can be programmed for different lawn conditions as well by zone. Additional versions available include Rachio V3 16 zones for $279 and the Version 2 for $149. Purchase Here

 

Vizio 38” 2.1 Channel Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer- $149.99

Fill your room with amazing sound by adding this Vizio sound bar with wireless subwoofer to any TV set up. Features built in bluetooth for music streaming from your phone as well. Hook this up to your TV to access premium audio with Dolby DTS and digital decoding. The subwoofer can be placed up to 60ft away from the sound bar. This will change your TV watching for the better. Purchase Here

 

Smart LED Strip Lights- $24.99

The Govee Smart LED Light strip is an affordable way to spruce up any room. The Wifi enabled lights can produce 16 million colors and can be controlled by an iOS or Android App. Alexa enabled for voice control, the light strip is 16 ft long, waterproof and has an adhesive backing for mounting. Voice Activated: Works with Alexa/Google Assist. Remotely change the light color, adjust brightness, switch lights on/off via simple voice instruction. Release your hands, enjoy smart life. Wireless App Control: Take complete control of strip light via Govee Home App. 16 million colors adjustable, 1% - 100% brightness changeable and 7 scene modes selectable. Timer function can preset the time to switch lights on/off automatically. Indulge in Music World: Built-in highly sensitive Mic, the light changes according to ambient music tempo. A must-have to active the wild party. Relax yourself and immerse in the carnival! Ultra-bright 5050 LEDs: Adopting premium 5050 SMD beads, it boasts up to 50,000 hours lifespan. RGB vibrant colors perfectly decorate the dining room, bedroom, stairs, cupboard, desk, party, etc. Purchase Here

 

Samsung Galaxy Earbuds- $116.96

A fan of wireless high quality audio and the ability to make and receive calls with no cords attached? The Samsung Ear Buds offer truly wireless high performance sound in a comfortable in ear solution. Not a fan of the white Apple Airbuds, but a fan of high quality sound, check out the Samsung ear buds. Power up to power on Get up to six hours of battery life with an additional seven hours from the case that doubles as a wireless charger. Features Include:

  • Premium sound Tuned by AKG, an optimized driver offers substantial bass, while a volume driver gives you a wider range of sound

  • Just what you want to hear Control how much surrounding noise you want with Ambient Aware. Quick Ambient Mode lets you hear traffic, flight announcements and coworkers calling out to you

  • Sounds good. Feels good. Galaxy Buds come in three adjustable ear tip and wingtip sizes right from the box

  • Resists water With splash resistant technology, your Galaxy Buds handle splashes, sweat and spills

  • The Galaxy Buds pairs with both Android and iOS compatible devices via Bluetooth connection. Use with a smartphone and tablet running Android 5. 0 or higher & RAM 1. 5GB above. Automatic sync and Ambient Aware Mode only available for Android; iOS users can use Voice Command/SiriPurchase Here

 

Tesla Cybertruck- $100

Ok, so $100 does not get you a Tesla Cybertruck, but it does reserve you one. The Cybertruck will cost $39,000 for the base model, $49,900 for the dual motor version or $69,900 for the totally tricked out triple motor version. Why not reserve the truck of the future today. Tesla recently announced three versions of their upcoming cybertrucks. The performance of an exotic sports car with the practicality of a pick up truck. As an owner of a Tesla Model S, I can say they build amazing vehicles. The performance of an electric vehicle cannot be beat and with over 300 mile range, range anxiety is not an issue. The Cybertruck will come standard with the fully autonomous driving, smart technology and other amazing features. While it will take two years to take delivery, why not be an early adopter and sign up today to reserve your Cybertruck. A fun Christmas gift that will only cost a refundable $100 today. Over 200,000 orders have already been placed. Purchase Here

 

LeaderSurf Leadership Development Program- $6,000

Not your typical holiday gift, but a learning and development growth experience for entrepreneurs and corporate leaders. The LeaderSurf program is typically a company sponsored learning and development experience for seasoned leaders. LeaderSurf is an adventurous development program for business leaders of all backgrounds, industries and corners of the world who want to break old habits and create lasting change. 10 individuals leave their own four walls for 5 days in Costa Rica where they embrace their distinctiveness, learn to fail to succeed and build servant leadership – and return to work with full perspective, a set of goals and strategies, and a plan for overcoming obstacles. Yes, all participants leader to surf – don’t let our name deceive you. We apply a Balanced Leadership Approach to create leadership endurance, which is central to professional growth. Similar to how physical endurance is for surfing. At LeaderSurf, we help you discover your leadership groove … Learn More Here

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