2024 Groove Management Techie Gift Guide

Another year gone by and the tradition continues of Groove Management publishing our annual techie gift guide. While AI has been the biggest buzz in the tech world, that has not bled too deeply into consumer products. Smart phones and cameras are using AI to enhance photos but the majority of consumer electronics have not been greatly influenced by AI yet. Connectivity continues to be a theme with more wifi and bluetooth enabled household items. Once again we have curated a list of affordable to outrageous give ideas. In most cases we have experience with the recommended products. Happy shopping and Happy Holidays!

If you are interested in more items check out our previous lists: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

Disclaimer: Prices are subject to change. These were the advertised prices at the time the list was created.

 

Fly Fans USB Fly Repellent 3 Pack - $23.99

Shoo fly don’t bother me. These cool looking fans effectively repel flies. The fly repellent fans use physical methods to keep flies away, which has no side effects on anyone. It keeps you free from the disturbance of flies. You can enjoy clean and fresh food with your family and friends. The holographic dots pattern blades of the food fly fan for outdoor table can refract light that stimulate flies. Furthermore, these soft-touch blades are designed to stop instantly on touch, and turns again after the object is removed. So it won't hurt our hands or children. They are a great gift and conversation piece on your table. USB-C rechargeable and available in black or white. Buy Now

 

9.3” Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Display- $99.99

My car is old, so am I, but I do have cool tech to impress my passengers. Do you have an older vehicle that doesn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto? Do you wish you could view your phone’s apps and navigation on a large screen and hear your music through the stereo, well now you can. The car display screen enables drivers to effortlessly use compatible mobile apps such as Google Maps, Spotify, WhatsApp, and Telegram without the need for any data cables. Additionally, it supports bluetooth phone calls and provides voice control through Siri and Google assistant to enhance both safety and comfort while driving. The wireless CarPlay screen is easy to install - simply plug it into your car's cigarette lighter and you're ready to go. It's compatible with 99% of car models and can be installed in just one minute. It can work within a voltage range of 7-32V,and it comes with both suction cup and 3M mounts, which can rotate 180 degrees for optimal viewing angles. As an added bonus the unit features a car play dashcam that captures clear footage in low-light conditions day or night because of its low-light sensitivity and 4K clarity. It also has a wide-angle lens and loop recording feature, and you can adjust the camera angle vertically to fit your car and installation Buy Now

 

Xiaomi Portable Electric Air Compressor- $39.99

Pressure is a privilege according to Billy Jean King, but do you have the right pressure in your tires, your balls and your inflatable pool toys? The Xiaomi portable electric air compressor provides up to 150 PSI. Equipped with a high-efficiency motor, this tire inflator provides a strong airflow for fast and efficient inflation. It only takes 86 seconds to inflate a mountain bike tire and 8 minute to inflate a car tire. The built-in turbofan ensures continuous operation without pause, and the upgraded air hose is heat-resistant and easy to install. A large LED digital display that shows real-time and preset pressure readings at a glance Buy Now

 

MEATER Pro Smart Wireless Wifi and Bluetooth Meat Thermometer - $99.95

Feeling hot, hot, hot. If you love grilling or smoking meat, but want the freedom to walk away then the MEATER Pro thermometer is the perfect gift for the foodie in your life. The new long Range MEATER Pro is the first truly wireless, smart meat thermometer that allows you to monitor your food up to 1,000 ft away up from the 165 ft range of the Meater+. There’s nothing worse than an overdone piece of meat, which is why a reliable meat thermometer is an essential tool for any kitchen or BBQ setup. MEATER Pro boasts unique, patented technology that measures both internal meat and ambient temperatures in the oven or grill for a superior result, every time. Also, MEATER Pro's companion app sends estimated cook times and alerts to your smartphone over Bluetooth or WiFi, giving you the freedom to step away from the grill and enjoy the party or sit back and relax.  Buy Now

 

Xiaomi Electric Precision Screwdriver Set- $50.99

Screw it! If you have a need to screw something, this powerful precision screwdriver will do the job. The patented design of Mi Cordless Screwdriver is aesthetically pleasing and reliable thanks to the one-piece, screw-free design. With its rechargeable high-capacity 2000 mAh battery and USB-C charging port this powerful screwdriver will get the job done. The 12 high-quality S2 alloy steel bits are hard, durable and have a high-precision fit. Use the 60 mm added extension rod for hard-to-reach places—perfect for most at-home needs. Buy Now

 

Xiaomi Mi Computer Monitor Light Bar- $59.99

Have you seen the light? This computer monitor light alleviates eye strain while also providing desktop task lighting. The Xiaomi Mi computer monitor light provides extra computer lighting just for you. Includes a 2.4GHz wireless remote control. Using a USB-C as it’s power source the light bar can be powered by your monitor or by your computer. The high Ra95 color rendering index shows objects in full, natural color: The color rendering index reaches up to Ra95*, revealing true natural color and detail. Flicker free* to reduce eye fatigue from long-term use. Buy Now

 

Xgimi Mogo 3 Pro Projector- $449.99

Not one to project your view onto others? Well with the Xgimi Mogo 3 Pro you can project more than just your opinions. This stellar Google TV powered mini projector with licensed Netflix is an amazing smart projector. Forget about your big screen tv, this projector can fully replace it. The Mogo 3 Pro provides stunning imagery in any setting: Experience vibrant, TV-quality visuals anywhere. Featuring 450 ISO Lumens brightness, 90% DCI-P3 color gamut, and 1080P resolution, MoGo 3 Pro delivers vivid colors and exceptional detail on screens up to 120 inches. The image quality will blow you away. Powered by dual 5-watt Harman Kardon speakers, the MoGo 3 Pro delivers loud, crisp sound to fill your room or party. Two version exist, the base model and for $50 more one with a powerbase stand for $499 Buy Now

 

Xgimi Mogo 2 Portable Projector- $249.99

Projecting your thoughts on the cheap. If the $449 price tag of the Xgimi Mogo 3 Pro is too high for your budget, the Mogo 2 will not disappoint. This awesome mini projector has 400 ISO Lumens, Android TV 11.0, 2X8W Speakers, Auto Focus, Object Avoidance, and Screen Adaption. Upgraded Android TV 11.0 and Google Play provide the all-in-one projector with 5000+ apps. Netflix will work on this projector as well. This is a great projector for outdoor movie night or for a dorm room. I travel with this projector for work and it does a great job for presentations even in bright rooms. The Mogo 2 has built-in 2×8W speakers that are compatible with Dolby Audio. With a special-designed visible diaphragm, the booming bass is far more powerful than other entry-level projectors of the same class. This projector definitely punches above its weight. Buy Now

 

Electric USB-C Candle Lighters 2 Pack- $6.98

Come on baby light my fire! A new door to lighting fires.(Did you get that pun about the song by the Doors?) Leveraging plasma technology these windproof rechargeable lighters are super handy. Using a USB-C charge port they work great for lighting candles, grills and camp fires. Available in multiple colors, this is a great stocking stuffer. Buy Now

 

Wi-Fi Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector with LCD Display- $23.73

Where there is smoke their might be fire. Don’t you want to know. The Aegislink wi-fi smoke and carbon monoxide detector will keep you in the know even when you are not home. This smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarm continuously checks its sensors, battery status and Wi-Fi connection, sending you real-time push alerts if a problem occurs. The 3-color LED indicator clearly indicates the device status: green indicates normal operation, red indicates an alarm condition, and yellow indicates a malfunction or low battery. These units are compatible with the SmartLife pp allowing you to monitor your home when away. Buy Now

 

4 Pack Apple Lightning to USB C Adapters- $7.99

Did you recently upgrade to an iPhone 15, 15 Pro or 15Pro Max? If so you are probably stuck with a bunch of Apple lightning cables that no longer work with your fancy new phone. This four pack of adapters is an easy fix to use your old lightning cables with your new phone. You can turn any lighting cable into a USB C cable with the adapter. This will allow you to use the cable with not just the new iPhone but with any newer Android phone or USB C device. It is frustrating that Apple was so late to adopting the industry standard USB C, but these adapters will solve your issue. Buy Now

 
 
 

Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder- $199.69

Life’s a grind, but a good coffee grind can make life better. Coffee professionals profess that a good coffee grinder is more important to a good cup of coffee than the coffee maker. I did a lot of research before purchasing this grinder. The Baratza Encore ESP coffee grinder offer a great grind and the versatility to grind everything from espresso, to French Press, to a great pot of drip coffee. The winner of speciality coffee association the Baratza is an excellent grinder. This innovative multi-purpose adjustment mechanism features micro-steps from #1-20 for high resolution espresso grinding, and macro-steps from #21-40 suitable for filter brewing methods. Buy Now

 

Waydoo Subnado Underwater Scooter- $399.00

Jet propulsion for your underwater adventure. The Waydoo Subnado underwater scooter is about the size of a small soda bottle. It delivers up to 14.33lbs of thrust thanks to its proprietary, highly efficient propulsion system. Dive deeper with the Subnado sea scooter, encased in a robust and anodized aluminum-alloy housing, it can go as deep as 197ft, enough to meet the needs of most recreational divers. Don't know how to scuba dive? Let Subnado boost your underwater fun from snorkeling to your paddle board, and even in the pool. Kids can join in on the fun with how easy the Subnado is to operate. A detachable finger safeguard is fitted to reduce the risks of accidental propeller injury. Using Subnado's advanced 100W fast-charging technology, it only takes 1.2 hours to fully charge its battery, which allows you to cruise through the water for up to 56 minutes. Charge any electronic device anywhere, anytime with Subnado’s 100W reverse charging. This is a really cool gadget for scuba diving, snorkeling or boosting your paddleboard. Buy Now

 

Waydoo EVO Pro Plus Efoil- $5,850

I believe I can fly! Well I actually can fly and do so every weekend of the summar as I fly across the lake on the Waydoo EVO Efoil. This is the third generation of Waydoo’s efoil and it is a huge step up. The new EVO model has been completely redesigned. It features up to two hours of ride time, a top speed of over 30 mph and many more options that previous models. I have been a Waydoo rider since they introduced the Flyer One in 2019. I still have that orgininal board and ride it often. While there are other efoils on the market, they cost $10,000+. Waydoo has entered the market with the world’s most affordable efoil. This flying surfboard is fully battery powered. The EVO is the first efoil in the world to feature balance assist sensor that help new riders to avoid breeching. I have had new riders up and riding in under 30 minutes. Read a full review here. If you are interested in purchasing a Waydoo EVO, use this link to receive $100 off. Buy Now

 
 
 

Insta360 X4 360 8K Action Camera- $499.99

Do you have personal videographer? It sure looks that way. The Insta360 X4 action camera uses AI to make the selfie-stick disappear. The result is 8K quality video that you can self film that looks like someone else is following you with a camera or a drone. Insta360 has buried GoPro as the elite action camera company. The new X4 camera has amazing 8K resolution, is waterproof to 10meters without a case and shoots crystal clear video and photos. The Insta360 app enables amazing edits for social media like TikTok and Instagram. This is the top of the line 360 camera that will take your videography game to a whole different level. Buy Now

 

Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker- $217.64

What are you brewing up in your mind or your kitchen? The Cafe Specialty Drip Coffee maker does a great job of brewing tasty coffee. Experience a barista-quality cup of coffee right from your own counter with this stylish, SCA Certified coffee maker that has been rigorously tested to ensure your coffee is consistently delicious. Whether your brewing 1 cup or a whole pot, you can customize every cup to your personal taste with this advanced, 10-cup coffee maker that stores your favorite settings for number of cups, temperature and brew strength. This machine is wifi enabled allowing you to set brews remotely, schedule daily brews. I have been using this coffee maker for the past year and one of my favorite features is the insulated carafe. It keeps the coffee very hot for hours and allows me to bring the carafe to my desk so I can refill without having to return to the kitchen, Beyond that it is a very nice looking piece of art on the counter. Buy Now

 

iContact Pro Webcam for Better Eye Contact-  $179.00

Look into my eyes. Not that I am trying to hypnotize my clients, but eye contact is a critical form of non-verbal communication. As an executive coaching, I focus on active listening on each of my client calls. Video calls are the next best thing to face to face coaching. To enhance my engagement I rely on the iContact Pro webcam which positions the webcam in the middle of the screen allowing me to maintain better eye contact with my clients. Several have noticed the improvement. The 4k camera mounts on top of any monitor and has a long cord for USB-C and an adapter for USB-A. The video and audio quality are both excellent. To read my full review of the iContact Pr webcam read more here. Buy Now

 

Vivo X100 Ultra or X200 Pro Photography Phones- $899.00

What’s with all this phony business? iPhone, Pixel, Galaxy they are all antiquated compared to what Vivo has accomplished with their smartphones. While American might not be familiar with Vivo they are the 4th largest global seller of smartphones. The X100 Ultra and X200 Pro are two of the best phones currently on the market. They feature amazing cameras and state of the art processing power. I had the predecessor X90 Pro+ and recently upgraded to the X100 Ultra which currently ranks as the most powerful and best camera phone in the world. The X200 Pro improves in some areas, but it is a step down in terms of screen quality and other features. The specs on the phone are outstanding and it is compatible with T-Mobile, AT&T and other providers in the USA. Buy Now

 

DB Journey The Hugger 30L Backpack- $229.00

Are you douchebag? Hope that didn’t offend you, but that was the original name of this ski inspired company that has since rebranded to DB Journey. Founded by professional extreme skier Jon Ollson, DB Journey is an Oslo, Norway based travel gear company. Their backpacks are super popular throughout Scandinavia based on their clean minimalist design and functionality. The 30 Liter Hugger backpack is my go to travel bag for weekly work trips I can fit five days of clothing into the bag and my laptop in the separate laptop compartment. The bag still fits under the airplane seat. The straps are very comfortable and the backpack features an internal structure to protect contents. I highly recommend any product from the DB line which includes travel luggage, smaller backpacks, ski and surfboard bags. Buy Now

 

Rachio 3: 4 Zone Smart Wifi Sprinkler Controller- $101.79

Dancing in the rain is fun, but watering your lawn in the rain is just stupid. A Rachio wifi smart sprinkler controller has been on the Groove Management Techie Gift list every year since we started this list. Seeing sprinklers running in the rain is a pet peeve of ours. There is no point to watering when it is raining. Each year Rachio sprinkler controllers get better, smarter and more affordable. Automatically save money and water. See savings in your monthly watering bill with the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller. For even greater recurring water savings, check out the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller! Cut back on unnecessary watering – without compromising your lawn’s health. Rachio 3’s standard Weather Intelligence automatically skips unnecessary watering with features like Rain Skip, Wind Skip, Freeze Skip, Saturation Skip, and Seasonal Shift. Select the best-selling Rachio 3 for premium Weather Intelligence Plus features and upgraded weather forecasting. Control your sprinklers from anywhere with Rachio’s free, easy-to-use app. Run, pause, and stop your sprinklers directly from your smartphone or mobile device. Get watering in no time. Install the Rachio 3 in 30 minutes or less with no special tools needed. Deliver the water your plants need – automatically. Rachio creates smart schedules based on the needs of your lawn, including plant type, soil type, sun exposure, and more. Buy Now

 

reMarkable Essentials Bundle – Black | reMarkable 2 Paper Tablet- $529.00

It’s really reMarkable the lengths we will go to, to digitize everything. The reMarkable note taking tablets keep showing up in meetings I attend. Those that have them rave about this digital note taking and pdf reading device that was founded by the company reMarkable in Norway. Rather than an iPad or other tablet loaded with distractions the reMarkable enables note taking digitally tat feels like paper and does not distract. Notes can be synced to PCs, phone and the cloud. It is an elegant yet expensive solution. Definitely a flex for those attending in person meetings. It is on the list, not because I have one but it does create tech envy. For those even more ambition there is a reMarkable Paper Pro version that is larger and color and costs $789. Buy Now

 

Tiny Portable Ultra-Mini USB Air Pump- $23.78

Forget about getting out of breadth trying to blow up pool toys, air mattresses or boat toys, the Flextailgear portable air pump really blows! The 3.5kPa air pressure and 180L/min wind speed allows Flextailgear tiny air pump to achieve rapid inflation or deflation. Well saturation function after inflation, and increase work efficiency than normal electric air pumps. Able to inflate 4-5 swim rings, 6-8 single camping air mattress, 1-2 thick air cushion, or deflate 10-12 storage bags after one charging. Help to make a fire with air-blow function on outdoor camping. With 1300mAh lithium battery, the travel air pump works up to 15 minutes when fully charged. The fast type-c port supports 4 ways of charging: power bank, laptop, car charger, or power adapter. Bring Flextailgear TINY PUMP with you, no need of socket or outdoor power supply. Convenient charging indicators: green for finished, and red for 0-99% status. Come with 5 nozzles. Buy Now

 

FIFISH V-EVO Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm- $1,699

For years I have been grappling with how to salvage sunglasses, phone and other things lost overboard into the lake. Enter the FiFish V-EVO underwater drone with a robotic arm. Featuring a 4k 60FPS camera, lights and six motors, this underwater drone can navigate the sea, rivers and lakes. The robotic arm enables the drone to recover items discovered in HD via the camera. Functional to 100m depth and with a run time of 1 hour or hover time of up to 4 hours, this submarine drone goes further and longer. Includes the remote controller with phone mount, the cable for connectivity underwater and the robotic arm. This is the ultimate deep sea explorer gadget. I have watched several YouTube videos showing how industrious users have taken these drones to marinas and paid for the drone in one day by recovering jewelry, phones, cameras, sunglasses and other high value items. While I don’t have one yet, I have played with one at CES. Buy Now

 

DJI NEO Mini 4K Drone- $199.00

I keep droning on and on about how cool these flying cameras are. Every year DJI launches a new drone that is superior to the previous year’s version giving someone like me drone envy. Rather than sharing the most advanced drone, this year I want to highlight the most entry level yet capable drone that DJI has ever released. At just 135g, DJI Neo may be even lighter than your phone and does not require FAA registration and Remote ID. Throw Neo in your backpack or even your pocket. Just grab and go! Fly Neo controller-free or with voice control (EN/CN), mobile app, or RC. Capture an epic birthday or film a family picnic; these versatile options make it easy for everyone to try! The super small and light drone can shoot 4k video has a The obstacle avoidance and follow functions are a huge improvement over earlier models. This drone does it all and it can literally fit in your jacket pocket. Buy Now

 

NOCO Boost Plus Car Battery Jump Starter- $79.96

Dead car or boat battery ever ruin your day? Always be prepared with the NOCO boost plus car battery jump starter. This small lithium battery pack really packs a punch. The 1000-amp lithium battery jump starter will provide up to 20 jump starts on a single charge. In addition to serving as a jump starter for a 12v car or boat battery the unit works as a portable usb power bank and LED flashlight. You can use it to recharge cell phones, cameras, drones and other electronic equipment. The unit is IP65 rated as rugged and water-resistant. A great unit to have in your car or boat for emergencies. Buy Now

 

Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon - Silver - Size 8 - Smart Ring - $249.00

To the I do propose better sleep and fitness. Well placing a ring on your finger does signify some form of commitment. In this case it is commitment to knowing how you are sleeping and how you are doing. The Oura Ring Ge3 provides advanced tracking for your sleep, activity, stress, heart rate and more with the Oura Membership. New members get the first month free, then it’s $5.99/mo. Register for Oura Membership on the Oura App. As a health tracker the Oura ring does qualify for HSA or FSA funds for the following: Oura Ring, additional chargers, and shipping. The app and tracking for the ring are highly accurate and I have several athlete friends who swear by their Oura rings. Personally, I am a Garmin guy and prefer not to pay additionally for a subscription. Buy Now

 

Tesla Ring Key FOB RFID- $82.99

Are you committed to your Tesla and driving an EV? No better way that to show that commitment than with a Tesla Ring that can unlock your vehicle. Forget carrying your phone or key Fob, with this smart RFID ring you can program it to unlock your car. The ring is ceramic and features RFID technology allowing it to serve as your key fob. This is great for athletes, swimmers or surfers who want to lock their stuff in their car and not have to carry anything other than the ring to unlock the car. Works on Models 3, Y, X and S that are newer than 2021. Tesla car not included :-) Buy Now

 

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Sunglasses- $263.20

Being a spy is risky business. I seem to recall Tom Cruise wearing a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses in Risky Business and that was no spy thriller. Meta has teamed up with Ray-Ban to create these AI enabled smart sunglasses. The embedded 12 MP camera, speakers and microphones are some serious spy shit. Ask Meta AI questions and get answers about the world around you. Scan QR codes or note and remember information for later. Capture exactly what you want to see and hear in real-time without having to hold a camera or your phone. Engage in phone calls or stream music from your phone to the open ear speakers built into the sunglasses. Best of all they look cool and provide sun protection . Buy Now

 

Wyze Cam Pan V3 Indoor/Outdoor Security Cam- $39.98

The Wyze pan, tilt, zoom V3 camera is an affordable home monitoring and security solution with the features and benefits of cameras costing 5x as much.  Most impressive about the new V3 model is that is is rated for both indoor and outdoor use. I have one of these cameras at our dock and it broadcasts through rain, snow and hail storms. 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.  The night vision quality is really impressive. Buy Now

 

Garmin Fenix 8 47MM AMOLED Sapphire Multisport GPS Smartwatch- $1,099.99

Watch this with envy! The absolute best smartwatch on the market. Forget about the Apple Ultra 2 watch, this one blows it away with superior battery life and the ability to more accurately measure activities and health. This is the most powerful Garmin available. Amazing tech packed into a super durable yet attractive watch. The Fenix 8 features an always on amoled display that is bright and readable even in direct sunlight. Features mapping, music, grade-adjusted pace guidance, pulse Ox sensors, heartrate tracking, sleep tracking, steps, multisport tracking from skiing, swimming, biking, hiking, SUP, paddling, surfing and many more sports. Downloadable apps and widgets make the watch infinitely customizable. Battery performance is up to 5 days in always on mode, up to 16 days in gesture mode, up to 47 hours in expedition GPS activity mode, and up to 30 hours in always on GPS mode. Water rating: 10 ATM. This year the watch includes a dive computer and many new fancy features. Supports Garmin Pay for contactless payments and supports Spotify, Amazon Music and more for bluetooth paired music. The sapphire glass is un-scratchable. Compatible with iPhones and Android. The Garmin Connect App is a very powerful tracking tool. Buy Now

 

Bowers and Wilkins PX8 Over-Ear Wireless Headphones - $469.25

Earmuffs? Nope an opportunity to tune out the world around you in style. The Bowers and Wilkins PX8 provide industry-defining audio performance. The all new active noise cancellation is designed to block out unwanted noise and ensure superior musicality. The premium luxurious design includes Nappa leather and lightweight aluminum arms. With 30 hours of battery life from a 2-hour charge headphones can last a full day in the office or on a long overseas flight. These headphones are for the discerning audiophile who truly appreciates the art of sound. Buy Now

 

The Magic5 Custom Swim Goggles- $64.00

Google, no I am goggles. Not bear goggles, swim goggles and custom fit to your face. A friend of mine asked me to do some work with The Magic5 founders. Of course I got a pair of their goggles to test them and the process. The Magic 5 gained fame when they appeared on Shark Tank and got Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec to invest. Standard swim goggles leak because one size does not fit all. The Magic 5 solve for this problem using their proprietary app and technology. You scan your face and then custom order a pair of swim goggles that are guaranteed to fit you perfectly. I was very impressed with the quick process and more importantly the quality of the goggles. While I am not a big time swimmer, the goggles made swimming laps in the pool much more enjoyable. They offer kids sizes as well. If you are a swimmer or triathlete I would highly recommend that you order a pair of The Magic 5 swim goggles. Buy Now

 

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Using Spiral Dynamics to Navigate Leadership and Organizational Growth