Gadget Gifts Are Not Just For Boys

When we think of gadgets, we tend to think of boys toys, electronic gadgets, geek toys and so forth. Gadgets and gizmos have traditionally been favorite gift items that one would buy for a guy. However, it has become increasingly popular for many women to be into gadgets especially ones that are practical, useful and enjoyable. Here are my top 5.

Digital Photo Frames and Keyrings

These are very popular gadget gifts among women in particular mothers, newly weds and grandmothers where they can proudly display pictures of children, wedding photos etc….The introduction of digital photo frames into the marketplace have transformed our lives to the extent that we no longer have our treasured memories hidden away in the closet. Now with digital picture frames you can display not one, but dozens of pictures through a single picture frame. Even better, with a multi-functional digital photo frame, you can play video clips taken from your digital camera and MP3s. The digital keyring is a similar concept except that you don’t get the music and video function, but the added advantage of the keyring is that instead of carrying one or two precious photos of your loved one in your wallet or purse, you can have many photos beautifully displayed and carried with you at all times.

i-Cushions

Many women, myself included love cushions and you can imagine my excitement when I first came across the i-Cushion. Following on from the hugely successful T-Equalizer T-shirts, the makers have taken their EL graphic equalizer into the household. The i-Cushion is perfect for the home and combines both style and innovation. When activated and positioned in earshot of a stereo, the dancing people comes to life!

i-CY Electronic Musical Penguin

It is without a doubt that the penguin is the coolest animal even if you have not seen the movie Happy Feet. The i-CY Electronic Musical Penguin is a speaker that can hook up to your MP3 player, ipod and most portable and non-portable music players. Depending on the kind of music you play, i-CY bops, wiggles, and light up – her movements and lights will change accordingly. Watch her happy feet dance to the beat. One really needs to see this gadget in action to do it justice.

Sun Jar

This is truly a wonderful eco-friendly product! Jam jar stores jam, but this Sun Jar collects and stores sun-shine so that you can use it at night. Originally designed by Tobias Wong, this masterpiece of a jar is ingenious. The idea is to leave the jar either outside, near the window or under some good artificial light, to collect energy from the sun throughout the day via the solar cell. When it turns dark, the jar gives a warm ambient and relaxing glow. It’s a feel good factor for the ecologist in you and not to mention a money saving device so out with the candles and in with the jar! This great gadget was awarded the Gift of the Year Award 2007 in the UK.

Mopods

Relatively new in the USA is the Mopod, a cell phone accessory that all women and girls are bound to find fascinating. Forget about annoying ring tones, simply attach a MoPod to your bag, belt, clothing, key rings or even your cell phone itself and these cute Mopods will flash, turn and spin when your cell phone receives a call. They make a cute accessory which is both unique and different. The only one snag is that Mopods currently works on GSM networks but I understand that the CDMA technology is being developed and should be available in the future. Costing a mere $10, this is truly a nice and inexpensive gizmo and makes a unique gift.

  

  

High Tech Catches the Ladies’ Eyes

(ARA) – Holiday salesmen beware — women are on the prowl for high-tech holiday gifts this year. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) says that women outspend men by about a 60/40 ratio when it comes to consumer electronics, and they influence 80 percent of electronics purchases.

From buying gadgets and goodies as gifts, to treating themselves to a trendy gizmo, women seem to be mastering the world of technology as fast as their male counterparts. But unlike most men, these high-tech wonders must meet the following criteria for the female shopper: they must be functional, feasible and friendly.

Women take a practical approach when purchasing technology, spending to meet an objective rather than for the sheer delight of one-upping the neighbors. They’re content knowing they got a good deal on a new age product that’s rapidly gaining popularity.
Men, on the other hand, will boast that they have the biggest high definition TV (HDTV) on the block and will proudly display that 60-inch HDTV on a big media center for the whole world to see.
Some of the hottest consumer electronics in demand this holiday season by both men and women include HDTVs, digital video recorders and portable media companions.

High definition offers a stunning picture and exciting surround sound. What’s more, the cost of an HDTV has dramatically dropped and more than 70 percent of primetime network programming is now broadcast in high definition. That means everyone in the family can enjoy their favorite shows in stunning clarity including Sunday Night Football, CSI, Grey’s Anatomy and Lost. Additionally, many networks like Discovery, National Geographic, ESPN and Travel Channel have adopted HD programming. Satellite pay-TV provider DISH Network offers the most with 30 national HD channels

The most important household electronic

Digital video recorders (DVRs) have also become an overwhelming favorite with women for obvious reasons. DVRs allow consumers to record live TV so people can watch what they want when they want. And they are easy to use. That means a practical woman can spend more time with family and friends while still keeping up-to-date on pop culture. And when she does finally sit down to watch her favorite shows she can zap through commercials, watching a one-hour program in 40 minutes or less.

As an added bonus, DVRs are easy to use so that women can easily record and watch programming without headache. Additionally, recent studies have shown an overwhelmingly majority of consumers think DVRs are worth the cost. A dual tuner DVR is even better as it powers two rooms with one set-top box so she can watch Thursday’s docudrama while the kids watch an animated movie in the play room.

The perfect traveling companion

Portable video and music players will be popular gadgets again this holiday season as the whole family gets hours of entertainment from the same handy device. Women understand the practicalities of taking favorite music and programming on the go. The PocketDISH, a portable media player from DISH Network, allows consumers to store hours of TV, movies, photos and music on one device. This means a traveling woman gets her Desperate Housewives fix and the carpool mom gets 10 minutes of peace while the toddlers watch cartoons in the backseat.
In the end, no one’s saying that women like gadgets more than shoes or a great handbag. Or maybe they do. Oxygen Network conducted a survey that said three out of four women would choose the TV over a diamond solitaire necklace.

So this holiday season, don’t be surprised if the HDTV, the DVR or the portable media player is either on your gal’s Christmas list or wrapped under the tree for her special someone.
Courtesy of ARA Content

Tags: electronics, gadgets, gifts, gizmos, women