What Are Four Things to Get that Tech Geek for Christmas?

We know. It’s only October, and we haven’t even see a commercial for “The Great Pumpkin” or a Nightmare on Elm Street movie yet. But it’s never too early to at least start considering what you’re going to buy those you love for Christmas. The earlier you get started, the more time you’ll have to enjoy the holidays rather than hunting for parking or waiting in line with countless other procrastinators. Another benefit is that you can spread out your spending, so it doesn’t destroy your bank account all at once.  Finally, you’ll have time to find something for that picky person in your life. For the point of this blog, we’re going to look into what you should get for the tech geek among your friends and family.

Get them a new iPad case: Although very durable, a new iPad 2 case can be a way to relieve an older iPad case that has put in its service protecting that very expensive tablet. There are so many out there that you’re sure to find one that works for them. Plus, you can pick a case that fits the user’s personality, and because it covers the entire tablet, it’s almost like the recipient is getting a brand new iPad.

Get them quality ear buds: Anyone who has tried exercising with inferior ear buds knows how frustrating it can be to try and jump around or perform a move while you’re sweating without losing sound or placement. Various sites like Men’s Health, Consumer Reports and CNET have tested ear buds with the rigors of exercise in mind, so it might be a good idea to shop for one of their recommendations.

Get them a PS4 accessory: Is a particular family member or friend a gamer? If so, they’ll most likely be in line when November 15^th comes around, or they already have pre-ordered it. While it certainly looks like a fantastic console with unmeasured capabilities, it’s also a bit on the expensive side. After spending money on the console, there might be little left for a second controller, game, or other accessory. This is where you step in.

Get them an iTunes gift card: Okay. It might be boring, but when has anyone ever rejected a free iTunes gift card? If you’re stuck and have no idea what to get your gift recipient, an iTunes gift card is the perfect gift. Your recipient will be in charge of what they get, so they’ll be able to get something they know they’ll like. 

Five Must-Haves for the College Freshman in Your Life

Now that summer is coming to an end, some fall mainstays are coming back. Sweaters, apple pie, pumpkin bread and football are some of our favorites.   Although it's during the fall months when leaves slowly say goodbye for another year, fall also marks new beginnings for many, especially those attending college for the very first time.

College is an exciting time, but it can also be intimidating. Many of the students who make their way to the dorm for the first time have never been away from home for an extended period of time. Add to that classes, social activities and trying to figure out laundry, and it can all be overwhelming. With that in mind, here are a few things you might want to consider including on the checklist for the college freshman in your life.

An iPad: Now it doesn't have to be an iPad – any tablet will do – but iPads are more intuitive than other tablets out there, so there's very little learning curve. One of the biggest expenditures out there for students is college textbooks. If a book is offered in PDF format, they can access the book on their iPad. The iPad also functions as a multimedia and communications tool, which is certainly needed for the dorm. However, do remember to look into iPad 2 cases as college students are notoriously clumsy.  

Shower Caddy: One of the more interesting parts of moving to the dorm is sharing showers with an entire floor. On top of sandals, a shower caddy is a must and can keep toiletries dry and organized.

A Case of Ramen: Trust us. When they're pulling an all-nighter, and they need cheap carbs to get them through the night, these 50 cent packages of salt and artificial preservatives will be a miracle. Remember to tell them to use the gym often, though, to offset fat and salt intake.

Under-bed Storage Bins:  The biggest complaint people living in the dorm will have is the size of their dorm room. Compared to the size of their rooms at home, these rooms feel more like closets. It's important for these people to make the most out of their space, and under-bed storage bins can help them stay organized and allow them to see their carpet.

Egg Crate Mattress Pad: We revise our previous statement. Their mattress will be their number one complaint. Save their back with an egg crate mattress pad.

These items should hopefully help your college freshman survive the first year. Now all they have to do is pass Organic Chemistry.