Yo Yo Yo! Don't look now, but it's that time of the year again. Grab the hot chocolate and your favorite holiday snack as we jump into the Wishmas Guide for 2024! This year we're serving things up a little different folks (just a teensy weensy bit). So... this is what we'll call the Wishmas Guide... Hub! A portion of individuals we've met around Orlando this year, actually contributed to these guides in a round about way... just based on their collective needs + wants + frustrations.
This hub post will represent items good for any member of the family regardless of age or gender for the most part. For the other guide's related to Younglings, the Ladies, Gents, and the... Office will be in separate posts (as usual) that are accessible through this... hub! Stay tuned!
Elevate Your Family TV Time with Surround Sound
This year, in the name of family time, whether you're playing games or watching a movie together, consider upgrading from your TV's built-in speakers. A true 5.1 channel surround sound system with Dolby Atmos and/or DTS:X is the perfect addition to your living room. Audio is one of those features that's always appreciated, especially when it comes to headphones, but I've noticed that many living room setups are missing that extra oomph. It's a personal choice, but investing in a quality sound system can take your entertainment to the next level. It's not about having a louder entertainment experience... it's all about the depth of the experience, and if you find yourself watching the latest movies at home don't leave an ounce of enjoyment on the table.
By the way, before I go into this... (maybe it's just me but) I've always felt weird about placing a subwoofer off to the side rather than front and center. If you have the ability to place it under your livingroom table or under a high enough entertainment center... I think the placement works better. If you have space behind the couch in the center, that works as well and... some newer options can be controlled by your phone if you.
Two options under the $200 mark are the 2024 models of the Vizio & Ultimea model seen below:
Soundbar
Right & Left Surround Speakers
Compact Wireless Subwoofer
Dolby Atmos + DTS:X
Bluetooth
HDMI eARC
Optical Output
Ultimea True 5.1 Soundbar Poseidon D60
Right & Left Surround Speakers
Wireless Subwoofer
Dolby Atmos + DTS:X
Bluetooth
HDMI eARC
Auxiliary
Optical
The placement of a subwoofer can significantly impact the quality of sound in your home theater or living room setup. While it doesn't necessarily have to be placed in the center of the viewing area, there are some guidelines to follow for optimal sound:
Corner Placement: Placing the subwoofer in a corner can enhance the bass response by utilizing the walls to amplify the sound.
Front of the Room: Positioning the subwoofer at the front of the room, near the main speakers, can create a more cohesive soundstage.
Experimentation: The best placement can vary depending on the room's acoustics. It's often recommended to experiment with different locations to find the spot that provides the best bass response.
Ultimately, the goal is to achieve a balanced and immersive sound experience, so feel free to move the subwoofer around and test different positions to see what works best for your space.
Family Fun with Nintendo Switch Games
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury: This game offers a fun and chaotic multiplayer experience as players work together to complete levels and collect power-ups.
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: A classic racing game that never gets old. Compete against each other in exciting races and battle modes.
- Overcooked! All You Can Eat: A hilarious and frantic cooking game where teamwork is key to serving up dishes in crazy kitchens.
- Minecraft: Explore, build, and survive together in this sandbox game that offers endless possibilities for creativity and adventure.
- Nintendo Switch Sports: Engage in friendly competition with sports like bowling, tennis, and volleyball (the other sports in this game lack a local 4 player option).
- Super Mario Party Jamboree: The biggest Mario Party yet, with over 110 minigames, new online and offline modes, and plenty of customization choices.
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder: Classic Mario gameplay turned on its head with Wonder Flowers, offering game-changing items and a new adventure in the Flower Kingdom.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge - Anniversary Edition: Enjoy stunning full-color pixel art graphics and a vintage TMNT vibe, with new characters and modes.
- Just Dance 2025: Get your friends and family together to dance and enjoy 40 hot new songs, whether you want to take the party to a whole new level or create special family moments.
- The Karate Kid: Street Rumble: Step into the streets of West Valley and Okinawa, battling waves of enemies as Daniel LaRusso, Mr. Miyagi, Ali Mills, or Kumiko in this pixel art, side-scrolling, beat 'em up adventure. Intense martial arts combat and dynamic boss battles await!
- Jitsu Squad: Fast-paced 2D brawler with intense, action-packed battles. Play as unique characters with special abilities, fighting through waves of enemies in vibrant, hand-drawn environments. Perfect for fans of classic beat 'em ups!
Get Moving with Bikes
Consider investing in bikes for the whole family. There are even electric mountain bikes for those who want to give their legs a break after a nice ride, ranging from $200 to $300. With options for both kids and adults, you can enjoy quality time together while staying active and healthy.
If you grab bikes, wouldn't hurt to grab a bike rack.
Active Fun for the Whole Family
Sticking to the realm of physical fun, consider gifting a tennis set, basketball goal or a volleyball net. These can provide hours of entertainment and exercise, especially if the lucky recipient actually uses them. For more affordable options, a football, baseball or soccer set is a great choice. These activities offer family fun while also improving your children's skills. It's a win-win for everyone!
Unforgettable Experiences as Gifts
When it comes to taking trips, going on cruises, enjoying spa days, savoring delicious food, or just having fun locally, these experiences are even better when received as gifts.
Whether it's a weekend getaway, a relaxing spa day, or a fun-filled local adventure, these experiences create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds (especially with good vibes on deck). Just remember, while browsing, don't get distracted by deals you'd love to get your hands on... unless it includes your family. Enjoy!
Great Family Stocking Stuffer: Dr. Plotkas Toothbrush
The family stocking stuffer is... a Dr. Plotkas Toothbrushes, because they're just that good. This has been my toothbrush of choice for years now. The family pack would allow for you to easily hook everyone up, and save their grill at the same time. We may like pirate themed entertainment, but I don't know many people who want to look like one... in the mouth.
