Last but not least... you know we had to dish up a wishmas guide for the office space and the awesome people in it. Yeah... sometimes there are some not so cheery people tucked in there, but maybe their secret Santa can deliver something to turn that frown upside down. Please don't get this confused with buying your co-workers teeth whitener or toothbrushes, it would alllll go down hill from there.
Now that I've gotten that out of the way, here's 2023's Wishmas Guide... for the Office Space!
Barista Coffee & Espresso Machine - If you need your coffee or espresso... and the coffee machine at work is down for the count, tag in one like the L'OR Barista Machine that can serve up both options. You can score this particular machine for 42% off right now. Works with various pod brands.
Desktop Zen Garden - Knock it out of the park as secret Santa this year. A Zen garden is a desktop escape that can help ease the mind during those 15 minute breaks or even zoning out during lunch breaks or between calls. Some positions are more stressful than they have to be, and this should be a welcomed gift. This example is the Sakura Budah option, but they vary by shape and design. This option is currently 24% off!
Bluetooth Speaker - While this could be a flashy option, here's a more subtle design for those seeking a clean subtle option the maintains a professional look. This is more ideal for those of you in an enclosed office space... because the built in mic allows for hands free calls in addition to other forms of audio you may listen to in the space (i.e. Lo-Fi). The Oontz Angle 3 has dual stereo drivers and delivers over 14 hours of play time. It's also built so that the bass is richer due to the downward facing passive bass radiator. Dual mode is also available if you have 2 speakers. This speaker is also IPX5 water resistent. There are also other fun options like the Coca-Cola Edition... so take your pick. This speaker is currently 30% off!
Desktop Organizers vary, and for good reason. We don't have the same needs or styles, and i'm glad we don't because there are some awesome organizers out there... like the Lovendo Pegboard 360 organizer. This option let's you utilize both sides and utilizes limited space. You can also connect others and connect it to the end of the desk if you need more of a divider between your desk and someone elses. This organizer is currently 25% off!
Micro Pinball Machine - This isn't exactly the typical gift recommended for a secret Santa exchange, but... the owner of the company could grab one or two of these to incorporate some fun into the workplace. It doesn't require a separate monitor, its all built in and comes with 40 built-in pinball games, Space Invaders, Bubble Bobble, Time Machine + It connects to Wifi, has bluetooth connectivity + HDMI. Why the connectivity? Well... it delivers global leaderboards, multiplayer, a game lobby, voice chat, and downloadable content (basically more games)! This is currently 20% off!
Desk plant - While you could simply buy someone a desk plant, this type of gift challenges your co-worker to grow a bonsai tree. This is a great gift for a co-worker who is super particular or likes to correct. They can focus on keeping the bonsai alive and well.
MuteMe PC Button - You may not believe you need such a device, but... a number of people have found themselves on a hot mic. Trust me, I've heard someone losing it in a meeting, and... it could have been avoided with such a device. Yes this is the one seen on Shark Tank. Works with Zoom, Teams, WebEx, Etc.
Desktop Robot - You might want to consider getting an Eilik robot or two for yourself based on their little personalities. It's also a useful robot that will countdown and all that good stuff. You can actually connect more than two, but it's all up to you how much you'd like to spend. Two Eilik's are entertaining enough... and you will see them having good times, feuding, playing, having a drink together, etc. This is one of the more inexpensive bots that i'd recommend for adults. If another company can recreate such a cool bot, why won't Disney knock it out of the park with StarWars bots? R2D2 could be a smart bot rolling around our desktop or something.
This year's list was a challenge, but... we were able to narrow it down to items that will get a thumbs up from the guys in your life this holiday season. We still don't have a solution to keep his mustache out of his eggnog when drinking directly from the mug, but... biodegradable jumbo straws will work for now:
Portable Tea Pot w/ Temp Control - These portable options remove the need for a coffee maker, stove, or microwave. The product you see here is... Jettle, which boils water for things such as coffee, tea, and even ramen noodles.
PC RAM - If the guys in your life are constantly in front of the PC, this is the type of gift that keeps on giving. They may want to select the type of RAM themselves, so a gift card to invest in more RAM may be the best route. To determine the maximum RAM the gift recipient's computer can take, follow these steps:
In the search bar on the lower left hand of the screen, type "RUN" and select Command Prompt.
Type this command: wmic memphysical get MaxCapacity, MemoryDevices
Press 'Enter'
MaxCapacity is the 8 to 9 digits seen below "MaxCapacity", and "MemoryDevices" will represent the number of RAM sticks you can use, this is generally 2 to 4 slots.
Let's do a little math: Max Capacity (i.e. 134217728) divided by 1048576 = ___GB Max RAM
Now divide the max RAM by the number of slots the PC has (i.e. 2 or 4). Mine is 128GB, and if I had 4 slots that would = 32GB per RAM stick. In reality, I have 2 slots so that's 64GB per RAM. You don't have to max it out, but an upgrade doesn't hurt... especially if they utilize their PC daily for gaming and other demanding software.
To check the current amount of RAM, click in the lower left-hand search box and type "about" and select "About your PC". Here you will see the installed RAM. You can also go to Task Manager by right-clicking within the taskbar on your PC, selecting that option when the pop-up appears. From there click on 'Performance' and go down to 'Memory'. In the upper right corner, it will show you the current RAM installed as well (and it shows the number of slots used + the Form factor). The stats you see below are pitiful but useful... so an upgrade will take this system to a whole notha level! Yes... I said notha. (Queue the fireworks... bam... Boom... BLAM!)
I say allllll this to say, if he doesn't know, share this article with him and have him figure it out. That way he can use the gift card to buy it himself or present options for you to buy. It may not seem as creative, but he will appreciate the fact that you didn't just grab some RAM that he has to return... unless you're able to get the info needed. If he's maxed out on RAM, he scored a gift card. WIN!
Before I move on, do not, do not, do not... buy the Tech Unlimited plan for RAM. Sure it covers it for longer than 3 to 4 years, but it's $16.99/month... which is throwing money in the trash in my opinion, and setting it on fire after covering it with compost. $16.99/month is over $200+ for a year. You can simply buy more RAM on that note. The 4-year plan for a 1-time payment of $17.99 makes much more sense if you choose to get protection (it's through Asurion). If they can't repair it, the replace it or you're made whole with another Amazon gift card. So win without breaking the bank!
Smartwatch - This is on the list, because... it never hurts to take your health seriously, and a number of men aren't as active in terms of this because the focus is usually on getting something else done. I'm one of these guys in part. I'd recommend either the Fitbit Sense 2 or the Charge 6 (the Charge 6 gives all features minusAlexa and Bluetooth + LTE for calls). The Sense 2 has the more traditional watch shape, so keep that in mind regarding which he'd prefer to wear more often.
Both options have:
Solid battery life | Built-in GPS | ECG app for AFib assessment | Blood oxygen + skin temp + heart rate variability (Charge 6 features heart rate on equipment) | Sleep tracking | Sensor for stress management
If you get a FitBit... throw in the Smart Scale based on the needs of that special someone you're shopping for. It syncs the stats to the Fitbit dashboard and can be used by multiple users to track stats.
Multi-tool or pocket knife - This is a cheesy stocking stuffer to some, but some men love a good pocket knife... and they truly come in handy. I'll you a perfect example. This Toldadi Pocket Knife may not look like much by the image you see below, but outside of being sharp and being able to cut things (duh of the day)... it is also a bottle opener + a freaking fire starter + screwdriver + whistle + window breaker + that part you see near the backside of the handle can seatbelts. Not sure why it's not advertised, but you get the idea. This comes in hand in more ways than one... making it a solid gift. Save 20% on this particular knife... for now.
Grooming kit or beard care set - Just because a guy doesn't express the need for a grooming kit, doesn't mean he'd turn one away.
Drone or remote-control car - This is for the guys who love drones or RCs. There are guys who play around with drones and even race them, while on the flipside there are guys who use camera drones for film projects and things of that nature. If that the type of guy you're shopping for, and you have the coin for it... make him cry with an option like the... DJI FPV Explorer Combo.
Records 4K/60fps video at up to 120 Mbps.
Remote-controlled cars, on the other hand, are great for the hobbyists out there who like to tinker and race. This is a great gift that also creates a new pastime if they're purchased for various guys in your life. It would sound funny at first to hear that the guys are outside playing until friends witness the fun, and then they'd magically pop up with an RC. Again, another gift that keeps on giving.
Video Games - This wouldn't be a Wishmas guide without video games! What?! If the games they want aren't exactly out yet, get them a gift card or pre-order it for console or PC! We aren't sending you in any direction, because preferences vary... but you can gather intel by talking games!
If his TV game is weak... you already know what to consider this time around. Options vary, and a smart tv gives the most options so that there's no need to buy an additional streaming device. Fire TV delivers nearly all streaming apps + the Luna gaming app that gives him the ability to stream games free with an Amazon Prime membership. More games are playable with an upgraded plan, no downloading needed, just make sure your internet is strong. I've been able to play comfortably without a hardwired connection. If you can only afford a TV in the $200 range, don't trip. The option you see below is a 55" TV for $269 with Dolby Vision HDR, Dolby Atmos, Alexa, Apple Airplay compatible! This TV normally goes for $347.76, so bust a move if it's an ideal gift for the guy in your life!
George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill - If he loves to grill, he will love this, and you might catch him looking at you during gatherings like Shawn's doing below. This grill doesn't require a tabletop or a countertop, it has its own stand making it perfect to plug in and toss some deliciousness on! I can taste the marinated steak and grilled veggies now. I had some grilled chicken at a party recently... OMG... let's just say I'm ready for some more right now.
Outside of a good pair of headphones (if they don't have some already), I think this Wishmas list has more than a few things to deliver some excitement this holiday season... for the Guys!
You don't think we would've forgotten about the guys do ya? We got you. There are quite a few guys that have said they're good on gifts, more than a few actually. They didn't exactly say they didn't want anything, some of them just said it in a way like... I wouldn't mind this or... it would be kinda cool if I had that. So don't take it as the guys in your life are Team Scrooge or something... no no no, just listen and capitalize.
There might even be some gifts that they didn't think they'd be interested in... just come from an angle that keeps their interests in mind, making the gift even more useful.
Let's start with hygiene
One that some of you may have been curious about, but never bit on is... Dr. Squatch. Dr. Squatch is a natural soap company with crazy commercials of guys showering (and sometimes bathing) outside to awesome spokesmanship, and there is still a number of curious people who would like to know how good the soap is for the guys in their lives... without a subscription. We have you covered!
To be honest, if you get the individual bars without the subscription, you actually save more (which would be great stocking stuffers that leave the guys in your life smelling fresh). Yes, you can get the soap on the main site without a subscription, but... there's a minimum order requirement for shipping and they cost a little more. This Wishmas guide isn't to break the bank, so... save where you can.
These are Dr. Squatch soap options that you can grab for less than $6 per bar:
Nothing wrong with being fresh and clean know what I mean? You never want the guys in your lives to go around others smelling like... the Infamous Mr. Stinky. It can put a damper on the day... or night.
If you're eyeing this department regarding hygiene, you might as well bring it full circle. I'm not saying that you have to go off the deep end where they feel as if you're trying to send a message. Stocking stuffers will keep tension out of the air... so stick to the stocking unless you're going with a bundle, trust me. You don't want them opening gifts, and instead of a thank you, they want to know what exactly are you trying to say. But anyway... back to the circle. Don't forget about their dental health.
You might be wondering how can you possibly help them with that, but if you get them a Dr. Plotka's Mouth Watchers Toothbrush, they will thank you. Their dental game could be amazing right now, but if they're using a standard toothbrush, it's simply not the same. I've had the honor of reviewing one of these toothbrushes and it's the cleanest my grill has ever felt outside of the dentist's office. I still use this brand to this day, and you can even ask them how their teeth feel after the first brush. There are 2-packs + kids options as well.If you're looking to gift fragrance this season, this could be a tad more complicated based on the guy. You may want to see what he has and re-up on the pleasant options. There are some heavier options where a little goes a long way, but if the guy bathes in the stuff (leaving other men, women, and younglings gasping for air, it might be a bit too much)... you may want to stick with a lighter fragrance. I prefer a lighter scent like a Cool Water, it's not a fruity-like scent but... but it's light like such scents can be. Even then I hit one wrist one or twice (based on intensity), share the love with the other wrist, and dab it all around from there.
I can't forget about tech
While a number of people will utilize their phones and even peripherals for their phones to take photos and video, there are some people with a passion for photography and videography. You may not have the budget to go to the top of your budget on one item, so consider some good options that help your wallet breathe.
The Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera w/ the 18-55mm Lens can certainly get the job done for hobbyists and professionals. Why not start off with gaming? Relax, we're saving the best for last, but... a number of people are looking for opportunities that don't consist of the traditional 9 to 5. So this could be a great gift for the guy with aspirations in this field. Pair it with a nice photo editing software, and consider gifting a photography course.
Another great gift... is a large mouse pad. Even if it's to replace another one that ran its course already. It goes across their desk (covering a nice area) and allows them to have room enough to shift their mouse, keyboard, etc. The more stationary items can chill on the bare desk, but the items that they shift and slide around... won't smear or potentially scratch the desk with a large mouse pad protecting it.
I won't hate on consoles this holiday season, but... PC is the best route to go in my opinion. If they're more of a nomad or just constantly on the go for work, a gaming laptop would be a great gift. It's a gift that keeps on giving. There are many to choose from, just make sure the system specs are good:
RAM between 8GB & 16GB
GPU between Nvidia GeForce GTX 960 to Core i7-4770K or AMD Radeon RX 470 to Radeon RX 580
CPU between Intel Core i5-3570 to Core i7-4770K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600X to Ryzen 7 1800X
DirectX Version 12
Try to avoid going below the minimum specs you see here.
12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H (E-cores up to 3.5GHz, P-cores up to 4.7GHz)
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU 4GB GDDR6
16GB DDR5-4800MHz
512GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 TLC
16" WQXGA (2560 X 1600) HDR400 | 165Hz (Low Blue Light)
3 Months of Xbox Game Pass
The available ports are:
HDMI 2.1
3 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (1 x always on)
Headphone / mic combo
SD card reader
Intel Thunderbolt 4
USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4, 135W power delivery)
This laptop also comes with 3 months of Xbox Game Pass (which again... not crapping on consoles), but they're getting access to PC games, multi-console releases (and even previous console exclusives), plus the benefits of PC. This particular system has a nice form, the power input is in the back along with HDMI, etc. The HDMI and power on the side aren't as aesthetically pleasing, so I appreciate the placement on this laptop.
The minimum specs also apply to desktop PCs, the same thing applies because the game specs don't change... they're just not going to be carrying around a desktop (if they do, get it on video).
Regardless of whether you get a desktop or a laptop, definitely add a game controller to the mix (duh of the day). If you'd like to gift a handheld game console... a Steam Deck is the way to go. They have access to PC games on the go, but for hobbyists, they can also play a variety of games that aren't even through the Steam store. Valve wants people to have fun and find creative ways to use their Steam Deck, so that's perfect for someone interested in STEM or simply wants to be a part of a game mod community.
Overall, it's a handheld that keeps on giving... I believe it has more life than what the Nintendo Switch can deliver because the PC doesn't come out with the PC 2 or something like that (so no need to replace it because support is no longer there, you have access to Steam regardless). Make your budget work wonders, and I keep forgetting that you can connect the Steam Deck to the telly.
If you're researching smart watches, you may have come across the Amazfit Bip 3 Pro, in addition to the Apple Watch + the Galaxy Watch. This watch works on both the Android & iOS and delivers a lot of the features you expect like a heart rate monitor, GPS, 2-week battery life, and Water Resistance.
You also get the PAI Health Assessment System, along with stress level + sleep monitoring, and 60+ Sports Modes to access via the 1.69" display. If your heart is set to gift one of the more well-known brands, I can understand... but the quality isn't based on brands or price (hence some of the items in this Wishmas Guide). You can get the Amazfit Bip 3 Pro for less than $75, which... if someone isn't huge on smartwatches anyway, it's a safe investment that gives them useful features, and if they don't use every feature... there are still enough they'd likely use to keep the doc informed that would make it worth it.
If you have it like that... to buy the Apple Watch Ultra for $799, go for it, just... make an inventory of what he has versus what he doesn't have. You can gift the Apple Watch Series 8 for $349 and have $400 left for a Steam Deck or a number of other items. Play with the numbers, see what's what... and knock your gift out of the park (it's the thought that counts).
The best advice I can give for this category is to seek what would be beneficial to the person, especially if they're up in age. If they like to go jogging and all that awesome athletic stuff... a watch like the Apple Watch Ultra has an 86 dB siren on it that Apple says can be heard up to 600 feet (or 180 meters away). That's not just a gift, that's another feature that can help you breathe a bit easier, and overall having the ability to make emergency calls with a smartwatch goes a long way. The Apple Watch Ultra also has crash detection + fall detection.The battery life for the Apple Watch Ultra is 36 hours (on normal use) to 60 hours (low power setting). So there are certainly pluses you can get from these various watches, just aim for the perks that can help the recipient level up. It can even help with productivity if their phone is in their pocket and they can just check a caller ID via their watch, and control their phone from their watch seeing texts, to-do lists, etc.
I didn't forget the Galaxy Watch5 and its 5ATM IP68 waterproof body, sleep tracking, 410mAh, armor aluminum, etc. It's a nice option at $239.00, but keep some of the features in mind... just like with the Apple Watch, you can find some of the same features in the Amazfit Bip 3 Pro. The Amazfit Bip 3 Pro also has a 5ATM+IP68 waterproof body, meaning you can swim with the watch on without issues.
Overall, I hope this gift guide helps you in your mission to find some great gifts for the guys in your life. Stop, look, listen, and remember the things they may have mentioned. Take those hints and knock it out of the park.
There are even a number of guys trying to get smaller means of transportation to get back and forth from work because doing the math, it beats... driving back and forth in some of the gas guzzlers out there. Not everyone wants to ride a bike to work, but there are bikes out there that can get them anywhere from 45 to 65 miles with battery power (i.e. long-range Lectric eBike). One of my neighbors has one of these actually, and he floats through the neighborhood. Again, not everyone wants a bike, but... you're paying a bit more in some cases if you decide to gift a gas-powered scooter. The electric scooters are cool, but... the miles aren't great for a number of them, so an eBike is a great alternative just in case they need to pedal. Happy gifting!
