Showing posts with label STEM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label STEM. Show all posts

Wishmas Guide 2025

This year... we wanted to deliver the Wishmas list a little differently, even though our goal every year is to try and present affordable + value. This year we want to lean in even further so that any money shelled out is something you can look at an appreciate for the positive impact it made (in one way or many others).




Amazon Gift Card – While this may seem as if a lot of thought wasn't put into it, it's actually a great option at this moment in time. This adaptable gift helps those who may have needs during this challenging economic window based on job loss, or just a need to cover the basics due to a rise in costs. Amazon has multiple options that cover needs that may include food (via Amazon Groceries), but also the wants the gift recipient may have. So this lands at the top of the list this year.


Multi-Tier Vertical Planter (indoor/outdoor) - Do you know someone with a green thumb or do you want to help someone shave down on costs by growing some of their favorite fruit, veggies, or herbs at home? This could be a great option, especially with the cost of produce going up based on a number of challenges. This is perfect for those who don't have the outdoor space or they have a patio at best, because it can fit on the patio or someone near the kitchen or dining area.

The upper tiers also water the lower tiers, so no need to worry about it being a complicated process. You can make this even more of a custom gift by providing them with seeds or fruit/vegetables that they do like and then they can start the growing journey from there. This is literally one of those gifts that keeps on giving at... $24.77 for the 5-tier option. Green thumb magic... in the... aiiirrrrrr!!!!!

This is a great gift for families, because everyone in the household can aid in keeping the plants alive and well, and the reward is food! Teaching kids how to grow and take care of plants is definitely a valuable skill.


Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max - This is a broken record gift, but... that's because it's a great all around gift when it comes to entertainment, and more. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (for those who don't own a smart TV or what to expand the options of your Fire TV... in terms of streaming games) is a great option, especially if you have Amazon Prime.

You get Amazon Prime Video access, Amazon Music, Live TV, Amazon Luna (stream games free... like Fortnite and plenty of others), Xbox Game Pass (stream via a subscription), Amazon Luna +, games from your Ubisoft account + Ubisoft+, games from your GOG library, EA. You also get the Fire TV Ambient experience if you want to showcase digital art in a canvas like way on your telly, and this is the best option.


You will also open the door to GameNight on Luna for family and friends where you dive into casual gaming fun. You put the game controller to the side and use your cellphones instead... with up to 16 players for some of the titles. If that isn't a party, I don't know what is.

Of course you get other streaming options to use via this Fire TV stick, but regardless... it all points to money in the bank. If you can have free fun at home via a service you're already paying for, win!

If they're gamers... then you already know what it is, grab a bundle that comes with the controller!


Self-Care Basket - For the... Ladies, I think a self-care basket would really hit home this year. It's a great way to help them kick back, relax, and take a load off their minds in between the grind.

I can't forget about the Gents in this regards too. Often guys will try to push it to the limit and beyond, but we have to take a breather too (even if it's hard). Being able to practice self care helps with clarity, reduced stress, and the ability to get back into the game even stronger.

So this type of gift is a great to help the recipient collect themselves, especially if they're dealing with a lot right now.

Do you see where we're going with this Wishmas Guide yet? Let's continue!

Fact: For those who didn't know... in addition to Amazon Pharmacy, you can also use your FSA or HSA through Amazon for things like skin care products.


Home office set up: When it comes to other gift recipients, especially those who may be currently in pursuit of starting their own business or a work from home opportunity... helping them with office items could be a godsend. Nothing over the top, but an affordable desk is a great place to start. You can grab a 55" desk for $56.98... right now. If money's tight tight... there is a $17.99 option on-sale.

They can use a kitchen chair for now, unless you or someone else decides to get a complimentary gift by way of a comfy office chair.


One thing I do urge you to avoid when it comes to any office chair is one with a built-in massager. When it comes to the Sofetura Office Chair with the built-in massager... I don't mind having the built-in massager when I want to use it, but... that's a feature that they won't be using for the most part. It runs for 5, 10, and 15 minutes per session. An add-on massager is a much better option if anything at all, especially if the gift recipient plans to get in the zone and put in some serious work in that chair for hours on end.

You don't want the built-in tech poking them in the back, making them desire an option that's far more practical. While the pillow that comes included with this option helps pad it, it's not good enough, especially if they want to do the full recline and put their feet up and rest. The ability to do a full recline and lay back for some R&R is nice, but they won't be able to keep that pillow there comfortably. Adding a slim pad helps (but...).

I can't tell you what to do with your coin... but my review of this chair reveals that this is never the way to go for long term use. So if you had one of these in your sights, there are plenty of other options. Consider one that can hold a good amount of weight, ergonomic, with adequate padding.


Udemy - When it comes to the office setup, either the gift recipient is planning on working from home for a company or for themselves for one reason or another (that may include a recent layoff). If they're on the fence about going back to school... and it's for something they don't require a degree for or the debt that comes with it, hook them up with an affordable course?

The course will brush up their skills or teach them something entirely new that they'd be able to obtain a certificate from once its complete. This is yet another gift that keeps on giving because it can increase their value when it comes to companies or potential clients, and since we don't work for magic beans... that boosts the money they'd be able to earn. (Ka-Ching!)

By the way, if they're already in the groove or could use an updated version of Office... hook them up for less. A one-time purchase is a steal for you, without the need for them to sign up for a monthly Office 360 plan. Grab Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for less than $20!


Car Phone Holders - There are some good car holders, and there are some really lousy ones. You will find some with the suction cups which can be cool... when they hold, and others that slide onto the vent. Those work, but you still find that they fall off. One that I think is a solid gift is the J-1 Phone Mount for $4.31. This particular option has an adjustable hook that you can extend according to how deep the hook needs to go in order to connect, and then you twist to tighten. The installation is super simple, and once it's on, you just sit the phone in the cradle and the sides close on the phone to hold it. 

Since it's not flush with the vent the way some other mounts are, it doesn't block the buttons or the vent. Another plus is that you're able to rotate it with ease and the USB connects without the concern of it being blocked.

When you want to release the phone, you just squeeze the triggers you see behind the lower sides of the phone, and it will be released. If someone else uses the phone mount, let them know how to properly use it and that will increase the chances of it not being broken. A phone mount is always a worthwhile gift to increase their safety on the road... especially if they don't have one or a really crappy one. If it falls off... it needs to go (no joke).

The hook extends 3.0CM

Hook

Twist to tighten

Add the phone mount

Insert phone and get your roll on!

These are what you press to release the phone from the mount.


Suprent Cordless Hair Clippers - For the Gents who want to remain groomed up, faded + fresh... this is a great option so that they can shave down the costs even further. This is a great all around option that the household can use too if running to the barber isn't feasible right now. This is a gift that keeps on giving. The battery life is solid, and I haven't had to charge the clippers yet (I'm going on my 5th haircut). 

I cut my hair low, not exactly a bald fade... but close to it. I've been able to cut my hair in half the time because of how sharp the blades are. Will they truly remain sharp for the long haul by way of the "self-sharpening blades" they allegedly have? We shall see, but I haven't had to pick up my other clippers yet. 

You can grab these for 53%off right now, so if they needed clippers... these are available for $18.98! These feel really nice too, so don't think you're getting a raggedy option. I also appreciate the fact that these clippers don't overheat the way my other clippers do... so no need to adjust my hand due to the heat. 5 out of 5!



Digital Games - Prefer to gift that special someone a newer game while also saving some money? There are some great platforms like Loaded that allow you to get access to a set amount of stock for a great price. You can literally get the new Assetto Corsa Rally for $17.79, which is the 4th installment in the franchise... released on Nov. 13, 2025 on Steam!


You can buy the games through Loaded for any platform the digital game is available for, but if you're unsure... grab a gift card and call it a day. This will allow them to pick and chose games that may have caught their eye but they just didn't have the coin... and removes the need to find out what their specs are if they game on PC.

Regardless of the platform, there are deals for various games on PC, Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, and more!


When it comes to Steam, those who saw that Horipad Steam controller once upon a time and thought it would be a cool buy... will be happy to know that the pro controller is on-sale. I'd say if that special someone needs a controller and they game on Steam, this could be a win! It's a rechargeable wireless pro controller that works with the PC & Steam Deck. You also get dedicated buttons for quick access to Steam menus, capacitive touch thumbsticks, programmable buttons, a gyro sensor, etc. The XInput is also available for Windows OS.



For the... Younglings, I certainly believe that they will benefit greatly from courses on platforms like Udemy (for kids). They don't expire and they get upgraded accordingly. It opens the door for them to learn new skills that aren't taught in school that could make a positive impact on their future.

This year, while you could just give them a toy... take inventory of what they already have. I can understand limited time collectors items, new STEM activities, and video games but... loading them up on toys that only add to a pile is a bit of a waste when the money could work for them. So... consider going affordable, creative, educational, and essential (clothes, shoes, etc.).

That said, there are book sets + courses that are worth adding to their gifts that are geared directly towards them. One of which is the Little Economist Box Set 1.

This box set includes:
  • Money
  • Spending Wisely
  • Credit Cards
  • Inflation
  • Supply & Demand


Like other items in this guide, this is certainly a gift that keeps on giving and is geared towards children ages 4 to 8 years old. It can even be a great gift for teachers, homeschool groups, and parents. Courses like The Complete Personal Finance for Kids and Teenagers, covers Financial Planning, Budgeting, Roth IRA's, taxes, interest rates, etc.


One that I don't want to forget about adding to this guide, are items that aid in physical exercise. It can be a soccer ball your children collectively play with, a basketballfootballjump ropesskates, etc. If they don't have any of these potential gifts and they're not dealing with challenges that would prevent them from using such items, then... it could be worth adding a few of these to their gifts line up. Not only do they add to the fun, but it decrease the chances of childhood obesity or aids in the fight against it. This is certainly no shade, but increasing the chances of better health is not bad either. It also gives you another activity to spend quality time with them as well. Consider the options in your area to better figure out what type of gift you'd get in terms of physical activity-based gifts.

If there are a bunch of smooth sidewalks all over the place, that would be awesome for skating. If you have a basketball court in the area, then consider taking that route, while a field could result in a number of routes that all lead back to fun.


Last but not least... I can't forget about experiences. This year, we suggest more family based activities to keep more coins in your pocket, but if you want to gift an experience... at least save with Groupon! Groupon is usually that website that people are aware of, but... it often gets forgotten no matter if you're able to save a significant amount on experiences, food, beauty & spas, etc.

On that note, it doesn't even have to be an experience, it can be a service on the lines of getting an oil change or brake pad replacements, etc. So regardless of the route you take, make a positive impact via a memorable gift... or save it for later.



The 2024 Wishmas Guide... for Younglings!

 

Don't look now, but... it's time for the Younglings to get some love!



 Gaming 

Video Games: While there are other consoles... handhelds are still the way to go for kids who are usually on the go. Great for use on the telly (sure), but those trips to other locations like the Doctor's office, travel, and much more. These types of devices like the Nintendo Switch or the Valve Steam Deck... go a long way, for younglings, and... your nerves.

If your kid(s) doesn't have a system just yet... I can help you decide on which route to go.

Nintendo Switch is a system I recommend for ages 5+, especially for fans of Nintendo first party titles, because... you won't get them anywhere else beyond their platforms (legally).


Valve Steam Deck is a system I recommend for ages 13+, especially for PC gamers who already have a Steam library. This system will give access to newer games a lot longer because it isn't at risk of Valve pulling the plug on store access. It's a PC that gives you access to your game library on Steam just like a desktop... so it's a total win and gives you the option of connecting monitors + keyboard + mouse + speakers for the standard pc experience.

On that note, no matter which route you go... here are some games we recommend:

  • Cat Quest 3 is the third installment in the award-winning Cat Quest series. This 2.5D open-world action RPG takes players on a swashbuckling adventure in a fantastical pirate-themed world known as the Purribean. Players control a purrivateer cat, exploring varied dungeons and biomes, engaging in fierce battles with a refined combat system, and sailing the seas in their very own ship. The game features solo and local co-op play, allowing players to embark on treasure hunts, purrsue bounties, and more! The Trilogy is also available.

    Grab it for Switch or Steam Deck/PC.


  • LEGO Horizon Adventures is an action-adventure game set in a distant future where the land is made of LEGO bricks. Players join hunter Aloy as she battles to save Earth from an ancient digital demon and a gang of sunworshippers. The game features thrilling online and couch co-op action, allowing players to hunt machines and customize their home and characters. With stunning cinematic visuals and a mix of action, exploration, and customization, this game offers a unique and engaging experience for fans of both LEGO and Horizon.

    Grab it for Switch or Steam Deck/PC.


  • Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope: Take your dream team on a galactic adventure with Mario + Rabbids. Unleash your heroes' skills but be strategic as you dash your enemies, team jump on your allies, and... take cover! This game was added because it's a highly rated budget friendly game for the Switch! $14.99!

  • Yars Rising: On the Steam Deck side... I can't sleep on this side scrolling, charisma filled adventure with a cool cast of hackers. Run, jump, sneak, and hack your way to the... heart of the mystery as you infiltrate the QoTech Corporation. Emi will continue to powerup as your adventure progresses, by way of... challenging retro minigames (to hack the system). This one is for fans of 2D side scrolling, vibrant anime art, humor + story.




  • Barbie Project Friendship: Girls game too, and while some play various types of games (duh of the day)... some are girly girls and enjoy games like BPF. You play as Malibu Barbie & Brooklyn Barbie working together with friends and family to complete challenges and quests to help the community by restoring the Malibu Waves Community Center. Fans of decorating, adventure, story, and mini games will enjoy this title.

    Grab it for Switch or Steam Deck/PC.


  • Sonic X Shadow Generations: Strap on your kicks and dive into Sonic Generations... starring Sonic + Shadow! In this new standalone campaign for Shadow, Black Doom has reemerged and threatens to take over the world. Shadow must journey into his past, confront his memories, and unlock new dark powers to save the world. Harness those new Doom Powers to battle horse of enemies and tackle platforming challenges like never before. These abilities will give you the abilities to surf on water, stop time with Chaos Control, and fly over obstacles.

    Grab it for Switch or Steam Deck/PC.


    *Find more Switch & Steam Deck games here.


 Tech Gifts 

  • Yoto Audio Player: Is an all-in-one storytelling toy that includes audiobooks, a night light, a clock, and more. This made the list because some parents want to reduce screen time for their children, but wouldn't mind them having access to tech with a simple pixel display.

    - Music player
    - Bluetooth
    - Nightlight
    - Acoustically-Engineered Stereo Sound
    - Room Thermometer
    - Pixel Display
    - Audio Cards
    - Durable

    $79.99

    There is also a Yoto-Mini Player for $54.99, which allows your Younglings to take the device on the go. Outside of the custom audio cards you can make, there are 1000+ cards available for educational activities, music, audio books, soundscapes, etc.

    What's the benefit of this type of device? It gives your kids a safe STEM related option that also reduces screen time, while also working as a night light + white noise for bed time, clock, alarm clock and all that good stuff. These audio devices were created for ages 3 - 12+. Check out the Yoto Store for... more!



  • 3Doodler Start+ Maker Bundle: This 3D printing pen gives your children an affordable way to create 3D creations. Consider the Scrib3D P1 Pen for teen crafters!

  • VTech Kidi Star DJ Mixer: If your youngling loves music like mine, and you see them showcasing interests in possibly being a DJ... this is a badass device. Badass. You aren't just limited to the onboard options in terms of the music, you have the track sliders, tempo, custom keys, and you can also add your own music in. You can use vocals, line-in, bluetooth, and in addition to the DJ Party mode, you can record with the Studio function if they want to record a mix, but before they start on this path of DJing... they can start with Academy. It's recommend for 5+, but don't feel ashamed if you find yourself using it as well. This device comes in Black & Pink!



 Toys & Edutainment Gifts 

  • Scholastic Phonics First Little Readers (24 Book Bundle): Perfect for early readers, focusing on specific phonics patterns.

  • STEM Explorers Superhero Science: A budget-friendly STEM toy that introduces kids to science concepts.

  • Smiless Kiddo Stem Tech Kit: A hands-on tech activity kit that teaches children how to use electronics by way of connecting them to each other to make things work. This kit has 420 projects for your children explore. This is as simple as connecting wires, the more they mix and match the parts... the more things happen when they flip those switches or turn dials. Huzzah!

  • Minecraft Explorer Kit: I have to round out this section with this badass product from Make-A-Fort. You already know that some people just smile when they hear... "Minecraft", but imagine your kids unboxing this gift and being able to build like in one of their favorite games. You already know they go crazy over empty boxes, so imagine them diving into these:



  • LEGO: LEGO is on the list without a doubt, because... it gives kids (and parents like myself) the opportunity to dive into creativity and practice those building skills. Playsets are cool, especially if they add to a theme we're going for... but the Classic Large Creative Brick Box gives more room to do more based on their imagination.

    See Black Friday toy deals... here.


 Outdoor Gifts 

  • Pedal Go Kart: Great for exercise by way of fun. The standard bikes are a classic and great for balance, but a pedal cart makes kids want to jump behind the wheel. The Honey Joy Go Kart's come in four colors, Red, Pink, Blue, and Green. If you have 2+ kids, just imagine the fun. You can grab two green karts for... $150. Honey Joy's Pedal GK2 is also available for $10 bucks more.

  • Gardening Kit: This gardening kit gives your younglings the ability to decorate their own flower pots, and grow their own herbs for use in their favorite meals. Even if they don't plan on being a big gardener, it doesn't hurt to have a green thumb.

  • Outdoor Explorer Kit: Includes tools for exploring nature, such as binoculars, a magnifying glass, and a compass. Other kits include tools to catch bugs. I would take this type of kit, give it to the younglings and let them roar off on their go karts in a designated area.

  • Huge Tree Swing: If you have a big tree... invite a swing to the party, especially one of the huge rectangular options. These are great for multiple children to enjoy with it's 700lb capacity. You would have literally created a new hangout spot. Ensure your branch can handle that weight though. If it checks out, don't be surprised if you find yourself laying across the swing snoring the day away. This is year round fun, just... tell them not to stand on it because it would only be a matter of time before someone runs in the house trying to catch their breath because the wind got knocked out of them. #LortWhatHappenedNow!



 Gift an... Experience 


Swimming Lessons

  • YMCA of Central Florida: Offers group and private swim lessons for all ages and skill levels.

  • Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program: Provides swimming lessons tailored to the needs of each child.

Basketball Lessons

  • i9 Sports Youth Basketball Leagues: Fun and age-appropriate basketball leagues for kids.

  • Local Community Centers: Many offer basketball programs and camps for children.

Karate Lessons

  • Great Start Karate: Online martial arts program designed specifically for kids.

  • Local Dojos: Many offer beginner karate classes for children.

Cool Experiences in your Town (here are some options in or near Orlando)

  • Kennedy Space Center: An educational and fun experience where kids can learn about space exploration.

  • WonderWorks Orlando: Over 100 hands-on science exhibits, laser tag, a ropes course, and a 6D motion ride.

  • Tree Trek Adventure Park: An aerial obstacle course that takes kids far above the ground in a natural pine forest.

These gifts and experiences are sure to bring joy fun year round.


 Face Washing Regimen 


This is totally something a parent would appreciate more so than children, but... a face washing regimen with products that use natural ingredients is the gift that keeps on giving. A kid will go outside with the dog, touch everything + the dog, and... those hands end up on their faces. Gotta fight the dirt with a solid product: