The 2024 Wishmas Guide... Hub!

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:

Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE

Soundbar

Right & Left Surround Speakers

Compact Wireless Subwoofer

Dolby Atmos + DTS:X

Bluetooth

HDMI eARC

Optical Output

Ultimea True 5.1 Soundbar Poseidon D60

Soundbar

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:

1. Corner Placement: Placing the subwoofer in a corner can enhance the bass response by utilizing the walls to amplify the sound.

2. Front of the Room: Positioning the subwoofer at the front of the room, near the main speakers, can create a more cohesive soundstage.

3. 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.

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 Family Fun with Nintendo Switch Games 

While it might be tempting to say wait for the new Nintendo Switch 2, expected to announced during the first half of... 2025, not everyone wants to put family game time on pause. Many parents I've spoken to in Orlando would love to see cellphones set aside for more family fun. Luckily, there are plenty of options to make that happen with multiplayer action. Here are multiple Nintendo Switch games with 4-player fun:

1. 
   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.
   
   
2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: A classic racing game that never gets old. Compete against each other in exciting races and battle modes.
   
   
3. Overcooked! All You Can Eat: A hilarious and frantic cooking game where teamwork is key to serving up dishes in crazy kitchens.
   
   
4. Minecraft: Explore, build, and survive together in this sandbox game that offers endless possibilities for creativity and adventure.
   
   
5. 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).
   
   
6. Super Mario Party Jamboree: The biggest Mario Party yet, with over 110 minigames, new online and offline modes, and plenty of customization choices.
   
   
7. 
   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.
   
   
8. 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.
   
   
9. 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.
   
   
10. 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!
    
    
11. 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!

These games are perfect for bringing the family together for some fun and interactive entertainment.

By the way, don't forget to grab more Joy-Con controllers for 4-player fun! If you take the more affordable route, go with the officially licensed options for half the price of the first party ones or go first party that's bundled with a free game! Either way... you save! By the way, we have no idea what the next Nintendo console would be called... but that sounded like a fun name to call it!

Get Moving with Bikes

While home entertainment is great, don't forget the fun and exercise that bikes can provide. Health care professionals recommend physical exercise for its numerous benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, stronger muscles, and better mental well-being. Being active with your children also sets a positive example and strengthens family bonds.

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.

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1MORE Valentine's Day Sale! | February 1st - 20th

 

Spread the Love with Savings from 1MORE!

1MORE has deals on their entire lineup to help you share some love or... just save some money during this lovey-dovey window. From their award-winning SonoFlow Over-Ear Headphones to their newer wired P50, or S50/S30 Open Ear Sport Earbuds, there is something for every listener on any budget to enjoy. They got some beasts in this lineup.

1More Aero | From $109.99 to $53.99

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1More Comfobuds Mini | From $99.99 to $59.49

1More PistonBuds Pro | From $69.99 to $35.99

1More Triple Driver | From $79.99 to $39.99

1More S30 | $69.99 to $47.99

1More S50 | $149.99 to $99.99

1More P50 | From $169.99 to $119.49

1More HQ30 | From $54.99 to $46.99

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2023 Wishmas Guide... for the Ladies!

Unsure of what to get the teen who's indecisive about what they would like on their gift list or... seeking an alternative to one of the items they're wishing to receive that kinda sorta and more than likely... breaks the bank? Breathe easy... we've got you. Grab that cup of hot deliciousness and dive in!

Funny Purses: A gift that stands out and is worn with pride is usually a purse, but when it's off the beaten path, it turns heads that much more. A fun gift this holiday season could be a nice purse that makes her giggle, and she will appreciate this conversation starter every time she wears it out.

Wireless Earbuds: We ladies love our music, and wireless earbuds offer convenience and freedom of movement while listening to their favorite tunes. These may actually be replacements for some that were lost, but it's a great replacement so that we're able to enjoy our music, calls, and other forms of entertainment that you may not want to hear. ;) 

If she loses earbuds easily, grab a pair of 1More Omthing headphones on sale for $9.99 for 67% off as a Cyber Monday deal!

Portable Bluetooth Speaker: A compact and powerful Bluetooth speaker allows teens to enjoy music with friends, both indoors and outdoors.

Fitness Tracker: Encourage a healthy lifestyle with a fitness tracker that monitors steps, heart rate, and sleep patterns, motivating teens to stay active.

Instant/Digital Camera: Combining the nostalgia of film photography with the ease of digital, instant cameras offer a fun way for teens to capture and print memories instantly. This is the perfect gift for the woman who loves taking pictures, but often finds herself running out of space on her phone and feels forced to make a decision on which ones to delete. The KODAK Mini Shot 3 Retro is a 2-in-1 instant digital camera and photo printer. This camera allows you to take digital photos, make instant photos from the camera, and connect your phone to print photos from your phone.

Laptop or Tablet: Essential for work and entertainment purposes, a high-quality laptop or tablet will help her stay connected and productive.

Funny Jewelry: Funny jewelry items, such as necklaces with cats dangling or ramen noodle earrings, make for fun memorable gifts.

Subscription Box: Surprise her with a subscription box tailored to their interests, such as a monthly book club, health, beauty, international snacks, arts + crafts, and more.

VR Headsets: Virtuality headsets are a worthy consideration this holiday season because they give her an option beyond traditional gaming. Mixed reality options such as the Meta Quest 3, also allow for virtual fun using the living room table. The TV would be all yours for sports fun!

Cooking Set or Kitchen Appliances: For women interested in culinary adventures, a cooking set or kitchen appliances like a countertop dishwasher or air fryer could be a great gift to foster their passion for cooking.

Gifts Cards: Gifts are always a thoughtful idea, but sometimes the recipient is a major challenge to provide a gift for. When gift-giving brings you lemons, make lemonade! Provide her with a funny card that taps into the decision to go with a gift card, and walk away with a win! PS - It wouldn't hurt to include a funny purse and jewelry.

Sophima | Guest Contributor

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2022 Wishmas Guide... 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!

A gift of a Dr. Squatch subscription certainly comes in handy, but... if you want to get a bar of soap or different types without subscribing to anything... you can grab the soap here.

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:

Pine Tar
Wood Barrell Bourbon
Fresh Falls
Birchwood Breeze
Cedar Citrus

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.

The Aukey XXL Gaming Mouse Pad/Mat is $8.99

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.

The Lenovo Legion Slim 7i Gen 7 Intel (RTX 3050 Ti) has the following specs:

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!

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