2023 Wishmas Guide... for the Office Space!

 



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.


2023 Wishmas Guide... for the Guys!


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 minus Alexa 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!


Sophima | Guest Contributor
                          + BLU 

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Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas... Reviewed!

This film has been provided for our review and my opinions are my own.

Story: As someone who isn't particularly fond of musicals, Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas is a fun made-for-tv film that captures the essence of the holiday season. The movie offers a modern twist on a traditional musical, taking place backstage during the production of a network TV special. That's the focus. It's a heartwarming story that features Dolly Parton as the lead actress, showcasing her talent as both a singer and an actress.

What I particularly enjoyed about the film was the balance between the frenetic scenes backstage and the performances showcased in front of the camera. The contrast between the two served to highlight the hard work and dedication that goes into creating a successful production. Dolly Parton's performance was exceptional, and she was able to hold her own alongside the special guests. Dolly Parton's sisters are also featured in the film. I'm not as familiar with Dolly Parton's work, I know of her but I like her personality. She delivers humor in an unconscious way, in my opinion.

I must admit that I was skeptical when I saw that Miley Cyrus was part of the cast, but I was pleasantly surprised by her performance. She played her role well, and I found myself digesting her scenes easily. I feel like she became Madonna Jr. without the catalog to match, so this is where the skepticism comes form.

I think this film would've been great with Amanda Bynes in her prime as one of the more comedic additions to the film. Where is Amanda Bynes? I must say that I miss seeing her on TV and in Films.

Anyway, one of the things that I appreciated most about Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas was the message it conveyed. The film takes viewers on a somewhat familiar journey with Dolly Parton and the Three Wise Men, showcasing her past, present, and future. Through her experiences, Dolly is able to help others understand the true magic of Christmas and to rediscover their inner child.

I think that the film's underlying message is especially important in today's fast-paced world. Many of us are so busy with work and responsibilities that we forget to take a step back and appreciate the simple joys of life. Children, on the other hand, are able to connect with the magic of the holidays in a way that adults often can't. By tapping into our own memories and experiences, we can rediscover that sense of wonder and joy that we often lose as we grow older. It sounds cheesy, I know, but I really do believe this.

Fun Fact: Dolly Parton also has a film titled "A Smoky Mountain Christmas".

Visuals: Cinematography and production design work in harmony to create this warm holiday film. The picturesque landscapes, adorned with cozy holiday decorations, transport viewers to a world of winter wonder. The attention to detail in the set design and costumes adds an extra layer of cheer, making the scenes visually cohesive.

While the special effects are not the film's primary focus, they are utilized effectively to magnify the movie's magical elements. The editing is seamless, allowing us to transition effortlessly between the magical moments, heigtening the overall experience.


Audio: When it comes to the sound effects, they work well for the film. This isn't an area that I focus greatly on, but the film features Dolby Digital 5.1. The music is amusing for fans of musicals of different age groups, but as someone who doesn't watch a lot of musicals, I think I did well. There were some songs that I found to be fun and enjoyable.


Price: Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas is available for $14.42 on DVD, and $6.99 on Digital. Digital will make this available for immediate enjoyment the closer we get to Christmas!

Dollywood fans will enjoy the bonus feature: A Holiday with Dolly! The Making of Mountain Magic Christmas. It's like a behind the scenes feature showing the making of a film about the behind the scenes world of making the show... in this film. I had to add that in here. -  Blu 

Overall, I would highly recommend Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas to anyone looking for a heartwarming and uplifting film to enjoy during the holiday season. The film's lively cast, catchy music, and cheerful message make it a must-see movie for those looking to amp up their Christmas spirit. This film is recommended for audiences 13+.


Story 4

Visuals 4

Audio 4

Price 5

4.25 out of 5 Cool Points


Sophima | Guest Contributor

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