16 Unexpected, High-Tech Gifts

16 Unexpected, High-Tech Gifts

1.Garmin Head-Up Display Dashboard Mounted Windshield Projector

Instead of him fumbling around with his smartphone, the Garmin Head-Up Display Dashboard Mounted Windshield Projector ($137 and up) keeps him distraction-free and still headed to the correct destination. It’s Bluetooth-enabled and uses the GarminStreetPilot app for iPhone or the NAVIGON app for Android/Windows to find directions and display them on the windshield. It also shows traffic alerts and autoadjusts its brightness level, so the driver remains alert.16 Unexpected, High-Tech Gifts

2.iHome Flask-Shaped Speaker

While you can’t actually put alcohol into the iBT12 iHome speaker ($50), it’s a product any guy would enjoy. It’s Bluetooth-enabled and includes a leather-style case for on-the-go use.16 Unexpected, High-Tech Gifts

3.Walnut Laptop Stand

Upgrading his work space is easy with the Walnut Laptop Stand ($119). Constructed at an angle, the stand is perfect for anyone who regularly uses their computer at home.16 Unexpected, High-Tech Gifts

4.Smart Sensor Basketball Pack

This gift will elevate his game to Michael Jordan-status. The 94Fifty Smart Sensor Basketball Pack ($180) includes a regulation-size basketball equipped with technology that offers instant feedback on every shot and dribble. The ball, which has an 8-hour battery life, communicates with an app over Bluetooth. The app shows the player’s performance data (including spin and acceleration) and can also guide them through drills and other workouts.16 Unexpected, High-Tech Gifts

5.4-in-1 Lens

If he’s looking to improve his smartphone photography, start with Olloclip’s 4-in-1 Lens ($80) for the iPhone 6/6 Plus. The lens includes fish-eye, wide-angle, and 10x and 15x macro options. It also easily attaches to either the front- or rear-facing camera and is transportable with three pendants.16 Unexpected, High-Tech Gifts

6.Night Cable For iPhone or Android

Don’t you hate fumbling for bedside cables? Native Union’s Night Cable ($40 for iPhone lightning or Android micro USB) fixes that with its weighted knot that can anchor the cable to any flat surface. The cable is also over nine feet long, so there’s no place it can’t reach. Plus, its retro styling means that he’ll be happy to leave the Night cable out on display.16 Unexpected, High-Tech Gifts

7.SuperStar BackFloat Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Yes, the SuperStar BackFloat Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker ($150) floats — perfect for when he’s lounging in the pool. The incredible sound can be connected via Bluetooth, so he won’t miss any calls while sitting back on vacation. Not planning to be by a pool anytime soon? It’s also great for the shower or bath.16 Unexpected, High-Tech Gifts

8.Skylock, the Keyless U-lock

Skylock ($159 to preorder, ships 2015) is a Bluetooth-enabled, solar-powered lock that automatically unlocks when you approach, and it locks automatically when you snap the shackle into the lockbar. If your phone dies, just enter in the numeric code you chose during initial setup manually. If someone attempts to steal the bike, Skylock will send an alert.16 Unexpected, High-Tech Gifts

9.Mophie Juice Pack H2PRO

Whether he’s an adventurer or just slightly clumsy, the Juice Pack H2PRO ($130 to preorder, ships in June 2015) for the iPhone 6 is perfect for him. It doubles as both a waterproof case and an extra battery.16 Unexpected, High-Tech Gifts

10.Triple C Green Juice USB Charger

This portable USB Charger in Zebrawood ($60) is both stylish and functional. Whether he’s heading to a music festival or going backpacking for the weekend, this universal battery pack can keep phones, tablets, speakers, and cameras charged. It has two outgoing outlets capable of powering up two devices at one time, and a nifty LED button indicates how much power is left in the pack.16 Unexpected, High-Tech Gifts

11.Mojio

If you’re looking to make him a better and safer driver, then Mojio ($150) might be your best bet. By pairing a smartphone with the Mojio device, he’ll get insight into knowing the condition of his car, where it is at all times, and easier ways to share information about where he is that’s less distracting. The package comes with Mojio, a year of service, the app, and the ability to use other apps that are integrated with Mojio.16 Unexpected, High-Tech Gifts

12.Powerbeats 2 Wireless Headphones

The LeBron James-inspired Powerbeats 2 headphones ($200) by Beats by Dre are tough, sweat- and water-resistant buds designed specifically for workouts. The cable wraps around the back of the head, which means it’s not getting in the way of bicep curls or bodyweight exercises. It can connect to a phone up to 30 feet away via Bluetooth, so he won’t have to worry about dropping a weight on his device. The Powerbeats will play tunes for up to six hours.16 Unexpected, High-Tech Gifts

13.Marshall Stanmore Speaker

Feeling like splurging on your audiophile? This Marshall Stanmore Speaker ($400) is the ultimate gift for any music junkie. The luxe analog knobs and brass details will make him feel like a roadie on tour with his favorite band! It’s vintage-inspired but updated for the 21st century. The speaker connects via Bluetooth or the included coil cord that can plug into any standard headphone jack.16 Unexpected, High-Tech Gifts

14.Smartwatches

There’s no doubt that smartwatches are the new It gadgets to have. While most people would want an Apple Watch ($350-$10,000), there are other alternatives. ThePebble Steel watch ($200) offers similar features, as does the Moto 360 ($250-$330).16 Unexpected, High-Tech Gifts

15.GoPro Hero4 Silver

The Hero4 Silver ($400) is the first GoPro with a convenient touchscreen display, which means that filmmakers no longer need GoPro’s mobile app to see what they’re shooting. It weighs only 2.9 ounces but can capture incredible 4K video at 15 frames per second and 1080p at 60 frames per second. The action camera, released earlier this year, will also be available in a surf edition (with board mount) and music edition (with mic stand and instrument mounts).

If you’re not willing to splurge but still want to get him something suited for adventure, opt for the new 2014 entry-level GoPro Hero ($130).16 Unexpected, High-Tech Gifts

16.R2-D2 Car Charger

R2 units are the ultimate helpers, and this R2-D2 car charger ($40) is no exception. The charger sits in a cup holder and plugs into a cigarette lighter. It can charge up to two USB devices at once, and R2’s dome even rotates and lights up. When power is connected, the bot will whistle and beep.