Struggling for ideas for that difficult-to-buy-for person? If they’re into their tech then we may well have the answer. We’ve picked the brains of the Bright team and they’ve spilt the beans on what they’re hoping to be in their Christmas stockings. And as arguably there’s no naughty list this year hopefully Santa will prevail!
*This list was compiled purely from the personal opinions of our team. We receive zero kick-back from any purchases made via our links. Sadly.*
Under £100
Raspberry Pi 400 - A computer kit for all ages (from £67)
Our Technical Analyst, Jake is hoping to wake up to the Raspberry Pi 400 on the big day. This little gadget packs a big punch in terms of functionality - it’s a full-on computer built into a nifty little keyboard. Not only is it smart and portable, but it also boasts a quad-core 64-bit processor, 4GB of RAM, wireless networking, dual-display output, and 4K video playback, as well as a 40-pin GPIO header. And if you know what all that is - then you’d better snap it up fast as at £67 each, they’ll fly off the shelves this Christmas.
Raspberry Pi 400 - Image via The Verge.com
Nanoleaf Light Panels - For smart mood lighting (from £89.99)
We’ve all spent quite a bit of time at home this year, so it’s no surprise that making things cosy is top priority over the winter! Paul Mulvee, our Senior Sales Consultant has his elvish eyes on these Nanoleaf light panels to liven up his workspace. The triangular panels fit together in any desired shape and connect to your audio, reacting to the tempo of the music being played. Change the colours to match your mood, or hook the lights up to your screen to mirror the action of online gaming or movie nights
Nanoleaf Light Panels - Image via Techhive.com
Apple HomePod Mini - Small device - big impact (£99)
We all know someone who’s a die-hard Apple fan, and chances are they are probably keen to get their mitts on a HomePod Mini this Christmas! Our Brand Manager, Vic’s Husband has been shamelessly dropping hints heavier than your nan’s infamous Christmas cake. At 8.5cm tall, this mini speaker provides 360-degree audio to fill a room with the high-pitched tones of Mariah and also doubles up as a smart (and secure) virtual assistant. As with most Apple products, the link up to other accessories is exceptional - tempting even the most avid Android user to make the switch…
Apple HomePod Mini - Image via Apple.com
Over £100
Moleskine Smart Note Set - For those who love to write (from £118)Paul Seymour, Head of our Asset Bank team and self-confessed ‘notebook nerd’ is planning to organise 2021 into oblivion if he receives this Moleskine Smart Note Set. Think it’s just a notepad and pen? Think again, as this little set holds a big secret. The rechargeable smartpen (that actually uses ink) writes on Ncoded pages before uploading your jottings directly to the Moleskine app - accessible on any device. Just to top it off, the app recognises the date and time that you’re writing notes so everything is recorded in analogue, making it easy to refer back to. It’s a fab gift for those who love the tradition of notebooks but need to access their notes online.
Moleskine Smart Notebook Set - Image via Amazon.com
Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface - For aspiring singers (from £169)
Our Implementation Consultant, Stew has been dabbling in a little singer-songwriting this year and needs a nifty bit of kit to assist with home recording. When Stew moved to Israel to work remotely for Bright he left most of his kit at a friend’s studio so this portable recording kit would be just the present to allow for plenty of festive singing sessions in the sun!
Focusrite Scarlett Solo - Image via PMT Online
The Oculus Quest 2 - Virtual Reality gaming (from £299)
The Oculus Quest 2 is a virtual reality (VR) headset created by Oculus, a brand of Facebook Technologies. It’s also top of our Director, Martin’s son Henry’s list. Slimmer than the original Quest and more lightweight, this VR headset allows the user to immerse themselves in their gaming experience with easy touch controls and a crisp screen.
Oculus Quest 2 - Image via PopularScience.com.
Antique HMV Gramophone - Bringing the sound of Christmas to any room (£292)
We’re ending on a high note (literally). We all know Christmas isn’t complete without a festive soundtrack in the background, so whether you favour a Crimbo classic or a choral choir, then this idea could be the perfect gift for a loved one. Caroline, our Head of People has been working very hard this year to keep our team smiling and motivated, so we reckon she deserves this extra special gift in the form of an Antique Gramophone. It may be pricey but is surely a gift to last a lifetime, providing exceptional sound via vinyl records - perfect for relaxing beside the fire with a glass of sherry.
Antique Gramophone - Image via Etsy.com
So there you have it, our quick list of gifts that will please any tech-fiend. We hope your Christmas is full of fun and festivities - no matter what you unwrap on the big day.
