The holidays are coming fast and you’re busy writing up your gift shopping list. Tech gifts are a top option. They can be fun and useful. But with so many gadget possibilities out there, it can be challenging to narrow it all down, so we’ve gathered together 10 great gift ideas geared for Android fans.
Millions upon millions of Android phones have been sold, making Google’s mobile operating system the world’s most popular smartphone platform. That also means a lot of the people you’re shopping for are probably Android users.
Android-related gadgets are just as diverse as Android phones. Whether you’re looking for a quick stocking stuffer or a showstopper gift, we’ve got you covered.
Anker PowerCore 5000
Portable chargers come in all shapes and sizes, but it’s hard to beat the compact form of the Anker PowerCore 5000. The small cylinder can fit into a pocket or live in a purse or briefcase. It starts at $19.99, or you can upgrade to a fun color for a few bucks more. It has enough juice to recharge a Galaxy S7. No matter who you’re shopping for, a charger like this can always come in handy.
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Virtual reality meets stocking stuffer with the Google Cardboard VR goggles. The goggles costs just $15, or you can get a two-pack for $25. Cardboard works with most Android phones with screens between 4 and 6 inches in size. It’s fast to assemble and makes it easy to explore VR apps and entertainment. There’s some fun content out there, including the ability to explore Google Street View in VR.
Fitbit’s $129.95 Charge 2 fitness wristband works with an Android app and lets the wearer track heart rate and other fitness measurements. It sports a slim design and can also deliver call, text, and calendar alerts. It’s a smart choice for the health-conscious Android fan on your list.
Android users who want to listen to their tunes on the go will adore the Ultimate Ears Boom 2 portable Bluetooth speaker. It’s waterproof and shockproof and available in some vibrant colors. The speaker brings the bass and can last up to 15 hours between charges. Prices start around $110.
The Google Home Mini is a handy and cute way to give the gift of a smart speaker. For $49, you get a fabric-topped speaker with respectable sound for its small size. It uses the Google Assistant, so it pairs up perfectly with an Android phone and gives Android users a familiar voice interface as they delve into the world of smart speakers.
While Beats headphones are splashy, they’re also pricey. For a more affordable alternative that makes for a great gift, check out the $49.99 Tribit XFree Tune Bluetooth wireless headphones. These well-reviewed headphones cradle the ears, fold up for carrying, and can run for up to 40 hours on the rechargeable battery.
There are some good reasons why you might want to give someone a smartphone. Perhaps its for one of your kids, or someone you know is sporting an outdated phone and is in need of an upgrade. The $199.99 Moto G6 is an attractive, capable and affordable Android smartphone. It’s unlocked to work with any of the big carriers and is a great all-around workhorse that won’t stress your holiday budget.
While smart speakers are all the rage, there’s also a movement to bring smart screens into the home. The $149 Google Home Hub can control all sorts of smart home gadgets, answer questions, act as a digital photo frame, and show YouTube videos. It’s the perfect smart screen for Android people who are already comfortable with using Google Assistant.
Kids can be Android fans, too. The rolling Wonder Workshop Dash Robot is designed to be both fun and educational as it teaches coding skills to kids. It’s compatible with a variety of Android machines, including most Galaxy devices and Amazon Fire tablets. The $105.55 Dash is meant for kids ages 6 and up and can be turned into a catapult, a delivery truck, or an animal as kids learn how to modify it using apps.
If your gift budget tends more towards the luxury side of things, then consider the Google Pixelbook, a laptop that expands on what Chromebooks can do. While it runs Chrome OS, it can also run many Android apps. It’s slim and portable and has Google Assistant built in. The Pixelbook starts at $999 from Google, but can also be found on Amazon.
The Android fan in your life will be thrilled to receive a gift that matches his or her Google-loving lifestyle. Be sure to keep an eye out for sales and bargains as the holiday shopping season heats up.
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