Category: Gifting Guides

One day you have kids. One day the nest is empty. That’s just how it goes.

But you can ease mom and dad into their new lifestyle (even if they seem to be having all the fun all of a sudden) with some great holiday gift ideas for the empty nester. Check out the Christmas gifts for parents we found below:

1. E-book Reader

With all that newfound spare time they’ve got, maybe they’ll finally tackle some of those books they never had time for before. In the morning with a cup of coffee, in the evening with a glass of wine, they are having all the fun now.

Worst case scenario, they’re checking their email and playing sudoku with a glass of wine. Worst case scenario is great.

2. This Heart to Heart Pillow

You might not be at home any more, but you can still show them that you’re thinking about them and that you know where home is with this custom Heart to Heart Map Pillow.

3. Nixplay WiFi Cloud Frame

Let them remember all the good times with you and know that there are more on the way with the Nixplay WiFi Cloud Frame. They can wirelessly connect and make a playlist full of photos of the family. It’s great to get a lot of photos into a small space and you can swap them out easily, no matter how far away you are.

If your gift recipient isn’t into the high-tech route, try the NIX Digital Frame. Upload photos via memory stick or SD Card and simply transfer over the photos you want to display.

The best part? Even if your parents struggle with technology, Nixplay has fantastic support to help ensure that your memories are always up and running

4. Tickets

Their evenings are more free than they’ve been in years. Get them tickets to a movie or play in town. Give ‘em an evening out. Throw in a dinner at their favorite restaurant if you’re feeling extra generous.

5. Camping Gear

Tents? Sleeping bags? Campfire cooking gear? Yep. Because they really are having all the fun now.

6. Photography Classes

Everyone wants to rekindle their creative side when they’ve got some extra time. Get ‘em some classes and unleash their inner artist.

Maybe you can start them off with some of the photography guides we’ve got up at the Nixplay blog and then they’ll be filling that Nixplay WiFi Could Frame with new pictures before you know it.

7. Herb Kit

These dried herbs from Williams-Sonoma are the perfect fit for the empty nester who loves to cook. Make the kitchen smell nice, give them a beautiful piece of decor and inspire them to try something new, dropping fresh herbs into their cooking with this kit.

8. French Press

With all the reading they’ll be doing with their free time (and maybe that ebook reader you got them) they’ll want to have some delicious coffee in the morning. A French press might be the solution that connects them with the process and has them really enjoying some luxurious mornings to themselves.

Your mom and dad dedicated their lives to raising you – isn’t it time you gave them a little something back? Give them any – or all – of the gifts on this list, and you’ll be letting them know they raised you right.

Some people are easy to shop for. They have interests or needs that lend themselves perfectly to gift giving. But others are much more difficult to choose for.

Maybe their tastes are a bit too esoteric or too expensive to make for easy shopping, or maybe they already seem to have everything they want. Men, in particular, can be hard to shop for—otherwise, why would a tie be the standard Father’s Day gift?

If you’re having trouble coming up with unique gift ideas for men, don’t worry, because we’ve got you covered.  We’ve put together this list of cool gadgets for men to suit every occasion.

Top Tech gift Ideas

With men being notoriously hard to shop for, it can be a struggle to find the perfect present. But whether you’re looking for an unusual digital gift or gifts for tech-savvy guys, we can help you find the ultimate surprise tech gifts for men who have everything.

1. 94Fifty Smart Sensor Basketball Pack

Got a guy in your life who loves tech—and basketball? He may have all the gear, but the 94Fifty is one ball we’re betting he doesn’t have. This basketball communicates with any smartphone via an app, tracking the data on his dribbles and shots and giving him instant feedback on his performance. With its 8-hour battery life, the ball can also act as a coach, walking him through drills and workouts. A digital gift that acts as both a basketball and a personal trainer? Way better than a tie.

2. Panono

If your guy is more of the photography type, why not get him what’s got to be the most unusual camera on the market today? The Panono is a spherical camera – in other words, a ball. To take a picture, you simply toss it in the air and it takes a 360-degree panoramic photo of its surroundings. This camera could spur him on to travel or inspire him to take more creative shots—it’s a cool tech gift the gift of cool and the gift of inspiration all in one.

3. iDevice iGrill 2 

Is your guy is the master of the backyard barbecue and the king of the grill? Then he’s sure to love the iDevice iGrill 2, a gadget that will give him a little more freedom to mingle and hang out with buddies while he grills, all while keeping close tabs on the food’s progress. This device allows the user to move up to 150 feet away from the grill, and get regular updates on the meat’s temperature via smartphone. He’ll never feel alone at the grill again.

4. Nixplay Seed Wi-Fi Cloud Frame

Does your guy have family pictures on display in his office, or is he an avid photographer himself? Then he’ll love the Nixplay Seed, a Wi-Fi Cloud electronic photo frame that allows him to display playlists of photos sent from his smartphone on a high definition screen. This frame takes photos to a new level, getting them off his phone or computer and into the real world for everyone—including him—to see, enjoy, and comment on.

No matter what the guy you’re shopping for is interested in, he’s sure to love any of the unique gift ideas for men on this list. Of course, we’re partial to an electronic photo frame ourselves. To get a head start on your Christmas shopping this year, check out our selection of Wi-Fi Cloud Frames and Digital Frames today.

What kind of Christmas shopper are you?

Are you the organized type, making detailed lists far in advance, doing all your shopping early, and even mailing gifts to faraway relatives in plenty of time to beat the Christmas shipping rush?

Or are you the last-minute type, suddenly realizing in a panic that it’s just days till Christmas and you still haven’t even figured out who you need to shop for, let alone what to get them?  

No matter what type of Christmas shopper you are, we here at Nixplay have put together a gift guide that will help you buy just the right gifts for all your friends and family – and in less time than it takes to find a parking spot at the mall. 

For Your Husband

No matter what your husbands’ interests, you can’t go wrong if you stick to a gift from one of these 3 categories: media, electronics, and hobbies. Books, movies, and music are always a hit; electronic gadgets can run the gamut from the latest new phone to the toy robot he never got as a kid; and gifting something related to his hobbies, whether golf clubs or an at-home beer-brewing kit, is always a winner. These gifts are sure to make any husband smile. Here are a few products we’ve selected if you’re pressed for time.    

Crates by ManCrates – A sophisticated whiskey drinker or a beer and barbecue lover, ManCrates offers a wide selection of gifts to cater to different tastes and hobbies. Consider this your one-stop-shop for men’s gift baskets…but instead of baskets, these goodies are packaged in actual crates that come with a crowbar to open them.

Amazon Echo – No matter what kind of music your husband is into, the Echo will immerse him in it in a way he’s never experienced before – along with audiobooks, the news and weather, sports scores…the list goes on and on.

For Your Wife

Wives appreciate gifts that show just how well you know them, and just how much you love them. Whether that means rock climbing gear or her favorite perfume – or both! – make sure your gift is tailored to her individual interests and shows just how important she is to you. These gifts will let your wife know that she is the center of your world.

Versace Fragrance Set – What wife doesn’t like a little designer variety in her perfume selection?

Lodis Leather Bags – Let’s face it. All women need handbags…or bags in general. Whether she’s a Corporate Executive or a stay-at-home wife, she’ll appreciate what Lodis has to offer.

For Your Parents and In-Laws

What do grandparents love more than anything in the world? Their families, of course! So any gift that brings the family closer together – or allows them to show off those adorable grandkids to friends – is sure to be a big hit. Whether you live right nearby or miles away, these gifts are guaranteed to be their favorites.   

Nixplay Edge – The award-winning WiFi Cloud Photo Frame, the Edge allows you to upload photos from your smartphone or a USB and create custom playlists to display your faves – in your own home, or that of a loved one.

Nixplay Seed – The latest addition to the Nixplay line, the Seed is a sleek, stylish WiFi Cloud Frame that comes in fun colors like Mulberry and Mango, and allows you to share photos with anyone anywhere, instantly.

For Your Young Children

You’ve probably already gotten some not-so-subtle hints from your kiddos about what they’d like for Christmas this year. But once you’ve gotten the 2 or 3 main toys they’re obsessed with this year, what else should you put under the tree to round out the offerings? These gifts will wow your little ones on Christmas morning.

Grow and Glow Terrarium – Your little ones can watch plants grow by day, and be comforted by glowing star stickers at night with this educational, hands-on gift they’re sure to love.

Bugs in the Kitchen Board Game – Whether they’re into bugs or not, this fun game will have everyone squealing with the fun – you may even want to join in, too!

For Your Teen Children

Once your children hit the teen years, gear and gadgets that help them express their individual personality make the biggest splash. Electronics, clothes, and media like games and movies make perfect gifts, because they can be tailored to their personal style and interests. These gifts will make any teen feel the magic of Christmas.

7th Generation iPod – For the music loving teen (and which teen isn’t?), the latest iPod is a sure hit.

Nintendo 3DS XL – The latest incarnation of Nintendo’s handheld gaming systems, the 3DS has better graphics, better games, and better 3D and screen resolution.

For Your Siblings

If you’ve got brothers or sisters to shop for this Christmas, you’ve got two options. You can either get them a gift that fits their current interests and hobbies, or choose something that harkens back to your childhood together for nostalgia’s sake. These gifts are sure to bring those memories flooding back.

1985 Movie Trivia Playing Cards – Whether you live close enough to make a game night of it, or just talk about it over the phone, you’ll be reminiscing about those family movie nights in no time flat.

Candy Crate 1980’s Candy Gift Box – Food brings back memories faster than just about anything else, and these nostalgic candies will have you fighting over who gets what just like old times.

For Your Extended Family

It’s hard enough to shop for immediate family – what on earth should you get for Aunt Martha or Cousin Ed, relatives you only see once a year during the holidays? General, affectionate tokens are usually your best bet here. These Christmas gift ideas will even outshine Aunt Martha’s famous fruitcake.

19-in-1 Key Ring Pocket Tool – Whether Cousin Joe is the handy type or not, at some point, everyone needs some tools, and this gift ensures they’ll be easy to find.

You’re Beautiful Coin Purse – The sentiment on this cute change purse says it all – you’re sure to get a big hug from everyone who receives one of these this year.

For Your Best Friends

Good friends are just like family, so their gifts should be just as special. Try a gift that reflects the strength of your friendship – something related to the things you enjoy doing together – or a present that’s tailored to the things you know your friend likes best. These gifts will show any friend how much you value their friendship.

California Delicious Starbucks Coffee Gift Basket – Meet your friend at Starbucks to talk every so often? Give her a gift that shows how much you value those chats.

Whetstone All-in-One Golfer’s Tool – Do you and your pals bond over golf? Give them something they’ll use again and again when you’re hanging out on the green.

For Work Associates

Gifts for your boss, colleagues, business partners, and subordinates can be tricky to choose – they need to reflect professionalism as well as real appreciation. Is a more thoughtful, personal gift too much? Is that generic mug or gift basket too cold? These gifts hit just the right note.

Chocolate, Caramel, and Crunch Grand Gift Basket – Delicious treats to snack on at work or share with family at home? You’re sure to be the most popular guy at work if you gift a few of these! 

Wine Country Gift Baskets Tower of Sweets – Not only yummy, this tower looks impressive and festive, and is a great way to show your appreciation for work associates.

For Neighbors, Teachers, Etc.

Everyone appreciates small tokens of affection and gratitude during the holidays, so why not spread the Christmas spirit to everyone you come in contact with on a regular basis, from your neighbors to your hairdresser to your children’s teachers. These gifts aren’t expensive, but they do show how much you care.

Bliss Diamonds for the Rough – Hand lotions are always a big hit, and holiday-themed creams are even more fun!

UltraFire Mini LED Adjustable Focus Zoom Flashlight – Everyone needs a little flashlight to stick in their purse or glove compartment, and this one has a touch of high-tech cool.

Just pop over to Amazon, toss a few of these holiday gift ideas into your cart, checkout, and voila! Your gifts are gift-wrapped, complete with personalized cards, and on their way to friends and relatives far and near – or destined for some creative hiding places at your house. Either way, your shopping is done, and you can relax and enjoy the holidays.

 

Celebrate with Mom this Mother’s Day by taking a heartfelt trip down memory lane together. Gather all her favorite photo memories and let them play in a new, fun and surprising way with a little help from Nixplay – we’ve got your gift for Mom covered! There’s more than meets the eye in this wifi-enabled digital photo frame, it’s one that continues to stay updated day-to-day and will be treasured for years to come. How can a digital photo frame do all this, you ask?

1. Perfect for Mom to view all her treasured moments.

Create loads of playlists with all of the photos your mum loves. This could be from before you were around, or the years growing up…viewing these together will mean so much to her and sure to bring an extra laugh or two to the day.

2. Keep sharing the moments that give her joy by sending photos to the frame as you capture them.

Family holidays, celebrations at distance, the kid’s weekend sports, or simply the small sweet moments as they happen. Bring Mom closer to your lives and share more with her throughout the year, not just on Mother’s Day, by sending photos direct to the frame from your smartphone.

3. Get the whole family involved!

Do you have loved ones living abroad? Our Moms may be amazing but they can’t be everywhere at once. Why not let family and friends also send photos to the frame? With more people sharing all their moments to the frame, Mom will love being so close to everyone’s lives.

4. Tech made for Mom, giving her a wonderfully clear viewing experience that she never has to touch!

The Nixplay Edge features a high definition display which means the days of squinting over a smartphone or delays of accessing email to download photos are numbered. Does simple, hassle free technology appeal to your Mom? Great! The in-built ‘Hu-Motion’ sensor will switch the digital photo frame on as she enters the room. So picture this, Mom walks in to the room and the frame switches on to display the most recently shared photos first, including any personal caption messages you may choose to add.

5. Did we mention cloud storage?

Take away the worry of losing photos, figuring out where they’re stored or how to access them. Included cloud storage means they remain securely stored for everyone’s peace of mind.

With Mother’s Day approaching it’s the perfect time to give Mum a Nixplay WiFi Cloud Frame. It comes with your own free personalized Nixplay Cloud Account from where you can access all your photos from favourite social platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Dropbox, Picasa and Flickr and then create playlists to send to the frame. Enjoy the freedom to connect up to 5 frames for free to your account if there’s more than one special Mom in your family! Download the free Nixplay app for added sharing convenience and bring a new world of enjoyment to your favourite photos. Happy Mother’s Day!

Learn more or Shop the range at www.nixplay.com