Two weeks ago, BoomerTECH Adventures suggested several of our favorite cheap tech gifts. This column will help you save even more money on Christmas gifts. So what’s the secret? These are ideas that use technology you already have (or can easily borrow) to make thoughtful and appreciated gifts using that most precious commodity: your time.
As thoughtful as they are, you can have a lot of fun putting these gifts together. None of these ideas are platform dependent and can be done on any type of device you have: smartphone, tablet, or computer. The best thing is that these ideas are as applicable to children as they are to adults, especially with some modifications and creative thinking.
Let’s make a video. We’re not talking about a feature film here, and you certainly don’t have to be a Hollywood director. Your smartphone has video features that also allow you to film, edit, and send a finished video to someone via email. How about a video update of key events in your life over the past year? Some interesting stories about trips, family events or job changes. Or spice it up by singing or playing an instrument. There are plenty of tutorials on creating videos on YouTube, but stick to the basics. Hold your camera steady (use a tripod if necessary), keep the video sharp, have enough light but not too much, and try to keep the light source in front of the subjects so they are not backlit and in the dark. ‘shadow. And finally, shorter is almost always better!
Provide technical tutorials. We could all use some help learning more about our smartphones, tablets, computers or the myriad of technological devices available. Think smart home devices, pairing your smartphone with your car and much more. But most of us would benefit from having a knowledgeable person sit down with us and our device for about 45 minutes to answer questions we’ve compiled about how our favorite device works. For example, helping someone select and send photos to others. Or how to make a conference call from your iPhone. How about logging into my local library to select books online? Offer a simple gift certificate that includes several “tutoring sessions”. A gift so simple to give but appreciated by the recipient.
Curated resources are best. I love it when someone tells me interesting information. Sometimes we are so overwhelmed by the volume of content available on the Internet that we don’t bother to use it to discover the incredible content available. This is an opportunity for the gift creator/gift giver to do some research and put together a handful of interesting articles or videos. One of my favorite sites to suggest to others is the New York Times “52 Places to Go” series, published annually. Every year a new series of travel sites with beautiful photos, videos and fascinating information make it a must-read. Or find great music sites with resources that match the interests of the person you’re giving this gift to. How about museums, traditional or unusual, like the International Spy Museum in Washington DC? Do a little research online and group these resources together by sending a brief description and link to family or friends.
A friends/family communication site. Let’s keep things simple with this one and start something like a Google Doc to share with family and/or friends. In this Google Doc, start an ongoing conversation… about life! Since this will be accessible to anyone you invite, treat it like a rolling letter, with text, photos, videos and more. The important thing will be that you monitor it to keep it fresh, relevant and fun. And you can encourage people to contribute. Members can comment on what others have said and add their own contributions. Content can include family history and just about any topic of interest to the group. But you might want to stay away from politics. Keep the content positive!
Giving gifts to friends and family goes way beyond just buying something. The great thing about these ideas is the personal connection you make and the time you took to make a truly individual gift. Also enjoy the time you have. Happy Holidays!
BoomerTECH Adventures (boomertechadventures.com) provides expert advice and resources to help Baby Boomers and seniors develop their skills and confidence using their Apple devices. Boomers themselves, BoomerTECH Adventures leverages their skills as educators to create experiences that meet individual needs through videos, Zoom presentations, tech tips, and timely blog posts.
” Previous
Related Stories
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and finalize your registration.
Use the form below to reset your password. Once you have submitted your account email, we will send you an email with a reset code.