One of the hardest things to come up with every year are what gifts to get your loved ones or even for yourself. That’s because every year, tons of new products come out that make it harder and harder to narrow down just what’s hot or not. Luckily you got us. We test out numerous products throughout the year so you don’t have to. Each of your staff this year will be posting up their top 10 list of products they recommend this holiday season including yours truly.
With that said, here’s my top 10 list. It’s mainly all product I’ve looked at this year along with some that haven’t been reviewed yet or items that I’ve purchased for myself that I think you’d really enjoy.
Waterfield Arcade Gaming Case for Nintendo Switch
I have had some experience with WaterField Design cases and bags in the past but one of my favorite items from them was the Cityslicker Case for the PS Vita. It’s quite frankly the best and only PS Vita case I’ll ever use. With that said, WaterField makes a Cityslicker case for the new Nintendo Switch, but it’s the new Arcade Gaming Case that you should really be interested in get. You see, the new WaterField Arcade Gaming Case for the Nintendo Switch not only holds the main Switch unit, but also made to fit the Hori PlayStand, a Pro Controller or Joy Cons with Grip, and other extra items.
The WaterField Arcade Gaming Case for the Nintendo Switch is made of premium materials like ballistic nylon, waxed canvas, and premium full-grain leather. It comes in 3 different colors you can choose from and each are hand made and warrantied from defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product
WaterField Arcade Gaming Case
Price: $109
Steelseries Arctis 7
The Steelseries Arctis 7 is one of the best gaming headsets I’ve used. For the price, you get a great wireless headset that sounds terrific and has a battery that lasts for a fairly long time per charge. They work with the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. If you want to use them with your mobile device, you’ll have to use the included cable to plug them in as they don’t support Bluetooth connections. For that, the next headset on the list is made for you.
While the Arctis 7 isn’t the top of the line Steelseries headset, they sure feel like it. The materials used and the new removable ski google headbands make the Arctis 7 look and feel fantastic and coupled with the amazing audio quality, Steelseries has a winner here.
Steelseries Arctis 7
Price: $149.99
SteelSeries Arctis 3 Bluetooth
You might be wondering why there’s another Steelseries Arctis headset here but there is a good reason. While the Arctis 7 might be the best for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC, the new Arctis 3 Bluetooth is probably the best headset currently out for the Nintendo Switch. What makes the Arctis 3 Bluetooth different from other Nintendo Switch headsets is its dual mode audio. From what I know, it’s the first of its kind that allows for both wired audio and Bluetooth audio at the same time. That means you can used the wired option for the Nintendo Switch console and Bluetooth audio for your smartphone running the Nintendo Switch mobile chat app or any other VOIP app. You can even listen to your own music at the same time or take calls.
Steelseries Arctis 3 Bluetooth
Price: $129.99
JBL Pulse 3
The JBL Pulse series of portable have been among my favorite each year and for 2017, the updated Pulse 3 doesn’t disappoint. The lightshow feature looks so much better now than the previous versions, it’s now 360-degrees, and you can now properly choose the colors you want to use. I also really love the fact that it’s waterproof and lasts for about 12 hours per full charge.
The JBL Pulse 3 is also still plenty loud, plenty fun to use, and definitely a head turner when people see these.
JBL Pulse 3
Price: $199.95
Nintendo Switch
I’ll be the first to say that I wasn’t a big Nintendo Switch fan when it first came out. In fact, I haven’t been a Nintendo fan really since the Nintendo Wii. However, I can’t deny that the Nintendo Switch is probably the hottest console right now this holiday season due to its unique 2-in-1 design. It’s a console you can play at home as well as on the go. Let’s not forget that this is also the only console you can play the latest Mario game on.
Nintendo Switch
Price: $299.99
JBL Reflect Fit
If you’re looking for a really good set of workout headphones, I might have just the thing for you with the JBL Reflect Fit. These are Bluetooth wireless, in-ear headphones that utilize a neck band for both comfort and security. It helps keep your earbuds in place even during the most rigorous of workouts. An added feature is a built in heart rate monitor that works very quickly and accurately.
JBL Reflect Fit
Price: $149.95
Urban Armor Gear Case
When it comes to protection for my smartphone, one of the names I trust is Urban Armor Gear. I’ve been using UAG cases since the iPhone 5 and have continued using them with every new phone I get. That’s because UAG always seems to have cases for all the latest “hot” smartphones that fit great and offer maximum protection.
UAG currently offers cases for all the latest iPhone models including the new iPhone X, LG V30, Galaxy Note 8, and Pixel 2 / Pixel 2 XL.
Urban Armor Gear
Price: Varies
LG V30
While there are many new flagship smartphones out right now, I’ve chosen to recommend one that I actually used. Last year, the LG V20 was my go to device and this year, it’s the LG V30. It’s more powerful than the previous device, has a larger battery, better screen, and a more sophisticated design. It still retains the dual camera lens design in the rear and quad-DAC audio processors.
The LG V30 feels fast and responsive, and can stay toe-to-toe with any current flagship. With all the choices out there right now, you can’t go wrong with the LG V30.
LG V30
Price: Varies by carrier
Unihertz Jelly Pro
If you don’t already own a mid to high end smartphone you love, the Jelly Pro isn’t really for you. You see, this Android 7.0 based smartphone is more suited as a 2nd device mainly because of its diminutive size. The Jelly Pro is one of the smallest smartphones I’ve seen and used. While it might not be the most powerful Android device out there, or have the best screen, it does have going for it dual sims and the fact that it’s not hard at all carrying this thing in your pocket as a 2nd phone.
It’s so far a great 2nd phone for work and one that works really well for calls, reading messages, emails, and the occasional app use.
Jelly Pro
Price: Varies
North St. Belmont Backpack
The Belmont is the perfect companion for light duty trips anywhere. Commute to the office, café, market, or to the top of your favorite dayhike, the Belmont makes hauling your most essential gear easy and it looks good doing the job.
A drawstring closure and a flaptop secured with 2 buckles, provides quick access while keeping the elements at bay. Featuring an X-Pac™ waterproof liner, with reflective accents, zippered front and open side pockets, the Belmont is built with a military-grade 1000 denier CORDURA® nylon shell in whatever color combo you choose.
North St. Belmont
Price: starting at $139