Best Buy Holiday Gift Ideas for Him

 Do you have a hard to buy for guy on your Holiday Gift list?

What about picking a theme for their gifts?  I thought it'd be fun to put together an ultimate TV gift set.

A new HD TV

This LG 47LS4500 HDTV features a Triple XD Engine and 8 picture modes for clear, detailed images. The TruMotion 120Hz technology reduces blurring during fast-action scenes, so you can enjoy your favorite sporting events, video games and TV shows.

a great universal remote

The Logitech Harmony 650 makes entertainment simple again for you and everyone in your home. It replaces up to 5 other remotes, supports 5000+ brands, including devices you own today and add tomorrow. It is simple to setup online using your PC, with live customer support available. Bright color screen shows your favorite-channel icons plus commands for easy navigation. One-click activity buttons like "Watch a DVD" automatically switch the right devices to the right settings.

a blu ray player

Enjoy stunning visuals with this Philips BDP2900/F7 smart Wi-Fi ready Blu-ray player that delivers arresting images with 1080p resolution. DVD upscaling lets you enjoy standard DVDs in near high-definition.

and something totally ungirly to watch

You can also check out some deals going on now at Best Buy:

Buy any 3 tablet accessories and save (up to $75, save $10; up to $100 save $15; up to $150, save $30). No coupon is necessary for this offer.

10% off of  Headphones, Speakers and Health & Fitness Products through 12/29 with the coupon below.

You have even fewer excuses to shop early with BestBuy.com: 

• Best Buy is offering Free Shipping on all products on BestBuy.com through 12/27. Now through 1/2/13
• Shipping deadline for holiday arrivals in time for Christmas is 12/19.
•  Best Buy can accommodate orders purchased on BestBuy.com through store pick-up until 3PM on Christmas Eve- perfect for last-minute shoppers!
• Best Buy will price match products of both our in-store and online competitors throughout the season. The standard price match policy is valid on any gift purchased between 11/4-12/24 and runs through 1/24.  Online Price Match must be done at time of purchase. Check out bestbuy.com for more information.

 
I have been compensated for this post, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Get the Most From Your Tech Gifts this Holiday with Geek Squad Tech Support

This holiday season many families will find new PCs, Macs and Tablets under the tree.  Many will go under utilized because their new owners don't fully know how to use or maintain them.

With a Geek Squad Support subscription you get 24/7 Support Online,  In Store and On the Phone. It’s like having your own personal Geek Squad Agent available 24/7 with unlimited access to in store, over the phone, online chat and remote Agent support where an Agent can log onto your computer safely and securely while you watch your problems go away. Plus you can have an Agent come straight to your home for a special discounted price of $49.99/visit

Your subscription will cover up to 3 PCs, Macs and Tablets – no matter where you bought them, so we can help support any computing or tablet products you’ve bought at Best Buy, on Amazon.com or any other retailer.  Includes Internet Security Software to protect against Computer viruses ($49.99 value).  You'll get unlimited virus removal, computer tune-ups, hardware, software and operating system installations, password resets and troubleshooting help.  

Plus, get on-demand access to an expansive library of over 50,000 “how-to” online videos on how to use Windows 8, get tips and tricks on iPads, learn how to create your own Flash video animations and more! Just go to GeekSquad.com/Training and enter your Tech Support Member ID number and quickly browse all available topics.

You can use the service as often as you like – no question is too big or too small!


My thoughts:
I consider myself computer savvy.  I HAVE been known to get a virus or two that I couldn't save myself from but for the amount of time I spend online and the amount of stuff I download, I think I do pretty well.  I've had the same laptop (a Mac) for 6 years and I think my PC at work is about 4 years old.  So I haven't needed any real tech help since signing up for Geek Squad but I have used the virus protection.  I am not usually as good as I should be about keeping tabs on my virus protection but this is super easy to install and use.  But my personal favorite part were the 'how-to' videos. I was suprised by how many of them taught me something I didn't know, or how to do something easier.  Every time I log in, I lose myself for awhile watching more videos.  I  haven't used the phone service at all but I quickly checked in with an agent online, just to see how it worked and they were super nice.  And there was a great email follow up to make sure my questions were fully answered.  But my favorite Geek Squad experience so far was in store.  They were super polite and fun.  You can tell they love what they do and will gladly chat with you about anything and everything tech related.  They'll even answer the questions you didn't know you needed to ask.

If you're giving a loved one, especially someone who's not totally tech savvy, I would highly recommend giving them a Geek Squad Support subscription and making sure they set it up so they can easily get answers to their questions!

 
I have been compensated for this post, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gift Ideas for Teens from Best Buy

There a countless number of things about having teenagers in my house that scare the bejesus out of me.  While I'm not sure my kids could possibly have any more attitude, I know they will get bigger, they will have more friends and they will likely eat everything that isn't nailed down.  But after doing some research for gift ideas for teens at Best Buy, I have to say I'm a little excited about my potential teens (hey they actually have live long enough to get there).

There are so many fun things for teens.  I know all parents probably don't agree but I would love to be the house my kids and their friends like to hang out at.  This just gives a parent a little extra security and insight into the life of a teen.  If I had the room I'd have all three of these super fun gift ideas in my house, partly in hopes of enticing my kids and their pals to my house but partly because when they did chose to hang out somewhere else...I could play!!!  Seriously, how fun do these look!?!?!

Triumph Sports USA - 4-in-1 Rotating Game Table

This table features air-powered hockey, billiards, tennis and football for hours of fun. The rotating design allows for easy access and the leg leveler helps keep the table steady.

Harvard - Escalade Sports Single Shootout Basketball Game

Bring the excitement of arcade hoops to your home with the Escalade Sports Harvard Single Shootout Basketball Game. This durable game features everything you need for an exciting shootout: accurate scoring, a countdown clock, 3 mini basketballs, and an air pump. When you're done, fold it up and store where convenient.

Game Room Dartboard Set

Upgrade your game room with this Trademark Games 15-3402 dartboard set that includes 6 brass tournament-style darts for reliable use and a wood dart cabinet that provides a durable design. Chalk and an eraser let you easily keep score.

Ok so maybe you, like me have a basement with 5 foot ceilings (well not literally they MIGHT be 6' but still won't be hosting and basketball shootouts anytime soon) or you don't trust your teens throwing sharp pointy things at your walls. 

Maybe some tech gear would be more up your alley.  Best Buy has the full collection of cell phones, MP3 players, laptops etc that your kids will be wishing for.  Since every teen will have a different preference on these items you'll probably want to consult with them before buying.  The only thing worse in the teen world than having last years fashion, is having last year's tech gadget!  

Or if your teen is all set with their phone, video game system etc consider gift cards they can use with their devices. 

CinemaNow - $5 Movie Download Card

Microsoft - Xbox LIVE 12-Month Gold Membership

Nintendo - Nintendo Points Card for Nintendo Wii

PlayStation Network Code for PlayStation 3 and PSP

Apple® - iTunes $25 Code

And there's one gift that'd I'd want to give to my kids if they are driving...OnStar FMV and Geek Squad OnStar Installation.  I suppose this might be more for me as it'd be the gift of peace of mind.  But still something I would like my teens to have.

You can also check out some deals going on now at Best Buy:

Buy any 3 tablet accessories and save (up to $75, save $10; up to $100 save $15; up to $150, save $30). No coupon is necessary for this offer.

10% off of  Headphones, Speakers and Health & Fitness Products through 12/29 with the coupon below.

You have even fewer excuses to shop early with BestBuy.com: 

• Best Buy is offering Free Shipping on all products on BestBuy.com through 12/27. Now through 1/2/13
• Shipping deadline for holiday arrivals in time for Christmas is 12/19.
•  Best Buy can accommodate orders purchased on BestBuy.com through store pick-up until 3PM on Christmas Eve- perfect for last-minute shoppers!
• Best Buy will price match products of both our in-store and online competitors throughout the season. The standard price match policy is valid on any gift purchased between 11/4-12/24 and runs through 1/24.  Online Price Match must be done at time of purchase. Check out bestbuy.com for more information.

 
I have been compensated for this post, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Coolpix S01 is Easy to Carry and Easy to Afford.

You know any camera can make THIS face look good.  But the Nikon Coolpix S01 can give you cute pics like that AND fit in the tiny pocket of your jeans.  No, really, I didn't believe it would, so I checked...

and it really did fit.  It's so tiny and light you can take it anywhere. 

We took it to see Santa...

And we were surprised to find a few other friends while we were out too...

It was super dark in Kringle's Kingdom and with so much to see it was super hard to get anyone to sit still for even a second.  But we had a great time and I thought this lil camera was pretty impressive when put the challenge of my kids!

There aren't a ton of setting options and unless I'm missing something it seems to revert back to default setting each time it goes to sleep so you'll want to keep an eye on that (especially with flash).  But I did play with it some with my Christmas tree which isn't all to interesting this year for the safety of our furballs (and my sanity).  But in a more controlled environment I was actually impressed with the quality of the photos. 

Other things to note, I'm not used to a touch screen capture.  This means if you tap the screen it will take a photo.  You can turn it off but it wasn't hurting anything so I have left it on but I DO have a lot of photos of the floor, ceiling and my hands. 
Also this camera features only built in memory, great in that I can't show up to an event and realize I have a camera and no memory card.  But you'll want to be sure to monitor how much room you have left.  With 7+G you're good for awhile but is just something to note if its different than what you're used to.  It also charges via USB.  A plus weight wise that you don't have a bulky battery but it doesn't give you the option to have back up batteries.  I have gotten used to just plugging it in regularly like I would my cell phone and haven't had it die on me yet.  (Being out for about an hour with pretty constant shooting, it barely shows battery draining.)

Final thoughts, I think this is great camera and at it's current sale price ($99) it is a STEAL.  I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a new point and shoot this holiday!

More info on the Coolpix S01 from BestBuy.com:
The smallest Coolpix camera ever delivers stunning photos thanks to a versatile 3x Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens and the EXPEED C2 processing engine. With a vibrant touch-screen display and built-in intelligence that optimizes the camera for you, the stylish Coolpix S01 helps you capture images with ease. Plus capture high-definition 720p movies with sound.

Product Features

10.1-megapixel 1/2.9" CCD sensor
Captures high-resolution images up to 3648 x 2736 pixels.

3x optical zoom/4x digital zoom/20x total zoom
Through a Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens for precise zooming and accuracy.

EXPEED C2 image processor
Provides fast operation, onboard intelligence and creative in-camera effects.

2.5" TFT-LCD touch-screen monitor
With antireflection coating. Easily swipe through photos and watch videos, adjust camera settings, add creative effects and more.

HD movie mode
Lets you record high-definition video clips in 720p with sound.

Electronic VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization
Helps prevent blurry photos and promotes sharp, clear pictures and videos.

Ultracompact design
Easily slips into a pocket or purse for incredible portability.

Scene modes
Include back light, close up, landscape, night landscape, night portrait, portrait and scene auto selector.

In-camera image editing options
Include color options, filter effects, fisheye, miniature effect and toy camera.

7.3GB internal memory
For convenient storage of images and video.

 

I received this Nikon from Best Buy as part of their Blogging Board. All opinions are my own honest personal feedback.

Best Buy Has Great Gifts for Kids

When we think Best Buy, we often think of toys for the big boys but you'd be amazed at all the great stuff you'll find for even the littlest one on you holiday gift list this season.  

Of course they have lots of great electronics, as you might suspect, even for the young tech lover.  Some that we love in our house are the InnoTab 2 from VTech and the LeapPad 2 from LeapFrog. Both of these are great for little hands who want to play with a tablet but aren't quite ready to handle the more expensive technology just yet.  We own both of these kid friendly tablets and have blogged about both, but I think its a matter of personal preference on which I'd go with.  Check my post on them (Innotab 2 and LeapPad 2) or click on the product titles below for product details from BestBuy.com to learn more about which would be right for you.

Vtech - Innotab 2S Interactive Learning Tablet

Make learning a fun, interactive experience for your child with this Vtech Innotab 2S 80-156800 tablet that features a 5" color touch screen for simple navigation and wireless connectivity for downloading hundreds of apps

 

LeapFrog - LeapPad2 Explorer

Help your child have fun while developing his or her skills in reading, art and more with this LeapFrog LeapPad2 Explorer 32610 tablet that features a 5" touch screen for simple control. Front and rear cameras let you capture clear photos and videos.

If you're giving electronics of any kind, tablet, MP3 player etc, you'll want to be sure to grab some headphones or earbuds to go with it.  Personal electronics are great to keep the kids busy, especially when you need them to settle down and be quiet for a bit but that point is sort of lost if the noise is just now coming from another source.  Grab a pair of comfy ear buds like these from Skull Candy and you'll be able to enjoy the quiet! There are tons of types of earbuds and headphones available and I'm sure style and fit preferance vary a lot but I LOVE Skull Candy ear buds and clearly my kids do too because I can never find mine.  If you're buying headphones be sure to use the coupon at the bottom of this post to get an additional 10% until 12/29/12.

Skullcandy - Ink'd 2 Earbud Headphones

Enjoy your music with these Skullcandy Ink'd 2 S2IKDY-101 earbud headphones that feature Supreme Sound technology for rich, high-quality audio. The in-line microphone and controls offer easy operation of volume and other features. 

For me, buying for my kids is never hard.  It's actually the stopping shopping that I have a problem with, seriously you should see the stack of boxes in my bedroom thanks to my online shopping this year.  But it can be harder to buy for kids you don't know as well.  You can count on video games like Skylanders Giants, Just Dance 4 or Halo 4 being big hits but it's so hard to know if they already have them or even what game system they have or use.  You can always go with a gift card, trust me older kids will never turn their noses up at the chance to pick out their own gifts.  But if you're the type that links to have wrapped gift to give, I found a few fun gifts at BestBuy.com that would be fun to give to any kid.  I especially love these for grab bag type gifts because they are gender neutral and can be given to anyone.

Laser Laces - Shoelaces

 Give your shoes, boots or skates a stylish look with these Laser Laces fiber-optic shoelaces that feature on, flash and double-flash glow settings for a colorful light display. Two battery packs ensure long-lasting use.

Wild Creations - Extreme Drinking Straws

You can also check out some deals going on now at Best Buy:

Buy any 3 tablet accessories and save (up to $75, save $10; up to $100 save $15; up to $150, save $30). No coupon is necessary for this offer.

10% off of  Headphones, Speakers and Health & Fitness Products through 12/29 with the coupon below.

You have even fewer excuses to shop early with BestBuy.com: 

• Best Buy is offering Free Shipping on all products on BestBuy.com through 12/27. Now through 1/2/13
• Shipping deadline for holiday arrivals in time for Christmas is 12/19.
•  Best Buy can accommodate orders purchased on BestBuy.com through store pick-up until 3PM on Christmas Eve- perfect for last-minute shoppers!
• Best Buy will price match products of both our in-store and online competitors throughout the season. The standard price match policy is valid on any gift purchased between 11/4-12/24 and runs through 1/24.  Online Price Match must be done at time of purchase. Check out bestbuy.com for more information.

 
I have been compensated for this post, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sifteo Cubes Interactive Game System Review

Sifteo Cubes are a very cool interactive, tactile game platform that make you the talk of the town.  We recently received a set of Sifteo Cubes (and one add on cube) to test out.  I first opened it after the boys had gone to bed.  It took a just a couple minutes to set up as you need to put batteries in the main unit and each of the cubes.  After that the hardest part will be deciding which game to play first.  Sifteo comes preloaded with 4 games and additional games are available for download.  I played, all by myself, for hours that first night.  You'll be addicted to tilting, turning and tapping in no time. I really liked Chroma Splash which is a shape matching game.  It feels similar to a lot of the match and destroy type games available online but with the ability to turn and tilt the cubes before matching them up together the possibilities and sometimes the challenge are far greater than anything else I've seen online.  I also had a lot of fun with Sandwich Kingdom which is a little more like your traditional video game but to create your path you have to manipulate the cubes to keep yourself going.  The kids also liked Sandwich Kingdom.  But Johnny loved Cube Buddies which was fun to watch him play.  It's sort of a puzzle/logic game but done with fun creatures you create by swapping their features back and forth between cubes...you'd have to see it to really understand.  And Code Cracker and Word Caravan are great educational games that are still fun. 

Sifteo Cubes are recommended for ages 7 and up which I think is fair because some of the games involve math and a lot of logic and reasoning.  But Bryan (not quite 5) enjoyed helping manipulate the cubes with my help and instruction.

The best part of Sifteo is that because you're constantly moving and the games feels like its constantly moving and changing, it keeps your attention much longer.  As I said, I played for several hours the first time without even realizing it.  The next day I tossed the cubes in the bag that is included and brought them with to help entertain the boys during Timmy's Robotics competition (an all day event).  Johnny spent literally all morning playing with them quietly on the floor.  And no fewer than 4 people stopped to ask what it was that he was playing with.  Each person checked it out, asked more questions and then made sure to get the full name so they could purchase it or look into it more.  It really is a cool system unlike anything anyone has seen!
 

Here's some great info on Sifteo Cubes but be sure to check them out online for more info:

• Sifteo Cubes website

• Sifteo on Facebook

• Sifteo on Twitter

How Sifteo Cubes Work

Sifteo Cubes respond to your moves. Neighbor Sifteo Cubes side-by-side or top-to-bottom and watch them interact for totally unique gameplay. You can also shake, tilt, flip and press cubes for endless combinations. Your cubes operate as a single game interface, and can be played single player or multiplayer, depending on the game. Expand your play possibilities by downloading more games (using the Sifteo Desktop Software) and adding additional cubes.

The ultra-compact Sifteo base runs the show. It stores your games, plays game music and sound effects, and wirelessly talks with the cubes. Purchase additional games using the Sifteo Desktop Software (you will need a Mac or PC with a USB 2.0 port) and they'll be synced automatically when you plug the Sifteo Base into your computer. Then toss your cubes and base into the included soft carrying case, and play on the go!
Big tech in a little package. Cutting-edge technology powers the capabilities of each sturdy 1.7-inch Sifteo Cube and the Sifteo Base.

• Modern, playful user interface
• Touch sensitive screen
• Proximity sensors to detect nearby cubes
• Precision 3-axis accelerometer responds
  to motion

 

What's Included:

• 3 Sifteo Cubes
• Sifteo Base with speaker and USB port, pre-loaded with 4 included titles
• 4 included game titles: Chroma Splash, Cube Buddies, Code Cracker, and Word Caravan
• Free download of Sandwich Kingdom, an adventure quest where players explore the four corners of a playful fantasy world (limited time only - a $10 value!)
• Micro USB cable
• 5 AAA Batteries
• Soft carrying case

pictured is Sifteo Cubes Game System and one add on cube

  Also available for Sifteo:

Sleuth and slide—ninja style!  

Turtle Power! The highly anticipated game Ninja Slide, brought to you by Sifteo in partnership with Nickelodeon, is now live! 

Play as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle to outsmart the enemy mastermind and save the city. Can you think like a ninja?

My boys LOVED this!!

Thanks to Sifteo for the chance to check out this product which is now a family favorite!! 

Shop Best Buy This Holiday Season for Practical(ish) Gifts For Her

We've all seen it, a husband out on Christmas Eve shopping for his wife (because everyone knows she shopped for EVERYONE else already) at whatever store is still open.  But with Best Buy's Value (extended price-match guarantee), Convenience (widest selection; free shipping; same-day pickup; extended return and exchange policy) and Expertise: (Best Buy Blue Shirts are unbiased experts who can help you pick the right gift for your lifestyle and make sure you have everything you need to wake up working this holiday season) there's NO EXCUSE to wait until the last minute!

If you need some inspiration, I've put together a small selection of items for the lady in your life this holiday!

SodaStream - Genesis Home Soda Maker $99.99

We have a SodaStream in our house and it's fun.   It is super easy to use and the best part, I think is that you can make your own mixed creations.  This would be especially great for someone who likes to entertain because it is usually a big hit at parties.

Rechargeable Wine Opener  $29.99

I'm not personally a wine drinker, but I know lots of ladies who are.  And I know if I WAS a wine drinker, I'd think this was a great gift. 

NeatDesk for PC Sheetfed Scanner  $399.99

I personally want one of these. I would also love someone to come and actually scan everything for me and get me organized so I could just keep up with it from here forward.  I know some people who've used this to really go paperless with all their record keeping and that sounds AMAZING to me.  I think this is an especially good gift idea for a work at home mom.  NOTE: this isn't a very romantic gift, proceed with caution when purchasing for a wife or girlfriend.

Crock-Pot 4-Quart Oval Slow Cooker $24.99

Maybe it's just me but this Crock Pot in red makes me think I might enjoy using it a little more!  But honestly crock pot cooking is one of my favorite ways to cook if I'm forced to and I'd really like a 4 quart unit. 
This is another one that may not be well recieved by a wife or girlfriend.  If you've been warned never to buy a kitchen appliance for a holiday, this is NOT an adviced purchase.  However, if you think you're safe, you can sweeten the pot (yeah that pun was totally intentional) by adding a homemade certificate good for YOU to make her one meal using this crock pot.  Or one a month for the year.  That would make it a gift I'd personally love to get.

Fitbit - Zip Wireless Activity Tracker $59.99

I personally have and use the Fitbit Zip and love it.  There are several other models of Fitbit available with many additional features, but I love the Zip because its been designed better for the way I use it.  Its more water resistant and rugid. This gift idea however comes with a super high warning...do not buy this unless it's been asked for.  Buying any item that can be used for weight loss will likely result in disaster if not previously asked for.   It's like warpping a big sign that says "I think you need to lose weight, Merry Christmas."

This blogger is NOT responsible for any bodily injury should you chose to purchase any of these gift ideas without heeding my warnings.  Many woman do NOT want practical gifts for the holidays.  The expression 'diamonds are a girls best friend" didn't come from no where but if you have a practical lady on your list, maybe use these suggestions to inspire something she will truly appreciate and be able to use regularly.

You can also check out some deals going on now at Best Buy:

Buy any 3 tablet accessories and save (up to $75, save $10; up to $100 save $15; up to $150, save $30). No coupon is necessary for this offer.

10% off of  Headphones, Speakers and Health & Fitness Products through 12/29 with the coupon below.

You have even fewer excuses to shop early with BestBuy.com: 

• Best Buy is offering Free Shipping on all products on BestBuy.com through 12/27. Now through 1/2/13
• Shipping deadline for holiday arrivals in time for Christmas is 12/19.
•  Best Buy can accommodate orders purchased on BestBuy.com through store pick-up until 3PM on Christmas Eve- perfect for last-minute shoppers!
• Best Buy will price match products of both our in-store and online competitors throughout the season. The standard price match policy is valid on any gift purchased between 11/4-12/24 and runs through 1/24.  Online Price Match must be done at time of purchase. Check out bestbuy.com for more information.

 
I have been compensated for this post, however all opinions expressed are my own.