The holidays can be awful – even through years like this one when most of us don’t travel to visit family and friends. If buying gifts is still on the to-do list, you are no doubt alone. Finding the right kind of gift is hard for everyone, especially tech-savvy people. That’s where we come in.
Below are some great deals that you can take advantage of now, and better yet, get them where they need to be before December 25th. If you are posting packages yourself, we have pulled together the critical shipping dates for USPS, UPS, and FedEx here.
Dealing with headphones to stop noise
Sony’s WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds slip with $ 10 off the best price ever, and you can still get them for $ 158 at a few retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo. These were originally sold for $ 230, which is great if you value excellent sound quality as well as being able to turn off some sound.
Also discounted in Sony’s catalog of headphones is the latest WH-1000XM4 wireless headset and wireless model. We often cover them as they are worth the investment based on their excellent sound quality, comfort and battery life. Usually $ 349, they’re down to $ 278 at Amazon and Best Buy, making the purchase a little easier to swallow.
Game matters
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Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge
Whether you’ve been lucky enough to get a PS5, or you’re still mocking the PS4, there’s a big deal for both crowds this weekend on PlayStation Plus membership. One year of service that allows for online multiplayer and savings on games usually costs $ 60, but you can get it for around $ 36 at Eneba digital store. The price varies realistically, so you may, of course, get a better deal when you push.
Target makes sure it has the unique package that combines two great Nintendo Switch games, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Mario Party, arrives before Christmas (of course, you can pick it up in person if you prefer). Usually $ 120 if you buy them separately, this package costs just $ 80, so it’s a great opportunity if you’re trying to build your library of Switch games (or a loved one ).
Other contracts you may have
Apple’s latest Mac mini desktop with the new M1 processor is seeing a few small cuts in prices. At B&H Photo, the entry-level model with $ 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD is $ 669 ($ 30 off). For more storage, the Mac mini with 512GB of storage is $ 849 ($ 50 off).
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Apple Mac mini with M1
Prices quoted at time of publication.
Apple’s most affordable Mac desktop computer starting at $ 699 is now powered by Apple’s standard M1 chip.
Another great gift idea comes in the form of Amazon’s Echo Show 8 smart display. What is particularly worthy of your consideration right now is that it now supports Zoom calls, as you would not get enough of those during working hours. Sadly, though, this new feature makes it great for talking to family and friends during the holidays – especially since Zoom built the 40-minute timeline on calls.
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Amazon Echo 8 Showcase
Prices quoted at time of publication.
Amazon’s $ 130 smart display with a bright and sharp eight-inch display.
Finally, if your home Wi-Fi network needs an upgrade in terms of coverage, Eero’s three-pack of mesh Wi-Fi routers is a relatively inexpensive way to upgrade. Usually $ 250 during the off-season, it is currently $ 175. You can place them around your home to make sure it is as wide as a Wi-Fi signal.