*FYI: There are affiliate links present as we get a cut from your purchase. However our picks weren’t influenced by them.*
So 2020 has brought on the most ‘interesting’ year to say the least. Making things more crazy is the possibility of the kids returning to schools. Whatever winds up happening – either in-person or online, there will be some sort of school happening in the fall. As the school year approaches, we got 16 picks on gift ideas to tackle the upcoming school year – regardless of your budget.
Audible Audiobook Subscription
Despite all of the homework and studying that will be on your plate, for those of you who love to read still have the option for audiobooks. This allows for listening to books while working out, running, etc. You get 1 free book a month and can download to check out titles offline as well.
Google Nest Mini
Google’s smallest smart speaker is now louder than before. It can be mounted to the wall, get pretty good sound, get traffic updates, weather, play games, podcasts, control smart home products, the power of Google, & more. All while covered in sustainable fabric made from recycled plastic bottles.
Instant Pot 7-in-1 Slow Cooker
The slow cooker is one of the things you can consider to definitely be in your home. This particular model from Instant Pot is a 7-in-1 that holds up to 8-quarts. You can use this as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker and warmer to handle whatever your or family stomach desires.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
If audiobooks aren’t your thing, the Amazon Kindle is still one of the best e-readers out on the market and probably the best way to read books. The latest Kindle Paperwhite gives you an integrated light, waterproof, has Audible support, and a battery life that lasts for weeks.
Lenovo B210 Laptop Backpack
When you think of Lenovo, you might think of amazing laptops for gaming and/or enterprise w/ the Yoga + ThinkPad lines. Lo and behold, they make backpack as well. This B210 backpack is made to carry just about whatever you can put in it. It has a water-repellent fabric, super-clean design, durable, and can hold books/business cards and a 15.6inch laptop inside comfortably.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip
For those of you who want a little bit more on a backpack, we wold steer you towards the likes of Peak Design. The Everyday Backpack Zip gives you exactly the more you’re looking for. It also has a clean aesthetic w/ 270-degree wraparound consisting of 4 zippers, made of a weatherproof nylon canvas shell, sternum strap, customizable compartments, & can hold up to a 15inch laptop.
Sony WP-SP800N Earbuds
Earbuds come a dime a dozen these days so it might be harder to pick which one to get. I think the latest from Sony are a great combo of fit/comfort, sound, battery life, & versatility. They’re noise-cancelling, IP55 water-resistant to workout in, wear detection, & offer ambient sound support. All w/o breaking the bank too much.
Beats Powerbeats Pro
While the AirPods/AirPods Pro might be the de facto earbuds for the masses, they won’t stay in everyone’s ears. So for everyone else, we recommend the Powerbeats Pro. These have adjustable ear hooks + multiple ear tips to find the right fit for you. Plus add a longer battery life + sweat resistance to be a more versatile solution.
Google Nest Hub Max
Google’s largest smart display is the Nest Hub Max and it’s more powerful than the 7inch model. This 10.1inch display packs a Nest cam for Google Duo calls as well as working w/ your Nest cameras, can control for your smart home as well as entertainment for music, YouTube, now added Netflix, & other media. All while being powered by Google Photos for your digital photo frame too.
Amazon Echo Show 10
Amazon’s largest take on Smart Displays offer Dolby sound and video calling w/ the Echo Show 10. You still can listen to music, watch videos, live TV, and smart home support, you can listen to Audible audiobooks, & more w/ the power of Alexa – all on a 10.1inch display. Now that Amazon & Google are friends again, the return of YouTube is a welcome addition as well.
Nintendo Switch
Another guide, another entry for the Nintendo Switch. Having a better variety of games to choose from w/ this platform and being portable, this is hard not to recommend. While the Microsoft + Sony battle it out for next-gen hardware, Nintendo keeps gaming fun and is winning by doing so. Good luck finding one right now though.
Apple iPad 10.2inch
Apple still produces the only tablets that matter w/ the iPad. Even though you now got the Air & Pro models, the standard one being a tab bit larger makes it even more so worth your while. Now w/ Pencil + Files support, better multitasking and the iPad OS coming int he fall will get it closer to being a laptop replacement.
Google Pixel 4a
Google’s latest & 2nd-gen mid-range Pixel 4a is the most appealing thus far. You get a 5.8inch OLED display, great battery life, a headphone jack, rear fingerprint reader, the latest Android updates, damn-near all of the software goodness form the Pixel 4, and while retaining the best camera for photos on a smartphone.
Apple iPhone 11
Once upon a time if you wanted the best from Apple, you had to buy their top of the line iPhone. With the iPhone 11 that is no longer the case. You got amazing battery life on an iPhone for once, best-in-class 4K video, great photos w/ the versatility of multiple camera angles, and the best apps on a phone.
Google Pixelbook Go
Google’s latest iteration of the Pixelbook might be their best yet. Offering a nice blend of premium & casual design, the PixelBook Go offers a range of power from a Core m3 to a Core i7, up to 16GB of RAM, 13.3inch HD touchscreen display w/ a 4k option, 12-hour battery life, and the lightweight power of Chrome OS. Now at a more affordable price point.
Apple MacBook Pro 13inch
The entry-level MacBook Pro is powerful enough to not have to shell out more $$$ for the 15inch model – depending on your need. You now got the latest quad-core Intel Core i5 CPU, Touchbar, and improved keyboard keys. You can even max this out to a Core i7, 16GB of RAM, & 2TB SSD to have maximum power in a smaller package.
Lead Photo by Jesus Kiteque on Unsplash
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