Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be just chocolates and rose petals on the bed. Although many have criticized the holiday as being another excuse to go out and spend wads of cash, it can also be an excellent opportunity to provide your significant other with something both useful and close to the heart.
If you know your SO to be digitally savvy, then surprising them with the right gadget can be far more meaningful than flowers from the grocery store. We’ve hand selected gifts for a variety of budgets that should be able to satisfy anyone with an affinity for cool stuff. Most importantly, they’ll show how creative and thoughtful you are!
Valentine’s Tech Gifts Under $50
For those of you with a budget in mind, do not panic! These three gifts under $50 will seem like you splurged, yet they’re incredibly practical.
1. Tile Mate – Key Finder, Phone Finder, Anything Finder ($24.99)
For those of you with an iPhone, there may have been a time (or two, or three) when you were delighted to find your phone using Apple’s Find iPhone feature. If your partner has a reputation for losing other important items, namely their keys, wallet, or dog, then that little fantasy you’ve always had about built in GPS has finally come true.
Tile comes in a variety of sizes and quantities, providing a discrete homing device that won’t become detached easily. The Tile app works both ways as well. For instance, if you have your keys but can’t find your phone then you can press the Tile to sound off where your phone was put.
We love this gift because saving yourself from moments of stress when you’re running late can really have a positive impact on your life.
2. 365 Day Custom Tearaway Calendar – Social Print Studio ($40)
Does your Valentine love Instagram? How about photography? Maybe just photos of the two of you, every day of the year?
Social Print Studio has developed a web page that easily imports your social media photos and turns then into a tear calendar for the entire year. Several companies have already offered Instagram booklets and keepsakes, but considering most avid social media users have over 365 post-worthy photos, it’s a glorious idea to be able to reflect on all your best moments over the course of a year. What’s more, Social Print Studio uses a thicker paper weight, so if you’d like a more permanent keepsake than a tearaway calendar, you can tear and place the photos on your wall in a mosaic of memories. Â
Available on SocialPrintStudio.com.
3. Google Chromecast ($35)
Technologically speaking, we’ve gone from large bulky devices down to compact smart phones, and now we’ve found ourselves desiring the capability to watch streaming content on bigger screens again.Â
Google saw an easy opportunity to bridge the gap between devices large and small. With the Google Chromecast you can stream any content from your smaller devices right to your TV using Bluetooth and an adorable device the size of a fifty cent piece. Available in coral, lemonade, and black.
Available on the Google Store.
Valentine’s Tech Gifts Under $100
$100 is stepping into a price range with wide open possibilities, but for the sake of thoughtfulness, we honed in on a couple items we think have a particular relevance to couples and the time of year.
1. Fitbit Fitness Trackers ($79.99)
If there’s one thing tech enthusiasts find sexy, it’s well organized data. Pair that with body sculpting fitness motivation and you have a Valentine’s Day gift beneficial to both partners.
Sleek in design and function, Fitbit has a dominant stake in the fitness tracking industry. Some of its popular features include measuring steps, duration and quality of sleep, heart rate, and calories burned. Plus, it pairs with your smart phone to display caller ID, texts, and reminders, so you don’t have to pull your phone out in the middle of exercising.
This gift is perfect for the active, or seeking-to-be active, couple. Having just started a new year it can be very easy to lose the fitness motivation by February 14th. Don’t be a cliché – keep up with your New Year’s resolution for a healthy 2017!
2. Portable Cell Phone Charger – Mophie Powerstation ($60)
It’s not uncommon for your cell phone to die with regular use over the course of a business day, and what says I love you more than “I want to be able to call you no matter what!â€?
Portable charging devices have been on the market for some time, yet their popularity has been underwhelming at best. Having just gone through the most brutal January of my life in Lake Tahoe, with an unusual abundance of power outages, I can personally testify to the usefulness of this device.
Spare your SO the hassle of being without mobile connectivity and give them some backup power.
Valentine’s Tech Gifts Over $100
Sometimes it’s fun to buy a gift not just for your partner, but for the “us,” if you catch my drift. These gifts are perfect for unique couple experiences, and those who like to travel light.
1. Portable Mobile Projector – RIF6 Cube Mobile Projector ($275)
Nothing says James Bond more than pulling out a mini projector in times when you want to cozy up to your movie buddy. Two inches square and powered by 50 lumens, this projector is capable of screening full 1080p with 90 minutes of battery life.
The RIF6 comes with HDMI and MHL connection cables, a USB charger, Remote control, flexible mini tripod, and a comfortable 1-year warranty.
Potential uses include movies in the backpacking tent, screening parties in your hostel abroad, or impressive client displays for your business life.
2. Portable Photo Printer – HP Sprocket ($129.99)
Nowadays we’re taking more photos than ever before thanks to smart phone cameras, but how often do we print our photos?
A portable photo printer makes it easy. Snap a photo on your smart phone, and then print it out immediately for your loved one to put on the fridge.
The photos print at 2†x 3†on sticky back paper via Bluetooth. What’s nice is you don’t have to make the extra investment buying a new-age Polaroid. All you need is a smartphone!
Bonus Gift: A Brand New Website!
Sure, the gadgets above are neat, but if you want to really impress your valentine, consider getting them a gift that’s all digital. How about powerful web hosting that includes a free website builder, one-click script installs, and 24/7 support? We may be biased, but we love the idea!
Get Started with HostGator!
Jeremy Jensen is a Professional Photographer and Freelance Writer based in Lake Tahoe, CA. His work is centered around photojournalism, nature and music, but also loves any opportunity to work with people. To view his portfolio or to follow him on Social Media visit JeremyJensenMedia.com