Last Minute Gift Giving Guide: 2016 Edition

The year is almost over, and Christmas is only days away. While most of us probably have our shopping done, there is still a little time for those waiting until the last minute.

Not sure what you should get someone? No worries; after evaluating the top-selling items of the season, I’ve prepared my list of the Top Ten Gifts of 2016.

Top Ten Gifts of 2016

1. Nintendo Classic

As is often the case with the top items of the year, you’re going to have a hard time getting your hands on the new release of the NES Classic Edition. Nintendo might have underestimated just how hard this would hit some of us right in the nostalgia, resulting in a low supply and very high demand. The re-release of the classic gaming system is updated to work with your modern television and comes with 30 of the most popular games ever released for the console.

2. ASUS Chromebook Flip

The new Chromebook comes with everything you love about tablets and laptops, all packed into a nifty package that runs below $300. Chromebooks are becoming a necessity for many people, and this one comes with a few bells and whistles not found in more expensive competitors. It has a 360-degree rotating touchscreen and an all-metal chassis. Dare I even mention the long battery life?

3. Hatchimals

In the toy division, the Hatchimal is the top gift this year. The interactive toy comes to life inside of its egg when your child plays with it, and will soon hatch. It then grows up as it receives attention. There are many different Hatchimals, but you won’t know which one you’ve got until it hatches.

4. Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera

Now that we’ve made it to the point that our cell phones can take better pictures than most digital cameras, our cameras can now print the photos we just took! Yes, instant photography has become all the rage once again. One of the most desired products out there is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 8. After more than 8,000 reviews on Amazon, it is holding a 4.5+ rating.

5. Audio Technica Stereo Turntable

One of the themes this year is clearly the resurgence of old technology, and the resurrection of the vinyl record industry is a great example of that. There are many great record players out there, but one of the top turntables is the award-winning Audio Technica LP60 series. It not only plays your old records, but also can connect to your computers, mobile devices, and your speaker components.

6. Holy Stone Quadcopter Drone

RC cars are so…two dimensional. Quadcopters are where it’s at, and they have gotten quite nice. One of the most popular models at the moment is this Holy Stone F181. It has a key return and a headless security system so you don’t lose your drone, it knows how to hover, and is keyed to do flips!

7. Samsung Gear VR

Just a couple of years ago, virtual reality was more futuristic fantasy than it was reality. The Samsung Gear VR is the giant that hit the market that everyone else is now trying to follow. If you haven’t used it, it simply can’t be described. Watch movies, explore the world, or play games in a way that you never have before, all for under $100.

8. LEGO Star Wars AT-ST Walker

The box says ages 8-14, so we’ll go ahead and pretend like this gift is for one of the kids. This top-rated toy lets you build the iconic AT-ST Walker from Star Wars. It’s legs move, and you can flip open the hatch and load up the crew. It even has adjustable, spring-loaded guns that fire missiles! This is a gift that you…*cough* *cough* your child is sure to love.

9. Google Home

Proving the future is now, Google’s interactive voice assistant knows all kinds of tricks to keep you informed and entertained. It faces some competition from the Amazon Echo Dot, but has a few more capabilities and better third-party development tools, available. It can organize your schedule, give you directions, play podcasts or music, and even order pizza. And this is only the beginning.

10. Kindle Fire HD

One of the best values you can find in the tablet department, ever, is the Kindle Fire HD. It packs enough punch to support high-definition streaming of video and gaming with a decent amount of storage. There are several options available, such as a kids edition or alternative colors, sizes, and storage. It does all of this at a very low price, making it a top pick as a great gift.

We’ll see you in 2017

To our friends, family, and Miami neighbors, we’d like to thank you for an incredible year. May you all have a merry Christmas, happy holidays, and a happy New Year!

Integrity, Trust, Pride, and Peace of Mind,
~Frank Istueta