Give your friends and loved ones a gift that gives back to them in the form of health and fitness improvements. From fitness watches, and other exercise gear, to personal grooming products, this gift guide will help you figure out the perfect gift for the person on your list that is already active or needs the motivation to become active.

Price range $200+

FlexiSpot Deskcise Pro Sit Stand workstation

Standing desks have been popular for the last few years, but the FlexiSpot goes one step further. It’s a standing desk AND a riding desk. That’s right, you can ride and work at the same time. It’s surprisingly easy to do. You actually forget you’re pedaling after a few minutes. This well made easy to use desk will help you burn calories while you surf and work on your computer, read magazines or binge watch Netflix.

Price: $499.99 (Use Coupon code: julie100off for a $100 off discount when purchasing directly from FlexiSpot. Code expires on Nov 27th, 2017).
Where you can buy one: FlexiSpot and Amazon

TomTom Spark 3 Cardio + Music + Headphones GPS Fitness Watch

The Spark 3 fitness watch from TomTom comes with everything you need to track your daily activity, sleep, and workouts. It has built-in GPS to keep track of your running and walking routes, a heart monitor to record your heart rate readings without needing a chest strap, and the watch has 3GB of storage that can store over 500 songs so you can enjoy your favorite workout playlist. This watch even comes with a pair of wireless headphones and personalized workouts through the TomTom app that will guide you to reaching your fitness goals.

Price: $249.99
Where you can buy one: TomTom or Amazon

Clarisonic Mia Fit and Alpha Fit

Many people swear by Clarisonic devices for improving their skin while cleaning it.  There are many models of Clarisonics on the market, and the Fit is the newest and most compact version.  There are two version of the Fit – the Mia Fit in white, pink, or blue, and the Alpha Fit, which is marketed towards men but works for anyone who prefers the gray.  Many men may not think about using a special facial cleansing brush, but it reportedly helps prepare your beard for shaving while cleansing and improving your skin.

Price: $219
Where you can buy one: Clarisonic or at a discount through NewEgg.

ŌURA Ring

Fitness trackers are usually worn on your wrist or clipped to your belt. The ŌURA Ring is a ring that you wear like jewelry on your finger that can track your activity, heart rate, and sleep. If you want a fitness tracker that isn’t like everyone else’s tracker, this one is it.

Price: $299 – $499
Read our review: ŌURA Ring review
Where you can buy one: ŌURA

Nokia Cardio Body Scale

When The Gadgeteer reviewed this scale, it was branded Withings, but Withings is now Nokia.  The only changes in this scale from the one reviewed is the name, though.  The Cardio Body Scale still shows you your weight, BMI, percentage water and body fat, muscle and bone mass, heart rate, and the exclusive pulse wave velocity measurement which indicates cardiovascular health.

Price: $179.95
Read our review: Withings Body Cardio scale review
Where you can buy one: Nokia, Amazon

Activ5 isometric workout device

The Activ5 handheld system, by Activbody, is a portable isometric workout program that can be used for 5 minute (or longer if you choose) workouts at home, at the office, or while traveling.

Price: $119-$160
Read our review: Activ5 isometric workout device review
Where you can buy one: Activ5, Amazon

Price range $50 -$100

Muehle Shave Sets

Shaving hasn’t changed much over the centuries, until recently.  No longer do you use a single blade to cut hairs; now everybody tries to see who can fit the most blades into the smallest plastic cartridge.  Those cartridges are very expensive, leading to people trying to economize by using the same blade far longer than they should.  A lot of people have re-discovered the old razors used by their fathers or grandfathers, and they have switched to the old single, replaceable blade razors.  Some people use vintage razors that have been cleaned and sanitized, others prefer newly manufactured “double edge” razors.  Shoebox Shave Shop offers a nice set for the man or woman who wants to give double-edge shaving a try.  These Muehle sets come with a double-edge razor and a pure badger brush – because you can’t experience a great shave without a nice lather.  The sets are on sale now for $99, and they include a stand to dry your razor and brush on after use.  Shoebox Shave Shop also sells the razor blades you’ll need; they only cost a few cents per blade, so you won’t have to use them for weeks to get your money’s worth.

Price: $99.00
Where you can buy one: Shoebox Shave Shop

Price range $10 – $50

Bayite Fitbit Charge 2 Stainless Steel Milanese Loop Bracelet

If you like the Milanese Loop band for Apple Watches, perhaps you’d like to try one with your Fitbit Charge 2.  Bayite has a stainless steel mesh band for the Charge 2 for under $15, so it’s probable that the quality of this band won’t exactly match the quality of the Apple band.  It would be a contender for a sweat-proof band if you don’t like the plastic band that comes standard on the Charge 2.

Price: $11.90-14.90
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Stand Corrected Perfect Posture Stretching Device

From Bob’s review: The StandCorrected was designed Dr. Tom Carpenter, a certified trainer, chiropractor, and corrective exercise specialist. By elongating shortened and tight muscles in the upper body, the claim is that the device will correct posture issues and pain associated with hunching over our electronic devices all day. They even claim that the StandCorrected can reverse damage from years of poor posture is used regularly over time.

Price: $20-$25
Read our review: Stand Corrected Perfect Posture Stretching Device review
Where you can buy one: Stand Corrected, Amazon

Kettle Gryps

A Kettle Gryp is an adapter made of light weight ABS plastic that snaps around an ordinary dumbbell o provide a handle that allows the dumbbell to mimic a kettle bell.

Price: $34.95
Read our news post: Turn your free weights into kettle bells with Kettle Gryps
Where you can buy one: Kettle Gryp, Amazon

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Tagged: gift ideas

Gift Guide: Health and fitness gadgets and gear originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 22, 2017 at 1:24 pm.

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What do you give the devoted homebody?  You give them a cool new tool or gadget to clean, automate, or decorate their nest, of course! We’ve collected this list of useful gadgets, and beautiful decor items –  even a TV that serves as an art piece.  You can certainly find a gift for your gadget-loving nester here!

Price range $500+ (aka big spenders!)

Samsung’s The Frame smartTV

You’ll never need to worry about your TV looking like an ugly black hole in your carefully designed room with Samsung’s The Frame smartTV.  When you’re not watching anything, The Frame uses a picture-display mode to turn that ugly black hole into an attractive piece of art.  And of course it functions well as a TV, with 4K Ultra HD resolution, 4K HDR, and over 1 billion colors, and the smartTV function allows you to access Netflix, YouTube, Amazon video, and other streaming services without requiring extra set-top boxes.

Price: $1300 – $2800, depending on size
Read our review: Samsung’s The Frame smartTV is an art installation for your home
Where you can buy one: Amazon

German Hermle Black Forest Chiming Keywound Mantel Clock Tellurium JHE1446

At $6000, this clock is for the gifter with deep pockets and a very special giftee who is an astronomy buff or clock collector. The German-made clock has an 8-day spring-wound movement with 4/4 Westminster chime on 4 polished bells. It not only shows the time, it also describes the Moon’s movement around the Earth and the Earth’s movement around the Sun. The small Earth rotates on its axis every 24 hours; the Moon rotates on its axis and completes a full revolution around the Earth in 29.5 days. The brass disk on the top is engraved with the month, date, and zodiac signs, so you can see the Earth pass through each sign as it completes its yearly travel around the small Sun. The German Hermle Black Forest Chiming Keywound Mantel Clock Tellurium JHE1446 is available from Clockway for $5999. (We wrote about a Tellarium Clock many years ago, but that $3000 clock is no longer offered at Edmund Scientific.)

Price: $5999.00
Read our review: Tellarium Clock – a solar system for your desk
Where you can buy one: Clockway

Price range $100+

PureClean XL Rolling Steam Cleaner

One of the best ways to clean and sanitize your home without using harsh chemicals is to use steam.  The PureClean XL Rolling Steam Cleaner has the accessories that will let you clean sealed hard floors, showers, tubs, countertops, and many other things inside and outside your home.  The 1.5-liter boiler produces enough steam for about 45 minutes of cleaning, and the 16-ft power cord gives you lots of room to move around to clean.  The PureClean XL has 104 reviews, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Price: $139.99
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Nest thermostat

We had a Nest Thermostat installed when we had our heating/cooling unit replaced this summer. We have a strange situation in this building. The heated and the cooled air is provided to each condo unit, and we only have a blower and a thermostat in our unit. The Nest makes it easy to see the interior and exterior temperatures in the Nest app and so we can guess when the incoming air will switch between cooled and heated. We can control the temperature from our mobile devices, and we can even lock it so we never come home and find our cold-blooded daughter has adjusted the temperature to 85 degrees.

Price: $177 – $235
Read our review: Nest thermostat review
Where you can buy one: Amazon (original Nest) Amazon (new Nest E)

Amazon Echo

Amazon Echo devices come in a variety of sizes, with or without nice Bluetooth speakers, with or without display screens.  They all listen to questions or requests and perform a variety of functions: answer questions, tell jokes, play music from various music streaming services, set timers, and alarms, and even play videos (if they have a screen).  In addition, they become a hub to control a variety of home automation devices – from smart lighting to thermostats to door locks to who knows what else.

Price: $50-$230, depending on model
Read our review: Amazon Echo Dot 2nd generation review
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Phillips Hue wireless lighting system

Phillips Hue wireless lighting can be as simple as a single bulb with a pre-paired dimming switch to a full house of internet-connected bulbs and lighting fixtures.  Bulbs are available with standard, GU10, and chandelier bases; color changing or dimmable white; LED strips; ceiling fixtures; and accent lighting lamps.  You can add programmable switches to control lighting recipes, or you can find a variety of apps, including an official Phillips app, that allows you to control your lights from anywhere in the world (with a WiFi hub in your system).  You can even use IFTTT commands to automatically turn your lights on and off on a schedule, and you can set geo-fencing limits to turn lights off or on as you leave or come home.  Amazon Echo, Google Home, and Apple’s Siri can control Hue lights, too, so you can just tell your home automation assistant to turn off your lights without having to leave your snug covers.

Price: prices vary
Where you can buy one: Best Buy, Amazon

Blink XT wireless home security camera system

If you’re looking for a home security camera system that doesn’t require you to route cables all over the place or pay for a monthly service for cloud storage, the Blink XT wireless home security camera system is a great choice. These little cameras are completely wireless and are powered by lithium batteries that can last up to 2yrs before needing to be replaced. The Blink XT cameras can even be used outdoors because they are weatherproof.

Price: $129.99
Read our review: Blink wireless home security camera system
Where you can buy one: Amazon

nugeni VACPAC+

This handheld vacuume offers a customizable deep clean for any space. The accessory system includes an extension wand so that you can reach any space in pyour home – high or low. And the powerful, 3D turbine motor offers uses less power (and less noise) while the AllergyAware filtration helps trap dust and other irritants for cleaner, healthier air.

Price: $189.99
Where you can buy one: nugeni

Price range $50 – $100

Oregon Scientific Multi Zone Wireless Monitoring Weather Station Color Display

Always know what the forecast is and the temperature outdoors, and indoors with this weather station from Oregon Scientific which comes with 3 remote sensors that you can place up to 100ft away indoors and outdoors. This weather station also has a mold alert to keep home conditions safe and healthy.

Price: $79.99
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Price range $10 – $50

Radiant Light Mill (radiometer)

According to Wikipedia, a radiometer is “a device for measuring the radiant flux (power) of electromagnetic radiation. Generally, a radiometer is an infrared radiation detector or ultraviolet detector.  A microwave radiometer operates in the microwave wavelengths.  While the term Radiometer can refer to any device that measures electromagnetic radiation (e.g. light), the term is often used to refer specifically to a Crookes radiometer (“light-mill”), a device invented in 1873 in which a rotor (having vanes which are dark on one side, and light on the other) in a partial vacuum spins when exposed to light.”  But who cares about all that mumbo-jumbo, when the light mill is such a cool, decorative toy!  ThinkGeek has a nice radiometer that hangs from a metal stand, so you can add it to your desk or tabletop, even if there isn’t a nearby window, as sunlight, artificial light, and even infrared radiation can cause the blades to spin.It’s made of glass and measures 6.5″ tall with a 3″ diameter; the metal stand measures 9.5″ tall x 6.5″ wide x 5″ deep (assembled). (Learn more about radiometers at Wikipedia.)

Price: $24.99
Where you can buy one: ThinkGeek

Bedside Tech Saddle

Nightstands only have so much surface area, so it may be difficult to find a place to put your glasses, phone, tablet, book, and laptop, and still have space to set a glass of water.  The Bedside Tech Saddle hangs beside your bed from a flap that fits under the mattress and provides storage for much of your tech gear.  It measures 11″ high x 10″ wide x 9″ deep; the under-the-mattress flap is 6″.  It has a sturdy inner frame to keep its shape even when fully loaded, and the neoprene body will protect your gear.  It has 3 phone-sized pockets, a reader or tablet pocket, and a laptop pocket that can hold up to a 1.25″-thick laptop.  Two hook-and-loop tabs on the back hold a power strip for easy charging of your items.

Price: $23.99
Where you can buy one: Great Useful Stuff

enevu CUBE

This little 2 inch cube is a portable 100 lumen color changing light that can be used as a night light, a small lamp during a power outage, or for any reason when you want a little extra light. It runs on regular AAA batteries for up to 100 hours.

Price: $29.90
Where you can buy one: enevu

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Tagged: gift ideas

Gift Guide: Gadgets for your home originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 19, 2017 at 4:15 pm.

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What do you give the avid cook or grill master on your holiday shopping list?  You give them a cool new tool to help them whip up something tasty, that’s what.  Bob Patterson and I have selected 15 products that any gadget-loving chef will love!

Price range $100+

Joule Sous Vide by ChefSteps

The secret to perfectly cooked meats, fish, poultry, and vegetables is to cook them at the correct temperature for the correct time.  Cooking in the oven or on the stove top usually isn’t able to provide the correct temperature, because they use much higher temperatures because the heat must be transmitted through the air (oven) or a hot piece of metal (cooktop).  Because water can reach a set temperature and hold it for a long while (with a stable heat source), cooking in water is an ideal heating method.  Of course, cooking directly in water does bad things to meat textures and can extract all the vitamins and flavors from the vegetables.

The Joule Sous Vide heater sits in your cooking pot filled with water and heats and holds the correct temperature.  You immerse a food-safe plastic bag filled with the food and wait.  Because the water temperature is low and held at a steady temp, the food won’t overcook, even if left in the water longer than necessary.  After the food is cooked, you can transfer it to a pan for a quick searing or even coat and fry it just long enough to cook the breading.  The Joule is controlled by a smartphone app that allows you to choose the food type and degree of doneness (by looking at photos). -Janet

Price: $199
Where you can buy one: Sur La Table

Breville Smart Scoop Ice Cream Compressor

Making ice cream at home may be fun, but it usually involves keeping a big freezing vessel in the freezer at all times for modern machines or a keeping bunch of ice and rock salt on hand for when the urge to make ice hits.  With the Breville Smart Scoop, all you need is a bunch of counter space to hold this 6″ x 11″ x 9.5 ” high, 30.6 lb beauty.  The machine has a stainless steel and plastic housing and an aluminum mixing bowl.  All you have to do is add your ingredients and wait while the fully automatic Smart Scoop cools and stirs your to make 1.5 quarts of a tasty frozen concoction (no, not that one!). -Janet

Price: $399.95
Where you can buy one: Williams-Sonoma

Price range $50 – $100

Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp 1.7 liter cordless electric kettle

This electric kettle is perfect for coffee drinkers who use French press pots or AeroPress coffee makers, tea drinkers, or people who want to mix up instant soups, oatmeal, or noodles. The Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp kettle is made of stainless steel, and it has 1500W / 110V for quick heating. It holds 1.7L of water, and the six preset heat settings let you choose the perfect temperature for brewing. The pot itself is cordless for easy pouring, and the corded base has a 30-minute keep-warm function in case you decide on a second cup. -Janet

Price: $79.96
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Pampered Chef Ice Cream Maker

No one buys their own ice cream maker. That’s why they have friends like you! We reviewed the Pampered Chef Ice Cream Maker earlier this year and really liked it for its easy operation & cleanup.  It also makes a quart of ice cream at a time, so your cook can share the joys of your gift with you later. Everyone wins. -Bob Patterson

Price: $80.00
Read our review: Pampered Chef Ice Cream Maker review
Where you can buy one: Pampered Chef

Capresso Infinity Burr Grinder

Fresh ground coffee is simply amazing. Once you start grinding your own beans, you won’t go back. I’m shopping for a new coffee grinder at the moment, so I have been heavily researching the options. Burr grinders are the way to go, and the Capresso is one of the best you can find for under $100. With 16 different grind settings and a timer so that you don’t have to sit and stare at the machine, this is a good one. -Bob Patterson

Price: $82.00
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Weber Original Kettle Grill

Know someone who is ready to take their backyard grilling kung-fu up a notch? Charcoal grilling is magical, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good grill. Weber has been manufacturing the classic kettle-style grill since 1952, and it’s the gold standard for backyard barbecues. Searing, roasting, smoking… it handles it all. It’s easy to maintain, built like a tank, and backed by a ten-year warranty. There are also endless options to upgrade or mod the rig later for the gadget-inclined. This is the model that I have, by the way. -Bob Patterson

Price: $99.00
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Instant Pot DUO60 6 Quart 7 in 1 Pressure Cooker

I’m just learning about the joys of using a pressure cooker. They are amazingly versatile. I’ve cooked short ribs to pull-apart tender in under 40 minutes, and it does amazing things for soups and stews without cooking for hours. This digital model is getting a lot of rave reviews because it also a serious multitasker that will saute, steam, operate as a slow cooker or a rice cooker (among other things). It’s perfect for small kitchens or folks who want one tool to do it all. -Bob Patterson

Price: $97.50
Read our review: reviewing coming soon!
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Price range $10 – $50

Jokari hands-free baggy rack clips

Do you store food, either leftovers or meals from bulk cooking weekends, in plastic baggies?  You know how hard it can be to fill a plastic baggy with soup or stews without a helper to hold the baggy open.  With Jakari, filling up plastic baggies will become a one-person job.  You just slip the top of the bag into the Jokari clips and the bag stays open.  You can also use the Jokari arms to dry washed baggies for reuse. -Janet

Price: $11.26 for a set of two
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Star Wars R2-D2 Coffee Press

According to coffee lovers, one of the best ways to brew coffee is in an old-fashioned French press.  Nothing says your old French press has to look old-fashioned, and ThinkGeek is here to save you from boring with the R2-D2 Coffee Press.  This 32-ounce press is made of BPA-free plastic housing, a glass body, and a food-grade stainless steel filter assembly.  It measures 6.5″ wide x 9.5″ tall x 6.5″ deep (including the handle).  You’ll no longer have to head down to the cantina for a perfectly brewed cup of coffee! -Janet

Price: $39.99
Where you can buy one: ThinkGeek

The Glencairn Whisky Glass (set of 4)

Considered the “official whisky glass” by experts, you can’t go wrong with the Glencairn. The award-winning design features a tapered bowl enhances the flavors of the whisky and is dishwasher safe. Your whisky drinker will absolutely appreciate your taste in quality with these. I have several on my bar, and they’re essential for enjoying your whisky neat. -Bob Patterson

Price: $25.48
Where you can buy one: Amazon

The Malviner Poseidon Crystal Whisky Glass

I have an alternative pick for the whisky fan as well. If you’re looking for a fancy-pants upgrade, it doesn’t get much cooler than this. These crystal whisky glasses are stunning works of art. Just look at them. They’re gorgeous. These are on my wish list. They also sell sets and decanters that match the style if you’re looking to splurge a bit. -Bob Patterson

Price: $19.95 and up
Where you can buy one: Malviner

BBQ Dragon Chimney of Insanity

From Bob’s review linked below: I believe that the Chimney of Insanity performs well as a replacement for your current chimney starter with a solid build, a great handle, and some nice additional safety with the side-loading tube. The real magic happens when you get airflow going through that side tube. That’s when the beast earns its name, firing up a full stack of charcoal in half the time it would take otherwise. -Bob Patterson

Price: $29.95
Read our review: BBQ Dragon Chimney of Insanity charcoal starter review
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Lodge 12” Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

Every cook should have a cast iron skillet in their arsenal. It’s the most versatile pan you can own. Sear steaks, fry eggs, throw it in the oven or on the grill… I even cook cornbread and paella in mine. Plus, there’s something really cool about learning how to maintain that nonstick surface. It’s easier than you think and shows off your skills. It’s a great gift for new cooks looking to fill out their toolset. Made in the USA, Lodge is still the best cast iron in my opinion. -Bob Patterson

Price: $29.00
Where you can buy one: Amazon

The AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

There is a reason that the AeroPress is beloved by hardcore coffee fans everywhere. As long as you have access to hot water and ground beans, you can create an amazing cup of coffee in under two minutes. It’s portable, easy to clean and even comes with its own storage bag. I keep one at the office and at home, so I can brew a fresh cup at a moment’s notice. -Bob Patterson

Price: $31.95
Where you can buy one: Amazon

Victorinox 10.25” Fibrox Pro Curved Bread Knife

Everyone should have a good bread knife in their arsenal. The wide, curved blade design on this particular model gives you amazing control… it’s a huge difference over typical straight-bladed models. The gentle serration on the blade will also handle all kinds of delicate work (sandwiches, soft bread, soft fruits & vegetables) without mangling them. I just replaced my old bread knife with this one earlier this year, and I should have done it sooner. -Bob Patterson

Price: $39.85
Where you can buy one: Amazon

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Tagged: gift ideas

Gift Guide: Kitchen gadgets and gear originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 17, 2017 at 3:49 pm.

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