AwEsOme

Been too busy working to think about the holidays?

I’ve got to level with you: If you’re still trying to figure out what you should be buying for this year’s holidays, you have a serious procrastination problem.

But instead of lecturing you on your time management, how about I just get to the point already and give you some helpful suggestions?

Okee dokee.

For The Music Lover

You may not know this, but 2014 was something of a breakthrough year for a technology known as “High Resolution” (hi-res) audio. It’s the music equivalent of going from DVD to Blu-ray and it’s catching on fast with folks who feel that today’s MP3 files just don’t cut it. But to take part in the High Resolution revolution, you’re going to need an audio player capable of playing hi-res files (no, your iPod won’t cut it). Consider the$279 Sony Walkman NWZ-A17. It’s not only a hi-res capable device, it can even make your MP3 files sound waaaay better. If that price is too steep, the well-reviewed FiiO X1at $125, might be a better option.  It’s a lot chunkier than the svelte Walkman and you’ll need to add a microSD card for storage, but it can play hi-res files and has a now-retro look to it. With either of these you’ll need to already own headphones, as they don’t come with a pair.

For The Person Who Needs To Become More Active

By now you’ve probably grown blind to the sheer number of so-called “activity trackers” on the market. There are dozens to choose from. Most of them do an adequate job of tracking your steps or other movements (even while sleeping) and letting you set goals. This data can be a real boon for dedicated fitness buffs looking to set a new personal best, but for the rest of us – those who frankly need a kick in the ass to get us off the couch – even the most exciting display of data can fall short when it comes to motivation. That’s where the ($99-$150) Jawbone Up24 excels. By providing alerts to let you know when you’ve been idle too long, or waking you up during the right part of your sleep cycle, the Up24 is the most personal of the activity trackers. Available in three sizes and five colours.

For The Person Who Never Answers Their Phone Because “It Was In My Purse/Pocket”