Everybody always needs an extra charge in their pocket. The rugged AdventureMax rechargeable 10500mAh portable charger from MyCharge features micro-USB cable charging for smartphones, tablets and USB devices. $49.95
Opt for one of ALLDOCK’s docking stations as a functional gift. The stations feature various rail widths for different size cases and offer add-ons such as docking mounts for the Apple Watch, Fitbit wearables, Apple Pencil and Apple AirPods. They come in two sizes and three different materials: bamboo, walnut or aluminum. Prices range from $129 to $245.
These Devil’s Dictionary Law glasses from Uncommon Goods feature industry vocabulary and satirical definitions. (Also available for medical and finance professionals.) $25
The AirScale Luggage Scale from The Grommet serves two purposes: It makes sure your phone stays powered up and it weighs your luggage. AirScale can weigh a bag up to 88 pounds. $49
Stillhouse Whiskey comes in a two sizes, 375 mL and 750 mL, and it’s packaged in a cool looking red metal tin. Even better, it comes in six flavors: Original, Apple Crisp, Peach Tea, Coconut, Mint Chip, Red Hot and Spiced Cherry for the holidays. $13.99 for the 375 mL and $24.99 for the 750 mL.
Give a donation to CodeNow. CodeNow diversifies the talent pipeline of students pursuing computer science and technology. It lowers the barriers associated with tech by exposing students to programming at a young age so that kids get to explore a wide range of options and opportunities otherwise closed to them.
Palmaz Vineyards in Napa, CA, is one of the most high-tech wineries in northern California. It’s only suitable to gift your boss with a bottle of 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, with its aromas of red plum and currant along with notes of praline and cocoa. $145
Give a coffee gift and benefit a charity. Hope Bridges‘ Thai coffee is a fair-trade coffee that gives back. Hope Bridges, based in Kansas City, MO, is a 501c(3) caring for impoverished children in Thailand, offering them a bridge of hope by providing food, clothing, education and basic health care. The coffee beans used in Hope Bridges coffees are organically grown, fair traded and provide financial support to tribal farmers in the hill country of northern Thailand. Beans are processed by a hill tribe cooperative, providing a means of support to the tribal people in addition to delivering life-giving support children need. More than 50% of the purchase price goes to support children in Thailand. Prices range from $4.95 to $12.95 and monthly subscriptions are available.
Olive & Cocoa’s Exec Express Desktop Helicopter is a whimsical gift. The chromed helicopter propellers are actually working pens, and the cabin is magnetized for small metal objects. $114
Teena Maddox is a VP at Brodeur Partners. She is a former Associate Managing Editor at TechRepublic. Teena's lifelong journalism career has included writing on staff for publications including People magazine, W magazine and Women's Wear Daily.