With Gary Kaye, Richard Sherwin, Amy Eller, Dr. Doree Seligmann, Susan Davis, Max Jay, Erick Royer and Jennifer Auspitz

We kick off the 7th Annual Holiday Gift Guide with what we think are some of the best gifts for kids of all ages. It is also one of the largest gift guides ever for DFA. Please note that if it seems like there’s a big emphasis on baby boomers in their late 60s, you’re right. The fastest growing tech users (according to several researchers) are those in their 60s, 70′s, and 80′s, and even 90′s. These users using devices to improve their lives, and using things like tablet computers and Smart Phones to continue to work and to stay in touch with families and friends.

HP Chromebook 14 – The Chromebook is a laptop that uses Google software from the Internet instead of traditional packaged software.  That means it’s always up to date and your documents are available from any Internet enabled computer or other device.  The new 14” model from HP uses a fast and reliable Intel processor and has on-board storage so you can still work, even without a persistent Internet connection.  You may find the Chromebook easier to use than a traditional computer. The Chromebook also redefines collaboration in that it’s very easy to share your pictures, documents, videos and spreadsheets. It’s also available in a choice of colors. Price $279

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 – At 5.7”, this smartphone has one of the biggest screens on the market”,making it easy to read.  It comes with a built-in stylus called the “S” pen that allows you to scribble notes, addresses and phone numbers and have them translated into anything from a contact page to driving directions, all without ever having to use a keyboard.  Price $200 – $700 depending on carrier and contract.

LG G Pad 8.3 –Maybe the best in class 8.3” tablet on the market! LG caught up, may have surpassed market leader Samsung and absolutely flies by IPad in a hurry. Its unique yet useful features like  Knock On, QRemote, Qslide, Slide Aside, and Quick Memo and our favorite a special link software so your Mobile Phone are all present on the LG G Pad 8.3. Our favorite App is QPair which enables your Android Smart Phone (almost any brand not just LG) simultaneous access to recently opened apps, incoming calls, text messages and more. LG G Pad 8.3 users can even reply to texts and use LG features like QuickMemo to capture and comment on images, making mobile sharing effortless between LG G Pad 8.3 and other Android devices. Yes, it might have too many Apps and might take you a few minutes to put some of those Apps aside, but priced under $350 the LG G Pad is worth going to a store to try it out and see if you can beat the style, speed and display of Tablets costing much more. For more information on these unique Apps and features go to http://www.lg.com/us/mobile-phones/g2

Apple iPad Air – The latest version of the popular iPad has some new features and less bulk. So for Apple fanatics it is several ounces lighter than its predecessor and thinner.  It still has that great Retina display, and an improved front facing camera to improve video chats, which is one of its main uses among seniors.  Pricing begins at $499 and heads up from there if you want more storage or cellular connectivity.

Vtech 2 Handset Answering System with Audio/Video Doorbell – This wireless landline phone system comes with a video camera mounted in the doorbell.  When a visitors rings the bell, you see them on your telephone handset’s screen.  You stay secure, knowing who is at the door before opening it up. The system comes with two handsets and an answering machine.  Price $120.

Brinks Push-Pull-Rotate Lever Locking Door Knob – How often do you need to open a door when your hands are full?  With these new designs from Brinks you can turn the lever, or push it in, our pull it out to get the door open, making life much easier if you have an armful, or if there’s a dexterity issue because of arthritis or other impediment.  Price $33.

Lenovo Flex 20 Multi-User Computer – The next time the grandkids come over, they’ll be able to play on this big 19.5″ computer that can either lay flat on a table or sit upright.  The Flex 20 comes loaded with games so you can play things like Monopoly and Air Hockey with up to four players at a time.  There are available movable game pieces that work with the computer.  This is also a great way to scroll through family photographs and videos. Price begins at $1099.

TrackR from Phone Halo – It’s easy to forget where you’ve left your keys, your wallet, or your glasses.  Now with these new devices from Phone Halo, they’ll be easy to find. The Glasses TrackR will sell for $29, as does the Wallet TrackR.  The Button TrackR, also known as the StickR, will sell for $25.  The Wallet TrackR and Button TrackR are available.  But the Glasses TrackR won’t be available until April, though you can pre-order now. They all use a free smartphone app that’s available now for most iPhones and some Android phones.

Scan My Photos – The chances are pretty good that you have scores, perhaps hundreds or thousands of photographs piled in boxes, drawers, or cabinets that you haven’t looked at in years.  That’s a legacy of a lifetime, but it’s pretty useless unless it’s organized.  For $159 Scan My Photos will send you a prepaid box that will hold up to 1800 standard sized prints.  You’ll get back a DVD that can be transferred to your computer where you can annotate the pictures and then, if you wish, burn them onto another CD which you can distribute to the whole family.  This is a great way to organize and share all those photos so your kids won’t ever have to wonder, “Who was that?”

Sonos Play 1 Music System  – We’ve been using Sonos wireless systems throughout our home for several years now, and we’ve always loved them.  Now Sonos has come up with a low cost entry level system that’s easy to set up and will let you control all your music from any computer or mobile device.  The Play1 comes with one speaker unit (with a woofer and a tweeter) and the Sonos Bridge.  The Bridge sets up a separate wireless network that won’t be affected by your own network. And your music won’t be affected by the kinds of streaming interruptions you may be used to from your home network.  You can add more units to fill up a room, or the whole house, with a single Bridge.  Price $199 for one speaker and Bridge.

VitaSound Personal Audio Enhancer PAE300 – Hearing loss isn’t just a matter of volume.  It’s also a matter of clarity.  The Pae300 not only amplifies sounds, it clarifies them as well.  The device has several modes to help in various challenging hearing environments, including television.  Available from Amazon for $191.60

Logitech TV Cam HD – Video chatting is a great way to stay in touch with family and friends.  Now, with Logitech’s TV Cam HD you can chat from the comfort of your living room.  You don’t even need a computer though you will need a TV with an HDMI connection, and your home needs Internet service.  With the wide viewing angle you’ll be able to walk around the living room and your family will still be able to see you.  If it’s in front of the grandchildren you’ll be able to watch them playing, not just sitting.  Price is $200.

Dyle’s Mobile TV offers free TV almost anywhere – Trying to extricate some friends from the binds of Cable companies and Service providers, we came across a product that can at least give you some basic local TV channels if you don’t absolutely need the 700 channels you might be paying for. The Audiovox Dyle Mobile TV Receiver and App is a tiny receiver that enables millions of customers nationwide to watch live TV on their Smartphone, Android Tablet and even an IPad.

There are no monthly charges and you don’t need any Internet or Cable service. If you have a decent output from your mobile device, you can even watch local stations when your mobile device is connected to your TV.

In most major cities you will find several local and national TV stations available.

The hardware costs under $100. Belkin also makes a receiver for this technology.

A joint venture of the Mobile Content Venture and developed by the Siano Company, this device literally took us less than a minute to connect to our mobile devices and although some of us are not near a major city, we still got a few stations right away. When in NYC or Boston or Los Angeles, we got from six to 10 of our favorite local affiliates, PBS and more stations.

Check map to see whether Dyle Mobile is in your vicinity. http://www.dyle.tv/coverage-map/

Clarity Ensemble Amplified Phone with Text Captioning -The Ensemble is an amplified telephone that displays a transcript of your phone conversation in real-time on a large 7-inch color touchscreen. The amplified handset provides loud and clear sound of up to 50 decibels using the same state-of-the-art technology found in high-end hearing aids. Users can have the settings and contact numbers of the phone customized automatically using the built-in ClarityLogic customer support system. Price $75.

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Sony Cybershot TX-30 Camera – You can drop this waterproof, dustproof camera into your pocket or purse and be ready to snap a photo at a moment’s notice with better results than the camera on a smartphone. It has an 18 megapixel sensor and a sharp Carl Zeiss 5X zoom lens to bring you closer to the action than ever. It can shoot HD video and displays it all on a user-friendly 3.5” OLED touchscreen. Take your pick of four snappy colors. Price $260.

Apple iPhone 5S –  Apple just keeps adding more features to the top of the line iPhone. This one has a faster and more powerful processor that will accommodate all of your data usage and multi-tasking needs. It also has a new motion co-processor which means it can run a range of health and fitness apps to help track your motion and help you stay in shape. LTE or 4G network connectivity allows you to download and upload data faster than ever. And Apple sets a new precedent with the first-ever built-in biometric fingerprint scanner so that you can have security without having to type a password every time you use your phone. Pricing begins at $199.

Tivoli Music System BT – Tivoli Audio makes some of the best desktop and bedside radio systems on the market and has for years. With its classic wood cabinet design and mellow sound this system looks and sounds great in just about any room in the house. Plus, Bluetooth capability allows you to wirelessly stream your music from any smartphone, tablet or computer, thereby eliminating knotted cables and messy wires.  All the classic features of Tivoli’s tabletop sound systems remain, like a CD player, AM/FM radio and alarm, but with improved sound and sleek vintage aesthetics. It’s available in three wood finish combinations. Price $700.

Sony Xperia Tablet Z Kitchen Edition – This very thin, very sharp Android tablet is right at home on a kitchen counter. It’s waterproof so it’s safe to use it near the sink and easy to clean. It comes with pre-loaded recipes from Saveur magazine, food apps and cooking videos. A convenient folding stand is also included so you don’t have to worry about propping up your tablet stoveside as you add the final touches to your meal. It also comes with the wireless iGrill meat thermometer which will alert you when dinner is cooked to perfection and ready to be served. Price $600.

Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity Tracker – This wireless wristband tracks your steps, distance traveled, calories burned, and active minutes in each day. LED lights show progress in real-time towards the goals you’ve set for yourself and provide a discrete incentive to be more active throughout the day. The Flex monitors your sleep and wakes you with a silent alarm so that your partner can continue to rest undisturbed. Wear it all day and night, even in the shower, and the Flex will sync automatically to your computer and devices without you having to press a single button. Plus, Fitbit data is compatible with several popular fitness and health apps, so you can get the most out of your personalized stats. Price $100.

Wüsthof Knives – These are wonderfully crafted knives that are built to last a lifetime; each knife is forged from a single piece of sturdy high-carbon steel, so your tools will be naturally solid, strong, and resistant to stains and corrosion. Two of our favorites can be found in one small set: a 3 ½” paring knife and a 6” chef’s knife both feature hollow-ground depressions that help to reduce friction and minimize sticking so that your knife will move smoothly and accurately through even the thickest of meats and vegetables. Price for the set $100.

Thermos Bottles – The Thermos bottles we grew up with have changed with the times. Thermos bottles have always been the unbeatable, unbreakable, indestructible choice for packing a quick meal for the road or to bring along to work. While the quality of their products has remained the same, they have added some innovative features. One of our favorites is the Thermos Stainless King 16-Ounce Food Jar which has a cleverly designed folding stainless steel spoon that hides in the cover. This extra-wide mouth Thermos will remain cool to the touch even with the most piping hot teas. It’s also sweat-proof with the iciest of lemonades. And, don’t worry, its BPA free. Price $26.00.

Oral B 7000 Toothbrush – Get ready for exclamations and rave reviews from your dentist at your next teeth-cleaning because the Oral B 7000 will deliver nothing less than great results most experts claim. With a motor that simultaneously pulsates, oscillates and rotates, this machine ensures a cleaning that is twice as thorough as any manual toothbrush. Plus, with a built-in pressure sensor that will indicate if you are pressing too hard, the Oral B 7000 is great for sensitive gums. The $160 rechargeable toothbrush comes with three different heads, one for brushing, one for polishing and one for flossing. Pack them all in the suave travel-case that’s included and jet-off in style with the latest from the #1 dentist-recommended toothbrush brand worldwide.

Google Nexus 5 Phone – Google’s latest Android phone, the Nexus 5, is an aggressively priced, contract-free smart phone. Its spacious 5” screen is jam-packed with pixels, creating an impressively sharp display. The phone has a solid, sturdy build and there are plenty of friction points on the case so it won’t slip easily out of your hand. The Nexus 5 runs on a top-of-the-line processor so it should be able to keep up with all the data use and multi-tasking you can imagine.  The Nexus 5 also has wireless charging and the improved integration of GoogleNow voice commands. It also features the latest operating system dubbed KitKat. Pricing depends on memory.

Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker – If that bowl of cold cereal is boring, here’s a way to get a quick, hot, and filling breakfast sandwich in a matter of minutes. Just slip your own fresh ingredients into the cooking plates from the bottom up and, after just 5 minutes, slide the plates out of the way and your homemade breakfast sandwich assembles itself! The accompanying recipe book for the $24 HB product provides suggestions for the most classic of breakfast sandwiches to more adventurous creations, like the unique cheddar, apple, bacon and egg croissant sandwich. And don’t worry; as inspired as you may get, all removable parts are dishwasher safe and covered with nonstick coating so you can always try something new tomorrow morning.

Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga Multi-Mode Computer – Do you find yourself torn between a tablet and a laptop when trying to decide which best suits your lifestyle? Well, Lenovo’s ThinkPad Yoga has got you covered. In fact, the unique hinge allows the screen to rotate safely into not just two but four usage modes: laptop, tablet, tent and stand. Ultra-light at just 3.5 pounds, the ThinkPad combines the best of  both worlds. And, its magnesium-alloy frame and Corning Gorilla Glass touchscreen are durable enough to come along on all of your adventures.  Lenovo has designed an active protection system for your hard-drive that engages with any sudden movement. Whether you’re very active or just a little clumsy, you won’t have to worry with ThinkPad Yoga. Pricing starts at $1,300 with configurations up to about $1,800.

Bowflex Boost Activity Tracker and App – The Bowflex Boost Activity Tracker is a great self-assessment tool that measures your activity from minute to minute so that you can see how close you are to your pre-set goals just by looking down at your wrist. The Bowflew Boost uses Bluetooth to connect to the Bowflex Mobile App on your devices so that you can really get a sense of your stats from your total steps taken to the number of hours of rest. And it has 11 days of continuous battery power. The app is very goal-oriented so if you’re looking for a challenge, this is the activity tracker for you. Price $50.

Vanguard BIIN 47 Sling Style Camera Bag –  This bag holds a camera and accessories  for a day of adventures with enough space for additional gear.  The sling bag allows access to the camera from either front or side.  Tote along small gear and other essentials in the separate upper compartment. Other features include small pockets for accessories, a water bottle and an organized strap system. We’ve seen it priced from $41 to $79.

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