I need some holiday gift ideas (that I will probably gift to myself as well)!
Smart plugs! These outlet switches come in packs of four for about $25 dollars. Once installed and set up in the app, you can automate them with scheduled timers or turn them on or off remotely. They will also integrate with Home Assistant, Google Home, and Alexa.
This seems like a hackers wet dream 😅
That’s why I picked some I could flash with open-source third-party firmware that I believe is inherently more trustworthy than any OEM stuff. It’s also why I use them exclusively with Home Assistant self-hosted locally, allowing them to be entirely firewalled off from the Internet.
That’s more like it 🙌
We use these in conjunction with their smart bulbs all over the house.
Being able to turn on/off the lights without getting out of bed is addicting.
I almost went with the newer Matter version of those (for those unaware, “Matter” is the new open standard for this sort of thing), but decided I cared about open-source firmware more than open standards, so I bought some Sonoff S31s and flashed them with ESPHome instead.
(The 4-pack of Sonoff S31s is $28.50 right now, but cost $22.10 in August when I bought my most recent set, so it’s basically the same price as the non-Matter Kasa switches. It’s also basically the same functionality between them as stock, so IMO having the option to use third-party firmware lets the Sonoff edge out the win even if you don’t actually avail yourself of it.)
(Edit to add: that’s not to say I don’t like TP-Link, by the way – if anything, I was initially biased in favor of the Kasa switches because I’d already standardized on TP-Link networking gear.)
Activated charcoal shoe deodorizer bags
Pocket knife.
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Yeah. I’ve had a leatherman squirt on my key ring for years. It’s always in the same place, has a useful set of tools and has got me and quite a few others out of some minor scrapes
Gerber Dime for me.
Fun fact: the tool I use most often by far is the “retail package opener.”
Wonderful tool. I’ve had mine long enough that the black finish has given way to silver fur to my keys rubbing it off
Which of the tools in the picture is that?
Darn, I knew I should’ve gone ahead and included this picture the first time:
Thanks, homie.
I so want one of those!
Oi, mate, do you have a loicense for that?
You do not need a loicense for most SAKs.
!edc@sopuli.xyz would like to know
your locationwhat is in your pocketsPocket sand is free.
I’ve carried many different knives, and the one I stick with now is an opinel no 8. I find that I use it more than any other one, because it’s particularly well suited to food. Perfect size to cut an Apple or avocado, even a steak, and the wood handle and general look make it pretty non threatening.
- A bidet attachment.
- For me, an under-the-sink trash can that hands on the cabinet door has been a huge QoL improvement.
- A back scratcher.
- Much more situational, but our back gate has a padlock that was originally different from our house keys. Kwikset actually sells “programmable” padlocks so now it is the same key as our front door, which makes life a tad easier.
- A computer mouse that fits my hands.
- Enough phone and laptop chargers to not have to constantly go to another room to grab one.
What’s a bidet attachment do?
Washes your bum after using the toilet. Saves toilet paper. Gets your rear cleaner. This is a great suggestion. No power needed, just hooks right into the plumbing. I have this one . Bio Bidet Bidet Attachment for Toilet, White, Non Electric
Power is needed if you don’t want the water to be ice cold, though
Kwikset actually sells “programmable” padlocks
Pretty much all locks are re-keyable. Kwikset’s “smart key” system is different only in that you don’t have to buy new pins and take the lock apart to do it.
(I’m switching from Kwikset to commercial-grade Schlage because I wanted to upgrade the durability of my interior locks and wanted the exterior ones to match, so I’m about to find out how much more difficult normal re-keying is. Wish me luck!)
Normal rekeying is pretty easy, if you’re careful - push out the core (the “follower” will hold your spring pins in place), dump out the old key pins, swap to the new key, and put in the new key pins, replace the core. Even when I’ve completely screwed it up (pushed the follower too far so the springs came out, mixed all the key pins together so I had to work out which was which, and more) it’s not been more than a 10-minute job.
Enough phone and laptop chargers to not have to constantly go to another room to grab one.
Yes! I had enough of this so I bought like 6 USB-C cables at once, best buy ever
Eh lazy or not my chargers are all plugged into outlets behind furniture.
Start preparing now.
I started working on my generic grunt in my 30s and use it for all kinds of things: getting out of chairs, into chairs, picking something up off the floor, the first stair up or down, lifting anything with both hands, etc.
As time goes on I’m developing specialized grunts like a go slightly deeper on the first step down a flight of stairs than up.
It’s been quite a journey.
What’s the current recommendation for those? Is it still Anker?
Also be sure to get a medium length one. It’s so much nicer having a 6’ cable, or 10’ if you want to get crazy with it. It makes traveling and transit much nicer (ex. University students working on campus), and it might be nice for home so you can roll all over your bed while on your phone
I’ve heard good things about Nomad Goods. I have some of their other accessories for iPhone and watch, and it’s the best quality stuff I’ve ever found. I can’t personally recommend the USB-C cables or wall adapters, but I plan to get some soon. I have a leather case, MagSafe mount stand, and a few watch bands. All are incredible, but pricey.
I do have some Anker cables and they’re perfectly fine. Much better than others I’ve tried, including Apple shit. Anker also makes some nice outlet extension/USB adapter combos that are super convenient.
If you want a fancy coiled cable, try
Ventecedit: Ventev. It’s amazing for the car - keeps it off the floor.CableMatters is my go-to when I need something I can’t find above, like a USB extension cable or high-speed HDMI. They don’t feel as premium and are a bit stiff, but they’re reliable, and they just seem to make every option you can think of.
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Any more info on this Eufy issue? A came across a camera system if theirs that’s having issues. Might have to read up tomorrow.
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Warm soft socks!
Darn Tough brand. Expensive but worth it.
And they replace worn out socks forever. I’ve pairs that are 10 years old that were replaced FOC, no questions asked.
See, I’ve never tried this. How does it work? I just replaced a bunch of 5yo Darn Toughs that had developed holes in the legs. Cost a bit, but they’re such nice socks. I suppose I should’ve tried returning them.
Yes. They’ll ask where / when you bought them and where the damage is, etc. All online, last I needed to replace years ago. Give you a store credit (I believe I had to ship them back), with free shipping.
Electric teakettle if you use an older style stovetop one. The lowest end ones I’ve seen are only like $15, and work pretty much as well as some nicer ones, just don’t look as pretty, but they’ll boil water faster than the stove will. Even if you don’t make tea or similar, if you ever eat things like pasta that are cooked in boiling water, you can heat the water in the kettle first and then transfer to the pot to make things slightly faster, and use less gas if you happen to have a gas stove.
Haha, I am in the UK, so we all have at least 1. I have 2! One for my office desk because I am addicted to hot water bottles and nice tea. :) As a yankee transplant, I advocate an electric kettle hardcore to everyone in the US. Y’all don’t know what you are missing.
Not only are they useful for their typical purpose, but they boil water faster in pretty much any boil water use case. Use the water for your pasta, hard boiled eggs, etc.!
Relevant Technology Connections: https://youtu.be/_yMMTVVJI4c
TC is always relevant.
Here is an alternative Piped link(s):
https://piped.video/_yMMTVVJI4c
Piped is a privacy-respecting open-source alternative frontend to YouTube.
I’m open-source; check me out at GitHub.
Nose cancelling headphones
I would imagine that active noise cancellation is out for under $50. You’re stuck with passive noise cancelation if you want something with halfway acceptable sound. AKA, something that basically just plugs your ears so you can’t hear anything else.
Under $50?
You can get Soundcore Life Q20 for under $50 when they’re on sale. They’re not amazing, but they’re pretty good.
Mine scrapped out on me after 8 months of daily commuting
I haven’t had this problem, but I have a different use case (mine are three years old, but stay in my office all the time). They don’t strike me as great wear-and-tear headphones, though, for what it’s worth.
Incidentally, I prefer isolating in-ear earbuds without ANC for commuting; I like to be at least somewhat aware of ambient sounds.
I have a pair, really can’t complain, they’re pretty damn solid
Definitely. In hindsight I undersold them, because they’re a great deal and very solid headphones. I’ve been using mine for three years, and very much glad I have them.
The ANC is superb. When I travel on planes they beat my Sony Link Buds S earphones hands down. And they cost me £120. Different use cases I must admit.
Quick story, I used them while on holiday while they were doing building work next door at 5am. Loud skips and building materials. I slept like a baby for 12 hours with them on, a different story. Everyone else was complaining about being woken up.
I’m a wired headphones guy, semi or open back. Sens, Bayer, Focal etc. For the road these Q20 cans are a steal.
OMFG, my fucking nose is gone!
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Where can I get Nose cancelling headphones? I could do with some dog is old, and his farts are a biological weapon.
Fantastic work. Just excellent.
Not my creation. Found it on the Internet.
A pocketable flashlight. I have recommendations over at !flashlight@lemmy.world
I’m just tired of flashlights with the switch on the back. I need a damned side switch.
Skillhunt M150, Wurkkos FC11 (go with the Nichia LED for.both), Zebralight SC65 (over $50).
You’re awesome
I might get some downvotes and that’s okay, but I disagree for EDC.
I went down this road and found that
- a headlamp is nice to have when needed
- strategically placed “bright” flashlights are good (like in your car)
- my phone is always with me, and good for 99.9% of my “normal” situations
I do think flashlights are amazing, but I didn’t like the hassle of keeping up with them day-to-day (I used an olight mini baton in my keychain for years, which now just lives in my backcountry first aid kit).
Reading through again, I do think it’s a good buy to have a flashlight, just maybe not for EDC for most people.
I think it’s best to have a roster of accessories for EDC tbh. You choose the loadout that makes sense for what you’re doing not bringing everything everywhere every time.
Flashlight for me comes with me when it’s evening/night or there is work where it might be handy (car repair for example). But it’s not in the starting line-up just a 6th man coming off the bench frequently.
This is a great way to approach the problem.
I don’t think it makes sense to disagree with what someone else finds useful to carry. There is, of course no universal advice; not everyone will find the same things useful.
I agree with this after writing out some more comments. It’s basically just my experience and opinion as someone who went down the EDC flashlight rabbit hole.
Walked in the dark yesterday, lights out on the sidewalk, there are cars.
Pulled out my phone and used the flashlight and it just didn’t work very well, like at all, I did see the ground sliightly better but light getting everywhere (from the phone and phone-flashlight) made it worse.
Maybe it’s my phone (Xiaomi 9 IIRC) though.
I respect that, and really it’s about what works for you. For whatever reason, I’ve just found my phone light to be sufficient unless I have some real “work” to do. In that case, I’ll dig out a stashed headlamp or flashlight.
I do 100% believe in dedicated lights on bikes, because that shit is treacherous at night!
I’m also young, and maybe I’ve overlooked older people having a bigger issue with low light.
Weed. Okay maybe the pocket knife is better for a general gift as it is highly practical. I have a Gerber I’ve used for nigh on 20 years. I miss it when I travel, so I’ve bought an Opinel and toss it into my checked luggage so I am able to use it on a trip. If I lose it, it was not expensive. Had I lost my Gerber, I would be sad.
Speaking of Gerber pocket knives, I once got one tjat was supposedly inspired by or based on Bear Grylls’ own pocket knife for about 5 bucks off some random place. It is still kicking around somewhere. Now I want to go back to my grandma’s (I think I left it there) and find it haha, not that I will eved need it.
I use mine daily! It is very useful. I’ve also begun carrying a little pocket flashlight from Olight. It is flatish and clips into my pocket adjacent to the Gerber. I use it all the time too. Back of racks at work and all sorts of opportunities at home too.
Good luck finding the Gerber! Go get it and use it! Say hi to grammy!! ;)
This. Made a huge difference in the summer for me when working at my desk.
I made soup containers for my family last Christmas, went down really well! Got glass containers from IKEA, layered lentils, beans/herbs/pasta/seasonings in a decorative way. Looks pretty, throw in a pot when lazy!
This is such a cute personalized gift idea, I love it! Can the containers be put in the freezer?
Maybe? I’ve never heard of freezing dry ingredients before as they are usually shelf stable, shouldn’t need to put in the fridge or freezer
Do you have any recipes? That sounded really awesome!
First time trying to add an image! Hopefully works! I did several different varieties, bought green split peas, yellow split peas, red lentils, kidney beans, pearl barley, powdered stock, dried herbs, and I added a separated bag of macaroni so it can be put in later in the cooking method. Super easy, dump it in a pot and add water, add pasta when almost done!
Depends on the person, but “nice” versions of food or beverage products that they enjoy. Things like coffee beans, chocolates, beer/wine/liquor.
Especially so if it’s for a friend that lives far away and you gift them something local to you that they can’t easily buy.
I have recommendations that depend entirely on lifestyle, so not great general stuff but amazing for the people they’re for:
- Wurkkos FC11 Rechargeable LED Flashlights Max 1300Lumen High 90CRI EDC Flash Light USB C Charge,IP67 Waterproof Torch, Magnetic Tailcap, Great for Dog Walking Home use Emergency(5000K) https://a.co/d/fncjQhi
This flashlight is light, bright, cheap, and USB C rechargeable. It has a magnet in its ass so you can easily mount it and do whatever you’re trying to do hands-free. As a power plant operator who runs around outside or climbs inside of condensers and tanks and shit, this thing was incredibly handy. Probably pretty good for hikers and campers too.
- Darn Tough Men’s Modern https://a.co/d/et9OPPu
It doesn’t necessarily need to be this exact pair, but Darn Tough brand wool socks are the general recommendation. They reduce impact, wick sweat/moisture, and they’re comfortable. This is the only kind of socks I will wear at work or else my feet hurt and itch and stink.
- OontZ Ultra Bluetooth Speaker, Portable Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 Speaker, 14 Watts, up to 100 ft Bluetooth Range, IPX7 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Black) https://a.co/d/dXlV5bY
It’s a surprisingly good sound quality waterproof Bluetooth speaker. I take mine into the shower and listen to music. You could use it in the kitchen, outside in the yard, etc. but mine is pretty much entirely used in the shower or sometimes the bedroom 😉
Obviously not for everybody, but these are great bang for your buck if they suit somebody you know!
Out of those 3 options, I would prefer the flashlight.
Even if you already have a flashlight, you can always find another place that would benefit from one nearby.
I also just say that I don’t buy in at all to Darn Tough socks. This person can’t where any other brand of socks? Bullshit. You can just buy new generic socks before you get anywhere close to the price you’ll pay for gourmet socks.
Also depending on the person’s interests, getting them a boardgame could be nice.
Dunno about darn tough socks, but I have some smart wool socks i’ve been wearing for years and years. No idea what they go for now, because I bought mine over a decade ago, but whatever the cost they are absolutely worth it.
I also knit my own, and it’s the only way i’ve gotten near the same quality and durability, and the cost for that is pretty high, even without considering the time it takes to knit them.
I prefer smart wool, but am totally on board with nice merino wool socks from any brand. Happy feet have helped me maintain a happy life. It’s like a good pillow or the right jacket for today’s weather for me.
Totally agree on the boardgame suggestion if it suits their personality. You need to know what complexity they are into, first.
I’ve had three or four pairs of smartwool socks, and they haven’t lasted more than a couple years. I have Scott ten pairs of Darn Tough I got on sale at REI that I’ve had for about seven years, and they’re all in great shape, even the pair that I snagged on a nail once. They’re fantastic, and also really comfortable.
Regarding Darn Tough, part of why I recommend that brand in particular, which I really should’ve mentioned, is they come with a lifetime warranty. If they get a hole, you ship them back and they straight up just replace them. They’re sturdy as fuck. I do 12 hour shifts in them on ladders, stairs, gravel, incline, etc getting thousands of steps and they are the gold standard for that. Just be wary of counterfeits, especially on Amazon.
Board games can be an incredible gift because there’s also the implicit bonus gift of “I will spend time with you playing this game.”
A functional microphone. I’m not talking about the ones in every pair of headphones. I mean a quality microphone for like $25 to $50.
A lot of interviews and work is conducted via video call. I conducted an interview recently where someone couldn’t get the static on the microphone to go away. Cheap dollar store headphones. It was annoying and extremely distracting. We had to end the call early because of it.
While not under $50, I always recommend this mic if anyone wants a budget mic with good quality: https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at2005usb
It’s $63 on Audio Technica’s website, and $59 on Amazon.
You can use USB, or XLR if you have an interface. It also has a direct audio jack so you can hear yourself without a delay. During my podcast / radio production / streaming days, I used a friend’s, and it sounds great.
It’s not bulky like the Blue Yetis / Snowballs, and it’s a low profile, so if you decide to stream or whatever, it’s out of the way.
RODE Mini USB. Might be a little more than $50 but it’s completely plug and play, no drivers needed, great quality.
- Long (6 ft) USB cords that reach from the floor (where the charger is in a power strip) to my desk or couch
- A key hook that I mounted by the door. No more setting off the car alarm with the key in my pocket when in my house
