***SPOILER ALERT: you should stop reading here and simply forward this link directly to your loved ones if you actually want to be surprised. ***
The Oona
This minimalist--yet highly functional hands-free smart phone stand uses a single, configurable piece. Using strong suction pads, the Oona makes your smart phone a practical hands-free display, just about anywhere.
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/the-oona
Ridged Glass Guitar Picks
It's no secret that many church tech people are also wanna-be musicians. So why not indulge them and get a set of these unusual glass guitar picks? Do they work well? We aren't sure. But they are so cool, and church tech people pick up their guitars so rarely, does it really matter?
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/ridged-glass-guitar-picks
Jot Stylus
The Jot Stylus has a unique design for drawing on an iPad or tablet. It allows your eye to see a small ball--about the size of a normal pen--but there is a clear disc which replicates the width of the finger making the stylus function well for iPad. The ability to see the finer point of where the stylus is drawing makes writing and sketching much easier.
http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/ed01/
Secret Decoder Ring
C'mon, you know your favorite church tech person has wanted one of these since they were a kid! This stainless steel ring comes in three sizes:
* Small (size 6) - 16.5mm diameter
* Medium (size 10) - 19.8mm diameter
* Large (size 12) - 21.3mm diameter
Note that to actually send messages, you should probably buy two and keep one for yourself. Someone has to create the messages to be decoded.
http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/e7b3/
Classic Book IPhone Cover
Box Wave makes an iPhone cover for the 4, 4s and 5 that looks like a classic book. The best part about this iPhone cover is not that it has a place for ID and credit cards, nor that it offers great protection, nor even that it looks cool. The best thing is that it makes you look extra holy when you are checking Facebook because it appears to be a small New Testament.
Thumb Drive
Don't underestimate the appeal of the biggest thumb drive that $30 can buy. Check out those in the 32gb range and go higher if you can. Bonus points if it fits on a keyring. Thumb drives are easy to lose--which is why spares are always appreciated. It helps us pretend that we didn't just lose the last one.
Smart Phone Lens
Does your favorite church tech often have to make quick graphics for next Sunday on the fly? Consider equipping their smart phone with a pro quality fisheye, wideangle or telephoto lens.
http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/cell-phone-lenses/
DIY Pick Punch
With the pick punch, your favorite church tech person can readily save the day when the lead guitarist loses his inside the guitar during the acoustic set.
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/pick-punch
TShirt
Of course, you can always go with the old standby...the T-shirt. This one from Cafe Press says, "Sound Guy. Yes, I know what all the knobs do."
http://www.cafepress.com/mf/22635039/dark-sound-guy-tshirt_tshirt#
Pop Phone Handset
It shouldn't be this fun....really...but the retro phone handset is hysterical when used with your smart phone driving down the road. If you are getting a gift for someone who appreciates an ironic twist, this is the one.
http://shop.coolmaterial.com/products/pop-phone-handset
Obligatory disclaimer: None of these products are endorsed by Production Media or Church Production Magazine. And none of us make money off your purchase of any of these things. It is simply a random list of tech-friendly present possibilities. And if you find you have a technology addiction, get help. Friends don't let friends go into debt for gear. Merry Christmas!
