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Holiday 2023: Top tech and entertainment gifts for couch potatoes

Park yourself, a friend or your family on the sofa, get comfy and enjoy these tech gifts for lazy days in and year round.

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Suggesting gifts for the couch potato in our lives feels different in 2023, given many of us are still working from home and likely spending much more time on the sofa than normal. That said, plenty of top-quality products are out there to help make extended periods at home more enjoyable. There are video game consoles plus smart home entertainment devices in the form of projectors, surround sound systems, smart lighting, streaming boxes, and more.

We've even included a gaming system, a wireless surround system, a smart meat thermometer that helps cook the perfect meat every time and smart TV backlights to help reduce eye strain from watching too much TV. All of these devices make for a good holiday gift for any family member or friend who is a "couch potato."

Gaming Consoles Make Great Gift for Couch Potatoes

Xbox Series XXbox Series XMicrosoft

Gaming consoles are an excellent gift for couch potatoes because they provide various entertainment options that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home. Some of the reasons gaming consoles make great gifts for couch potatoes include a wide variety of games. There are games for all ages, interests, and skill levels, so there will surely be something for everyone to enjoy. Gaming consoles are a great way to connect with friends and family, and many games are designed for multiplayer play. They can be played for short or long periods. They are relatively affordable and designed to be user-friendly, so you can start playing right away.

For this holiday season, the systems to consider are Xbox X, Xbox S, and Sony PlayStation 5. There

At just $299, it is hard not to recommend the Xbox Series S as the perfect holiday 2023 gift for those who can't get away from the television. Not only is it significantly cheaper than the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, but despite still playing next-generation games, it is also more readily available than the sold-out alternatives.

If your budget can stretch further (and you can find one in stock), the more powerful Xbox Series X is also available but costs $499. Both consoles are available on the Microsoft site.

Read about the differences between the Xbox Series X and Series X here

Xbox Series S - Starting at $299

Up-Switch Orion Gaming Monitor - A Gaming Accessory for Switch

a photo of Up-Switch by Oriion plugged in

Up-Switch by Orion can also be a good portable monitor

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The Up-Switch Orion is a gaming monitor for couch potatoes who are also Nintendo Switch users. It provides an incredible viewing experience for your favorite Nintendo games. The Orion triples the size of the Nintendo Switch screen, featuring a low-latency 11.6” IPS panel with a USB-C dock port designed for the Switch. The UP-Switch Orion also boasts integrated Joy-Con holders, ready for the upcoming combined Joy-Con support for the Steam Deck and iPhone on iOS 16. It also boasts an HDMI input to plug in anything else, a tabletop gaming kickstand, and a portable battery strap.

Other features of this Nintendo Switch gaming monitor include dual stereo speakers, a headphone jack, and the ability to support multiple power bank solutions. We like how you can also use this portable monitor when traveling.

Up-Switch by Orion is $199.99 and is available on the company website and Amazon.

Buy on Amazon

Sonos Ray - A New Soundbar for Couch Potatoes

a photo of Sonos Ray soundbar on an entertainment system,.Sonos Ray SoundbarAmazon

Are you looking for a soundbar for your couch potato friend or family member? Then check out Sonos Ray, a new compact, easy-to-use soundbar by Sonos. Its got great sound and comes with Trueplay tuning technology to help the soundbar adapt to the sound in your home. Ray is a great solution if your couch potato friends need a new soundbar or you want to treat them to an easy-to-setup device that can enhance their TV or movie watching. You can use your existing smart TV’s remote to control the sound. If you want to play music when the TV is off, you can on Ray. It connects to your home Wi-Fi network, and you can easily use the Sonos app or Apple AirPlay 2 to connect to your favorite music source.

Ray costs $279 and is available on the company site, Amazon, and Best Buy. From November 17 through November 27, Sonos will offer up to 20% off select home theater products and up to 25% off portables. These deals will be available on sonos.com and select retail partners.

Buy Sonos Ray Soundbar

Smart Meat Thermometer for Couch Potato

a photo of MEATER Block on a counterMEATER Block comes with 4 smart meat thermometers and works on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection.GearBrain

A smart meat thermometer A smart meat thermometer is an excellent gift for any home cook who is a couch potato. A smart meat thermometer is a must-have since couch potatoes don't like to leave the TV or gaming console for any length. It takes the guesswork out of cooking meat. Smart meat thermometers use sensors to measure the internal temperature of meat, so you don't have to worry about overcooking or undercooking it. It allows them to cook meat to their desired doneness. It can help cook their meat to the proper temperature every time, no matter the type of meat they are cooking. Smart meat thermometers can be used with beef, pork, chicken, fish, and vegetables.

Smart meat thermometers are also easy to use. Simply insert the thermometer into the meat and wait for it to reach your desired temperature. They use your smartphone or tablet to monitor the temperature of your meat. When done, you will get an alert telling you to take your meat off the grill. It's that easy.

So, who makes suitable smart meat thermometers? Here is the list of smart meat thermometers to consider and links to special deals they are offering during the holiday shopping season:

Meater:

  • 20% OFF - MEATER Plus – World's best-selling smart meat thermometer - Buy on Amazon
  • 25% off - Meater Block - The premium smart meat thermometer features a WiFi range, four probes, and the ability to cook multiple proteins to everyone's preference with different doneness levels. Read our review. Buy on Amazon.
The MeatStick
  • MeatStick X Set is a Wireless Meat Thermometer with Bluetooth. It has a 260ft Range and is on sale for $84.99 (normally $99.99) Buy it on Amazon.
  • MeatStick 4X - The MeatStick 4X is the first smart wireless meat thermometer with 4 sensors – one in the ceramic handle and three in its stainless-steel probe. It costs $124.99 and is available on the company website and Amazon. Buy MeatStick 4X

ThermoPro

  • ThermoPro TempSpike 500FT Truly Wireless Meat Thermometer is a Bluetooth digital meat thermometer that is ideal for grilling and smoking. It works on BBQ, in the oven, smoker, rotisserie, and Sous Vide. On sale for 63.99 (36% off) on Amazon. Buy on Amazon

A smart meat thermometer is an excellent investment if you are a couch potato who loves to cook. It will help you cook meat to perfection every time, and it will give you peace of mind knowing that your food is safe.

Nanoleaf 4D TV Backlights a Must for Coach Potatoes This Holiday Season

a photo of the box for Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror + Lightstrip kit

Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror + Lightstrip Kit for TVs up to 85".

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If you are looking for a gift idea for someone who spends most of their time watching TV, you should consider getting them smart TV backlights. These smart devices can help reduce eye strain while enhancing one's viewing pleasure. We are currently testing good smart TV backlights by Nanoleaf. Their Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror + Lightstrip Kit works with smart TVs up to 85 inches and has 4 Screen Mirror modes with varying degrees of immersion to best suit what you're watching. How does this differ from other smart TV backlights? The Nanoleaf 4D screen mirror camera kit syncs the colors on your screen onto the addressable gradient LED light strip mounted behind your smart TV. This provides the ultra-immersive ″4D″ effect, and the vibrant backlighting illuminates your space with the colors from your favorite shows, movies, and video games.

The cost of the Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror + Lightstrip Kit depends on the size of your smart TV. For smart TVs that measure up to 65 inches, the cost is $99.99, and for TVs up to 85 inches, you will pay $119.99. All are available on Amazon.

Buy Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror + Lightstrip Kit on Amazon.

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 Wireless Headphone

photo of Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 Wireless HeadphoneSkullcandy Crusher ANC 2 Wireless HeadphoneGearBrain

If you are looking for a good pair of over-the-ear headphones with high-quality sound at an attractive price, you have to consider Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 Wireless Headphones.

The Crusher ANC 2 is Skullcandy's latest over-the-ear wireless headphones, and they are the successor (or 2nd Gen) to the popular Crusher ANC headphones but with several improvements. The Crusher ANC 2 comes with adjustable 4-mic active noise canceling, the famous Crusher Adjustable Sensory Bass feature, personal sound by Mimi, Multipoint pairing, and a 50-hour battery life with rapid charge. They also come with several accessories, including a carrying case, a USB-C charging cable, and an audio cable.

These wireless Bluetooth over-the-ear headphones list for $229.99 but are on sale now for only $199.99 on Amazon and Walmart.

Read our full review for more information.

See Best Price


PlayStation 5 - $499

PlayStation 5There are two versions of the PlayStation 5 Sony

If your loved one is in the PlayStation camp instead of Xbox, then good news – the next-generation PlayStation 5 (PS5) is also available today. It is the same price as the Xbox X ($500) and has a digital-only version starting at $399 for the digital-only model without a disc drive. The PS5 comes with a disc drive.

There isn't much to split the PS5 and Xbox Series X. It has similar spec sheets, with slight differences in processor and GPU speed, internal storage, and I/O throughput speeds. But, as both consoles use custom-built components rather than bought off-the-shelf from suppliers, it is tricky to say one is definitively quicker. , but you can read more about exactly how they compare here. You can also read more about what games are available for each console in the articles below:

See best price for Sony PS5 on Best Buy.

If you are looking for a gift for a couch potato, any of these gaming consoles is a great option. With so many great games to choose from, you will indeed find something they will love.


Roku Streaming Stick 4K

Roku Streaming Stick 4K Roku Streaming Stick 4KRoku

Roku's streaming media device is called Roku Streaming Stick 4K. It features the Roku Voice Remote Pro for users looking to upgrade their streaming experience with a rechargeable, hands-free voice remote.

This Roku device is 30% faster than previous models, supports Dolby Vision HDR10+, and has a redesigned long-range Wi-Fi receiver that can deliver up to 2x faster Wi-Fi speeds. It works with both Alexa and Google Assistant-enabled devices. You can use Apple AirPlay 2 to stream and control content directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. And if you have an Apple HomeKit setup, you can ask Siri to control your Roku devices.

Roku's new 4k media streaming device comes in two versions: Roku Streaming Stick 4K and 4K+. The Roku 4K costs $49, and 4K+ is $127.98. Note: Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ comes with the new Roku Voice Remote Pro, which features TV controls, personal shortcut buttons, private listening, hands-free, and push-to-talk Roku voice support. Either of these devices will make a great holiday gift for your couch potato friend or family member.




Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box

Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync BoxPhilips Hue Play Sync Box gets voice control, HDR, and Dolby Vision Signify

Smart lighting is a great way to improve your TV and entertainment area. We have previously recommended attaching an LED light strip to the back of your TV, but there are alternatives from the Philips Hue portfolio for you to consider.

There are Signe table and floor lamps that can stand up vertically and lay horizontally, as well as gradient smarta light stripes that you can attach to the back of your TV. They then cast an attraction puddle of light onto the wall behind and to the side of your TV, creating the perfect atmosphere for movie nights, gaming sessions, and box set binges. But it would be best if you got the Hue Play HDMI Sync Box to control these devices so they can work seamlessly with your TV.

The Hue Play HDMI Sync Boxwill be able to have the lights change color to match whatever is on the TV. (Read the GearBrain review here)

See Best Price




Fire Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen) - $60


a product shot of Fire Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen)Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen)Amazon

There are a lot of options when it comes to streaming sticks and set-top boxes. At $60, the Fire Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen) by Amazon is excellent value as it has vibrant 4K Ultra HD resolution, support for Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio, and Alexa built into the remote. That way, you can press a button and ask Alexa to find something to watch, then control your TV with voice commands. (Note: the Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced includes four pre-programmed app buttons including Netflix and Prime Video; the other two app buttons will vary.)

This streaming media stick is unique because it is the first streaming media player to come with the Fire TV Ambient Experience. It features an upgraded 2.0 GHz quad-core processor, making it Amazon's smartest and most powerful streaming stick yet. It is also the industry's first streaming media stick to include support for Wi-Fi 6E, meaning customers with a compatible router can enjoy the smoothest streaming experience with lower latency, faster speeds, and less interference from other Wi-Fi-enabled devices in the home. With ultra-cinematic, vibrant 4K Ultra HD and immersive Dolby Atmos audio, the new Fire TV Stick 4K Max delivers excellent visual and audio experience.

The Fire Stick 4K Max provides access to Amazon Prime Video, HBO, Hulu, Netflix, Sling, ESPN, YouTube, Disney+, and Apple TV. Having Alexa means using the remote to control compatible smart home devices and asking the assistant to show video feeds from security cameras on your TV. Fire TV Stick 4K Max also features 16GB of storage, doubling the previous generation's capacity and enabling customers to store even more apps and games directly on the device.




Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen)

a photo of Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen)Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen)Best Buy

Another excellent streaming option is the Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen). It's more expensive than most, at $149, but is one of very few to offer Wi-Fi and ethernet connectivity, as well as both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, ensuring you get access to the highest quality movies and TV money can buy. The Apple TV also plays games downloaded from the AppStore and is a hub for the company's HomeKit smart home system.

We are seeing deals on the original Apple TV 4K for the holiday season. We found Best Buy selling Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) 64GB for $129.99 and $119.99 for 128GB. The 3rd Gen comes with the new A15 Bionic chip, has Siri built-in, and works on Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connections. Something to think about. (You can learn more about the differences between Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K here.)

Apple TV 4K 128GB (3rd gen) with Wi-Fi + Ethernet - $149.99 at Best Buy


Amazon eero Pro 6E mesh Wi-Fi router

eero Pro 6Eeero Pro 6E Wi-Fi routerAmazon

Every good couch potato needs fast and reliable internet speeds. Thus, a good Wi-Fi 6e router makes a good gift, especially since there are reasonable prices this year. We found the eero Pro 6E, the first-ever Wi-Fi 6E-enabled eero mesh Wi-Fi system, a good choice. eero's tri-band technology is ideal for gigabit+ internet plans up to 2.5 Gbps, leverages the 6 GHz bands, and supports 100+ devices. It is currently on sale on Amazon for $179.99, 28% discount,

Buy on Amazon

Another good system is the TP-Link Deco AXE5400 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System(Deco XE75). It, too, works on a Wi-Fi 6E connection and covers up to 5500 sq. ft. Read our full review here. The Deco AXE5400 typically costs $269.99 but is on sale for $229.99 on Amazon.

Buy on Amazon

Check out The GearBrain, our product find engine. It will help you find, buy, and connect any smart device. It will also help you find compatible products with your existing smart home setup and Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices.

How to Find Products in The GearBrain, Our Compatibility Find Engine for Smart Deviceswww.youtube.com


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