Thanksgiving is over and now the shopping madness that is Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and generally, the month of December, has begun. We know that shopping for the right gift can be tough; there are just so many options. Here's something to consider: it has been a great year in terms of growth in the local technology scene—with numerous startups and first time entrepreneurs receiving funding deals and others, like iStrategy Labs and Optoro, proving they can mature into highly profitable brands. So, why not support the local tech economy and scoop a great gift at the same time? Now we're on the same page.
Here's 12 DC Tech-centric gifts to buy this holiday season:
- CustomInk: custom clothing provider with thousands of customization options from embroidery to graphic patterns. Prices vary greatly dependent on the clothing and preferred customization, but this is a great gift for a group of family members for a unified look.
- LifeFuels: riding the health and fitness wave made popular by wearable tech hardware giants like Fitbit, LifeFuels sells a smart water bottle that will automatically dispense and tracks vitamins/supplements from separately sold nutrition pods. If you want to take your workout into the 21st century and don't mind dropping over $100 into a water bottle, then check it out. Product coming soon.
- Cove: finding a convenient and quality co-working space can be a huge help for anyone living in the city or that needs a productive space outside the house. Cove, a D.C. co-working space provider that can be best described as fusion between a WeWork and casual coffee shop, sells a range of membership options. This is a great gift, whether it's just for a month of usage or a full year. A few hundred dollars should do.
- General Assembly DC: do know someone that has been talking about taking a coding or design class? Someone who wants to learn a new skill or perhaps bolster their resume with some quality classes. General Assembly offers a number of different classes, either weekly, daily or one-day workshops, for your educational tech needs. Plus, their D.C. HQ, where classes are taught, offers a beautiful work space for completing homework or hanging out. Prices range from less than a hundred for a workshop to several thousand for a multiple month course.
- GoodWorld: the holidays are also supposed to be a charitable time for many. GoodWorld, a 1776 member startup based in D.C., has created a software platform to streamline donations via social media websites and apps. Make an account for a loved one, use the platform, spread a little love to a reputable organization that's helping with a cause that person cares about. Instant and convenient good karma.
- Galley Foods: for a convenient and easy gift for a colleague or friend, what's better than a quality meal delivered straight to their hands. That's what Galley, a local food tech startup that focuses on healthy eating, can do. Lunch and dinner options are available for about $11 per meal on average with delivery included.
- UrbanStems: flowers are a classic, whether it's Valentines day, an anniversary or the holidays. UrbanStems, a flower delivery startup based in Virginia, can help you find great flowers from an online platform. Everything from purchase to delivery can be done with a few quick clicks. Prices start at $35.
- EasyPaint: everyone has got that one room in their home that needs to be spruced up. And sometimes, doing it yourself is just too much of a task. EasyPaint can do the job, find great painters and bring the materials necessary to paint a room. Whether it's a living room, office or kitchen, EasyPaint prides itself on a quality platform. Depending on the job and labor costs, this gift can cost a few hundred to thousand dollars.
- Sensics: this unique company is a virtual reality software and hardware designers that develops products for consumers, the military and even enterprise clients. Their new OSVR headset retails for $299 and brings a unique device that can already download free games, projects and programs. Learn more about Sensics's VR headset.
- WeWork DC: probably the biggest name in the co-working, shared office space industry, WeWork sells office space via individual memberships that are great as a complimentary office space outside the professional setting. With awesome amenities, cool locations and an extensive network throughout the D.C. area that's growing, a basic membership (starting at $45) is great for that loved one that wants to both meet new people and get work done.
- LivingSocial: the original D.C. tech giant that has since changed guard and developed new products, LivingSocial is an "experiences marketplace" similar to Groupon, where you can purchase activities like wine tastings and restaurant visits for a person. Prices vary dependent on the activity and timing, but the premise of LivingSocial is to work on discounts. Save some money, find a deal and give someone an awesome daily adventure or luxury service.
- DrinkMate: a smart breathalyzer that attaches to your smartphone for less than $30 on pre-order. Get it for that millennial relative who needs to stop posting embarrassing photos to Facebook of their nights out.
- Framebridge: Framebridge offers a convenient, online e-commerce marketplace that makes framing art easy. If you have a loved one this holiday season that enjoys photography, for example, be sure to snap a great photo and have the experts over at Framebridge frame it for you. The turnaround time is quick and the prices are reasonable but vary considerably, depending on the size, quality, material and build of the aforementioned frame that is used. Plus, Black Friday shoppers get 20 percent off all black frames.
