Contrary to buying gifts for the adventurer within your social circle, purchasing presents for the infamous couch potato encompasses the opposite end of the spectrum.
Your friends/family members with a slothful disposition aren't the type to go hiking, biking or outside in general. So what gifts best suit their personality traits and lifestyle? We sifted through hundreds of topics on FindTheBest in search of 10 gifts to buy the stereotypical couch potato this holiday season.
Game Console Option 1
Let's be honest, if the person you're buying holiday gifts for spends most of his/her time on the couch, they're going to need some entertainment. Sure, they can watch TV all day long, but a game console provides them an outlet to interact with other people (in the virtual sense).
Our Pick: Playstation 4
The PS4 provides gamers with the flexibility of seamless online play coupled with enthralling single-player campaigns.
Multiplayer gaming in the same room isn't ideal without multiple TVs on hand, but you can still link up with your friend online and play against thousands of people across the globe.
Game Console Option 2
For the gamer who doesn't need cutting-edge graphics or engrossing blockbuster epics to stay entertained, the more family-oriented option presents plenty of value.
Our Second Pick: Wii U
If you'd rather have your favorite couch potato host game nights that include the new Super Smash Bros. and ever-popular Mario Kart games, Nintendo's console is the best choice. For family/friend/family-friend get-togethers, the Wii U's same-room multiplayer experience still reigns supreme—even though it's left in the dust from a graphics perspective compared to other consoles.
Wireless Speaker
If the couch potato in your life is more inclined to zone out with his/her favorite tunes on, or perhaps listen to hour-long podcasts, they simply must own a reliable wireless speaker.
Our Pick: Sonos Play: 1
Not only does the Sonos Play: 1 have controller apps for Android, iOS, Mac and PC, but it also supports streaming music services like Spotify, Pandora and Rdio. It received a Smart Rating of 100/100 based on expert ratings, features, connectivity and sound quality—the highest score of any other wireless speaker.
Also, with an MSRP of $199, this model provides great bang for your buck. Michael Gorman of Engadget, however, suggests buying two speakers to maximize sound quality.
E-Reader
If music and gaming aren't among the passions of your favorite couch potato, perhaps they simply love settling down with a good book. Convincing them to put down the tangible pages may prove difficult, but the convenience of having up to 1,000 books at one's fingertips is too much to ignore.
Our Pick: Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight
The Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight received a Smart Rating of 98/100 based on a wide variety of factors including screen technology, battery life, weight and ratings from various experts like CNET, PC Magazine and Wired.
The display is easy on the eyes and you should be able to find it for under $100.
Streaming Media Player
For couch potatoes determined to improve their media consumption, a streaming media player is the perfect gift to receive.
Our Pick: Roku 3
In addition to streaming services like Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, Hulu and Crackle (among others) the Roku 3 offers resources to consume news/weather, online videos, sports stations and select TV channels.
It received a Smart Rating of 100/100 based on specs and expert ratings from PC Mag, CNET, Laptop Mag and others. For those that want a top-shelf streaming device without committing to big companies like Amazon and Apple, the Roku 3 is an excellent choice at an MSRP of $99.
Tablet
Tablets continue to function as a great luxury and guilty pleasure, but which tablet in the vast landscape is best for the couch potato?
Our Pick: Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 (2014)
Our answer to that question is the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9. This tablet, like stereotypical couch loungers, is all about media consumption. It can download movies, play games, has a long battery life and a beautiful display.
It earned a Smart Rating of 98/100 based on technical specifications and expert reviews. With an MSRP of $379, it's also much cheaper than the Apple iPad Air 2 ($499).
Fitness Tracker
Alright. Enough of letting the couch potato in your life stay stuck in their sedentary ways. He/she continues to turn down your invitations to go hiking or train for that upcoming marathon, but they need to find some way to stay healthy.
Our Pick: Fitbit Charge
Admittedly, this gift idea is a risky one. If the person you're buying for is a true blue, bona fide sluggard, then their laziness will likely trump any deep-seeded desire to live a healthier lifestyle. If you have any inkling that they simply need the extra nudge of motivation, though, this is worth the risk. Who knows, maybe they'll finally join you if they can tangibly track their progress.
Blender
Image Credit: FindTheBest
A blender is a great gift for a sofa spud because it simultaneously feeds into the laziness of not wanting to cook/make food, while also providing a way for them to eat healthier.
Our Pick: Black and Decker Model #: BLC12650HB
Don't be dissuaded by this blender's 650-watt motor (below average compared to the market), because it still boasts 12 different speed settings. It's great for making cocktails, chopping/dicing vegetables and creating tasty smoothie creations (add some kale to a fruit smoothie to mask the taste and still get all the benefits).
With an MSRP of $40, this model is one of the cheapest blenders available—and it doesn't sacrifice quality.
Smartwatch
Companies like Apple, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sony and others have continued to shape the tech market with new inventions. The latest such gadget is the ever-evolving smartwatch—a great match for those who love loafing around.
Our Pick(s): LG G or Motorola Moto 360
Much like when two NFL teams don't have a distinct advantage in a head-to-head matchup and Las Vegas opts to set an even betting line, we put together a pick'em scenario for the smartwatch.
Both the LG G and Motorola Moto 360 support Google's new Android Wear technology—meaning you can take texts and phone calls from the watch as long as you have an Android phone. They have similar battery life as well as identical storage and RAM. Their specs aren't the same across the board, but design/aesthetic appeal will likely be the decision-maker in this instance.
If you're keen on having a stylish smartwatch that actually looks like a time-keeper, the Moto 360 is your best bet. If that isn't the look you're going for, the LG G offers a different design and feel.
Vaporizer
Image Credit: FindTheBest
In some cases, a vaporizer may be the perfect gift to buy this holiday season—like for couch potatoes living in Colorado or Washington, for example. “Vape” was named as Oxford Dictionary's Word of the Year in November, defined as “to inhale and exhale the vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device.”
Our Pick: Firefly
The Firefly vape can be ready to use in approximately four seconds, which is lightning quick compared to the average warm-up time of one minute for similar devices. It's compatible with ground herbs and comes with a high-power rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, charging adapter, carrying bag and cleaning kit.
Whether purchasing for the stereotypical stoner, your 63-year-old uncle with glaucoma or someone that simply enjoys puffing tobacco, you'll be lauded as a gift-giving legend while celebrating the Word of the Year.
The post Best Gifts for the Couch Potato appeared first on FindTheBest: The Official Blog.
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