For the past several years (I’ve lost track), I’ve given an annual talk at the Medical School in which I share a bunch of fun, cool, new gadgets and gizmos that folks might like to give and/or receive for the holidays. It’s always a lot of fun to put together and I invariably end up buying a few of the finds for family and friends and yes … me, too. Here’s this year’s version for your own enjoyment. You can find the handout that accompanied the presentation here – 2016-gadget-talk-handout. It offers information on sources for the items and pricing.
A Librarian by Any Other Name 
Thanks for some good ideas. And the cat toy-related laugh.
H
Helen Houpt, MSLS, AHIP Librarian Harrisburg PA 17109 hhoupt@pinnaclehealth.org
We try every year to find that special gift for Tater, but really all she wants is the wrapping. 🙂
Great list! What are wifi smart plugs (and do you have any you recommend)?
Thanks, Andrea. They’re pretty cool. You plug lights or other things you often turn on and off into them (then into the socket) and they allow you to control them via an app on your phone. The koogeek model gets a good rating (http://www.koogeek.com/product_p1.html).
My pups give two paws up for the water bottle dog dish!
Oh my goodness – I need an avocado hugger!!
Hi Sally,
I always enjoy your blog and appreciated the great gadget suggestions in this post. Can you please give me some additional info on where to find the bungee making kit and the magnet lights. Iâd love to get them for my husband for Christmas (heâs our neighborhoodâs handyman).
Thanks very much ,and best wishes for a joyful holiday season.
Diana
Diana Ryan, MLS
Director of Collection Management
Scott Memorial Library
Center for Teaching and Learning
Thomas Jefferson University
1020 Walnut St., Room 201
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Diana.Ryan@jefferson.edu
215-503-2829 (phone)
215-503-4793 (fax)
Hi Diana! Thanks for the kind words and I’m so sorry that I didn’t see your comment earlier. I hope it’s not too late, but I saw the ad for the “make your own bungies” on Home Depot’s website. I hope you found them already and/or can still do so. Merry Christmas!
Great list Sally,
I wish I’d of come across this post before Christmas! The acoustic phone amp would of been perfect for someone in my family
Do you know if it’s possible to buy that for over in the UK? I did a quick search but couldn’t find anything like the one in your post…
The only thing I could find was a post on how to make my own
-Jordan
Thanks, Jordan. I’m glad you came across the list. I’m not sure where you might be able to get one in the UK. I hadn’t thought about that. Do let me know if you find something that works. Happy New Year!
This is really pretty cool list. I am badly needed a Bluetooth speaker opener. Thank you so much for your great gadget sources. Good job.
This is worth reading article. Thank you for sharing