WardWorks: Ward's Holiday Gift Idea Buying Guide

I'm making shopping easy for you this year. I break down categories and tell you what you should buy your friends and family this year.

The items are based on my research and/or experience. I have stuff and I've done the research on stuff. I'm saving you the time, and isn't that the best gift I could give? Check out the full list, I've got something for everybody.

Electronics:

Headphones. I had never had a good pair, let alone any pair. I love my headphones. I use them all the time. They are especially useful when you're watching a creepy television episode of Dr. Who and don't want to scare your spouse or child. If you have the expensive surround sound system or not, this is the answer for a fraction of the price.

On a budget: Audio-Technica M20X

Want to splurge: Sennheiser HD 598

Media Center. My PS3 has become a media center, and I can't imagine life without it. Play blockbuster, expansive triple-A games or quick indie games. Stream music, movies, sports, or television. It does everything you want!

On a budget and want to stream movies and tv without games? If you have internet and an HDMI port you're all set:
Amazon Fire TV Stic

On a budget or not, there is only one answer: Playstation 4 500GB Console

The Xbox One is pretty cool too.

Audio recorder. Podcasts are popular and podcasting has taken off. Get someone this audio recorder and they can start their very own podcast. Record yourself and a friend or go into the field and get interviews.

On a budget: Tascam DR-05

Want to splurge: Tascam DR-40
The Dr-40 adds two mic inputs for future flexibility. Add two Audio-Technica ATR-2100 mics and you've got an in home studio. The mics are used by podcasters around the world and will connect directly to the DR-40.

Video camera . Get this and start making youtube videos or memories, one of the two. Upgrade your old camera to take solid home videos. You can become a freelance videographer with either of these. Facebook wants you to get this camera. Quit shooting videos with a potato.

On a budget?: Canon Vixia HF R500
Canon makes great cameras and this is an HD camera at a great price. It rises above the consumer camera, but isn't as expensive as the pro-sumer camera. Want

Want to splurge?: Canon XA-20
With increased cost comes increased image quality, and more zoom, focus options, 60p shooting, etc.

Tools
Tools are fun. If you don't have these tools, you will want them now.

For tools on a budget, files are perfect for crafts or woodworking:
Hobby File Set

If you cut anything and don't have a band saw you need one. If you want to start cutting, then consider this your introduction.
SKIL 3386-01 9-Inch Band Sa

Hobby

Prop making. With foam mats and hot glue people are making helmets, armor, toys, and everything in between. It's a small investment that can unlock a ton creativity.

Easy to cut and bend and 24 square feet: Foam Mats

Avoid the risk of nails, tacks, staples, or construction grade adhesive when gluing foam:
Hot Glue Gu

Drones. They're in the news and everywhere you want to be. Get awesome photos and video. It's the adult version of an RC car.

On a budget, check out this one:
Syma X5C Explorers

Want to splurge? The ultimate drone:
DJI Phantom 3

Toys

How does it work? Who cares. It's awesome. Control it with your phone or tablet.
Star Wars Sphero BB-8 Droid

Lego Blocks are THE building block toy. Accept no substitutes. Imitating blocks shall be cast to the refuse pile.

It's Lego. It's the holidays. You need it. Now!
Lego 60063Advent Calendar

A budget set for the super hero fan.
Lego 76011 Batman: Man-Bat Attack

I already know I'll be buying this.
Lego 2113 Minecraft The Cave Playset

One of those for the kids when s/he is older, but I'll build it for them right now sets.
Lego 42028 Technic Bulldozer

Board Games. Cost efficient fun and a great way to socialize without being awkward. Board games have experienced a surge. You need to join that surge.

Want an easy to set up quick game for two?: Mr. Jack

Want the 'cool' family friendly board game that everyone else is playing?

Four players.: Settlers of Catan

Or gaming for five: Carcasonne

If you want to sit the kids in front of the television watching Minions and enjoy humor for adults in card game form:
Cards Against Humanity

If you want to impress board game snobs, go for the team building, board game saga:
Arkham Horror

Nerf blasters. I've never see anyone disappointed when they get a Nerf blasetr. This is one of the few toys that bridges the divide between age, gender, and class.

I have this, and it is just as amazing as it looks: Nerf N-Strike Retaliator

If you get the Nerf gun, you need extra clips, you always need extra clips. Seriously, get two or three: N-Strike Elite 18-Dart Quick Reload Clip

Maybe you think this is the 'on a budget suggestion', no. You get yourself the Retaliator and extra clips, you get everyone else the CycloneShock blaster. I guarantee family will talk about this holiday debacle for years to come: Nerf N-Strike Elite Mega CycloneShock Blaster

Entertainment:

Books. Nothing encourages your imagination to run wild like books. That, and make your friends think you are a well-read intellectual with these awesome suggestions.

You like that movie The Martian ? The book is much better: The Martian by Andy Weir