Facebook opens Gifts service to all US users, now includes a bottle of red (or white)

Previously a limited run by invite-only, Facebook's decided to open its Gifts feature to all of itsUS users. As it stands, present choices are focused around food and soft toys, but today's launch also added a core new option -- wine. According to AllThingsD, there will be different offerings from 16 different winemakers and all with the necessary age-verification checks you'd expect from a responsible social network, naturally. While options are still a little narrow, we'd expect Facebook to seriously ramp up its retail partners and gift choice through 2013 -- and hopefully no more virtual presents.

[Source: Engadget]

Secret Santa Revealed

Ooooooh, only 21 sleeps until Christmas :D

It is this time of year that we all look forward to spending time with family & friends. The preparation is just as exciting too, with late night shopping, food planning & the decorating of a real (or possibly virtual) Christmas Tree.

I am in the priveleged position to have an extended set of friends too. Over the years of producing videos, the cool comments come flooding in, the tweets go crazy and the likes on Facebook make me smile. On Twitter & YouTube I communicate with some super cool people, mainly gadget addicts like me, but really a diverse mix. So when I was contacted to take part in a Secret Santa by MoneySuperMarket I was super excited.

The time to reveal the recipient of my gift is now here … and boy oh boy was I smiling when I saw that I had been partnered with a fellow geek. So my Christmas Gift is winging its way to GadgetsBoy … making his Christmas that little bit brighter.

For a nice twist & to keep everyone guessing, just what should I buy someone who handles tech every day? 

Winter Warmers
Maybe some Touch Screen Gloves are in order. Keeping those fingers warm and frost free, whilst still being able to keep those Tweets & Instagram pics coming. These look really geeky and good value for money. I have seen these in varying styles and always fancied a pair myself. Maybe I am drawn to these because I WANT THEM!!! I have heard many a funny story over the years where people buy gifts for others that they really wish they were receiving. Now, if someone could invent some Gaming Gloves to make me play a little better… Hmmmmmmm. 

 

Gaming
Now, I know that GadgetsBoy likes his gaming, both hardcore & casual, so I went on the search for something that would make this a little more unique & enjoyable. The JOYSTICK-IT Tablet Arcade Stick came to mind and certainly looks the part. Made of aluminium, it looks superbly engineered and attaches to your iPad (or other tablet) for the ultimate control. I really like the look of this and think it could finally see my good friend achieving some good scores.

Staying Alert
Working with and testing all this tech takes time. We both work hard and play hard. Maybe a mix of caffeine and multi-vitamins will do the trick and keep my friend producing all those great articles & videos. I don't believe in getting drunk (although I know many do have a very MERRY Christmas), but I do think staying alert & happy, allows us all to pass on that love and enthusiasm that we have. Making someone else smile, through a comment or a video or a goodwill gesture is a must thing to do. Maybe a month's supply of React Energy Drinks will do the trick!!! When your eyes are getting tired Mr GadgetsBoy, sit back and re-energize yourself… will this be your gift? 

So, I guess we will all have to sit back and wait to see what I send my good friend for Christmas. Have a great time everyone… enjoy your technology, enjoy your gadgets, but most of all … enjoy your friends, family and close ones and have an EPIC CHRISTMAS !!!

Facebook rolls out Gifts to millions of new users, but data shows they aren't buying… yet

At a party last night at FAO Schwarz in New York, Facebook made one thing clear: it's all in on Gifts, a new feature that lets you buy friends chocolates, gift cards, and other stuff right from their Timeline on mobile or desktop. What makes sending Gifts nicer than simply dropping someone an Amazon package is that your friend instantly gets a push notification on their phone when you send one. He or she also gets to choose the size, flavor, or color of the gift if you allow them to. Also, if you don't have somebody's address, the recipient has the option to type it in, which is convenient.
Facebook last night unveiled several new partners for Gifts — which is essentially a catalog of items hand-picked by retailers like Warby Parker, Starbucks, GUND, and as of last night, Dean & DeLuca, Rdio, Lindt Chocolates, Brookstone, Fab, Hulu Plus, and others. Gifts launched in beta late September to a select group of people (like most new Facebook features), and last night rolled out to "tens of millions more," Gifts boss Lee Linden said.
[Source: The Verge]

Gifts for Men

Buying a gift for men can be a real challenge.  Men are often reticent with regard what they want or desire and their hobbies and interests can be hard to discern.  It’s often a cliché that men think women are the hardest to buy for and vice versa.  There is some truth in this dilemma as many aspects of male and female consumer culture are fairly closed to the opposite sex.  Men and women are united in most general areas of life but some stereotypes may ring true when it comes to what they like to receive as gifts.

The internet can provide an invaluable source of inspiration when it comes to choosing gifts for men.  Motor racing days are becoming a more common gift these days, and for those who wish to spend a bit more money, you may like to consider skydiving excursions, Formula 1 racing, flying lessons or a city break. 

Obviously a gifts worth isn’t always in its monetary value.  There are many curiosities and trinkets can be of low monetary value but priceless sentimental value.  Sometimes the legacy of a charming trinket or keepsake can outweigh any gift in the lasting impression it will make.  Giving a present that may reflect shared values or a romantic spirit can be the ultimate gift.

When buying gifts for men (or of course, women), we need primarily to avoid mere tokenism.  Try and find something personalised to the recipient, something that declares ‘I recognise this side of your nature’.  Too many gifts for men that people buy will be merely to serve a purpose – ‘a token gesture’.  Learn to enjoy the gift of giving and your ideas for gifts will develop as the years go by.

Never be afraid to use sites like gettingpersonal.co.uk for inspiration as their experience in the market may well mean you’ll find the ideal gift pre-packaged and ready.