Gift guide: TechCrunch’s favorite things

Summary

We’re tech journalists. We have a lot of opinions. Throughout the year, we’re constantly trying out new products, and trust us — we’re a hard crowd to please. So if we really like something, it’s probably good! That’s why we’ve assembled a list of our favorite things, spanning computer accessories, headphones, productivity apps, and odd little knick-knacks. Sure, we can be tough critics at times. But we’re in this gig because we truly love technology, and every once in a while, we stumble upon an app, gadget, or piece of hardware that we’re dying to talk about. Our recommendations aren’t your typical gift guide fare — everyone already knows that AirTags are useful! — but we’re hoping that we can help you find something a little different and delightful. Whether you’re looking for the satisfaction of setting up your own at-home media server, or if you’re trying to stay cool in a crowded subway, we’re sure you’ll find something you like. Image Credits:Shokz (opens in a new window) These open ear, bone conduction earphones allow me to listen to music while running but they don’t cover or insert in the ears, so I can still hear the environment: bikes wanting to pass, cars or people behind me, etc. They deliver shockingly good sound quality (pun intended) without having to fuss about getting them in a perfect spot on the outer ear. They work great with sunglasses and a hat, all adjacent to each other. And they don’t leave me with that uncomfortable am-I-losing-my hearing feeling from earbuds that pipe sound directly into the ear canal. Image Credits:Brain.fm A Brain.fm subscription is the perfect gift for the easily distracted. It’s a streaming service that plays scientifically engineered music – with no distracting lyrics – that helps my scattered mind stop bouncing between tasks and stay focused. Extra points for the timer function so I can combine it with the Pomodoro Technique! Image Credits:Focus Friend Hank Green’s Focus Friend is Google Play’s app of the year – an...