Tested and Approved: The Best AV Tech Gifts

‘Tis the season of giving!

 

Finding the perfect tech accessory for the audio visual aficionado in your life is the ultimate present quest. At Live Oak AV, we live and breathe technology, relying on gadgets that have proven their worth time and again. Today, we’re lifting the curtain on our tried-and-true arsenal of AV tech gifts, those unsung heroes that have bailed us out of countless jams.

Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile, a meticulous event planner, a tech-savvy professional, or just getting started on your AV journey, we’ve curated a list that speaks to your needs. And as a bonus, most of these items are under $100.

Recognizing that the world of tech is vast and varied, we’ve also organized our favorites into three distinct personas: the AV Kit, the Presenter Kit, and the Personal Comfort Kit. These aren’t just gift ideas; they’re audio visual presents tailored for the modern techie. So, join us as we unwrap the tech goodness and share our approved gadgets for AV lovers.

 

AV Tech Gifts

Alright, fellow tech enthusiasts, let’s talk survival in the fast-paced world of AV. When the unexpected hits, and it always does, you want to be the one with the ace up your sleeve. That’s where our arsenal of AV tech gifts comes in — the secret sauce to making you look like a tech rockstar, no matter the curveballs.

Can’t Live Without It: Deluxe Doc Hub – Your Swiss Army Knife for Tech Emergencies

Ever found yourself in the eleventh-hour scramble to livestream a friend’s hangout or record an impromptu podcast for a client? Do you love your MacBook but need to do more than two things at once? We get it, and that’s why we swear by the Deluxe Doc Hub. This USB C Docking Station is your stress-buster, ensuring you’re armed with the right cables to handle anything thrown your way.

Imagine this: a world where you never have to worry about missing cables or adapters, where you can MacGyver your way through any AV situation with ease. The Deluxe Doc Hub is the hero of last-minute tasks, packing everything you need to meet challenges head-on. So, when the pressure’s on, step up your game with this versatile docking station — a Live Oak-approved essential for the modern techie.

The AV Tech Gift Guide:

• Deluxe Doc Hub: Never worry again if you have enough ports!
• Console Tape: For organizing the soundboard.
• Multi Option Flashdrive:  One flash drive to rule them all, large storage, and compatible with many devices.
• Flashlight: For crawling on the floor looking for small items in the dark.
• Batteries: AA, AAA, 9 Volt
• Adapters: These are the adapters we use every day – USB to HDMI Adapter, USB to USB-C, USB-C to USB, USB to Headphone Jack, Lightning to USB-C
• Velcro Ties: To keep things tidy.
• Speakertimer.io: Keep speakers on time or time presentations with this app.
• Virtual Business Card
• Power block adapter
• Sharpies: You can wrap board tape around them. 
• Wired or wireless earbuds: USB, USC Buds small for front pocket. Best for monitoring virtual meeting calls.
• Honorable mentions: Microfiber cloths to make your screens shine, and these pouches to hold everything from adapters and cables to your laptop and glasses.

 

AV Presenter Gifts

Let’s be real — presentations are make-or-break moments, and the key to making them look like a breeze? Solid preparation. In the unpredictable realm of AV, you need more than luck; you need a toolkit that ensures you’re ready for anything. So, here are the tried-and-true items you want by your side. Trust us; they might just turn you into the hero of the next presentation.

Can’t Live Without It: Wireless Remote

If there’s one item on this list you absolutely shouldn’t skip, it’s a wireless presentation clicker remote. This little gadget is a game-changer. Why? Because familiarity is your friend. No one wants to fumble through awkward fast-forwards or fall prey to operator errors during a presentation.

Picture this: you, confidently clicking through slides, keeping the flow seamless. Plus, it gives you a solid reason to keep your hands in action during a presentation. So, if you’re serious about looking like a pro and avoiding presentation hiccups, invest in a reliable wireless remote. It’s a small gadget that can make a big difference. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later.

The AV Presenter Gift Guide:

• Wireless remote
• Speakertimer.io: Keep speakers on time or time presentations with this app.
• USB to Headphone Jack
• Virtual Business Card
• Power block adapter
• Deluxe Doc Hub: Never worry again if you have enough ports!
• Wired or wireless earbuds – USB, USC Buds small for front pocket. 
• Honorable mentions: This Pencil Pouch for all those loose ends, and Lens Wipes to get smudges off of your glasses, phone, or computer. 

 

 

Event Personal Comfort Kit

Everyone wants to have that fresh feeling all the time, especially when you’re working a corporate event or outside in the heat all afternoon. The AV industry involves a lot of close work with others for extended periods. You do a lot of talking, things will get smudged and used, and life will happen. Consider this a remember to take care of YOU so you can make your day easier and perform your absolute best. While this list is a good start, it can easily be expanded to include items for the season and location (think sunscreen or hand sanitizer) so feel free to make it your own.

Can’t Live Without It: Eargasm High-Fidelity Earplugs

This might seem pretty basic, but these earplugs are indispensable. Being able to cancel out the chatter to get some serious deep work accomplished is well worth the investment. And those of us with sensory issues, or who experience fatigue after a long day exposed to ongoing sound will find relief with this tech gadget. 

 

 

The Personal Comfort Gift Guide:

• Eargasm high-fidelity earplugs
• Mouth Watering Mints: Dry mouth is the worst, keep it fresh.
• Chapstick for indoor, and festive “flavors”: Try the sugar cookie flavor!
• Chapstick for outdoor events
• Loop Earplugs: Another ear plug option that offers customizable solutions for every need, from busy restaurants to concerts. A great option for those with sound sensitivities.
• Masks: Available in “AV uniform” black of course! 
• Water bottle: Stay hydrated.
• Advil: Just in case a headache comes along.
• Honorable mentions: These multi-tone Bandaids are great for on-person wire taping, and alcohol wipes are a quick sanitizing option for gear. 

 

These aren’t your run-of-the-mill gifts; they’re battle-tested tools that have saved us in the AV trenches. And we’re sharing them with you because we believe in amplifying not just events but our entire community.

For more gift ideas and a deep dive, check out our previous gift guide for webcams and microphones, on our blog. We’ve got your back with insights and recommendations to make your tech gifting experience a breeze.

So, here’s to gifting with purpose, elevating the tech game, and amplifying our community. Happy gifting, techies!