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SALT LAKE CITY — With Christmas quickly approaching and COVID-19 lockdowns (round 2) happening around the world, it can be tough thinking about and shopping for Christmas gifts. And for those of us who desire to support small businesses over big corporations, it's even more difficult this year to find Christmas gifts for those we love.
This is why I'm putting together a list of awesome products created by small businesses and individuals using Kickstarter to fund their dreams and big ideas.
If you're last-minute Christmas gift shopping, you can use the excuse that these gifts probably won't make it to them by the 25th this month anyway, considering Kickstarter products take up to a couple of months to be developed.
So, if you love supporting small businesses and are looking for great, unique gift ideas, here are some of my favorite crowdfunded products out on the market right now.
1. Olive Pro: 2-in-1 Hearing Aids and Bluetooth Earbuds
This product is one of the first of its kind, and the ultimate gift for grandma, grandpa or anyone you know who is hard of hearing and might need hearing aids. Their slogan is "affordable hearing for all" with these high-tech earphones that are not only affordable but also have noise cancellation, wireless pairing and ultra-clean sound quality.
Get them while they're hot. This crowdfunded product is definitely a hit, having raised almost half a million dollars already with only 24 days yet to go.
Check them out here on Indiegogo.
2. FLECTR 360 bike wheel reflector
Need a gift for a bike lover? In the thick of winter, this genius product is something that every biker absolutely needs. Not only does it make biking in the dark or low light way safer, but it actually looks really stylish too.
This reflector technology has already raised over $120,000 with 22 days left to go.
Check them out here on Kickstarter.
3. Cyclemate - The World's Most Comfortable Bike Seat Cushion
Speaking of bikes, this is a great gift to go along with the FLECTR — especially for your girlfriend who loves biking. Believe me, coming from a fellow biking female, she would love to have a little added cushion.
The cool thing about this seat cushion is it's filled with air, which makes it extra comfortable while still being supportive.
If you're interested, get this one quick. It's only got three days left. Check it out here on Kickstarter.
4. ElecHive Portable and Universal Super Power Station
Sick of gas generators? I think we all are. Thank goodness for innovations like these, which are better for the environment and less of a hassle.
The ElecHive Super Power Station is a game-changer in the world of generators. Its powerful battery can provide 2,200 watts of power output, just like a standard wall socket. This powerful generator can charge as much as 12 devices, simultaneously. Even with all of these features, it only weighs 34 pounds and is as small as a basketball.
If you think this product is cool, you're not the only one. It's already raised a whopping $1.5 million dollars in backing, with 26 days left. Don't miss out.
Check it out here on Indiegogo.
5. Shower Power: The Hydropower Shower Speaker
This is a perfect gift for your music lovers — especially those who love to jam to music while in the shower. This genius technology is what it's named: a speaker that generates 100% of its power from water.
This speaker is designed to fit any shower head and is fully waterproof.
With over $200,000 raised in backing, this has less than three days left in Kickstarter, so get it while you can.
Check it out here on Kickstarter.
6. HotDive: Turning your phone into the ultimate diving kit
Do you have any friends into scuba diving or freediving? This is the gift for them. As a fellow diver, I have to admit this technology is super cool. Essentially, with this device, you can take your phone to depths as deep as 80 meters. This turns your smartphone into an all-in-one dive kit, acting as a dive computer, fill light, camera and more.
This product has eight days left with over $150,000 so far in backing! Check it out here on Kickstarter.
7. LaserPecker 2 - handheld laser engraver
This disruptive technology is perhaps the best of its kind. This laser engraver is great for beginners or advanced engravers and gives anybody the ability to engrave just about anything. You can engrave on literally anything — from wood to glass to ceramic, even to your smartphone or laptop.
It's also light and super portable, so you can take it anywhere. They've already raised over $1 million dollars in funding.
Check it out here on Kickstarter.
