Right now content creation is at an all-time high. It’s the job most younger people want, and it seems like there is a category for practically anything. The downside to this is a lot of these tools are expensive, but the upside is this increase in market share is resulting in better and innovative products or far less. Still, it can be pretty costly, and honestly frustrating, so we wanted to highlight a couple things we think would make a great gift for someone interested in the space.
Content Creation Holiday Gift Guide 2024
Saramonic Blink 500 B2+
Earlier this year Saramonic released Blink 500 B2+, which simplified the portable microphone space. The 2-person microphone system had premium features, at a not so premium price. What ultimately made it stand out was including simplified connections for smart phones. I didn’t need a series of wires, adapters, and set up to get it working. I could just plug in the USB-C module, stick it into my phone, and get clear audio in a video. It even fit with the adapter attached if I never found myself using it elsewhere.
Those looking for more might want to consider Blink Me, or the simply named Ultra. The version of Blink Me we reviewed has changed a lot, with there even being a smart phone option, though what we liked as remained the same. In addition to sounding great, it’s extremely easy to control, and allows owners to personalize the screen. As for Ultra, it’s poised to be Saramonic’s best 2-person system that delivers countless useful tools for creators without breaking the bank.
Finally, in the event you have a group of friends, Saramonic’s Blink 500 T4 makes 4-person capture extremely easy. It comes with all the tools you could want, even some that are legitimately hard to find outside of the set, in a single package.
Maono PD200X
Over the years Maono has helped simplify the audio capture space, making it far more accessible to newcomers. This ultimately culminated with PD200X, which is honestly a fantastic microphone for those starting out, or looking for a bit more.
What makes it so great is the near endless versatility. This starts by supporting USB-C, meaning it can be used out of the box with the device in question. Maono furthered this by supporting it with their recently released Arena software.
This, unfortunately Windows only software, makes mixing multiple sources extremely easy. I can route my game, music, microphone(s), and more in a single software, and effortlessly control them all through it. Naturally, it’s a tool that resonates with a number of players looking to improve their overall set up.
Long term it also has an XLR connection that can be used with an audio interface. With options starting at $100, which even includes a second microphone if need be, there is some versatility for the future.
INNOCN Portable Monitor
At this point it should be obvious I like portable monitors. It’s great to have a secondary screen to use a portable PC/Mac mini on the go, can use with a portable gaming device to get a better experience/play with others, or just use it on my desk for something like chat. However, one of the weirder uses is with my phone to capture photos.
It unfortunately does not have a screen rotation feature, something I didn’t see any monitor mention, it’s still great to have an idea of what is on my phone without having to actually look at my phone. This is even better if paired with a tablet arm mount, or other resource to get it in the perfect position regardless of the situation.
Nanlite LumiPad
No accessory was more of a game changer for me than lighting. Simply having the option to fully illuminate the space allowed my existing camera, and honestly phone, deliver significantly better photos. While there are a lot of options in this space, I really like Nanlite’s LumiPad series.
What makes these panels stand out is great accuracy, and on-device controls. The latter is something that becomes more important overtime. This is due to capture sizes, position, to even color needing different options. Despite thinking a phone app was the way to go, it’s often more problems than it’s worth. Especially if you’re actually capturing with the device you need to control the lights. Just a much simpler set up long term.
Loupedeck
Anyone looking to increasing productivity should look no further than Loupedeck. The small tablet like device is designed to give access to various commands in an instant. Besides simply making streaming a lot easier by perhaps adding lighting, or camera controls, it can also boost productivity. This can be zooming in, controlling music, adjusting volume, to countless other benefits. Plus, with the new entry level model and low sale price it was never easier to get the most out of your computer.
Monster Power Grid
There is no denying life is far more complicated in 2024. For some it isn’t enough to go to a coffee shop on a laptop and do their job. This is especially true for streamers who have a lot of demanding products, and endless opportunities to create content. In turn this can make something like Monster’s Power Grid an invaluable product.
The basic idea is to have a portable generator that simply uses power from a home. Think of it as a massive power bank that a laptop, or even TV can be plugged into. Along with aiding content creators, it also helps those who lose power, want to go somewhere where power isn’t guaranteed, or simply jump your car’s dead battery.
OrbitKey 2-in-1 Tech Accessory Pouch
At this point every company has a different idea of what a tech accessory pouch should entail. Some view it as simply having a lot of pockets, others are a bit more deliberate in what said pockets should do, and a few think outside of the box. Among the options out there I think OrbitKey’s 2-in-1 Tech Accessory Pouch, or more specifically the Desk Pouch component, is really nifty.
What makes the Desk Pouch so interesting is the fact it’s designs to stand up on a desk. I can fit a hard drive, couple wires, and a few other things in a small pouch that sits on the table ready to go. It’s a small innovation, though one I think vastly increases usability.
Where the actual 2-in-1 aspect comes into play is the simple fact it’s nice to have a larger case for computer power cable, maybe a power bank, that can also securely hold my quick access items. They can also be separated, so there is no downside, unless one goes unused.
