CrackBerry Holiday Gift Guide

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The holiday season is upon us once again, so it's time to get to thinking about just what to get that special someone. If you have other BlackBerry users in your family we'll help take the thinking out of your holiday shopping this year. We've scoured the BlackBerry universe for the best accessories, apps and gadgets for the BlackBerry user in your family and have compiled them into our collection of Holiday Gift Guides for 2012

The first guide is all about dad. I'm a dad so I have a bit of experience in buying gifts (mostly for myself) and I know just what other BlackBerry-using dads need. No matter if the dad you're buying for is a workaholic, traveler or stay-at-home, we have just the right things to bring a smile to his face this holiday season. You can always check out the great accessories at ShopCrackBerry to find just what you're looking for. Keep reading to check out our full list of gifts for the BlackBerry dad!  

Gifts for the BlackBerry Dad

Tablets

BlackBerry PlayBook

BlackBerry PlayBook

This one is really a no-brainer. If your dad doesn't yet have a BlackBerry PlayBook (or a tablet at all) then buy him one!! You can grab them pretty cheap now at many electronics or office supply stores in your area, or grab one online from Amazon in 16GB32GB or 64GB varieties. If you really want to show dad you care, why not grab a 4G LTE PlayBook!. 


Bluetooth Accessories

BlackBerry Music Gateway

BlackBerry Music GatewayThe BlackBerry Music Gateway is a great, inexpensive gift for dad this year. This little guy allows you to wirelessly stream music from any Bluetooth enabled device to a home or car stereo system. Just plug it in with the included 3.5mm jack, pair it to your device (by NFC if you'd like) and you're set! Play Music on your phone and it will steam right to the BlackBerry Music Gateway from up to 30ft away. 

Buy the BlackBerry Music Gateway at ShopCrackBerry

BlackBerry HS-500 Bluetooth Headset

HS-500
Does dad still make a lot of calls on the go? Maybe a new Blluetooth headset is just what he needs. The BlackBerry HS-500 is still one of our favorites. It features amazing talk and standby times, automatic volume control and even works with GPS apps so dad can listen to turn-by-turn directions. Lots of features in a little package.
Buy the BlackBerry HS-500 at ShopCrackBerry
Shop all Bluetooth Accessories at ShopCrackBerry

Cases, Holsters, & Charging

BlackBerry Soft Shell Case

BlackBerry Soft Shell Case

The BlackBerry Soft Shell case is still one of our favorites. It comes in a variety of colors so you can find one that fits dad's style just right. Or you can just buy more than one so he can coordinate on the fly. The soft shell case covers the back and sides of your device protecting it from daily bumps and bruises. It has open ports so you can still access the headphone and charging jacks and it's easily removable. Availalbe for most devices.

Buy the BlackBerry Soft Shell Case at ShopCrackBerry

OtterBox Defender

OtterBox DefenderIf you want to give dad that extra protection for his BlackBerry, the OtterBox Defender is the way to go. This case will keep his device safe and sound through all kinds of trouble. It adds a bit of bulk to the phone, but when he drops it on the pavement with no injuries he'll be thanking you. It has two layers of protection so you know his BlackBerry will be safe and sound through the daily grind.

Buy The OtterBox Defender at ShopCrackBerry
Browse all BlackBerry Cases

BlackBerry Charging Pods

BlackBerry Bold 9900 Charging Pod
The BlackBerry Charging Pod still stays supreme as my number one accessory for BlackBerry. I've had one of these for almost every device I have owned and could never go with it. I use it on my nightstand to put my device into Bedside Mode and charge overnight. My BlackBerry acts as my alarm clock and is always within arms reach. At times I've even had another pod in my office for charging my BlackBerry during the day while being able to keep a close eye on it. Dad will love this - don't think twice about picking on up.
Browse all BlackBerry Charging Pods

Applications

Slacker Premium Radio

Slacker Radio Dads are always on the go, so what better gift than a Slacker Premium Radio subscription? With Slacker, dad can take all of his music, sports and news with him everywhere he goes. Slacker premium is ad-free and will give dad access to hundreds of music stations, sporting events, news & talk channels, music on demand and much more. You can get him started for just $9.99/month.

Get Slacker Radio at BlackBerry App World

Pattern Lock

Pattern Lock
Sometimes using a password on your device can be a pain or just plain boring, so why not help dad spice it up a bit? Pattern Lock is our favorite third-party lock app and it sports a ton of great features. With Pattern Lock, dad can set a simple pattern with which to unlock his device. The device will lock at startup or when the screen dims, so it's a secure way to keep his data protected. Pattern Lock allows you to lock the call screen, set custom background images, backup/restore settings and more.
Get Pattern Lock at BlackBerry App World

Plants vs. Zombies

Plants vs. Zombies
I had never tried Plants vs. Zombies until it was released for the BlackBerry PlayBook and I'm not sure how I ever got by without it. PvZ is my go-to game for killing time now. It's simple to play and loads of fun for dad and kids alike. It has great replay value and will certainly keep dad engulfed for hours on end or just help killing time in the waiting room or on the couch. It's a bit high priced at $4.99, but dad will love it. Trust me.
Get Plants vs. Zombies in BlackBerry App World

Gadgets


Nexia Home Automation

Nexia HomeThe Nexia system is still one of my favorite "geek out" setups. If your dad is a geek at heart, you can't go wrong with this one. The Nexia system lets you connect a thermostat, door lock, door & window sensors, cameras, lights and more to your home and easily control them online or from your phone. Check out our original review of the Nexia system then head over to Amazon and get shopping!


Image courtesy of Melanie A. Rhoades
As the days grow colder and the nights become longer, we gather together amongst our friends and loved ones. It is a time of great happiness. A time when we celebrate the love and companionship we've received over the year, and a time to reflect upon the good times yet to come. It is the time of the year when we exchange gifts; a way for us to express gratitude towards one another for the simple pleasure of being a part of our lives. Though our gifts may be large or small, expensive or a bargain, they are but a token. A token of the joys of years past, a token of adventures to come. No matter the gift, I am certain it will be enjoyed. For it is but a symbol of the love, appreciation, and kindness we feel toward each other. And no gift, no matter how grandiose, can hope to equal even a small fraction of that.

Here's wishing you and yours a safe and happy Holiday Season, from all of us at CrackBerry.com

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