Gift Guide: For Brother

Your brother may be a jerk, but he’s still expecting a gift from you this Christmas. And why not take the high road and buy him something good? Here’s a look at some gifts your brother will thank you for.

Zune HD – $290

It’s not that your brother is not good enough for an iPod, it’s just that the Zune HD is a nice alternative. You can still play music and look at photos, but you can also watch HD video and listen to HD radio. And let’s not forget about the Social. You can see what your friends are listening to online and even beam music to other Zune users who happen to be nearby.

Plus, don’t discount that you can also customize your Zune HD. Unlike Apple which just offers engraving, Microsoft will allow you to engrave cool images on the back of your Zune or Zune HD from a variety of artists. It’s a small but nice touch, giving you ownership over your device.

[Zune]

Satellite Radio – $59 and up

If your brother likes music, he’ll love satellite radio. With more than 120 channels of music, talk and entertainment, it’s an obvious gift for someone who enjoys commercial free entertainment. And now that Sirius and XM have merged, the selection of channels has become even better. Think about it, now you can get Howard Stern, NHL hockey and all the music you can desire without having to subscribe to both services.

It’s true, there is a monthly fee for the service, but after a few days he’ll be hooked. For the price of two fancy Starbucks beverages you can have unlimited music all month. Now that’s a gift!

[XM Radio]

Viper SmartStart – $399

Start your car from almost anywhere! Viper SmartStart is a the car starter that connects to your iPhone. When you want to start your vehicle, just launch the SmartStart app and you’re good to go.

SmartStart has many more features other than the ability to start your car. You can arm/disarm your vehicle’s alarm system, unlock or lock the doors, or hit the panic button if you’re in trouble. You can also use the app to help you track down your vehicle in a busy mall parking lot.

This starter is a bit pricey, starting at $399, so only purchase this one if you REALLY love your bro.

[Viper]

FyreTV – $9.95 and up

Brother a pig? The why not get him something he’ll actually get some use out of. FyreTV is a set top box designed to stream porn right to your TV. Users pay a monthly fee, allowing them to download and watch DVD quality skin flicks on their TV. Your bro will be able to search by categories, films, stars, scenes, or series. More than 20,000 videos are available through the service right now, with more added each week.

Please, moms, sisters, stay far away from this one one. This is a gift only another brother can give. Unless of course you want the most awkward Christmas dinner ever when grandma asks what the grandchildren got for Christmas.

[FyreTV]

Golfers Designated Driver Beverage Dispenser – $49

Golfing is sort of like curling. You can’t play the “sport” if you’re not drinking. The Designated Driver aims to make sure you always have a drink close at hand.

The club is hollow and can be filled with 48 ounces of your favourite hot or cold beverage of your choice. A keg-like pump mechanism on the cooler club dispenses the juice from the insulated drink caddy out the top.

The Designated Driver is a standard sized driver, meaning it will fit right in your golf bag.

[Designated Driver]

Zombie Survival Kit – $13

Is your brother convinced the Zombie apocalypse is coming? Then the Zombie Survival Kit may be for him! The kit claims it’s the first defence against a pandemic (or zombie) outbreak. It includes a protective mask, gloves, cleansing wipes & sanitizing gel. Recommended by the CDC, the WHO & 9 out of 10 zombie survival experts. Oh, and Zombie not included.

Well, a closer look at the kit reveals it’s really a personal Protection Pack from the American Red Cross but he won’t care. Just add a crowbar in there and call it whatever you like. It’s the thought that counts.

[Find Gift]

Xbox 360 Elite – $329

If your brother is a gamer chances are he already has an Xbox 360. And if he doesn’t…what the hell!? What is he waiting for…Christmas?

Nintendo may be leading the console wars with the Wii, but everyone knows online gamers go for the Xbox 360. Nothing competes with Xbox Live when it comes to playing with friends online.

You’ll want to make sure you shell out a bit more cash to get a model with a larger hard drive. With so many demos and downloadable games hitting the Xbox Live Marketpace, it’s easy to fill up a measly 20GB hard drive! Then again, you could always be cheap and dish out for an arcade version and let him buy his own hard drive. Either way you’ll come out looking good this Christmas!

[Xbox]

PlayStation 3 Slim – $299

You didn’t think we would leave out the PlayStation 3 did you? It may not be as good when it comes to online gaming but the PS3 is still one solid console. Not only does it have some sweet exclusives like Uncharted and Ratchet and Clank, it’s also a Blu-ray player.

Yes the PS3 used to be over priced but the recent price drops now puts it in a solid spot this holiday season. Just don;t forget to pick up an extra controller chump!

[Sony]

Chumby One – $120

It’s the gift that can be anything you want it to be! You may remember Chumby as that squeezable beanbag of a widget player. That’s the old Chumby, make way for the Chumby One. The soft beanbag-style shell has been replaced with a tough acrylic case to make it more durable, yet the insides remain the same. Chumby One is still a widget player at heart. Turn it into an alarm clock, calculator, Internet radio player or even a virtual lava lamp. That’s the fun of Chumby, turning it into whatever device you desire!

Sadly Chumby is still only shipped within the United States, so Canadians looking to get their hands on a unit will have to find a friend south of the border.

[Chumby]

DNA Art – $219 and up

If you’re looking for a one of a kind gift, look no further than what Canadian company DNA 11 has to offer. Get a DNA sample from your brother, send it off to DNA 11 and they will send back a sequence of his DNA blown up as art. You pick the colour, the style, the company does the rest.

You don’t have to sneak a sample of his DNA. The company will actually send you out a gift kit which will explain to him what is required and he can pick out his own style of picture.

Some women may find it creepy, but most guys find it awesome. It’s definitely a conversation piece!

[DNA 11]