(Family Features) Whether your graduate is venturing into the real world for the first time or simply continuing his or her education, tech gadgets can help make post-grad life easier and more enjoyable.

From a computer that will likely come in handy for a new job or classes and a smartwatch to stay organized and on time to headphones that help concentrate and relax or a new television to unwind, these gift ideas are perfect for tech-savvy grads in your life.

Laptop
Whether starting a new job, freelancing or pursuing further education, a reliable and powerful laptop is a must-have for graduates. Performance is a key consideration when choosing a laptop. Look for a powerful processor, ample RAM and a high-resolution display to handle demanding tasks such as graphic design, video editing, programming or data analysis. Also keep factors such as portability, battery life and connectivity in mind. Being able to work without interruptions regardless of location allows for seamless flexibility in post-grad endeavors.

Noise-Canceling Headphones
The right headphones can be a game-changer, blocking out unwanted noise and creating a peaceful listening experience while studying in a noisy coffee shop, commuting on a crowded train or trying to relax in a busy apartment. Look for noise-canceling headphones with cushioned ear cups and adjustable headbands to provide a snug and comfortable fit even through extended wear to provide the ability to focus on work or enjoy favorite music with minimal distractions.

Smartwatch
Not just a stylish accessory, a smartwatch is also a useful tool for staying connected and organized. From tracking fitness goals and monitoring sleep patterns to receiving notifications, answering calls and making payments with a flick of the wrist, advanced smartwatch features make it easy to stay on top of opportunities and responsibilities. Plus, with customizable faces and interchangeable bands, most watches can be styled to match personal tastes for any occasion.

Portable Charger
A portable charger is an essential gadget for anyone who is always on the go. With the increasing reliance on smartphones and other portable devices, having a reliable source of power is crucial. Available in various sizes and power outputs, these convenient devices can easily fit in a bag or pocket and often feature multiple USB ports to charge multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, cameras and more, whenever and wherever needed.

Smart TV
Transform that dorm room or new apartment into a home theater with a smart television. With the ability to connect to the internet and access a wide range of popular streaming services, favorite movies and TV shows are never more than the push of a button away. Available in a variety of sizes, you can pick an option to fit nearly any living space. Some models even allow the user to control the TV using voice commands or smartphone apps and offer integration with other smart devices to turn the living room into a true multimedia hub.

Find more gift ideas for grads at eLivingtoday.com.

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eLivingtoday.com

(Family Features) Home improvement projects often focus on updating the aesthetic of your house, but upgrades that make your living space more secure and comfortable for you and your family are sometimes even more important.

From your front door to the interior of your home and more, these ideas from the experts at Masonite, a global industry leader in interior and exterior doors, can help provide greater peace of mind – ensuring what matters most is always protected.

Ensure Your Home is Well-Lit
A well-lit home exterior makes it easier to spot potential threats and may even deter people and animals that don’t belong on your property. Automatic outdoor lighting, either set to a timer or triggered by motion or light sensors, can help you see what’s going on outside. Ensure fixtures on your porch, patio and garage are in good working order and replace burned out bulbs or lights that no longer function. Adding landscape lighting can also aid in security while boosting curb appeal.

Protect Your Home with a Secure Front Door
Upgrading your front door can do much more than just improve the look of your home – it’s also an important part of providing enhanced security for you and your family. With four times more impact resistance than a standard deadbolt lock, the M-Protect Multi-Point Security Lock offers homeowners unmatched protection to keep what matters most safe. The lock works like a standard deadbolt, but with more points of contact, and it is compatible with a wide array of handle sets and hardware, including electronic deadbolts. It can be added to any Masonite Performance Door System – an innovative solution that provides superior energy efficiency, performance and comfort – which is available in a diverse range of finishes, colors and glass styles to fit any home design.

Reduce Fire Hazards
Many elements of a home like furnaces, chimneys, hot water heaters and other gas appliances provide value to homeowners through comfort and convenience but can pose risks without proper maintenance. Hiring a professional to check your heating and air conditioning system annually can help you avoid costly repairs while also protecting your loved ones. Keeping the chimney clean of debris, creosote and soot helps lower fire risk and ensures smoke, carbon dioxide and other gases are safely carried out of the home.

Control Home Systems On the Go
Installing security systems, doorbells, lighting and other systems that can be controlled from a smartphone app, like the Masonite M-Pwr Smart Door, can provide added convenience and peace of mind. You can remotely turn lights on and off, unlock doors, change the temperature, open or close garage doors and check camera feeds while away.

Replace Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
A simple project to make your home safer, it’s essential to check your smoke detectors regularly and replace the batteries every six months. If you discover the date of manufacture on the back of your smoke detectors is more than 10 years ago, replacement is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association. While checking your smoke detectors, test or install carbon monoxide alarms to ensure you have a way to detect the invisible, odorless gas that can cause serious health problems if left unchecked.

Visit Masonite.com/mprotect to learn more about the latest innovations in home security.

SOURCE:
Masonite

(Family Features) To show your mom just how much she means to you, choose a Mother’s Day gift that reflects her interests and passions. As you’re looking for the perfect gift, consider these thoughtful ideas that will touch her heart.

Personalized Gifts
Show your mom how much she means to you by giving a gift uniquely tailored to her. Consider a personalized photo album filled with special memories or a custom-made piece of jewelry with her initials or birthstone. If your mom enjoys cooking, a personalized apron or cutting board with her name or a special message can be a winning gift. For the mom who loves to relax, a monogrammed robe or customized spa gift set allows her to pamper herself. You can also include a handwritten note or heartfelt letter expressing your love and appreciation.

DIY Gifts
Handmade gifts often hold special sentimental value and show you put thought and effort into creating something unique just for your mom. You could try making a homemade candle or bath bombs, a hand-painted picture frame or a personalized scrapbook filled with cherished memories. Alternatively, you could bake her favorite treats, prepare a special breakfast in bed or create a customized coupon book with vouchers for things like a homemade dinner or day of pampering. Get creative and have fun with your DIY gift – your mom is sure to appreciate the sentiment behind it.

Experience Gifts
Sometimes the best gifts are experiences rather than physical items. Plan a day trip to her favorite destination, book a spa day for her to relax and unwind or arrange a cooking class where she can learn new recipes. You could also surprise her with tickets to a concert, theater show or sporting event.

Practical Gifts
For busy moms who are always on the go, practical gifts can be lifesavers. Consider getting your mom a stylish yet functional tote bag or a backpack to carry all her essentials. You could also give her a smartwatch or fitness tracker to help her stay organized and track her health and fitness goals. A subscription to a meal delivery service or gifting kitchen gadgets or appliances that make meal preparation easier and more efficient are also useful ideas.

Find more gift ideas to make mom smile at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com