Last updated on April 20th, 2021 at 09:41 pm
Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
I’m apparently impossible to shop for.

In the nine years we’ve been together, Sarah’s seen firsthand how I operate. When I need something, I usually get it myself. My purchases usually involve a ton of research and consideration before committing, but when I’m ready, I’m not one to wait for permission to add a new tool to my life.
Which makes it really hard to get me Christmas gifts when I’ve already bought the things I’d put on my wishlist months in advance. But my fierce independence didn’t dissuade Best Buy Canada who approached me with a mission—to choose a cool gift for myself from their Top 20 Under $200, a list curated by my helpful local Best Buy Blue Shirt, and find someone on my “nice list” who’d get something too!
I guess there’s plenty of people I could’ve chosen for my nice list, but really—the more I hustle, the more I realise how important my family is to me, and whether good times or bad, they’re always the ones I’ll think of first.
So after making a list (and checking it twice), I saw something I’d always wanted to try, but never saw reason to buy for myself, and added the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit to our home!
Philips Hue Personal Wireless Lighting—What is it?
The Philips Hue White and Color Starter Kit is an entry point to Hue Personal Wireless Lighting, a Philips product line that lets us do so much more with light than what Thomas Edison introduced all those years ago. (I mean Humphry Davy. Warren de la Rue? No, wait, Joseph Wilson Swan. Henry Woodward and Mathew Evans! Eh, let’s just go with Thomas Edison.)
You can:
- paint with light, using colour to change a room’s entire mood;
- sync your lights with your music and movies to add another layer to your home theatre experience; and
- schedule light to illuminate your home as needed, whether you’re there or not.
I’ve had hits and misses with making my home smarter—smart plugs that need manual restarting after a power outage and smart locks that won’t fit my hundred-year-old front door come to mind—but the Philips Hue lights are easy to use, and even the kiddo has a hoot seeing all the different colours available to change up the room!
But enough of my illuminating option courtesy of the Best Buy Blue Shirts—let’s talk about what I chose for the rest of the fam!
Some of the Best Gifts from the Best Buy Blue Shirts!
First off, though Best Buy has a plethora in stock for infants and their healthy development, there was simply no toy I could imagine buying our baby that our toddler wouldn’t claim as his own, so we’ll give him something shiny next time.
As for the toddler, choosing his toy had me question what kind of parent I am! Am I the parent who grooms his children for success from early on and get him something educational like the Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-A-Pillar ($59.99)? Or do I recognise that we all live but once and get him something I know he’ll love, like the Zoomer Paw Patrol Interactive Robot Dog ($89.99)? It didn’t take long, but imagining the smile on his face eventually won out, and I’m sure I’ll have one happy boy when he unwraps his new Marshall toy come Christmas!
Sarah, I tried to prod into getting something fun for herself (a nice Fossil Emi Leather Crossbody Bag, anyone?) But ever the pragmatist, she chose something that’d bring her joy each and every time she used it. So, with her socially-acceptable caffeine addiction in mind, we saw a Keurig K200 on our doorstep, ready for the day she gets back to the office!
But that’s just it—Best Buy’s more than just the electronics you’d expect: the TVs, the computers, the phones. With its diverse product lines, it really got me thinking—if I’m so hard to shop for, why not take a look at the site myself to see what’d make my ultimate wishlist?
And with the numerous parts of my life in mind, that’s exactly what I did.
My Wishlist—Because EVERYONE Should Have a Plan Just in Case They Win the Lottery.
#1—Casey Palmer, Photografather
I already see my infant son suffering from “Second Child Syndrome”—Daddy took far more photos of his first kid with his fancy gear than he does with his second. But though I take most shots these days by smartphone, you just can’t compare to the image quality you get from a good SLR camera!
My Canon 60D’s been by my side these past five years, and while it still takes a mean photo, I could always do better.
My photografather wishlist’s crowned by the Canon 5D Mark IV, essentially the gold standard for Canon full-frame photography amongst serious enthusiasts, and fleshed out by lenses and other accessories that’d really help make my visions reality when I’m snapping away.
The List:
- A Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera ($3299.99) (or a Canon EOS 6D DSLR Camera as an alternate if necessary—a mighty full-frame camera in its own right, but not nearly as powerful as the 5D Mark IV ($1599.99))
- Whenever anyone asks for advice on SLR cameras, I always say the lens is infinitely more important than the camera body itself, so you should figure out what you want to shoot and tailor your kit around that. These are lenses that fit what I do:
- A Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens to capture the finer details of artwork, toys, or the latest mess my boys somehow managed to make ($1039.99)
- The Canon EF 16-35mm II USM Lens ($1499.99)—it’s wider than my go-to lens, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens, so I could capture more of our adventures inside the house the first time instead of spending my time stitching it all together in Photoshop
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM II Lens ($2199.99), the next logical progression from my 24-70mm lens, is a boss lens when you need to get those distance shots in a stadium, on safari, or wherever else you might be. I wouldn’t use it as often as these other two, but it’d still be great to have!
- A better flash, the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT Flash ($499.99), which can also control other flashes remotely when you really need a great handle on light!
- But of course, you’re not going to wind up with great shots if your camera’s shaky, so a tripod like the Manfrotto MK190X3 Tripod ($369.99) is key to success, or even a monopod like the Vanguard VEO Aluminum Monopod with 3-Leg Base ($119.99) if you’re willing to hold it while you shoot
#2—Casey Palmer, Domestic Dad
You might remember how much I was freaking out when we were getting ready for our first son, but I’ve come a long way since worrying my life was ending. In fact, I’ve embraced several aspects of the #DadLife, realising there’re probably a few things I’d like to take my domesticated life to the expert level.
The List:
- A new vacuum: While Sarah insists that our 20-year old Filter Queen still works perfectly fine, I know I (and our housekeeper) would appreciate not spending half the vacuuming time trying to reattach the felt pad to its bottom so it doesn’t scratch the floor. The Miele Complete C3 PowerPlus Canister Vacuum—Racing Green ($1149.99) has been a bit of a “dream machine” for me, with a sturdy build and suction power that’ll leave no dust mote unscathed! But of course, we have a healthy amount of Dyson in our lives already, so the Dyson DC77 Upright Vacuum—Nickel/Red ($799.99) would be more than welcome in Casa de Palmer as well!
- A pro-grade blender: I mean, we’ve wanted a proper blender in our house for some time now, so why not do it right the first time and get a Vitamix Heritage Collection Professional Series 750 Blender ($699.99)? There’s seriously nothing this bad boy can’t blend!
- An unbelievable sound system: This won’t be the first I’ve espoused the need for some SONOS in my life, but once I made it clear to Sarah the difference between playing jazz from the next room and having it stream through every room in the house, I knew we had to make it happen! The real question is—what size suits you best? The small Sonos PLAY:1 Wireless Speaker ($219.99) that you can fit anywhere, the Sonos PLAY:3 Wireless Speaker ($329.99) which can fill a room with crystal-clear sound, or the Sonos PLAY:5 Wireless Speaker ($599.99) which will rattle windows. The next block over.
#3—Casey Palmer, Dad Blogger
The longer you blog, the more you realise that you can’t evolve your brand without evolving the tools you use to build it. Though my stockade of gadgets and various tricks up my sleeve are good enough for my #BloggerLife right now, this hustle’s always changing, and while you shouldn’t needlessly hop on every trend you come across, it’s always good to know what’s available to you so you can achieve what you want.
The list below outlines the tools I think would be handy for the blog, helping me expand what I’m capable of when it comes to storytelling.
Check it out!
The List:
Music
Music plays one heckuva role with my blog—I write at my best when I’m deep in my zone, and that’s when I’m awash with dope beats that inspire me to keep pressing forward.
Between my toddler playing with my audio-technica M50s so much that they only play in one ear and Shure SE535s being so dang fragile, I need some headphones I can believe in.
And that’s why I put the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 2 Over-Ear Sound Isolating Bluetooth Headphones ($549.99) and the Klipsch Reference Sound Isolating In-Ear Headphones ($599.99) on my list, built well enough to satisfy my audiophile needs, but also solid enough that I’d hope to avoid getting anything new for quite some time.
Videography
But the right mindset’s only part of the equation—in our digital world filled with glossy visuals and all manner of entertainment, it’s best to have gear that can keep up:
- While I already own a DJI Osmo, the DJI Osmo Mobile Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphones ($429.99) is a great smartphone companion, and with its Active Track making light work of keeping your subject in frame, it’d prove a welcome addition to a device I always have with me anyway.
- But for more rugged videography, I’ve always wanted to get my hands on a GoPro, and the GoPro HERO5 Black Waterproof 4K Sports & Helmet Camera and GoPole Reach Extension Pole Bundle ($599.98) makes for a great starting place. Who wouldn’t love 4K video that makes you feel like you’re right in the action?
Writing
- I recently blew Zach’s mind when I reminded him that I write my blogs out by hand before typing them up, and he suggested I cut out the middleman and invest in a smartpen like the Livescribe 3 Smartpen Pro Edition ($333.00)! Able to convert handwritten notes to editable text, it could possibly save me enough time to do other things with my life!
The Best Gifts from Best Buy—It’s Time to Move Beyond a World of JUST Tech.
In conclusion, there’s no such thing as “the man who has everything”—simply men who haven’t thought hard enough on what they actually want. But no matter what you’re hoping to find under the tree this Christmas, you can be sure that Best Buy’s probably got it! From watches to colognes, baby gear, luggage and more, Best Buy’s the place to go for whatever your little heart desires!
And so, more than 2000 words deep, I bid you adieu. I wish you all a Merry Christmas—I’ll catch you on the flip side!
Until the next,
Disclaimer: In exchange for a gift for myself, and another who made my “nice list”, Best Buy wanted a post featuring their diverse product lines and give consumers some ideas of what they could get their loves ones for Christmas.
I absolutely went 100% overboard.
No regrets.
163 replies on “Best Buy | How to Get the Best Gifts This Christmas”
I would like a Suface pro 4 from Best Buy.
I would try and get a nintendo classic. Thanks!
I would put it toward a good set of headphones.
I have shopped Best Buy a lot over the last couple of days and I would love a new laptop.
I’d be buying a small TV so that I don’t hate my life every minute I’m on the treadmill!
I really want a KitchenAid stand mixer in Green Apple or Boysenberry. But I refuse to buy one (I’ve been trying to win one for a few years. It’s the principle of the thing at this point 🙂
I would get a few blurays that I’ve been wanting 🙂
I would put it towards a new laptop, we could use a new one.
I would buy a case for my ipad.
We would put the Best Buy gift card to headphones, or Xbox One games.
Anything Dyson!
I would get an Actifry!
Think I would get a new purse
I need a case for my cell phone and one for tablet.
A new Ipad would be ideal. A just for me gift.
I would purchase a Keurig and accessories for my Ipad.
My 17yrs twin boys want a PS4 but unfortunately its way out of my budget UNLESS I am lucky enough to win!
I would probably buy myself a new purse!
I would get myself a new laptop from Best Buy.
I really want a KitchenAid stand mixer
I would use it towards a new pc
even though we’d like a new tv, the PS4 Pro would be great!
I really want a dyson vacuum!
I bought a Duvet from best buy for Christmas, no2 I need the cover.
I’d like to get a new camera.
Like Best Buy, I would love to put this towards a new laptop.
I really need a Computer Chair, it would be so awesome!
A new TV!! preferably a 4K 🙂
I would put it towards a smart tv
I need a new laptop – one with a backlit keyboard! ;p
I’d like to buy a chrome cast and we need a new cordless mouse
I would like a 55″ smart tv UN55KU6270FXZC
A DSLR Camera
I would use this to buy myself a new laptop!
I really need a new phone handset since baby broke the last one. I’d buy that.
i’d get a new ipad!
I would love to get a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer.
Ive heard best buy sells baby monitors, I would put the $100 towards that for my son!
I would love an iPhone
we need a new TV. ours is pretty old but we’ve been making do
I am in the market for a new laptop with a 19″ screen.
Besos Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
I would love to get a FitBit for myself.
I’d definitely like to get started building a new PC with some parts from BestBuy.
I would put it towards some BOSE speakers!!!
I would like to buy a T-FAL Actifry
I would love to get a Chromecast for the TV in our bedroom – no more watching Netflix on our tablet or laptops!
Looking at the Samsung 9.6″ S2 tablet.
I would like to pick up a new pair of headphones. Thanks!
I would buy a new purse.
well now I want a smartpen dang it all
I would use it to buy a new laptop
My phone is about 10 years old. It does not have a camera. It is tiny making it hard to text. It is a pay as you go -use only in emergencies phone so I would like to have a new phone but sadly $100 won’t cover it but it will help a lot. Maybe I would choose one that is on sale -this one caught my eye Fido Pixel, Phone by Google 32GB – Very Silver – 2 Year Agreement http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/google-fido-pixel-phone-by-google-32gb-very-silver-2-year-agreement-400100834701/10499292.aspx?path=ec2cdcc5c4b849bf363cfc4f70039c74en02
I would love a new set of headphones for my daily commute on the bus.
A new laptop!
I am looking to buy a new Keurig from Best Buy! 🙂
I would love to buy an Ipad
I’d love to buy my kids the new Nintendo system when it comes out in March
I really want a Go Pro camera! Thanks for the chance to win, great list C!
a new pair of headphones
I would love a new laptop!
i absolutely need a new laptop as mine keeps overheating!!
I would def try to get my hands on a NES Classic!
I’d love to get Dell Inspiron 15.6″ Gaming Laptop.
I have a pair of bookshelf speakers that i’ve really been wanting to put to use, but I need a receiver. So, I’d buy a receiver from Best Buy!
Need a case for my iPad
I would like a Breville microwave
I would love the Ring Stick Up Wireless Outdoor 720p IP Camera.
There is so much I’d like to have from Best Buy, I guess what I’d like most is a Dyson vacuum cleaner, the Dyson Cinetic Big Ball™ Multi Floor.
I’d buy myself a kobo I love to read and it would be awesome to have one.
I’m in need of headphones!
I would put it towards a new laptop since I’m gearing up to take some courses in the new year.
I would put it towards a lap top!
I’d like a cord for the new plug I bought to charge my iPad Pro. Didn’t realize it’s a new kind and so far I have a fast charge plug, but no cord. Oops.
I would love to get a Dyson tower fan!!
I would love a new iPad air
I would put it toward a new laptop and thanks for the chance
I would buy myself a Nintendo Classic (if they’re ever in stock again!). If not, I’d get myself an Instax camera. Just for fun. 😉
I would buy my husband new books for his kobo he got for christmas
MLB the Show 17 PS4 game
PS4 Pro
I would buy some headphones
I need some new good headphones, so that is what I would buy.
I need a new otterbox for our ipad!
I want to get a Ring Video Doorbell.
Id buy some new ear buds & phone case
How great would it be to have the Vertagear S-Line Faux Leather Gaming Chair – Black/Red they carry?
My computer is on it’s last leg so I would put it towards a new laptop. I have been trying to save for a new one and put away a bit each month towards it and keep hoping my computer will last until I have enough saved.
I would love to buy a new tablet but in all honesty, it would more than likely be spent on printer cartridges .
I would buy a dvd player
I’d buy a new computer or Entourage entire series on blu ray
I would LOVE to buy a Blu-ray player! I have a handful of Blu-ray’s that I can not play unless I take them when I go visit…not good.
I would put it towards purchasing a new laptop.
would put it toward a new smartphone
I could use a new microwave
I think it’s time for new headphones!
I need a new laptop and this would help with that purchase. Thank you.
I would love to get a new iphone from Best Buy.
I would have to get laptop plug in cord as mine is demolished,I have to use DC because so is the battery ( demolished). I’m on my last legs with a piece a junk laptop here –maybe the boys as BB could point me in the right direction……………???
I would love to buy a bookcase to keep my books nice and organized. I love reading and I have quite a nice collection. That would be wonderful!! 🙂
I would put the 100$ towards an enflo stroller for our baby due soon from Best Buy. Thank you.
I am really wanting a 50″ Samsung 4K TV for our family room!
I would love to buy myself a new laptop.
What I would most like to buy from Best Buy is a portable keyboard for my iPad.
I would use it for a set of headphones
I need a new laptop so i would get that.
I would put the $100 towards an Ipad mini or a new laptop 🙂
I need a new tablet!!!
Like you, I’d love to get some Sonos happening in my life. Either that or a fancy, schmancy coffee maker for my offie because, #adulting & #bloggerlife.
I would love a FitBit Blaze!
I need a new router to increase my wifi signal throughout the house so this would be great.
I would love to get a surface pro!
I would love to buy my self a new Iphone 7
I would invest in some quality noise cancelling headphones.
What I would buy from Best Buy is my printer ink. It is so expensive and doesn’t seem to last very long at all
I think hubby would put it towards a new gaming system
I would really like to buy a new desktop PC. Ours is so old, we don’t use it anymore but I miss it.
I’d love an iPad – always been a nice to have vs a need to have though.
I’d love to have a bigger tv.
I’d get a high capacity SD card for my camera
i would love to get another lens for my SLR
I just bought a new FitBit from Best Buy. Starting this year off right 🙂 Cheers !!
I would buy a new computer.
I would love to get a new flash for my camera!
I would get a laptop!
I would buy myself a Keurig as my broke just before Christmas
I would like to buy a microwave oven
A few things on my list. PS4, laptop, new tablet, printer, new smartphone, tv, nest, camera.
I would most like a Electrohome Vinyl Record Player Classic Turntable. My old record player is broken.
I would love to buy a new Macbook Pro!
I would probably buy printing supplies, paper and those far too expensive ink cartridges!
I would love to buy a video baby monitor.
I’d put it towards a laptop. Thanks?
I would love to buy my daughter a new monitor for her computer. Hers is a gonner.
Would like a new battery and sd card for my phone. Also halo for xbox one.
I would buy a new printer and some ink.
I would like a new iPad.
I’d like to buy something with the name of either Bose or Dyson.
I would like to buy a tablet or kindle
I would love to get a new laptop
I would like a new laptop or an android box
I would like an HP Chromebook 13 G1 13.3″
I would really like a Fit Bit
A new laptop would be great as I really need a new
I’d like a FitBit
We need a new router!
I would get a new laptop or Chromebook
A new tablet
I would get myself a new camera!
I would buy some DVDs
i would get a wii so I could do wii fit after I have my baby 🙂
I would love to buy the Sony On-Ear Sound Isolating Headphones.
I would get myself an ipad.
I would get a new PC.
I’d like to get a Nintendo Switch from Best Buy.
I’d use it towards a new Xbox I’ve been saving for
I really want a bluetooth headset to use voice activation on a cell phone. Love how technology is making the lives of disabled people so much more independent.
I would put this towards a new tablet.
I like to buy an ipad.
I need a new vacuum.
I’d buy a new laptop.
I need a new laptop!
I would like to buy a tablet