Siena Blog

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With the holiday season here, families might need some technology and media gift ideas for their children (or themselves!). We’ve put together some good edutainment gift ideas that can help students and their families meet their evolving technology needs for living and learning.

Helpful Computer and Tech Accessories

Start with these desktop and laptop computer accessories:

• Logitech Brio Webcam
• Logitech G Powerplay System Wireless Charging Pad
• Logitech G Yeti Orb Microphone
• Logitech MX Anywhere 3 Mouse
• Logitech Wave Keyboard

You might also be interested in some fun portable technology for travel and at-home smart devices: 

• Anker Nano Power Bank Portable Charger
• Twelve South AirFly Pro Deluxe Travel Wireless Headphone Adapter
• Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe Wireless Charging Station
• Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini
• HP Sprocket Portable Instant Photo Printer

Helpful Learning Accessories

Students often find it helpful to listen to music or white noise to help them focus, so headphones and earbuds are always good options:

• 1More SonoFlow Active Noise Canceling Headphones
• Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)
• Logitech Astro A30 Lightspeed Headset
• Puro Labs PuroQuiet Kids' Headphones (with built-in mic)
• See some more noise-canceling headphone recommendations from Sound Guys and CNET.

For students who tend to misplace their earbuds, here are some helpful ideas and resources:

• Apple AirTag
• WikiHow: Simple Ways to Avoid Losing Your AirPods
• Mic: Essential Accessories for Anyone Who’s Terrified of Losing Their AirPods
• Headphonesty: How NOT to Lose AirPods: 8 Tips and Tricks Every User Should Know

Here are some other assistive technology ideas for holiday gifts: 

• OrCam shares 6 Gifts for Dyslexics That Your Friends & Family Will Love, including assistive reader pens for dyslexia.
• The Live Scribe smart pen and note tablet is another popular technology tool.
• Look at sunrise alarm clocks from brands like Philips and Jall to help students (and parents too!) ease into waking up each morning.
• Keep track of family technology with Apple Apple AirTag and Tile Mate 2.0.

Reading on Tech Topics

An 11th generation Kindle Paperwhite or similar e-reader could be good for dyslexic readers, as could an Audible or other audiobook library subscription.

Here are some recent books on technology and society that families might also find interesting:

• Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic — I, Human: AI, Automation, and the Quest to Reclaim What Makes Us Unique
• Claire L. Evans — Broad Band: The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet
• Stephanie Hare — Technology Is Not Neutral: A Short Guide to Technology Ethics
• Gretchen McCulloch — Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language
• Stephanie L. Woerner, Peter Weill, and Ina M. Sebastian — Future Ready: The Four Pathways to Capturing Digital Value

Additional Resources

See The Siena School blog for additional posts of interest, such as recommendations for winter break reading and winter break podcasts. For Dyslexia Awareness Month 2023, we shared a short guide of books and podcasts to help families in the LD community navigate their children’s specialized learning and social–emotional needs.

The Siena School, a national leader in dyslexia education, serves bright, college-bound students with language-based learning differences on campuses in Silver Spring, MD (grades 3-12) and Oakton, VA (grades 3-11).