The trick is not to make decisions for your cord cutter. Don’t just buy a random set-top box without knowing if they already have one or which platform they prefer. From there, it’s just figuring out what they might still need.
OTA Antenna
The first thing every cord cutter needs is an OTA antenna. This simple little product will allow them to watch network TV channels—many of which are in HD—for free. Simply put the antenna in a spot without many obstacles, and you’re good to go.
HDHomeRun
A great companion for an OTA antenna is an HDHomeRun. These little boxes connect to the OTA antenna and a router to beam the TV channels to the HDHomeRun companion app. That means the OTA channels can be watched on any device on the home network, not only the TV with the connected antenna.
A Great Set-Top Box
The serious cord cutter is going to need a serious streaming set-top box, not just a streaming stick. A set-top box is usually larger and has better internals for fast navigation and streaming. One of these is a good choice for the primary TV in a home.
A Dongle for Secondary TVs
A set-top box is great for primary TVs, but something smaller works best for any secondary TVs around the house. A streaming stick or dongle can be hidden behind the TV; some don’t even require a remote.
Blu-ray Player
Another way to cut the cord is to shift away from streaming altogether. Rather than relying on digital purchases and streaming apps for your favorite movies and TV shows, buy them on Blu-ray and get a Blu-ray player instead.
Streaming TV Subscription
Replacing cable usually means getting content from a streaming service instead. For that, there are “on-demand” services like Netflix and Disney+, plus streaming live TV services such as Sling TV and YouTube TV. Gifting a few months of a subscription would be welcomed by anyone.
RELATED: Cord Cutting Isn’t Just About Money: Streaming Services Are Better Than Cable
Digital Content Gift Card
There are a few places with large libraries of digital content that can be purchased or rented. An Apple gift card can be used in iTunes and the App Store, and a Google Play Store gift code can be redeemed for movies and TV shows as well, among others.
A Pair of Scissors
Just kidding. Unless…
There you have it; more than enough gifts to make the cable hater in your life feel like they’re in streaming heaven. Shifting from traditional cable isn’t always cheaper, but it’s often much more convenient once you have the right gadgets.
Looking for more gift ideas? Take a look at our other gift guides:
25 Gifts Your Techy Friends Actually Want in 2022 The 25 Best Geeky Stocking Stuffers for 2022 The 25 Best Tech Gifts Under $100 for 2022 The 25 Best Smart Home Gifts for 2022 25 Gifts for the iPhone User in Your Life for 2022 25 Gifts for the Android User in Your Life for 2022 25 Awesome Board Game Stocking Stuffers for Under $25 in 2022
Or, for something new to watch, check out our guides to the best streaming services, best live TV services, and best specialty streaming services.
