The Holiday season is coming! Wondering what to get for the cord cutter on your list? Here are some gift ideas for everyone from new cord cutters to someone experienced in streaming TV.
Note: this page contains affiliate links. That means if you buy something using one of the links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you (it helps pay for my Netflix).
For some great deals on presents for streaming TV, check out our 2018 Black Friday Deals for Cord Cutters. Most deals end 11/26.
Gifts for the New Cord Cutter
A steaming device is a must-have for cord cutters. This is a great gift for someone who would like to try streaming TV, but maybe isn’t sure if they want to get rid of cable yet. The Roku Streaming Stick + offesr 4K definition and access to the entire library of Roku apps.
We typically recommend a Roku Streaming Stick for your 2nd or 3rd (etc) TV and a Roku Ultra for your main TV. But if someone is just starting out streaming, this is a great place to start. For more information and device comparisons, see our streaming devices page.
Every cord cutters needs an antenna. This antenna is mounted inside the house and attaches to a wall or window. It’s the best way to get local news, weather and sports (read more about antennas). We really love the Clearstream Eclipse Indoor HDTV Antenna
Silicon protective cover for Roku remote –
This silicon cover for a Roku remote would make a great stocking stuffer! It’s not a necessity for a Roku remote, but it is a fun gift. There are lots of different colors available. If someone has more than one Roku remote in their house, it is a great way to differentiate between remotes for different rooms.
When you cancel cable, you might also cancel your home phone service. I like to have a home phone for emergencies. Magic Jack gives you home phone service through your internet for a low yearly rate. If you don’t already have one, grab phone too.
Gifts for all
Audible subscription – there are 1 month, 3 month, 6 month and 12 month options. Cord cutters love convenience, entertainment and a good deal! Audible checks all those boxes and it’s easy to use. Try a 30 day free trial here, with 2 free audiobooks!
Echo Dot
Give the gift of Alexa. An Echo Dot can be paired with Amazon Fire devices for hands free control of your TV. I love using our Echo Dot in the kitchen, she sets timers, adds items to my grocery list (or my Costco list, or my Target list!), I also listen to music, audiobooks and podcasts. I use a wall mount (no tools necessary) to keep it off my counter and out of the way.
Amazon Prime subscription – chances are, your Cord Cutter may already have a Prime subscription. Besides free 2 day shipping, they will also have access to Prime Video. Even if they already have a Prime membership, your gift will add on to their existing account. You can purchase a 3 month or 12 month membership.
Google WiFi system
The Google WiFi system replaces your current router, it works with your modem and internet connection to boost the WiFi signal to every part of your house. This is ideal for people who live in larger homes, or older homes that may have thicker walls. You can buy a single router or a triple pack for maximum coverage. There is an app that connects to Google WiFi and also has parental controls! Add a stocking stuffer wall mount, to keep these little devices out of the way.
(Not sure what the difference is between a modem and a router? I didn’t either for a long time! Visit our Modems and Routers page for the basics).
Most streaming player remotes only control the streaming player, they don’t control the TV power and volume. Sideclick Remotes attach to the side of your streaming player remote and give you control of your TV, all in one remote! These are a great little invention and will make your life way easier! You will need to choose a Sideclick Remote that corresponds with your streaming player.
Sideclick Remote for AppleTV (gen 2-5)
Sideclick Remote for Amazon Fire TV
Give the gift of Philo! Philo is our favorite skinny stream. It has a limited number of channels but is the least expensive streaming service. Right now, you can buy a gift card for $99 which covers 6 months of Philo! This is for their $20/month streaming service, it works out to just $16.50 per month. That saves you $20!
Gifts for the experienced Cord Cutter
If your Cord Cutter likes to travel, a Roku Express is great to take on the road. It’s the smallest of the Rokus and the one my family brings with us when we travel.
Roku Express carrying case
This is another great gift for someone who likes to travel. This little carrying case is made for the Roku Express. It helps protect the streaming player in your luggage and keeps the remote, streaming device and cords all in one piece!
TCL TVs are Roku Smart TVs. These are the only kind of Smart TVs that I recommend for anyone getting rid of cable. Not only are they great quality TVs but they also have built in Roku technology, which means you don’t need a separate streaming player to watch TV. If you need a new TV and are committed to streaming TV, this is the one to get.
Soundbar
Tablo DVR
Tablo DVR is perfect for a dedicated cord cutter who loves to watch TV using an antenna. Tablo connects the antenna to a whole home DVR system. It can connect with up to 6 devices and can live stream or record 4 streams at once. For the best experience, external memory storage is recommended.
Logitech Harmony Ultimate All in One Remote
The Harmony Remote is the ultimate gift for someone who loves gadgets. The Harmony remote can connect with up to 15 devices, TVs, streaming players, Ring doorbell, video game consoles, Nest Thermostat, DVR, DVD players, Phillips hue lights, Amazon’s Alexa and more. It has a touchscreen that makes it easy to customize. There is also an app for your smart phone or tablet. If the person on your gift giving list wants to move towards a Smart Home, this is the remote to get.
Gifts for Sports Enthusiasts
As always, Blackout Restrictions apply to streaming live sports. For lots more information on watching sports, see our post on How to Watch Sports without Cable.
At this time (Winter 2018) MLB does not have information up for streaming their 2019 season. They are currently only offering a streaming package to rewatch games from the 2018 season.
Here is pricing information from the 2018 season:
- Follow all teams – $116/season or $25/month
- Follow 1 team – $90/season
- Students get MLB TV for free
- 35% discount for members of the military
NHL TV has several options for streaming plans for the 2018-2019 season.
- $140/year for all access
- $110/year for single team access
- $25 monthly subscription
Discounts are available for students and members of the military. Also, please be aware that these are considered yearly subscriptions, so it will automatically renew next year unless you cancel.
- $120 for one team
- $200 for all teams
- $250 for all teams and in-arena stream
- This option includes no commercials, during commercial breaks you will see the live stream in the arena.
Give the Gift of Subscriptions
Gift cards to streaming subscriptions can be a very popular choice for everyone on your list!
(sign up with Ebates and get 1% cash back, plus $10 with a new account)
Or sign them up for Starz and get a free week!
That’s it!
Do you know of anything else that would make a great gift for a cord cutter? Is there something that you have that is especially helpful? Please let me know in the comments!
You can also head over to Living the Stream- Help Desk our Facebook page and leave a comment there.
If you want more information on cutting the cord and streaming TV, visit our First Things First page for a step by step guide to getting rid of cable.
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