Gift Ideas from the Future
Every day it seems as if the world around us is changing more and more rapidly. However, as we get closer to the end-of-the-year holidays, we can start to feel a temporary change of pace. Depending on our vantage point, our lives could be accelerating or slowing down while we celebrate with family and friends.
Foundations for Flourishing Futures: A Look Ahead for Young Children and Families is a forecast we created in partnership with KnowledgeWorks that explores emerging opportunities and challenges in early childhood. In it we envisioned objects, places, practices, policies or services that could exist ten years from now and reflected on their implications for young children and their families. In keeping with the holiday spirit, we traveled to the year 2030 and brought back a curated list of gift ideas for young children and families inspired by the artifacts from the future from this forecast.
The products and services below represent possibilities, not preferences. In Foundations for Flourishing Futures: A Look Ahead for Young Children and Families you will find more details and nuance around their potential implications and reactions to them.
BioNanny premium membership
BioNanny is a smart accessory that collects and processes data using machine learning and predictive analytics to provide “peace of mind before day one.” It offers continuous monitoring, genetic testing, risk and safety assessments for physical environments, and daily personalized health updates. The Premium Membership is the ideal gift for expectant mothers, infants or children because it grows with the child and grants parents full ownership of their encrypted data and reports. However, BioNanny’s insights and recommendations should not replace medical care.
Give the gift of empowerment through data!
InviSafe
InviSafe is a virtual perimeter that uses facial recognition and distance measurement software to keep your child safe. When a child approaches the perimeter, it automatically sends a notification to the parent or caregiver to alert them of potential risks. InviSafe is a controlled way for adults to gain freedom to perform other tasks while granting more freedom to roam to children.
Mutually beneficial independence without compromise!
Neighborhome upgrade
Neighborhome is a 3D printed annex solution that allows residential owners to tap into previously unused space by installing a small house on their plot of land. This solution has been particularly popular among multi-generational households whose members are caring for one another. If a loved one owns a Neighborhome, improve their quality of life with an upgrade today.
Families that care for each other, stay together – but under separate roofs!
Donation to care co-op
Care Co-Ops are flexible caregiving centers where community members can work and learn together. They are organized by member families and have sliding-scale pricing to meet members’ financial, personal and scheduling needs. Visit oakterracecare.coop to learn more about the success of the Oak Terrace Care Co-Op and to donate to a crowdfunding campaign to expand the model to other communities. The centers’ ongoing crowdfunding website lets people donate on behalf of others as a gift. The recipient will receive an e-card drawn by the kids at the Oak Terrace Care Co-Op.
Caring is the true gift that keeps on giving!
Maria Romero is a senior manager in strategic foresight at KnowledgeWorks, where this post originally appeared.