Christmas is just around the corner and Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly is back with her annual guide to the very best in gadget gifts.
If you’re on the hunt for a crafty Kris Kindle, seasonal stocking filler or that something special at the top of the Christmas wish list, Jess has options at every price point.
€30 or less
- Chipolo One Bluetooth Item Finder | €24.95
This is a great gift for the friend, family member or colleague that always loses their keys or access card for the office.
It pairs to both iOS and Android devices via an app and you can see where your items are on a map.
You can also ring it which is very handy if you lose something down the back of the couch.
It’s possible to replace the battery if it dies.
- Zagg Gear 4 Ring Snap 360 | €24.99
Zagg Gear 4 Ring Snap 360. Image: Rory Walsh/NewstalkThis is something that I would have been lost without this year.
Basically, a pop-out for the back of your phone, the Zagg Gear 4 has MagSafe technology built into it, letting it snap onto the back of iPhone devices.
It’s very handy to give you a better grip of your phone and it acts as a stand if you’re someone like me who watches a lot of content on their phone.
Not everyone wants to spend huge money on earphones. These are very affordable, Bluetooth earbuds that are very good quality.
Perfect for anyone prone to losing their earphones or those who likes wearing them out and about.
They come in a small case that recharges them and you get about 36 hours of battery life once you store them in the case.
They sit in the ears, they’re incredibly comfortable and the sound quality is quite good too.
- Otterbox Powerbank 10k | €30
Otterbox Powerbank 10k. Image: Rory Walsh/NewstalkWhile our smartphone batteries have improved greatly over the last number of years, it’s always a good idea to have a powerbank in your backpack.
This one is super affordable and will charge the average smartphone two and a half times.
If you are going away for a long weekend or planning to go to any of the big festivals next year, this is a great thing to have with you.
€120 or less
- Apple AirTag | €35
This is the Apple version of the Chipolo mentioned above.
These were massively popular during the summer with people wanting to keep tabs on their lost luggage.
Apple Air Tag. Image: Rory Walsh/NewstalkIt pairs via the FindMy app on your device and if you misplace your item, you can ring it.
Samsung do versions of these as well but I find the Chipolo is the most affordable and the Apple ones work best – obviously with the iPhones.
Worth noting, these can be personalised on the Apple website.
- Google Nest Mini | €58
This has been a staple in my home and on our gift guides for quite some time now.
In my opinion, one of the most affordable and most impressive smart assistants, it is about the size of a hockey puck.
They are very affordable and they can act as the anchor to your smart home so, if you like to use smart bulbs or any of that type of technology, it is great to be able to pair them up and use this.
I use it for everything from playing music and radio to checking the weather and writing my shopping lists. The sound quality from it is great too.
- ThePadddyBox | €59.95
The Christmas PaddyBox. Image: Rory Walsh/NewstalkFor €60, if you have someone who can’t make it home for Christmas and you want to send a bit of Ireland to them you can get the annual Christmas Paddy box.
It’s full of Irish staples like Tayto crisps, Barry’s Tea and Cadbury chocolate.
You can also check out The Paddy Box’s pop-up shop in Arnotts this year to view its extensive themed boxes.
This little charging stand lives on my desk and I love it.
It allows me to wirelessly charge my phone and a second item at the same time.
You simply stand your phone up and it works away. I use the second pad for the phone of a colleague or most often, my earbuds. It’s great quality, looks neat and does the job.
You can get different variations - either with just a phone stand or with an Apple Watch stand as the second portion.
- Apple HomePod Mini | €99
If the person you are buying for is an Apple fan, this is an incredible deal.
Slightly bigger than the size of a tennis ball and covered in white mesh, it is a beautiful looking item that you would know straight away is an apple device.
Apple HomePod Mini. Image: Rory Walsh/NewstalkBecause it is Apple, they have made the setup as easy as possible. You plug it in, keep your iPhone nearby, it will pick it up straight away and ask if you want to set it up.
The sound quality is epic.
- Huawei Watch Fit 2 | €119
This remains one of my all-time favourite wearables.
I love the shape, the battery life and the functionality. This is proof that you don’t need to break the bank to have a great wearable.
- CORSAIR 4-in-1 Gaming bundle | €119
This is a great kit if you have a gamer in your life.
It comes with a backlit keyboard, an optical gaming mouse, a mousepad and a headset.
The CORSAIR 4-in-1 Gaming bundle . Image: Rory Walsh/NewstalkThese devices are built for gamers - they have the precision that matters when you’re midgame.
The headset has an omni-directional mic that will be ideal for in-game chats and it’s compatible with both Windows and Mac OS.
€250 or less
- Huawei MateView SE | €129.99
An eight-inch adjustable monitor from Huawei – so you can alter the height and orientation of the screen to suit you.
The colours are incredibly dynamic but what I love is that there’s a paper-like reading display, which is easier on the eyes.
It’s great for working, editing photos or gaming.
I love the design of this speaker – it pushes the sound out so that it fills any space that it is in.
There is 24 hours of battery life and what is amazing is, just 10 minutes of charging will get you 70 minutes of playtime.
If you have more than one, you can pair them up for stereo sound.
- NESPRESSO by KRUPS Vertuo Next | €129.99
Nespresso by Krups. Image: Rory Walsh/NewstalkA very affordable coffee machine that won’t take up your entire countertop.
What’s great about this is that there is zero fuss – it’s literally a one-button device.
The air fryer has grown in popularity in recent years and this is the one I have and love.
It’s neat enough - not taking up too much counter space.
I throw everything into the air fryer and rarely use my oven anymore. The controls on this model are very easy to use - you simply set the time and the temperature and go.
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro | €199
Samsung Galaxy Earbuds. Image: Rory Walsh/NewstalkThese are my favourite earbuds of the year - I just love them.
They are incredibly comfortable to wear, the sound quality is great and the battery life is excellent.
If you have someone in your life who appreciates great sound and wants earbuds that pairs to everything, this is the way to go.
Notions
- Apple Watch SE | €299
This is the Apple Watch I wear and I love it.
If you’re looking for a watch that will act as a powerful smartwatch and give you useful fitness insights, this is the way to go.
The only thing to note is, it only works with iPhones.
- Google Pixel Watch | €379
If you’re looking for an Android, premium rival to the Apple Watch, this is the way to go.
It’s the first Google Watch in some time and it pairs with any Android phone. The functionality is excellent.
- Dyson Corrale | €499
I am not usually one for beauty gadgets, but this has become a staple of my morning routine. I love it and it is so straightforward to use.
It’s a wireless styler. Everything about the design is premium - from the look of the device to how it magnetically connects to the charger.
Dyson Corrale. Image: Rory Walsh/NewstalkThe controls are very easy to navigate and the device makes a noise when it is ready to be used.
Battery life on it is great (around 25 mins) and I, someone who struggles to brush my hair some days, was able to create simple styles with this.
This is definitely on my Christmas wish-list.
- Sense 2 | €299.95
The Fitbit Sense 2. Image: Rory Walsh/NewstalkSense 2 is Fitbit’s most advanced health-focused smartwatch with multiple days of battery life.
It helps you manage stress and track your heart health with sensors, heart rate variability, skin temperature and more.
Kids’ corner
- Inspire 3 wearable - €99.95
This is a fun, easy-to-use Fitbit tracker that helps you stay on top of your health with 10 days of battery life.
It’s a great entry-level device with a rich colour display that can track important metrics.
If you’re looking for a laptop for a child to carry out basic online activities, homework etc. this is the way go to.
It’s also a great device for anyone just looking to browse online.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 | €239
This is a great tablet for kids and it will grow with them - but make sure you get a cover.
It is a 10.5” display, with 32GB of storage built in. There’s 4GB of RAM and 15W fast charging.
Quick reminder that if you buy a phone or tablet for your child this year, maybe ask Santa to install Google Family Link before he delivers it.
- Nintendo Switch Lite | €239
Nintendo Switch Lite. Image: Rory Walsh/NewstalkI'm a huge fan of the Switch.
I know a lot of people love the PS5 and Xbox range, but I'm a big fan of the Mario games. There's also a whole host of other titles you can get your hands on as well.
The Lite is the little sister of the main Switch - the key difference is the controllers on either side don't come off, and you can't hook it up to the TV.
If you're looking to get someone their first console, this is a great one to go with.
A lot of stores will also do bundles with a game - if you shop around, you will find some good deals.
Other ideas
- Vouchers
We are spending huge amounts of money on streaming services and I know so many people who would be only delighted to get a month or two of their Netflix or Spotify covered.
You can listen back here:
