With Christmas just around the corner, 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 something cheap to entertain the kids, a handy kitchen gadget or to treat someone to their dream electronic gift, Jess has options at every price point.
€60 or less
- PlayEasy drawning tablet | €18
Play Easy drawing pad. Image: Newstalk. 29/11/24A 10" colour drawing board, with a lock button and lanyard for stylus pen.
The electronic drawing board has been a great addition to our house.
It’s easily transportable so we often take it in the car. The lanyard for the pen will help keep the stylus safe.
Include this in activities or leave it out with something to trace or a small picture and see if your child will “give it a go.”
Your child might like to attempt numbers, letters, trace their name, draw a picture from their favourite book etc.
The drawing board comes with a flat battery included.
- Chipolo One Bluetooth Item Finder | €24.95
This is a great gift for a friend, family member or colleague who always misplaces their keys or access card for the office.
It pairs to both iOS and Android devices via an app.
You can see where your items are or call them!
It’s possible to replace the battery if it dies.
Available from tech retailers across the country.
- Apple AirTag | €39 (can be personalised on the Apple website)
Similar in concept to the Chipolo mentioned above, this is the Apple version.
These were massively popular during the summer - people wanted to keep tabs on their luggage etc.
If you have an Apple fan in your life, this is an excellent gift!
- BLND Portable Blender | €35 from Three
BLND blender. Image: Newstalk. 29/11/24For smoothies on the go the BLND Portable Blender unlocks a world of nutritious shakes, smoothies, and juices.
It’s lightweight allows for easy transport and enjoyment on the go.
Available in Pink Black and Mint Green for €35 in Three stores nationwide and on Three.ie.
€140 or less
- LEGO Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit | €79.99
Lego Technic space set. Image: Newstalk. 29/11/24This is on my wishlist this Christmas - it’s a Lego Technic set of Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit.
It’s recommended for ages 1- and up - it makes for a gorgeous stand alone piece, you can buy it from the LEGO stores on Grafton Street or Blanchardstown as well as on Lego.com.
- NOKIA 3210 | €69.99
Ideal as a digital detox device or a first phone - this has the form factor of the original Nokia 3310, but with an added screen.
It has an excellent battery life and is ideal if you want to gift someone a bit of downtime!
Philips projector. Image: Newstalk. 29/11/24Transform your viewing experience with the Philips NeoPix 100 Projector, a dynamic stereo sound, and versatile media player.
Available for €99 in Three stores nationwide and on Three.ie
- HMD Barbie™ Phone| €129.99
Another gem for those looking for a distraction free phone.
Perfect for the big Barbie fans - very retro look and feel.
There’s a 2.8-inch internal screen and a very basic camera, but it does have an MP3 player, Bluetooth and snake!!
- Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 | €110
Fujifilm camera. Image: Newstalk. 29/11/24The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 embraces simplicity via function and design, to effortlessly produce atmospheric square photos that give you more of what you want in every shot.
Available for €130 only in Three stores nationwide and on Three.ie
- PocketBook 6" Verse E-Reader | €140
Pocketbook verse. Image: Newstalk. 29/11/24For avid readers the PocketBook 6" Verse E-Reader is the perfect companion.
With its 6-inch HD touchscreen E Ink Carta, reading is comfortable and enjoyable.
The high-quality display provides a paper-like reading experience, ensuring hours of reading without strain or loss of focus.
You download the PocketBook app onto your phone, you can import PDFs or buy books.
Available for €140 in Three stores nationwide and on Three.ie
Notions
- SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch7 BT with Bixby | Silver, 44 mm €299.00
- Meta Quest 3S 128GB Mixed Reality Headset and Controllers | €329.00 from Currys
- HMD Skyline | €399.99
SkinKrush mask. Image: Newstalk. 29/11/24Designed with soft silicone to perfectly conform to your facial contours, this mask is a combination of red and infra-red light therapy treatment that stimulates collagen production and reduces redness in as little as 10 minutes per day.
This mask offers 2 different settings, 633nm red light and the 830nm infra-red light combined and is designed with extra comfort in mind by adding an additional overhead strap.
It also contours to the shape of your face and is safe, effective and easy to use, bringing facials to the comfort of your own home.
Designed by experienced nurses with over 20 years in the aesthetic and skincare industry, the Rejuvenating LED Mask delivers professional results in the comfort of your home.
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