The Practice does Christmas
December undoubtedly means Christmas planning, and there’s luckily just enough time left before the big day to organise our festive shopping. So which items are our team coveting this year?
Featuring Google’s AI-powered Assistant which responds to the user’s voice, Google Home is the ideal household companion. The device can control all aspects of your living space too, from syncing with connected appliances, playing music, to answering questions and setting timers as well. Although it’s not yet available in the UK, those eager to get their hands on one can purchase it in the US for a reasonable $129.
Google Home
Another alternative to Google Home is Amazon’s Echo Dot, which connects to your home speakers in order to provide a similar smart gadget experience with voice command control. At a sightlier pricier $199 but available to Amazon Prime members for just $99, it is also now available in the UK.
Amazon Echo Dot
Design and tech lovers will no doubt be lusting over the updated Apple Watch. While it’s visibly similar to the first model, it offers a host of exciting new features such as GPS capability, waterproof design, and an interface that can be viewed even under bright sunlight. The trend-conscious user can also choose from various models such as Apple’s Nike or Hermes collaborated designs.
A godsend if you’re in a hurry to find your iPhone, this tracker will locate it if in Bluetooth range. At a wallet-friendly £22.95 and only the thickness of a credit card, we imagine this will come in handy for finding your phone, especially if it’s on silent mode and can’t be heard. It’s non-removable battery is also long-lasting, guaranteed to remain in use for at least one year. All in all, this is a super-nifty and sleek essential- now it’s just a case of ensuring it’s not misplaced too! There’s also the slightly more expensive Tile Mate, which, for £64.95 is a smaller version, and better for detecting other paired items such as your keys, bags, luggage, bike or camera.
Google’s latest VR headset and controller is a more affordable alternative to fan favourites such as the Oculus, HTC Vive, or PlayStation VR. For those looking to get a little slice of the virtual reality market, this is a great alternative, offering a full 360-degree experience, personal cinema, Android smartphone compatibility, games and compatibility with the likes of YouTube, Netflix and HBO. We also love the fact that its pairing with Google Street View and Photos for instance, allows the user to visit cities around the globe, famous museums, and even other planets.
5. Cordies Desktop cord manager
The super-organised will love this nifty desktop gadget. Featuring a cute and contemporary design as well as five separators, it will keep your various headphone wires and cables from resulting in a tangled mess. Best of all, it’s the perfect stocking filler at only £5.39.
If you have design-conscious family members or friends in need of updating their workspaces, this next item will certainly do that. Handmade from bamboo, this keyboard and mouse set adds a gorgeous natural-looking aesthetic to any desktop computer. It’s wireless, simply requires two AAA batteries, and compatible with various Windows models. It also makes a large statement for the relatively small price of just £29.95.
7. Armani Collection Edition watch
Smartwatch hybrids have started appearing this year, offering both tech features and traditional design. A watch such as Armani’s is both practical and eye-catching, and while it doesn’t feature the typical smartwatch display, it’s supported by an app which sends the wearer push notifications, and monitors sleep and activity. At $395, this would be a fantastic gift, and there are more affordable hybrid options available too from the likes of Kate Spade and Michael Kors.
We’re impressed with the price-point of this next item. At $400, the Neato D3 robot vacuum cleaner is cheaper than other models on the market, and powered by Wi-Fi. When it comes to household convenience, this surely has to be the perfect gift, ensuring you can easily tick hoovering off the list!
Avid painters and designers will love the Sensu Solo Stylus, which allows the user to create artwork on their iPads. Designed in the style of a traditional paint brush, it’s also compatible with a multitude of touch screen devices, and comes in at an affordable $24.99.
Give the gift of music with a one-year gift card for Apple’s streaming service. At under $100, it’s the cheapest option in comparison to Google Play Music or Spotify, and is guaranteed to be a “can’t go wrong” present for when you’re stuck for ideas.
Which items are on your Christmas wish-list this year, and what do you hope to give to your family and friends? Let us know if we’ve given you some helpful inspiration by tweeting to us @PracticeDigital and sharing your comments on our Facebook page.