Tick tock. The lights have been turned on, the John Lewis ad landed so long ago we’re already waiting for the next one and it’s impossible to do your weekly shop without a soundtrack of Slade. It’s time to get your Christmas shopping done. We’ve put together a guide to this Yuletide’s musthave tech, so that you can find something for everyone.
For the fashionconscious music lover… Ted Baker Rockall Headphones
One of our pet hates is fashion brands whacking their name on some underpowered bit of kit and charging treble the prices. So everytime a label announces a new tech product we brace ourselves for disappointment. Thankfully we needn’t have worried with these Ted Baker headphones, which effortlessly merge fashion and function. The stylish look is a given, but the sound quality holds its own with some of the best on the market, giving a clear, crisp listening experience. (Might be handy gift to save the family from being subjected to Dad rock.)
John Lewis £149.95
For the person who wants it all (and deserves it!)... Sony Z3
As far as we’re concerned, the new Sony Z3 is one of the best phones you can get right now. The screen looks great, it boasts an incredible camera, and, best of all, a beautiful, waterproof design. In fact, maybe don’t buy it for anyone get a Christmas present for yourself. You’ve earnt it!
Sonymobile.com £549.00
For the nonstop selfie taker...Canon Selphy CP910
This Canon compact printer connects to your phone wherever you are, allowing you to own hard copies of every selfie and Instagram update. You can print in different sizes, make collages and touch up photos, letting you keep a record of that one time you were stood in front of that place with that person.
Argos £79.99
For the on-the-go gadget lover...Elektronista X Knomo Digital Clutch Bag
Fed up with your poor phone rolling around with all the flotsam and jetsam that resides in your bag? This uniquely designed soft fullgrain leather number promises to help organise your digital life, keeping every loose gadget and stray cable in nice neat order. It even comes with an inbuilt battery to keep your devices charged on the go which of a great excuse for not replying to last week’s terrible date.
Knomobags.com £249
For the eternal party host...Denon Envaya Mini
Looking like a bit like a power source from the Starship Enterprise, this is a lightweight, superportable tiny stature. We know summer is but a distant memory, but the recipient of this little gem will thank you when the garden party season rolls around. Their neighbours, however, may not.
Denon, £99
For the secret Power Ranger... Sony Smartwatch 3
Sony’s latest smartwatch is one of the best yet, boasting an inbuilt GPS to track every painful step of that wellintentioned January fitness drive. You can make voice notes, set reminders, get directions or call a taxi and the whole thing works via voice command, giving your life a nineties children’s scifi feel. Best of all it comes with a longlasting battery and a screen that works well even in bright sunlight (Remember that? No, us neither.)
Sonymobile.com £189.99
For the family technophobe....Breezie
Been trying for years to get your nan to turn on that tablet you bought her? Still struggling to get Uncle Jeff to respond to your emails? This brilliant innovation takes all the fuss and clutter out of the tablet experience, keeping things simple and allowing any new or uncertain user to master the basics in no time. It can also be managed remotely, allowing you to set up and troubleshoot their experience wherever you are. Just don’t blame us when your baby photos are suddenly plastered all over Instagram.
Breezie.com £75 software only, £239 software and tablet. Requires a Samsung Galaxy tablet
For the aspiring Mario Testino… Canon EOS 100D White
Making the jump from snap and shoot to fancypants DSLR photography can sometimes feel a little daunting. This Canon camera, recently released in an eyecatching white, is a perfect way in, being both the smallest and the lightest on the market. Crammed with features, it’s compact enough to carry with you everywhere you go, allowing perfect moments to be captured without feeling like you’re dragging round the Hubble Telescope.
John Lewis £449.00
For the tablet virgin...Tesco Hudl 2
Looking to get somebody their first tablet? You could do a lot worse than going for the Tesco Hudl 2: your wallet will certainly be grateful. Despite its rockbottom price the Hudl is packing some pretty good spec, making it by far the best value tablet on the market. Handy if you want to convince its recipient that you spent far more on them than you actually did.
Tesco.com £129
For the future professor of robotics/supervillain...USB Robotic Arm Kit
We had second thoughts about recommending this product. After all, we’ve seen The Terminator. We’ve watched The Matrix. We know that all this tinkering with robots is going to end badly for us. Still, so long as the recipient can be trusted not to come up with a dastardly plan to rule the world, this kit serves a great introduction to programming and robotics. If they purchase a fluffy white cat and some black leather gloves, however, you have every right to take it back.
Maplin, £34.99
Lady Geek is a creative marketing agency ensuring empathy is at the heart of business. To find out more you can follow them on Twitter @LadyGeek