Stuck for tech gifts this Christmas? The good news is that there are plenty to choose from, regardless of your budget or your intended recipients’ interests.
We have put together just a few suggestions to inspire you, covering everything from smartphone addicts to screen-free entertainment for kids.
Bluetooth trackers
Chipolo Loop
€45, Arnotts
There are a few options here. While Apple users may naturally opt for AirTags because of ease of use, there are other choices now that will work just as well with the Apple ecosystem.
For example, Chipolo’s new Loop tags come with an integrated carry tag and not only work with Android’s new Find Hub, but also can be integrated into Apple’s Find My.
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The added advantage? They are rechargeable.
App blockers
Brick
€62, Getbrick.app
There are plenty of ways to try to break your smartphone addiction, from built-in screen time controls to paid-for apps that try to limit your time spent online. But Brick might be the simplest and most effective yet.
It is an NFC tag and an app that allows you to set up to 50 apps either to limit or permit access, and a schedule that can automatically kick in to lock down the distractions. To unlock your phone, you need to physically scan the Brick. It requires a deliberate choice, so at least half the time you will decide it is not worth the hassle, particularly at 4am when you are tempted to doomscroll.
Smart glasses
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses
€419, Meta
Meta is determined to make smart glasses happen. The new generation of Meta Ray-Bans will record video, take photos and make calls without you ever having to lay a hand on your phone.
The updated version has a longer battery life at eight hours, recording in 3K Ultra HD resolution and in 12 megapixels on the ultrawide camera, with up to 32GB of storage on board. You can also listen to audio through discreet open-ear speakers.
You can get them with a choice of clear or tinted lenses, with additional fees applying.
Headphones
Shokz OpenDots One
€160, Arnotts
Open-fit earbuds are ideal for keeping tabs on your surroundings. Shokz OpenDots One clip on to your ear rather than blocking out the outside world. That means you can stay aware to potential danger while walking, running or cycling, but still listen to your favourite podcasts or music.
They are comfortable to wear too, particularly if you wear glasses, and the battery life is decent enough to get a few exercise sessions in.
OneSonic Studio Pro
€200, OneSonic
If you prefer over-ear headphones but don’t want to spend half a mortgage payment, there are also options out there.
Irish audio company OneSonic has launched the Studio Pro, its new high-end headphones that come with active noise cancelling and powerful bass to help deliver superior audio. There are touch controls to switch between active noise cancelling and transparency mode.
They are comfortable to wear too, and easier on your pocket.
Apple AirPods Pro 3rd generation
€249, Currys
The third generation of AirPods Pro may look similar to those that have gone before, but there are some important changes. A slightly different shape makes them fit more comfortably, while the improved tips block out a lot more of the background noise. Active noise cancellation has been enhanced too, so you can enjoy your podcasts and music distraction-free.
They are also compatible with Apple’s new live translation function, which will translate Italian, Spanish and German into English directly in your ear as the conversation unfolds.
Smartphones
iPhone 17
€979, Apple
The iPhone Air got the looks, the iPhone 17 Pro got the high-powered camera, but if you are looking for a good-value iPhone, the regular iPhone 17 is the best of the lot. Not only does it now have the always-on display that the higher-powered models have been sporting for some time, the camera has also been upgraded to a 48-megapixel fusion camera for both the main and ultrawide cameras, and an 18-megapixel front-facing camera with Center Stage for better video calls.
It has the A19 chip rather than the Pro model, but most people are unlikely to notice the difference. Battery life has also been improved, giving you a few extra hours before you need to power up again.
Google Pixel 10
€719, Google Store
Google’s Pixel phones get all the good stuff from Google, powered by its Gemini AI models. The Pixel 10 is no exception, bringing Google’s powerful Tensor chip and an impressive camera to the table.
Google’s AI capabilities have also been amped up, with Google offering everything from AI assistants to transcription of voice recordings. Magic Cue is designed to make your life easier too, automatically serving up relevant information as you need it.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
€1,039 samsung.com/ie/
A big screen in a small phone, the Samsung Flip 7 is one of the best flip phones on the market at the moment. The front display has been improved, with the option for 120Hz refresh rate and a higher resolution than its predecessor. The battery has been improved too so everything lasts longer. The cameras are essentially the same resolution as the Flip 6, at 50 megapixels for the wide lens, 12MP for the ultra wide and 10 for the selfie camera. And you get Samsung’s AI capabilities too.
Health and fitness
Homedics Myti Mini massage gun
€130 Harvey Norman
Rest and recovery is an important part of any exercise plan. The Homedics Myti Mini massage gun can help here, promising up to three hours of pummelling your muscles into relaxation.
It comes with a choice of five massage heads, including a flat one that heats up and a U-shaped head, and four intensity settings.
It charges over USB-C, and comes with its own storage case so you can easily pack it into a bag and take it with you.
Garmin Approach R10
€615, American Golf
If you want to improve your golf game, the Garmin Approach R10 could give you a leg up. The portable launch monitor tracks metrics such as club head speed, ball speed and spin, and analyses video clips recorded with your smartphone to help you pinpoint how to improve weaker areas of your game.
You can take it out on the golf course or use it to practice at home with virtual rounds, with more than 42,000 golf courses to choose from.
Kids
Tonies Toniebox 2
€96, Arnotts
Screen-free time is important for everyone but especially for children. There are ways, however, to use technology without adding to their screen time. The new Toniebox 2 is a screen-free audio and games player aimed at children from the age of one upwards. The company has made some tweaks to the design of the box itself, but the real value comes with the content. Tonies has widened its appeal, with content specifically aimed at younger children and games that are suitable for an older cohort.
LeapFrog LeapMove
€60, Smyths
Video games can be fairly sedentary, so something that gets kids moving can only be a good thing. The LeapFrog LeapMove uses motion-based gaming, turning kids into the controller. It has 25 pre-loaded games that have a sneaky educational benefit too, bringing in maths and literacy in a fun way. All you need is access to a TV and a lot of energy.
myFirst Voice 2
€40, Arnotts
If you enjoy karaoke and feel like the whole family should join in, myFirst Voice 2 might be a good option for the younger members of the family. This pocket-sized speaker will keep kids entertained for hours. You can connect to it in bluetooth mode, grab content from a microSD card, or via an AUX connection.
It includes voice-changing filters to bring a fresh twist to storytelling sessions and brings echo, reverb control and vibration bass to add something extra to music sessions. You get about 15 hours out of a full battery charge and the device is lightweight enough for small hands to carry around.
Earplugs, however, are not included.
Gaming
PlayStation Portal
€200, DID Electrical
If your games console is taking over the main TV, the PlayStation Portal might be the answer this Christmas. The device acts as a remote player for your games and content, turning your powerhouse console into a hand-held, playing your games over wifi. You will need a PlayStation 5 and a decent internet connection, but if you have a PlayStation Plus premium subscription, you also get access to games in the cloud, so you can play away from home.
Nintendo Switch 2
€460, Smyths Toys
What is Christmas without a bit of Mario, Luigi and Bowser? Nintendo’s Switch 2 was the hotly awaited follow-up to the popular Switch, and for a time it was difficult enough to get your hands on.
There isn’t a whole lot different about the Switch 2 – a bigger screen, more internal space and redesigned controllers that attach magnetically to the console – but there is one good reason to buy it: the Nintendo exclusives. The new Mario and Donkey Kong titles are only available on the updated console, and you can expect more of the same in the future.
