Gadgets You’ll Probably Want This Holiday Season
We’re tired of the gift guides that only list the new iPhone 12. Where’s the variety, people!
Zus Car Health Monitor
Promising Review: “Like to start off by saying this is an awesome tool for your vehicle. I bought this and ran a health check on my car and found out I had an issue that I didn't know I had. Was able to get the issue resolved before it got worse and cost me even more money. Also, this tool will monitor your vehicle each and every time you drive it letting you know about issues when they start. This is definitely a good buy and I would highly recommend buying it. All that is required is for you to connect the device to your car via a port found near the driver seat and an app to download on your smartphone. When your device is ready and you have the app installed you simply run a health check in the app and see if you have any issues and get the status of your vehicle.” — James E.
Editor’s Thoughts: We’re a sucker for a good smart product with a half-decent app and Nonda clears that bar with grace. One of our favorite features is the Nonda’s ability to help decode engine error codes, a pictorial language we, prior to, had yet to decrypt. The monitor itself is a very sleek and small gadget that also pairs seamlessly with Nonda’s other gadgets.
Get it on Amazon for $59.99
2. Gillette Labs Heated Razor
Promising Review: “less iritation and instances of razor bump, acne, and overall irritation for a baldy. The metal does get warm. Shave slow and you'll feel it. I am able to shave dry just fine with it.” — Tito R.
Editor’s Thoughts: Gillette has truly upped the game with this razor, combining the heating element with wireless charging — introducing a convenience powerhouse. Gillette has eliminated the need to separately heat shaving gel, or need to run your razor under hot water. The heating element helps cut down on that nuissant razor burn, while helping create a clean cut shave. With this duo, a warm shave is easy, quick and convenient — and most importantly comfortable.
Get it on Amazon for $199.94
3. Spike Ferrofluid Display
Promising Review: “I purchased the product as a gift and the recipient loved the product. Everyone that comes in contact with the product are amazed. I will be purchasing another one for myself.” — Alexander G.
Editor’s Thoughts: Remember when you were a kid and you would put your hands on the lava and electricity lamps? This is that, for the child in you, in a slightly more sophisticated manner. The Spike Ferrofluid is a fun little toy that serves to be a stunning desk display gadget.
Get it on MTR’s official website for $70.
4. Sphero RVR
Promising Review: “I love how easy to use the RVR is. All you need to do is download the free app and away you go. I teach 4th grade, so incorporating the RVR into my lesson plans allows for engaged learning, STEM incorporation, and most importantly teaches kids that school is a fun place to be. The RVR is built well and has a lot more power than what I was expecting. I especially love the roll cage and LED features. On my first day using the RVR my students made the decision to name our bot “RAINBOW” for all the different colors it can display.” — Landen M.
Editor’s Thoughts: Remove the guilt of allowing your kid to play with technology, knowing they're going to be able to learn something handy. Let your child "hack" into the toy and allow them to tinker with the tech with this completely programmable and phone-controlled Sphero robot. The Sphero RVR isn’t just for novices either — while beginner engineers can hop on the Sphero train using Sphero’s software, expert hackers can expand the RVR’s capability with Javascript. We were impressed by how easy it was to pick up a bit of programming, and just how fun you could have doing it.
Get it on Amazon for $249.99
5. Lexon Oblio UV Sanitizer
Promising Review: “I love the stylish and modern look of the charger. Most people think it’s just a decorative vase. It’s great that I can just put my phone in to get charged and clean without having to hook the phone up to a wire. Will definitely purchase it again as a Christmas gift for friends and family” — Irma
Editor’s Thoughts: For the germaphobes in us, the Oblio is a must have. It's a 2 in 1, with a sleek charging stand and a UV based sanitizer. At the end of the day, when you need to put your phone away and out of your face, this takes care of both needs, especially in today's day in age. It's Qi-certified 10W charger allows for a quick charge, without needing to deal with any unruly and unsightly wires. Our favorite part was that it had an open top, making it much harder to lose your phone in a closed UV phone box.
Get it on Lexon’s official website for $79.90.
6. Nomad Rugged Case
Promising Review: “Love the quality as well as the look as it ages.” — John S.
Editor’s Thoughts: For those that seem to have butter fingers whenever an iPhone is involved, we highly recommend beautiful Nomad's Rugged Case. Nomad uses Horween leather that will patina over time, meaning that vintage aesthetic comes just with usage. The Rugged case offers 6ft drop protection and is compatible with Qi wireless charging. It's available for iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, in both brown and black leather.
Get it on Nomad’s official website for $49.95
7. Hobot-268 Window Cleaner
Promising Review: “My windows are 30 feet high. We pay almost $600 a year to get them cleaned. My brother-in-law gave me HOBOT-268 as a birthday gift. I am pleasantly surprised how efficient and cool this robot is. The robot is easy to operate and requires minimum maintenance. We won’t be scheduling our next professional window cleaning, we don’t need it! Highly recommend!” — LA Mama
Editor’s Thoughts: Move aside automatic vacuums, we're in 2020 and we're talking automatic window cleaners. The remote-controlled Hobot-268 is a revolutionary device that will clean your window, inch by inch. Long gone are the days where you'll need to spend hundreds on a professional window cleaning service to spruce up your 20 ft high window after every rain. The Hobot-268 has both dry and wet machine-washable microfiber clothes, allowing you to first vacuum up the gunk, and then wipe it sparkling clean. The Hobot cleans one square meter in 2.4 minutes, and we found that it saved at least half the time to clean our windows.
Get it on Amazon for $279.
8. Eve Cam Indoor Camera
Promising Review: “I’ve set up many Eve products before, but the installation for this camera was by far the quickest and simplest. From opening my Amazon package to completely set up and operational in our living room in less than 5 minutes! It quickly connected to our network without any issues at all (this camera is compatible with both 2.4 and 5.0 networks!). Not only was it easy to install, but it’s also incredibly discrete. We barely even notice it in the room.” — Michelle A.
Editor’s Thoughts: With thousands of security cameras on the market, finding the perfect fit can be like finding a needle in a haystack. We recently tested the Eve Cam and were blown away by its array of features and its connected app. As you may have read from our other reviews, we are all in for any smart device that has an equally impressive app, and Eve Cam fits the bill. The Eve Cam has face, pet, and vehicle recognition and a robust notification system. What we loved most about Eve Cam was there is no registration or Eve Cloud (although you can connect to Apple iCloud), meaning that your data is yours. You can also turn your Eve Cam on and off with a breeze, which is another plus for privacy in our increasingly connected world. Set up was easy, and the video quality was stellar.
Get it on Amazon for $149.95
9. Nexx
A new product by Nexx!
Editor’s Thoughts: This is for all of those out there that are tired of the surprise fees of updating to a smart security system. With Nexx’s new Smart Alarm, you can control your alarm monitoring from your phone, with your existing alarm system. With the ability to keep track of who and when your alarm is activated, Nexx keeps you in loop with what’s going in and around your home. Nexx was incredibly easy to install and comes with a robust app system that is easy to cross-share with other house members.
Get it on Nexx’s official website for $99.99
10. Wacom One
Promising Review: “Budget-friendly at 400 bucks! It is a great size, even for traveling. It can run off USB power banks, so fantastic for on the go creation! Another few details I enjoy about this tablet is the flush display, your hand glides across the screen effortlessly, the antiglare finish is well designed. I dig the stand feature, I feel way more connected with the tablet with a small amount of angle on it, plus the extra nibs store under one of the leg stands.” — Page S.
Editor’s Thoughts: The Wacom One is a beautiful device that is the perfect tech addition for any budding artist or designer. It boasts a 13.3” display and tactile pen that gives true digital freedom to sketch, paint, annotate, edit photos, and more. The Wacom software is an added bonus, which allows for seamless integration and connectivity for any Mac, Windows or Android device. What we enjoyed most about the Wacom One is it’s paper-feel like matte finish which makes drawing and writing feel so much more natural than any other glass screened tablet. Amidst a family of drawing tablets, such as the Cintiq, we highly recommend the Wacom One for anyone ready to learn a new digital art skill or tired of marking up documents with a mouse.
Get it on Amazon for $399.95
11. Lumen Couture LED Jacket
Editor’s Thoughts: The LED Matrix Hoodie is a zip up hoodie that comes with an LED paneled back that can feature gifs, videos, and images. It's compatible with an USB power bank, or can be purchased with Lumen's custom battery with a 1-2 hour charge life. Not only is this hoodie have the ultimate cool factor, the actual quality of the garment is incredibly impressive, with a luxurious fit and warmth.
Get it on Lumen Couture’s website for $210.
12. Moment Macro Lens for Smartphones
Promising Review: “Started using the lens as soon as I received it! Love it! Love how you can take macro photos and see how clearly the pictures turn out! Highly recommend. I bought the carrying case and the iPhone case that the lenses attach to. Worth every penny! My lens came within a couple days of ordering. Packaged very securely.” — Deb
Editor’s Thoughts: Capture still live in HD macro with the Moment Macro 10x Lens. Compatible with the latest Apple, Google, Samsung, and OnePlus devices, this mountable lens is made of aerospace grade metal and the same hand-polished glass as high-end 4K lenses. We were blown away by the quality of photography we were able to take, even on our phone. We zoomed in on leaves, even spied on the fruit fly nibbling our pears.
Get it on Moment for $109.99
13. GoSmile Blu
Promising Review: “This cleaning and whitening device is in a league of its own. After the first time I used it, I was impressed at how it felt like I had just left the dentist. I have sensitive teeth, but my teeth and gums felt instantly cleaner, healthier and stronger. I also love that it’s hands free. Even though it whitens as it brushes, it has an option for just whitening as well. I use this function with my whitening gel and do tasks around the house. I highly recommend this product.” — Anonymous
Editor’s Thoughts: The BLU is a hands-free toothbrush and whitening device that automates the way you brush. What I was most blown away by was the whitening, with my teeth going up multiple shades after just a few treatments, zero sensitivity. The BLU also has a gum massager, that is great for preventative care of periodontal disease, alongside a blue light to kill bacteria. I'll admit, it took some time getting used to, but after the first few days, I don't think I can go back to a manual or even electric toothbrush.
Get it on Amazon for $114.99
14. Illumibowl
Promising Review: “Excellent product!” — John C.
Editor’s Thoughts: The Illumibowl is motion-activated toilet light that fits any toilet. We loved how easy it was to install and use (literally just attach it and go). It's motion activated, meaning no more scrounging around at 3am when you feel the need to pee. Perfect for the couples who's male counterparts can't seem to remember to put the seat down.
Get it on Illumibowl for $12.99
15. Bionik Nintendo Accessories
Promising Review: “I've owned the one without the battery for over a year now however, I needed a portable battery for my job because I travel for a living. This thing is awesome! Basically same amazing quality as the original, and perfect for most small accessories necessary for handheld mode. The battery can also be used for other devices as well so it's a win win if you drive all day.” — Xvania79
Editor’s Thoughts: The Bionik Power Commuter is a travel case with an embedded and removable 10,000 mAh battery pack, fit for all on the go gamers. Each case is heavily padded with plush interior fabric to protect both Nintendo Switch and Switch lite, alongside the space for 8 games and extra accessories.
Get the whole collection at Bionik
16. The Vue Smart Glasses
Promising Review: “Simple elegant design matched with the covert tech application makes the Vue Lite a smart and useful tool. I have mine with blue-light filters for long computer sessions and the bluetooth comes in handy for listening to tunes at work” — Zero H.
Editor’s Thoughts: Vue Glasses is the new Warby Parker, retrofitted with smart technology. Vue is bringing the future of eyewear, complete with bone condution audio, and the ability to take handsfree calls. A subtle LED will notify you of incoming messages and calls, all without taking your attention away. The Vue Pro also comes with a "find your glasses" tracking ability, something that has come incredibly in handy as of late. The battery life is stellar and with that, the Vue has become my daily wear pair without a doubt.
Get it at Vue for $299.