Top Tech Gifts This Christmas
With only a few weeks to go until Christmas, here are our predictions of what will be the top technology gifts to fly off the shelves this year.
Robots
AI is threatening to take our jobs and, this Christmas, it’s looking like robots are going to take our hard earned cash too! From toys to a helping hand in the home, there is a vast array of robots on the market this year which are guaranteed to make popular gifts.
These little companions serve a variety of purposes; some have smart capabilities so they can tell you the weather outside and play your favourite music; others provide educational or organisational assistance. Many have fun games and features that will keep people of all ages entertained for hours. There are even robots that can be programmed to do household chores while you put your feet up. Surely every household needs one of those!
Retro gaming
1980s and 90s arcade games have made a major comeback this year. Handheld arcade games, and even pocket-sized keyrings, featuring Tetris, Pac Man and Space Invaders, make great stocking fillers.
Mini versions of retro consoles are also proving popular this year, such as the classic Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Mega Drive and the Commodore 64. Perfect for big kids of all ages!
Coding Toys
A caterpillar that teaches children as young as 3 years old basic programming and problem solving skills, and a Harry Potter build-it-yourself wireless wand that allows youngsters to learn to code and perform wizarding spells, are certain to be popular with the younger generation this Christmas. As a software development company, we’re huge fans of these types of toys – it’s never too early to start coding as far as we’re concerned!
Smart Home Devices
The Internet of Things (IoT) is growing at an extremely fast rate and there are an estimated 8.4 billion connected devices in use worldwide. 23% of Brits reportedly own a smart home device and that figure is set to rise. Smart speakers, doorbells, security cameras and even pet feeders are likely to be weighing down Santa’s sack this year!
Wearable Tech
Wearable technology has taken off in a big way over the last few years. Fitness trackers have become a standard arm accessory; in 2017, 4 million had been sold in the UK alone. Whilst we expect to see fitness trackers continue in popularity this Christmas, other wearable tech items are likely to be popular. From smart glasses to Bluetooth beanie hats and even self-lacing trainers, wearable tech is on the rise and makes a fun gift for that difficult-to-buy-for person in your life.
Speakers and Headphones
A good pair of headphones are essential for many people. There are headphones in every style and price point imaginable. Noise cancellation headphones, workout earphones and wireless ear buds are all likely to be popular this Christmas, with Apple, Bose, Beats and Sony being some of the key players in this market.
There’s also a huge range of Bluetooth speakers available in the shops this year, we’re spoilt for choice. This is an essential piece of kit for anyone who, like the ‘fine lady upon a white horse’, must have music wherever they go. With so many speakers on the market with great designs and the latest tech built-in, it can be tricky to figure out which one will make the best gift. There are waterproof speakers you can take in the shower, speakers with built in disco lights, barrel style speakers – which one will you choose?
VR Headsets
Virtual Reality headsets have been around for a few years now but have evolved significantly over the last year or so; headsets are now available that don’t need to be plugged into anything or connected to a PC. Just switch it on and get stuck into your game!
Instant Photo Cameras
Cameras with built-in printers have made a massive comeback in recent years and make a great, relatively low cost present for all the family. Polaroid and Instax seem to be the main players in this market and both offer a variety of models with different features and price points so there’s bound to be one to suit you.
Smartphones
Mobile phones top people’s wish lists every year and it looks as though 2019 will be no exception. With the recent launch of the iPhone 11 and the highly acclaimed Samsung Galaxy S10, plus the increasingly popular underdogs such as Google Pixel, OnePlus 7T and Huawei P30 Pro, it is fair to say that a significant amount of cash will be spent on mobiles this year.
Drones
There has been a lot of negative press surrounding drones this year, particularly around airport disruption, however, they are still popular with children, adults and photography enthusiasts alike. UK law now requires you to register your drone with the Civil Aviation Authority and take a piloting test if it weighs more than 250g so the key is to find one that weighs less! There are a lot of models around that have some great features so just make sure you do your research first.
Those are our top tech gift predictions for 2019 but we’d love to hear what you’ll be snapping up this festive season.
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