21 tech presents for the gadget lover in your life

Nov 18 2020, 3:00 pm

We’ve all got a gadget lover in our lives — and we’re not just talking computers. From a practical (and stylish) pair of wireless ear phones to a sleek smart speaker and the latest in beauty tech, we’ve rounded up a few must-haves right here.

Eero Pro6 from Best Buy

The Eero Pro6 from Best Buy.

Get a powerful, smooth wireless network for your house or office with the eero Pro 6 whole home mesh system ($799.99) from Best Buy. This three-pack lets you enjoy tri-band WiFi 6 with speeds up to 900Mbps, and up to 6,000 square feet of coverage for more than 75 devices, making it great for larger homes. Via TrueMesh technology, you can enjoy seamless 4K streaming, gaming, video conferences, and more.

HomePod Mini by Apple

Apple’s HomePod Mini.

It’s the ultimate smart speaker: meet Apple’s HomePod Mini ($129). This sleek item syncs with all of your existing Apple items, and it features Siri’s voice assistant and a powerful 360° speaker. Plus, it’ll look great in your living room, kitchen, or whatever room you decided to put it in.

PhoneSoap UV Sanitizer

The PhoneSoap 3.

A pandemic must. Studies have shown that your cell phone can be 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat, so now is probably a good time to give it a good clean. Keep your smartphone germ-free and charged with the PhoneSoap 3 Sanitizer & Charger ($69.99) available at Best Buy. Did we mention it kills 99.9% of germs in 10 minutes?

Larq’s Self-Cleaning Water Bottles

Larq’s self-cleaning water bottle.

The next generation of water bottle. The LARQ version ($125) is rechargeable via USB and self-cleaning. Using a UV-C LED light, both the bottle and your water are purified every two hours, or with the touch of a button. It’s also double-insulated, keeping water cool for 24 hours or nice and hot for 12. Available at Indigo.

Dyson’s Corrale Straightener

Dyson has added a third item to its immensely popular hair tool collection. The Corrale ($649) is the first-ever straightener featuring flexing copper plates, which aim to give the user extra control and damage hair up to 50% less. Bonus: it can also be used corded or cord-free. Available in black and fuchsia or purple and black.

Apple’s iPhone 12

Apple’s iPhone 12.

For the friend or family member who loves the latest and greatest. The iPhone 12 ($1,129) boasts a dual camera system, 5G speed, and perhaps most importantly more durability. Apple claims the newest iPhone model has a “4x better drop performance” with its ceramic shield, hopefully making cracked screens a thing of the past. Also available in a mini size ($979).

Electric Toothbrush by Brüush

Electric toothbrush by Brüush.

Nothing beats a fresh cleaning at the dentist — and this cool at-home device does just that. Brüush’s USB-chargeable toothbrush ($95) offers six cleaning modes to keep both your pearly whites and gums healthy. Comes as a one-time purchase or on a subscription model ($75), where the user receives three new brush heads every six months. Available in black, blush pink or white.

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds in. Mystic Bronze.

Reminiscent of Tiffany & Co.’s iconic bean design, these are definitely the most fashionable wireless buds we’ve seen. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Live ($249) are revered in online reviews for their sound quality and comfortable fit. They’re also noise-cancelling, offer six hours of battery life, and are great for people with smaller ears. Available in mystic bronze, black or white at Best Buy.

Bluetooth Pen & Notebook by Moleskin

Moleskin’s smart writing set.

This looks like your average notebook and pen, but it’s much smarter. Perfect for the person who still likes to write things down the old fashioned way, Moleskin’s USB-chargeable pen and notebook set ($250) also records all written data digitally on your computer or phone. Available at Indigo.

LED Face Mask by Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare’s DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro.

Kourtney Kardashian swears by this tech beauty item. The LED Light Shield Mask by Dr. Gross Skincare ($550) allows the wearer to soak up the skincare benefits of LED light at home. The futuristic-looking mask comes in three different settings: red to reduce redness/inflammation and help support collagen production, blue to target breakouts and bacteria, and red and blue together to work on both wrinkles and blemishes.

Temperature Control Mug by Ember

For those who sip their coffee or tea on the slow side. Avoid a cold cup of joe with this brilliant smart mug by Ember ($149.95) that not only keeps your drink hot but also allows the user to set an exact drinking temperature for 90 minutes. Comes with a charging coaster and can be machine washed. Available in a holiday-ready copper shade, black or white.

Peloton Bike+

Peloton Bike+

As the home gym becomes more important than ever during Covid, it’s no surprise that Peloton spin bikes get rave reviews from loyal users. With live weekly classes, an on-demand library, digitally controlled resistance and a touchscreen that offers 360 degrees of movement, the Peloton Bike+ ($3,295) is where cardio meets technology.

Diffuser by Saje Wellness

The Aroma Rise Cascade diffuser by Saje Wellness.

Wellness and technology coming together. The warm-grey Aroma Rise Cascade ($92) adds elegance to any room,  and is limited edition for the holiday. The diffuser can mist your favourite essential oil blend for up to three hours consecutively or six hours intermittently, and scents up to 400 square feet.

Wireless Charger by Courant

Courant’s Catch 2 wireless charger.

Wireless charging is the wave of the future. The Catch 2 by Courant ($180), available at Holt Renfrew, combines sleek design and convenience by allowing you to charge ear buds and your phone (or two phones) all in one go. Also comes with a USB C Charging Cable.

Sensor Soap Dispenser by SimpleHuman

Sensor liquid soap dispenser by SimpleHuman.

Replace your gunky soap dispenser (you know you have one) with this germ-free sensor version by SimpleHuman ($70). Refillable and rechargeable, this futuristic design is also cool to display. Available in stainless steel, white, brass or rose gold.

Dell’s Alienware 7.1 Gaming Headset

Dell’s Alienware gaming headset.

Everyone’s got a gamer in their life. Dell’s Alienware headset ($99) from Best Buy elevates the experience with 7.1 surround sound, allowing the wearer to get fully immersed in another world. While built for hardcore gaming, it also doubles as a headset for Zoom meetings, conference calls and more.

Nespresso’s Vertuo Espresso Machine & Milk Frother

Nespresso’s Vertuo machine.

Nespresso has solidified itself as the best in the game when it comes to at-home coffee machines. While the brand offers models in a variety of sizes and price points, you get the most bang for your buck with the Vertuo Next Premium Espresso Machine ($169.99). This specific model also comes with the Aeroccino 3 Milk Frother, essential for a creamy latte or cappuccino. Available at Best Buy.

Tile Tracking Device

Tile’s tracking device.

The Tile ($45.99) is a game-changer for anyone who is prone to losing their keys or bag. Using Bluetooth technology, Tile’s 400-foot range makes it easier than ever to track down your items.

Away Luggage

The Bigger Carry On by Away.

Not only is this spacious hardshell carry-on well designed, but it also includes an ultra-convenient battery charger. Stay connected on the go with the removable 37-watt lithium-ion battery that can power your cell phone up to 4x. Available in several sizes, including the Carry On ($295) and the Bigger Carry-On ($325). Bags can also be personalized with initials.

Facial Toning Device by NuFACE

The NuFace Mini.

Jennifer Aniston’s secret weapon. The Friends star swears by the facial-toning devices by NuFACE, now available in a mini size ($238) at Sephora. The petite-sized device uses gentle micro current technology (or as they say, the “facial-lift treatment”) to help contour, tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Hurom’s HP Slow Juicer

Hurom’s HP Slow Juicer.

The cutest juicer ever! Make your own green drink or almond milk at home with Hurom’s HP Slow Juicer ($419). Using “slow squeeze technology,” the juicer rotates at a speed of just 43 revolutions per minute. Bonus: it’s compact and quiet, unlike most juicers. Available at Indigo.

Cassandra GillCassandra Gill

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