Stuck for ideas? The best tech gifts for Christmas
The Session 4 is smaller and easier to use than past models.
If you’ve had the book/socks/kitchen accessory combo on rotation for the past 10 years, it might be time to bring your Christmas gifts into the 21st century.
Whether your family members are gadget-obsessed or need to be gently nudged into the world of technology, these gifts – all available online from the Co-op – will inspire, intrigue and hopefully even make a real difference to their 2016.
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Choose between auto flight or paddle control.
For the little niece or nephew
Price: $44.90
Why they’ll love it: The Radar Copter can be used with two players or alone, making it just as popular with parents as kids.
In two-player mode, each kid holds a paddle and directs the copter away from them.
In auto-fly mode, the copter can dodge obstacles all on its own – rendering it a slightly lesser chance of ending up in the bin by the new year.
For the Mum who’s just discovered iPads
Attachable gold iPad keyboard from Brydgeair
Turn an iPad into a mini laptop.
Price: $199
Why she’ll love it: iPads are sleek and compact, but typing on them can be a slow and painful process.
As attractive as it is functional, this gold detachable keyboard will be a lifesaver for Mum while she’s typing emails.
For the less flashy Mums, try the silver or grey versions.
For the Dad who wants crisper sound
Noise-cancelling over-ear headphones from Audio Technica
Price: $197
Why he’ll love them: Audio Technica is famous for its noise-cancelling headphones, helping Dad drown out the sound of screaming kids on planes, or really go for it on his run.
You and the BB-8 can really get to know each other.
Connect these to your phone’s bluetooth and receive calls by pressing a button on the ears, before returning to the rousing treble and intense bass.
For the brother who’s ahead of the curve
Price: $249.99
Why he’ll love it: Forget R2-D2 – BB-8 is the newest robot character from Star Wars Ep7, and this droid is out just in time for the release of the new Star Wars film.
He’ll recognise your voice, react to your commands and go where you tell him. Or, set him to patrol mode and watch him explore on his own.
You can even create and view holographic recordings. After something smaller? Try the Sphero 2.0 Droid – it rolls with you and can be controlled 100 feet away.
For the sister who wants her music on the move
UE Boom portable speakers from Logitech
Price: $249
Why she’ll love them: Logitech’s UE Boom 2 speakers are everything you’d want in a portable speaker: small, good-looking and incredibly loud.
The Session 4 is smaller and easier to use than past models.
If your friends also have a pair, you can connect them together using bluetooth to really blast some sound. For an extra bonus, they’re waterproof and shock-proof (read: party-proof).
For the partner who’s going on an adventure
GoPro Hero4 Session micro camera
Price: $579
Why they’ll love it: GoPro’s tiny cameras are used by athletes, adventurers, amateur cyclists and tourists alike.
Perfect for anyone who wants to capture video footage or still images while on the go, the Hero4 GoPro is 50 per cent smaller than any other GoPro yet, plus it’s easier to mount or wear.
An ideal gift for someone you love going overseas or on an adventure.