The Trendiest Tech-Themed Gifts To Buy This Christmas

Christmas is the one time of year where you can justify splashing out on the latest and greatest gadgets to enjoy. Here at IMAGE, though we deal in fashion and beauty for the most part, we’re massive tech-heads and always dying to get our hands on the next must-have technological innovation. This year, what with the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, there’s one little fellow that’s sure to make his presence known on not just our wish list, but every Irish kid’s (and adult’s) too: The Star Wars BB-8 Droid?(?169.99). Though not exactly a techie essential, this mini robot is the coolest gift you’ll get somebody this Christmas, sure to guarantee endless fun around the dinner table. As for his purpose? The advanced robot has an adaptive personality that progresses as you play; based on your interactions, the BB-8 will develop expressions and even recognise your voice commands. Set to patrol and allow your Droid to develop a mind of its own or guide the adventure yourself while creating futuristic holographic recordings. In a word, DEADLY.

With party season in full swing, you’ll be wanting the best possible sound system, with which you can bellow out your favourite Christmas songs. This year, it’s all about Sonos. Gone are the days of enormous speakers whose size matched its sound; these days, good things come in smaller packages and with Sonos, you needn’t worry about dwarfing your festive living room. With slick contemporary design, wireless and Bluetooth options and different colours to boot, Sonos is the ultimate addition to sound this Christmas. Browse the collection here on Arnotts.ie, starting from €299.

Elsewhere in the land of of tech is another stocking filler option but this time from Bose, always a reliable favourite. For those on a smaller budget, Bose Soundlink Colour Bluetooth?(?139.99) speaker in black is just the ticket. This handy little number requires no fuss, no wires, just fun. Expect it to deliver up to 8 hours of music, an impressive level of sound for an object of its size and as for what we really love about it? It’s light, curved and easy to transport (in other words, this baby’s coming on your next travelling adventure).

For the baking enthusiast in your life, a kitchen utensil of epic proportions will always go down a treat. Kenwood’s Kmx84 Firecracker Standmixer usually retails at €499 but currently, at Arnotts, you can get it for €299; a steal for kitchen investment. Treat your foodie friend to something that will give their arms a break from all that mixing, while you reap the benefits of their cake-making. With a 5-litre stainless steel bowl with large handle, 500W motor, planetary mixing action, and a range of clever attachments to choose from, the kMix stand mixer comfortably handles large quantities of ingredients and the stiffest of doughs. The unique fold function enables the bowl tool to revolve 2.5 times to perfectly incorporate ingredients without losing air, which, as your pal will know, is hugely important in baking mixtures.

Also in the land of kitchen essentials, it’s time to ditch the instant coffee and treat your coffee-fiend friend to the ultimate caffeine companion; the DeLonghi Latissima Touch (?299.99). Offering six different beverage options, the only trouble you’ll have with this kitchen wizard is choosing which way to enjoy your coffee each morning.

Stuck for ideas when it comes to your uber cool, millennial sibling? Of all the gifts you could buy someone, we’re not sure you could ever go wrong with a decent pair of headphones. These days, we want it to be known when we’ve plugged in; we’re done with subtle ear-buds. At the same time, we’re not quite comfortable with the idea of walking around, donned in a set of bright yellow headphones that are so big, you’d spot us a mile away. For something sleek and stylish that works as well as it looks, Sennheiser Urbanite Headphones in Sand gets our vote. For those who like their bass, these bad boys deliver on all fronts. €197.99

Last, but by no means least, if your 2015 draws to a close and you’re not wearing a Fitbit on your wrist, your year’s just not complete. The ultimate in fitness friends, much has been written about the Fitbit’s simple ability to track our fitness progress, ensuring we’re always moving and optimising our heart health. Whether you’re on a drive to ditch the calories or you simply want to start walking more, the Fitbit’s got your back (or, well, your wrist). €149.99 and we’re loving the plum-coloured HD option for something a little different.

For more gadgets and tech-themed choice, shop in store or at Arnotts.ie