Aren’t gadgets great? Not only do their coffee-making, smart-speaking, beard-trimming ways make our lives immeasurably easier — but they also change every year. That means, when faced with finding Christmas presents for those tricky-to-buy-for relatives and friends, we’ve got a ready supply of new and updated options.

There’s no way that they’ll already have the latest smartwatch, or the newest gaming console to hit the market — so you can swoop in, scoop them up and present your presents with peace of mind. Here are the best tech gifts for Christmas 2020…

It’s one of the fastest advancing tech sectors — so it’s no surprise that there are some impressive new wearable gadgets and gizmos on the market this year. From fitness trackers to self-heating garments, there’s a lot to choose from — but we’d go for gifts that will improve and streamline everyday life.

Things like Tovi’s Sorga Key Ring. 100% leather and with a gold-plated ring, this subtle, sophisticated accessory for their keys has a contactless payment chip embedded into it — perfect for shopping, nights out or a daily commute. Bose, too, has added several new frame designs to its audio sunglasses range — with speakers built into the arms. Or, if you’ve got a little more cash to splash, why not gift a smartwatch? The Summit 2, from Montblanc, is a high-tech option wrapped in a traditional, timeless case.

Of course, not everyone’s budget stretches to smartwatches — or smartphones, for that matter. But, if you’re looking to introduce some tip-top tech into the lives of your friends and family, you don’t necessarily have to fork out on the main event. Instead, you could find a smartphone accessory to upgrade their handset at a fraction of the cost.

If they’re something of an amateur photographer, why not find an external lens — such as this Pro Series Lens from Beast Grip? Alternatively, you could give them the option of printing any pictures they take — with Polaroid’s innovative Instant Printer. But perhaps our favourite smartphone gadget is Shoulderpod’s S2 Grip; a wooden-handled, durable and simple grip for shooting steady photos and video.

For any music lovers in your life, why not seek out a speaker system or headphones that’ll make up for this year’s lack of live music? From noise-cancelling, show-stopping performance to exceptionally sleek design, there are plenty of options to bring concert-quality sound into the comfort of your own home.

Or even outside of your home. With Sennheiser’s HD 569 headphones, the German brand delivers rich and clear bass, ergonomic design and effective acoustic isolation. From KEF, the LS50 Wireless II speakers are perhaps the perfect all-in-one speaker system, with the ability to stream from sources including AirPlay 2, Chromecast and more. Or look to Ruark, and the CD, Smart radio, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-compatible R3 Music System.

How many of us have turned to gaming this year? As a way to let off some steam without leaving the house, it’s been a bit of a godsend. And, with the future of lockdown and self-isolation uncertain, perhaps now is the time to invest in and gift a bit of home entertainment for the coming months.

The Oculus Quest 2, immersive and inventive, has been released at just the right time. Not only will it feel like you’re leaving your house every time you slip the headset on, you can also meet up with friends in virtual worlds. The Google Stadia makes the cut for two reasons; novelty and affordability. The new cloud-based gaming system can also stream games up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. Or, for the traditionalists, the new Playstation 5 will be a surefire winner come Christmas morning.

There’s often something a bit back-handed about grooming gifts. Unless it’s an aftershave they’ve been asking for year-after-year, new gadgets for the bathroom cabinet can look like heavy-handed suggestions that your family and friends need to start looking after themselves a little more.

But it’s been a tough year, and we’ve all let our grooming routines slide. So there’s no harm in giving people a nudge in the right direction. And, with razors, clippers and shavers as exciting as the Braun Series 9 and Philips Series 9000, who wouldn’t want to find one of these beard-taming gadgets under their tree? Also, if you know someone obsessed with apps, this Philips Sonicare is like Strava for your dental hygiene — tracking plaque and generating a 3D mouth map for the brusher.

With restaurants, cafés and coffee shops all shutting up shop over the course of 2020, most people have spent the year expanding their culinary skills and kitchen know-how. And, once you’ve stuffed their stockings with the best cookbooks of the year, why not also help out with hardware?

For those clamouring for a professional caffeine fix, this Sage coffee machine is one of the best we’ve tested all year — equipped with a steam wand and cup-warming tray. If they’ve turned to something a little stronger during lockdown, this slick Electric Corkscrew from Cuisinart will have your friends and family sipping their Syrah in no time. Or, if you want to shift their kitchen into the bedroom, Joy Resolve’s avant-garde coffee-making alarm clock will make New Year mornings even easier.

Struggling to buy for your mother? Here are the best Christmas gifts for mums…

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