The holiday shopping season speeds into full gear this weekend with Black Friday sales coming to every store. And if you’re looking for something unique for that special someone, there are some great new high-tech gadgets waiting to jump into your cart.
Kodak Dock Plus printer
Many of us have hundreds of photos in our camera roll, but we are often the only ones who ever see them. This printer is an easy way to get some of those memories out of the digital world and into a photo frame or onto a fridge. This compact printer is $120.99, comes with 10 sheets of photo paper and is compatible with Android and iOS. Dock your phone to connect with the printer and charge it at the same time, or just use the bluetooth connection, which makes it super easy. Download the Kodak app to bring up your photos. Add filters, text, stickers or borders and print a beautiful 4-by-6-inch photograph in about a minute. You can get a replacement ink cartridge and 80 sheets of photo paper for just $25. It is lightweight and portable, although it does needs to be plugged in to an electrical outlet.
LuDela candle
One of my favorite ways to add ambiance to any environment is lighting candles. But real ones can be messy and the electric candles can look fake. LuDela has created a way you can have a real flame candle, but with thoughtful safety measures and no mess. A $99 starter kit comes with a fairly large candle that is 6 inches tall and 4 inches wide and two liquid wax cartridges. There are several ways it sets your mind at ease if you’re worried about the danger of an open flame in your home. It works with a remote control, so you can set a timer for how long you want it to burn. The candle will extinguish if it tilts for any reason, and it will also go out if someone reaches a hand toward the flame. Plus, you can’t turn it on with the remote unless you push the buttons in a specific pattern. The requirement acts like a child lock for little ones who can’t yet read the directions on the back of the remote. Charge the candle’s ignition system via USB and plan on getting around 50 hours of burn time with each fuel cartridge.
Foreo Bear microcurrent device
Skin care products are a multibillion-dollar market in the U.S., according to Statista, and Swedish company Foreo has two new gadgets with some of the latest and greatest innovations. The Bear uses electrical currents and a pulsating technology to give the muscles in your face a workout. Apply a conducting serum to your face and then glide the “pocket-sized personal trainer” in the direction you’d like your muscles to firm. The company claims it will help build collagen, repair elastin, increase circulation and tone facial muscles. You can buy microcurrent facial treatments at some medical spas. They’ll cost you around $300, and Jennifer Aniston swears by them, according to InStyle. This at-home option costs $299 and an accompanying app teaches you the right way to maneuver it around your face and neck to get the tightest bang for your buck.
iHome Lux Power bluetooth vanity speaker
When I’m getting ready for the day, I always listen to podcasts while doing my hair and makeup. This gadget makes it so easy to multitask because it’s a 9-inch vanity mirror that connects via bluetooth with your phone. It has wireless charging, a speaker to make calls, use Siri or Google Assistant and also has a USB connection to charge yet another device. The Lux Power is $149.99 and comes with a removable 10x magnification mirror and three levels of brightness you can change with a tap.
Auxiwa Clip-on selfie ring light
If you’re looking for something that isn’t quite so expensive, check out these selfie ring lights for under $15. These lightweight clip-ons have 36 LED lights and a rechargeable battery. It can help illuminate a photo taken with the front or rear camera on a phone, or give better lighting on that videoconference call if you clip it to your laptop. Target has a cute star-shaped light for $9.99, and it would be the perfect stocking stuffer.
Technology isn’t just for geeks. These creative gifts use the latest tech but will also make life easier, more beautiful and should bring a smile to anyone’s face.