Top tech gift ideas for Christmas

It’s almost time to wrap those gifts and stuff those stockings, and the very latest in cool tech can make the perfect gift for just about anyone. From bikes that help do the peddling to wireless headphones that almost never need charging, these are the seven best tech buys this Christmas.

Belkin Magnetic Phone Mount With Face Tracking

Price: $79.95

Anyone who has tried shooting a video of themselves on a phone knows getting the right angle can be a fraught process. This ingenious device removes the guesswork thanks to ‘Face Tracking’ – a system that follows your movements with 360-degree rotation and adjustable angles. You can also connect it to your social media apps, allowing you to post your perfectly filmed videos immediately. 

LARQ PureVis Self-Cleaning Water Bottle

Price: $179

Most of us carry a water bottle these days, but may not be washing it as often as recommended. This self-cleaning water bottle uses a built-in UV-C LED light to eliminate 99.99 per cent of odour, harmful bacteria and bio-contaminants from your water and bottle in a minute, with double-wall vacuum insulation keeping the contents cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours.

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset

Price: $319

Gamers know that when you’re in the zone, certain things like powering devices can go out the window. This doesn’t have to be an issue with this wireless headset that comes with an astonishing 300 hours of battery life – enough to last more than 12 days. They’re also comfortable, reasonably lightweight and, crucially, deliver excellent audio quality.

Marshall Stockwell II Bluetooth Speaker

Price: $329

Having a good portable speaker to pump out tunes during outdoor adventures is crucial, and the water-resistant Stockwell II – fashioned to look like a classic Marshall amp – brings both style and superior audio quality. A single charge will get you 20-plus hours of portable playtime, with multi-direction sound utilising True Stereophonic guaranteeing this sounds as amazing as it looks.

Ray-Ban Stories

Price: $443

While they may not be the first ‘smart glasses’ on the market, they’re easily the coolest, coming in Ray-Ban’s classic Wayfarer, Round and Meteor styles. A collaboration with Facebook (aka Meta), Ray-Ban Stories come equipped with two cameras, two speakers, a three-microphone array and 4GB of storage, allowing you to take up to 500 photos and record more than 30 half-minute videos. If that’s not enough, you can also use them to listen to music and take phone calls. Nifty.

Leitner Libelle 20-Inch Step-Thru Folding E-bike

Price: $1375

Judging from the size of the lycra-clad packs that hit Australian roads every weekend, cycling is more popular than ever. For those wanting to avoid intimidating inclines and joint stress, electric bikes with rechargeable batteries are a godsend. This e-bike can reach speeds of 25km/h and features pedal assist, which automatically engages the motor when you need help. It also folds up into a neat 74cm x 91cm x 51cm package for easy storage and is an environmentally friendly option for those quick trips.

DJI Mavic 3 Drone

Price: $2899

Combining the fun of piloting a remote-controlled plane with taking the kind of stunning aerial footage that will put everyone else’s home-movies to shame, the DJI Mavic 3 drone can stay airborne for 46 minutes before it needs a recharge. With a 15km maximum transmission range, the DJI Mavic 3 can capture footage in 4K/120fps (frames per second) – crystal clear quality that would easily fit in the next Mission: Impossible movie.

Insuring your new gadgets

If you’ve got a nifty new gadget that you want to ensure is covered – consider adding Portable Valuables cover to your home insurance. This can ensure that portable items like e-bikes and portable speakers are covered anywhere in Australia and New Zealand, and they can be specified for their full value to ensure that you’ll be paid out enough at claim time.

Learn more about Portable Valuables

Read more:

• Can I make an insurance claim without receipts?
• Renting and contents insurance explained
• Everything you need to know about jewellery insurance

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Target Market Determination is also available. This article has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.