Hot Holiday Gadgets

By Reena Jana
December 16, 2011

Hot Holiday Tech Gadgets

Every year, there's a hot gadget or two that's on nearly everyone’s holiday wish list. This year, consumer polls and business analysts alike are predicting that certain trendy items—tablet computers, namely from Apple and Amazon, of course—are likely to top those of many gift-givers and gift-wishers. But some of the top tech presents of 2011 might not be as obvious as you’d think.

NPD Group, a respected market researcher, has suggested that home-related technology—namely, tools such as single-serve coffee-brewing systems or soda makers that help you save money and reduce waste—are a solid gift strategy this year. Drills, for instance, are on NPD’s own list of predicted trendy items this year, because they are, as stated in a recent NPD release, “a great gift for new home owners or someone trying to save money by doing that home improvement project on their own, instead of hiring a pro.”

For kids under 18, video games and game-related items are, not surprisingly, the tech of choice, according to a survey of more than 8,000 consumers by the National Retail Federation (NRF), a trade group, conducted by BIG Research. Although children still rank Legos and Barbie dolls high on their lists, they are asking for the latest versions of the Xbox 360 and the Nintendo DS. Even kindergarten-aged kids are hoping for Leapfrog’s learning devices (they look a lot like a handheld video-game gadgets). The Nintendo DS made it into the top-ten toys lists for both boys and girls in 2011; boys ranked the Xbox 360 in their top-ten list, while girls named the Leapfrog brand of learning tech as one of their favorites.

No matter the age groups are of those on your gift lists, electronics are going to be popular this year—even more so than last. Nearly a third of holiday shoppers say they’re going to purchase electronic devices or computer accessories to give, up from 28.4% in 2010, the NRF reports.

What else is likely to be hot? An ultra-thin TV by Samsung, which turned heads at a recent tradeshow for its super-sleek, nearly bezel-free sets, that have built-in Wi-Fi and are 3D ready. As far as tablets go, the Kindle Fire—at around $200—is likely to be a bestseller because of its affordable price, according to a fall report by business analyst Douglas Anmuth of J.P. Morgan.

If you’re still not sure what tech is right for all of the gift recipients you’re buying for, there’s always a gift card. (In fact, a whopping 80.2% of shoppers say they’re buying gift cards this season—that’s up from 77.3% last year, the NRF reports.) While not high-tech themselves, gift cards that can be used to redeem digital media (to purchase online videos or music), for many of this year’s most-desired gadgets themselves, or for accessories such as headphones, cases, and other gear to go with the devices Santa’s likely to place under the tree.

We’ve made a list, and we’ve checked it twice; here are ten hot holiday tech gifts sure to please those who’ve been nice.

Kindle Fire

(buy it now price, $212.47)

This new tablet has a 7-inch screen and beyond its slim size, its small price is likely to be as attractive as its sleek look.
iPad 2

(buy it now price, $800)

The ever-popular Apple device that started the tablet craze is a multi-tasking tool as well as an entertainment gadget.
iTunes Gift Card

(buy it now price, $15)

Eight out of ten holiday shoppers plan on giving gift cards this year. And giving one that can make a tech-lover’s experience of her new gadgets even more fun—so she can purchase digital music or movies, for instance—will be appreciated as a thoughtful present.
Leapfrog Leapster

(buy it now price, $59.90)

Even kindergartners want their tech. Leapfrog is a popular maker of colorful, well-designed learning toys that look and feel like video game devices.
Samsung TV

(buy it now price $ 1,197.00)

Samsung makes the world’s most slender TVs --with almost no bezels. These sets not only look ultra-sleek, but also come with built-in Wi-Fi capability and are 3D ready.
Cuisinart Single Coffee Brewer

(buy it now price, $209.89)

Not all hot tech gifts are computing devices or TVs. For the coffee lover, a single-cup brewer is a welcome gift that doesn’t take up much counter space and conveniently allows each coffee drinker to make a custom cup of joe.
Xbox 360

(buy it now price, $198.99)

Microsoft’s Xbox 360 video game console is as popular as ever, and its latest model is sleeker than ever.
Bosch Cordless Drill

(buy it now price, $184.95)

A cordless, powerful, yet easy-to-use drill will delight the DIY-types on your list.
Soda Maker

(buy it now price, $87.96)

Sure, a gadget that makes homemade soda in exotic flavors is a novelty. But for eco- and budget-conscious types, a make-you-own soft-drink-and-seltzer gadget can also eventually save money, as well as help cut down on the number of disposable plastic bottles that could end up in landfills.
Nintendo DS

(buy it now price, $300)

Even in an age of tablet computers, the classic Nintendo DS handheld video-game system is still in the top-ten of most-wanted toys for both boys and girls for 2011.