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    2016 Christmas Gift Guide: Tech for all ages

    2016-techau-christmas-gift-guide

    We're now inside the final month before Christmas. Finding the right presents has never been harder and after covering the latest and greatest in technology for another year, its time to make our recommendation for the best gifts this Christmas. This gift guide is divided into age appropriate ranges, so you can easily find the right gift for that friend of family member in your life. 

    As the deals continue to arrive in the leadup to Christmas 2016, this post will be updated. If you spot any you think would be great to include, let us know in the comments.  

    Ages 3 - 5 years old

    Gifts in this category are age appropriate for toddlers between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. These are often purchased by family members. 

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    Cloud Night Light

    Like it or not, some kids get scared by the dark and this cloud nightlight is a friendly way to maintain a comforting glow. Its cheap, easy and will make the world of difference to the little ones.

    Price: $5.00
    Purchase: Kmart

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    Bluetooth Water Dancing Speakers

    These 2 x 3W speakers won't blow you away with audio quality, but given these are for the little ones, you don't need it to. The biggest draw card of these, is the visual compliment to the sound which is achieved through LED lights dancing visual water display.

    Price: $20.00
    Purchase: Kmart

    Ages 5 - 10 years old

    A critical age in the development of children, technology can play an important role in their development. The presents found here will not only be fun, but often have educational benefits. 

    drone

    MID-SIZE DRONE WITH 720P CAMERA

    Drones are seriously hot right now, but you should steer away from the cheapest, they are incredibly difficult to control and will be crashed (and maybe destroyed) on Christmas Day. This one offers a remote controller with thumbsticks for a reasonable price.

    Price: $59.95 (RRP #129.00)
    Purchase: Aus electronics direct

    zipbuds

    Laser Zipper Ear Buds

    These funky ear buds from Laser are the ultimate gift for the littlest music buff. The perfect companion to any portable music player, smartphone or tablet and idea for summer road trips, these headphones have a built-in volume limiter that ensures protection for young ears. Its soft ear cushions block out external noise and coated with metallic pain and matching colour silicon tips, these are a great, kid-friendly stocking stuffer.

    Price: $9.00
    Purchase: Big W

    Ages 10 - 18 years old

    These presents are best suited to people between the ages of 10 and 18. This is reflective of what people of this age are interested in, recommended ages assigned by product manufacturers. Typically these gifts will be purchased by parents, siblings, aunties, uncles and grandparents. 

     

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    Sphero SPRK+ Edition App-Controlled Robotic Ball

    The standard app-controlled robotic balls are fun, but the Sphero SPRK+ Edition will inspire a love of robotics, coding, and STEM principles… all through play.

    The Sphero rolls at speeds of over 7 kmph and pairs to a mobile device via Bluetooth with a range of up to 30 metres. Powered by induction charging, it’s sensationally bright and ready for any adventure!

    Price: $149.00
    Purchase: Kogan

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    Spotify Music Pass

    Buying CD in 2016 is a no no. Most of us no longer have devices to play them on, its time you upgraded your present to a streaming music service like Spotify. The lucky recipient can then access music from a PC or mobile device and stream any of the more than 16 million songs available.

    Price: 1 month - $11.99, 3 month - $35.97, 6 month - 71.94, 1 year - $143.88. 
    Purchase: Spotify

    Ages 18 - 35 years old

    These presents are best suited to people between the ages of 18 and 35. Often the hardest group to buy for as they can have a high disposable income and just go buy technology if they want it. This is reflective of what people of this age are interested in, an appropriate budget and will typically be purchased by parents, friends and even the work Secret Santa. 

    vive

    HTC Vive 

    Explore Virtual Reality from the comfort of your living room with the HTC Vive. The real world is amazing, but when its raining, you can't enjoy it, the virtual world is always ready to go. Give your loved one the gift of one of the most advanced VR experiences.

    The price of the Vive means it'll be for someone you really, really love, but you also should know this person well enough to know they're into the latest and greatest PC. The HTC Vive requires a PC with VR-ready performance, sold separately. 

    Price: $1,399.00
    Purchase: JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman. 

    hue-go-ambience 

    Philips Hue Go portable light

    Smart lighting is all the go right now and while there's a plethora of connected light bulbs, they can't be moved. The rechargeable Hue Go is a connected and portable multi-coloured light source that can be controlled from your mobile phone. Simply drop it into an room and create a unique mood not available by standard white bulbs. 

    Price: $149.95
    Purchase: Apple Store.

    gear360

    Samsung Gear 360

    The Gear 360 is a great gift for travellers and memory keepers alike. Light weight and easy to use, the Gear 360 lets you capture 360-degree videos while in the moment, which can then be shared across social media or viewed at any time using the Gear VR.

    Price: $499.00
    Purchase: Select leading retailers

    psvr

    PlayStation VR

    Buy the gift of immersion for that special gamer in yourlife. No grandma, this won't work with the Xbox, but as long as your special someone lives in the PlayStation camp, the PlayStation VR would be a great gift this Christmas.

    One of the most affordable ways to get into interactive VR, this is an experience that will only continue to get better over time as new titles arrive through 2017, until then, there's 8 games included.

    Price: $549.95
    Purchase: EB Games, JB Hi-Fi, BigW, Sony.

    Ages 35 - 60 years old

    These presents are best suited to people between the ages of 35 and 60 years. This is reflective of what people of this age are interested in, an appropriate budget and will typically be purchased by parents, friends and even the work Secret Santa.

     

    fitbit

    Fitbit Charge 2

    With the latest in fitness tracking from Fitbit, your loved ones can track their movement, monitor their sleep and receive smartphone notifications. Its not an Apple watch, but hits all the main functionality of it for a fraction of the price. 

    Price: $236.00
    Purchase: Harvey Norman

     

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    Glass Cordless Kettle

    Kettles are one of those utilities that are often fogotten, like irons or vacum cleaners. Even if someone you know has a kettle, this would make for a great upgrade. The modern glass body design lets you see what's happening internally in the kettle as the water boils. 

    Price: $27.00
    Purchase: Kogan

     

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    Uniden iGO Cam 325 dashcam

    Aussie drivers are pretty terrible and anyone with a car has had that moment where they wish they could record the absurdities that unfold in front of them. This in-car recorder will automatically record if the G sensor is triggered, like if someone hits your vehicle while you're in the shops. Think of it as a high-tech insurance policy.

    Price: $67.00
    Purchase: Harvey Norman

    Ages 60-100 years old

    These presents are best suited to people above 60 years of age. People of this age group didn't grow up with technology, but can benefit the most from it. Typically bought by children for their parents.

     

    flower power

    Parrot Flower Power

    After pouring hours of time caring for that special plant, the last thing you want it to have it die because you've forgotten to maintain it. The Flower Power monitors sunlight, temperature, fertilizer and moisture through a sophisticated array of sensors. Alerts sent to a mobile phone will ensure the plant is never forgotten.

    Price: $89.99
    Purchase: Parrot

    Jason Cartwright
    Jason Cartwrighthttps://techau.com.au/author/jason/
    Creator of techAU, Jason has spent the dozen+ years covering technology in Australia and around the world. Bringing a background in multimedia and passion for technology to the job, Cartwright delivers detailed product reviews, event coverage and industry news on a daily basis. Disclaimer: Tesla Shareholder from 20/01/2021

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