Gifts for movie fans
Christmas is approaching and no doubt there's a gadget lover in your life that you'll be buying gifts for.
So to give you some shopping inspiration, and help you avoid the busy high street, we've put together the ultimate gift guide with links to buy everything online.
We've got gifts for music and movie fans, gamers, Mac and PC users, gadgets for the kitchen and much more.
So scroll on down through our Christmas gift ideas for 2013 - you may well even find yourself buying a few gifts for yourself while you're at it.
Gifts for movie fans
Husky Union Jack Mini Fridge - £140
A fine selection of refreshments is a must for any movie night - preferably in a mini fridge such as this one from Husky, enabling you to just sit back and relax, happy in the knowledge that all your nourishment needs are only an arm stretch away.
Philips 278G4DHSD 27-inch 3D monitor - £258
If you prefer your big-screen kicks at your desk, you don't need that big a screen. This Philips 27-inch monitor is big enough to make 3D movies look stunning just a few feet from your face. It even creates an ambient glow behind the screen as the mood of the movie changes.
Roku 2XS - £65
The grown-up Roku is a tiny but brilliant media-streaming box, offering on-demand entertainment from Sky, Netflix, the BBC and more over the internet. Just plug it into your TV, and you'll have access to hundreds of high-quality movies instantly.
Retro Kettle Popcorn Maker - £143
This vintage-style popcorn maker turns out authentic popcorn, just like a real cinema, ensuring a constant stream of snacks to keep your energy levels up for marathon movie sessions.
Sony BDP-S790 4K & 3D Blu-ray player - £200
Not content with old-school DVD movies? Then Sony's BDP-S790 player offers HD Blu-ray. Need more depth? It's also 3D capable. Not enough? You'll be pleased to know it has Digital Cinema 4K built-in, which enables you to watch movies at four times the quality of Full HD. Amazing!
Toshiba Satellite U840W - £720
Movies at the cinema are shown in super-widescreen, but most home displays aren't the right size, so you don't get the full experience. This Windows 8 laptop has a 21:9 ratio display so you get the entire picture - and you can take it everywhere.
Q Acoustics 2000i Series 5.1 Cinema Pack - £625
What's a movie without incredible surround sound? Not a proper one, if you ask us. But fear not - Q Acoustics' set of speakers bring the sort of realistic sound that might make your neighbours a little envious.
BenQ W703D Projector - £415
Nothing beats the experience of having a massive screen to watch movies on, but unless you want to lose half your lounge to a big black box, a projector is the way forward. BenQ's W703D projector is not only Full HD, but it also offers 3D viewing so you really can have the cinema at home.
Sony VPL-HW50ES - £2,800
This quiet machine throws images up to 300 inches across, with deep blacks and lush colours. Its Iris 3 technology judges optimum aperture openings, creating a dynamic image with a 100,000:1 contrast range. 3D performance falls a little short of expectations, but two pairs of specs are thrown in to distract you. For 2D, the SXRD light engine and Reality Creation processor keep things crisp. This is our choice for big movies.
Epson EH-TW8100 - £1,900
This projector's blacks could be deeper, but there's nuance in the shadows and no shortage of detail, even at the maximum 300-inch image size. Indeed, at 2,400 lumens the Epson is so bright you won't need black-out blinds, making it ideal for daytime film marathons.
It's also quiet, particularly in Eco mode, although when you engage 3D it gets noticeably louder. It does, however, deliver clean, immersive active shutter 3D. Glasses cost extra.
JVC DLA-X35 - £2,500
Packing a killer contrast punch, with image sizes up to 200 inches across, this is a heavyweight in every way. It has unbeatable native contrast - 50,000:1 - with no need for the dynamic iris systems employed by Sony and others.
Blacks are velvety and colour fidelity is superb. The DLA-X35 is 3D-ready, but there are issues with crosstalk. However, for 2D HD projection, it's hard to fault.
Acer K750 - £1,600
It may lack the brightness of rival LCD and DLP projectors, but the Acer K750 will never need a replacement bulb because it uses a revolutionary LED laser light source instead.
Picture quality is good, but you need to be in a very dark room if you want to see images that live up to the 100,000:1 quoted contrast. It's not 3D-ready, but it can handle the third dimension with help from a DLP Link processor.
BenQ W1070 - £693
Despite being the cheapest projector here, this 1080p DLP number from BenQ serves up superb images. Output is 2,000 lumens and it musters a 235-inch image from 19 feet.
Images have impressive clarity, motion resolution is good, and while it may not offer the darkest blacks, the W1070 is still capable of a snappy 10,000:1 dynamic range. It's also 3D capable, although no glasses are supplied in the box.
Gifts for music lovers
Make a music fan's day by letting them listen to hundreds of internet radio stations from across the world, stream music from their phone, tablet or laptop to a wireless speaker, or hone their DJing skills with one of these great gifts.
Internet radios
Logitech UE Smart Radio - £130
Logitech's radio is stunningly versatile - it can link to loads of internet music services, such as Last.fm and Spotify; its room-filling sound is every bit as good as radios twice the price; and the built-in rechargeable battery means you can listen to music while relaxing in the tub. We love its intuitive navigation, and the ability to control it from a smartphone.
Roberts Stream 105 - £100
The Stream 105 looks the part. The monochrome display is nice and straightforward, and sound is decent if not exceptional. A companion smartphone app enables you to control it from afar, and you can chuck some batteries in the back to listen to music in the garden - provided you're within Wi-Fi range.
3Pure Sensia 200D Connect - £230
Its eye-catching looks may not be for everyone, but the sound is as bright as some of its colour options - and it's available in a range of more subtle hues.
The large, responsive touchscreen makes browsing stations a breeze, and it's pre-loaded with ambient sounds to fall asleep to. The ability to plug in a USB drive and record radio for later is a nice touch.
Revo AXiS - £136
Connect a smartphone into the Revo Axis and you're able to play all your tunes through it - and it's also a fairly comprehensive internet radio, too.
It includes both DAB and analogue receivers, so you can listen to all your favourite terrestrial stations, as well as access internet music streaming service Last.fm. Its sound is solid and well-rounded, but the touchscreen is a little fiddly and unresponsive.
Sonos Play:3 - £250
This radio lacks a screen, but it can be controlled using software on your computer, smartphone or tablet. Although it's the priciest here, its astonishing sound makes it worth every penny.
Each of its three speakers has its own amplifier, which means bass and treble are separated and it sounds like a high-end hi-fi.
It can also be turned vertically so it looks inconspicuous on a bookshelf, or wall-mounted if you want to show off its minimalist looks.
Wireless speakers
Beats by Dre Pill - £170
Any worries we had about Beats by Dre products being a cash-in on the hip-hop artist's name vanished as soon as we heard the Pill. It's about the size of a banana, but the sound is astonishing, matching Dre's trademark bass with crisp trebles.
It also includes NFC, so you can tap devices on the speaker to pair them. Battery power rounds off this miniature marvel.
Bose SoundLink II - £250
This Bose speaker features interchangeable coloured leather covers, and combines classic radio looks with space-age technology. Stereo separation is excellent, the bass levels are clear and it hits the high-end notes perfectly.
In fact, it sounds much more like a proper hi-fi system than a tiny battery-powered device. Our only issue is with the plastic trim, which feels cheap on such an otherwise well-made and expensive device.
Logitech UE Boombox - £130
The UE Boombox looks like a cross between a space-age radio and an ancient electric heater. Despite its relatively large size, it's designed with portability in mind, and it feels nice and tough.
The sound quality is very expansive and great for outdoor use, but there are times when the bass drowns out everything else. A control dial would be a great addition here.
Creative D80 - £32
Creative's Bluetooth speakers come in pink, blue, green and black, which makes them a colourful addition to any home. They're also the most affordable in our test, but their sound quality is distinctive and punchy, and they feel reassuringly heavy and well-built.
They lack a battery, so you can't take your music too far from a mains outlet, but their modest price and smart design will please discerning teenage audiophiles.
5. JBL Flip - £100
This speaker sounded good enough when we first tested it - and then we realised we had it the wrong way round. With that error corrected, it's astonishing, delivering a finely-tuned, crisp sound that belies its tiny size.
It can be oriented horizontally or vertically, so it doesn't take up too much space, and it's battery-powered for portability. You can even make and receive calls while your smartphone is still connected.
Gifts for budding DJs
HP Envy 23 - £630
A touchscreen and built-in Beats Audio tech mean the Envy 23 sounds amazing, and is perfect for mixing and crossfading at home. It's probably a little cumbersome to take on the road, though.
Roland VT-12 Vocal Trainer - £155
If you're going to apply your dulcet tones to a track you're working on, make sure they're not a half-note off with this little gadget. It even includes built-in audio exercises to train you up, and has support for two voices in harmony.
Bose AE2 Headphones - £130
Invest in a decent pair of headphones and your DJ experience will be all the sweeter for it. The over-ear AE2s isolate sound well, and rotate for easy mixing in noisy environments.
Hercules DeeJay TRIM 4&6 - £160
Scratching and mixing using vinyl is great if you've got a good collection of wax, but you don't need it - the DeeJay TRIM uses a special timecoded 12-inch disc and VirtualDJ software to translate your movements into the digital domain.
Audioquest DragonFly DAC - £169
Hi-fi purists will always rave about the warmth and purity of sound you only get from vinyl. Add some of that warmth to your digital output with this minuscule digital to analogue converter.
Philips Shoqbox - £130
This is the perfect little speaker for intimate parties. It's rugged, highly portable and goes particularly loud - and you can choose to use it via Bluetooth or direct line input for added versatility.
Blue Microphones Yeti Pro - £165
This is simply the best USB microphone on the market. It's clear, controllable and convenient, and its integrated XLR sockets mean it's equally at home on your desk or in a pro recording setup.
ION Profile USB Turntable - £70
Your fattest beats needn't be trapped on vinyl. This isn't the greatest turntable in the world, but it's a cheap and convenient way to transform your favourite analogue tunes into MP3 format.
Gifts for PC gamers
Headphones, gaming mice, laptops and PCs. Whatever you want to spend, there's a PC gaming gift here to suit your budget.
Qpad QH-85 - £70
Rather than scaring your neighbours with an almighty surround speaker setup, try these headphones from Qpad. They include a mic too, so you can scream at your teammates in multiplayer sessions.
XMG P503 - £1,099
Gaming laptops are quickly catching up with their desktop counterparts in performance terms, and this 15.6-inch unit is a perfect example of what you can get for your money. It's fully customisable, too, so you can take your pick from a raft of upgrades when you place your order.
Corsair Vengeance M95 - £70
If you prefer thinking to shooting, you might appreciate the M95 mouse, which is designed for MMO (massively multiplayer online) and RTS (real-time strategy) titles. You can even create custom button setups for individual games.
Nvidia 3D Vision - £108
To make your favourite games really immersive, why not try playing them in 3D? To do this, you'll need to upgrade your PC's graphics with 3D capability. This stereoscopic 3D Vision kit from Nvidia will do just that, and it works with over 500 games and 3D Blu-ray movies.
Alienware X51 - £600
Gaming laptops are great, but sometimes there's no substitute for a big screen and the comfort of sitting at a desk. This Alienware X51 gaming PC is perfect if that's your preferred style of play, and it costs a lot less than an equivalent laptop.
Corsair Force GT - £110
Adding an SSD (solid state drive) is an easy way to speed up any PC, whether it's for better in-game performance, or just to get it to boot faster. It can either supplement your PC's mechanical hard drive or replace it completely. This Corsair Force GT is perfect for the task and comes in a range of sizes up to a huge 480GB.
BenQ XL2411T - £239
If you decide to upgrade your PC with the Nvidia 3D Vision kit, you'll need a 3D monitor, too. This 24-inch display from BenQ should do the trick. With a Full HD screen, 1ms response time, and - of course - 3D compatibility, it's a great way to get the most from your games.
Corsair Vengeance K70 - £120
If you have lightning-fast reflexes, you'll appreciate a keyboard that can keep up. The Corsair K70 has [W], [A], [S] and [D] keys that feel different to the rest, ensuring you get to the important controls easily, and the fully mechanical keys mean that presses register faster than ever.
Shogun Bros Ballista MK1 - £50
The Ballista MK1 is a lot of mouse for your cash, with 8,200dpi, accessible buttons that are actually useful, and lights that clearly show you how you've got it configured at any point. The moulding is comfortable to hold, and it glides smoothly on a pad or your desk. Easily the best new mouse we've seen recently.
Corsair M65 - £50
Unlike many gaming mice, Corsair's M65 is a mostly thrill-free affair. Alongside the back/forward buttons by your thumb, you'll find the large sniper button, which drops the dpi for those moments when you need accuracy, but that's pretty much it. We're talking solid, aesthetically pleasing design, and overall it's a stunning mouse at a great price.
Thermaltake Level 10m - £80
It may look as though it suffers from a case of form over function, but this mouse is surprisingly comfortable, thanks to its adjustable palm rest. We did find the left button's hair-trigger sensitivity a little too light, and the side buttons aren't the easiest to reach, but there's definitely potential here. Shame it's on the pricey side.
Mad Catz R.A.T. 7 - £65
The R.A.T. 7 changes everything, with its adjustable plates and Batmobile design. It's comfortable in most hands, the build quality is beautiful and the 6,400dpi accuracy is plenty. Unfortunately, such tweakery does comes at a price, and with the release of the M65 and Ballista MK1, it has some heavy competition.
Gifts for console gamers
Our pick of the best new games for PS4 and Xbox One as well as the titles that owners of Xbox 360, PS3, Nintendo Wii and Wii U will love playing this Christmas.
Gifts for PlayStation 4 owners
Ever since its exciting reveal back in February, the world has been clamouring to get hold of the new home console from Sony.
And Microsoft's recent U-turns on the particulars of the Xbox One have brought it more in line with Sony's sleek new machine, the PlayStation 4 still stands as an exciting new gateway to the future of home gaming. Here's our pick of the best PS4 games and when you're likely to get them.
Killzone: Shadow Fall - £49
One of the most visually impressive launch games for the new generation of consoles, this sixth entry in the Killzone series is set 30 years after the events of Killzone 3. You play as Lucas Kellan, a member of a military intelligence unit known as the Shadow Marshals. A new warrior for a new era of war, Kellan's missions range from quiet infiltrations to all-out combat.
While the single-player campaign promises cinematic thrills and spills unlike anything we've seen on consoles so far, Killzone: Shadow Fall also has a multiplayer mode that's going to be huge. With the PlayStation 4's new social features, along with the ability to quickly and instantly join your friends in any online match, Killzone: Shadow Fall has a real chance to be the next big online shooter.
DriveClub - £49
DriveClub's focus is on fast, fun and arcade-like road racing. It isn't about technical details and accurate car modelling - for that you'll want to wait for Gran Turismo - but it's more about the visceral thrills and spills of racing around the tarmac in some of the fastest and most powerful cars ever made.
The PlayStation 4's social tools are given prominence, with multiplayer games and team racing modes available. Using the PlayStation Plus network and the Share features of PlayStation 4, you'll be able to manage and create teams with other players, no matter where they are in the world.
Every detail of high-speed racing has been painstakingly recreated to give you an authentic and thrilling first-person driving experience.
Knack - £49
While Killzone has the guns, and DriveClub brings the cars, Knack offers a gaming experience for all the family. It doesn't mean it's any less action-orientated, with it being described as a cross between Crash Bandicoot, Katamari Damacy and God of War.
Every new console needs to have an action platformer in the proud tradition of Sonic and Mario, and Knack could prove to be one of the PlayStation 4's most popular titles.
You play as Knack, a fantastical creature created by a scientist, who can bind himself together using ancient relics littered around various stages. Knack starts off small but the more relics you incorporate into his body, the larger - and stronger - he becomes.
Incorporating the PlayStation 4's graphical might with Knack's stunning style creates a quirky and unique platform adventure game that is a breath of fresh air.
Minecraft - price TBA
Minecraft is one of the biggest indie success stories in the history of computer games. From humble beginnings as a PC game, it has gone on to sell over 20 million copies over a number of different platforms. The announcement that it will be a launch title for the PlayStation 4 is quite a coup for Sony.
You start out on an open world, with the potential to build your own structures using rough 3D cubes made of various materials.
There are hardly any limits to what you build, and the Minecraft community has shown the possibilities of what you can create. Minecraft is a unique - and addictive - experience that lets your imagination run wild.
- More info: https://mojang.com
Hohokum - price TBA
Much has been made of Sony's indie push for its new console, which has resulted in a range of weird and wonderful games. Hohokum is one of the most unique - and charming - games to be announced for any of the next-gen consoles.
The idea of the game, which is a collaboration between artist Richard Hogg and Honeyslug, a London-based game studio, is to make a whimsical and colourful game with an emphasis on exploration and creativity.
One of the aims is to create something where the usual pressures of videogames are absent, with rewards and secrets unveiled by exploration.
- More info: www.playstation.com
Gifts for Xbox One owners
When Microsoft first entered the console scene back in 2001 with the original Xbox, it was a relative newcomer in a playground dominated by Sony and its swanky PlayStation 2 machine. 12 years and another console later, however, and Microsoft has crafted a brand and an experience that's both exciting and hugely rewarding.
From the sturdy reliability of the online gaming environment of Xbox Live to the universally preferred controller design of the Xbox 360, Microsoft's Xbox has become a defiant force in modern gaming. Here and now in 2013, Microsoft is about to launch its latest machine, the Xbox One, alongside a new version of Kinect and a great line-up of games - and it could well be the gaming platform that you have always dreamed of.
Dead Rising 3 - £49
The original Dead Rising was a brilliant showcase for the then newly-launched Xbox 360, throwing hundreds of zombies at you to mow down in increasingly ludicrous ways. While Dead Rising 2 might have gone multi-platform, Dead Rising 3 has returned to its rightful place as an Xbox One exclusive.
Thanks to the extra power of the new Xbox One console, the undead threat has been increased substantially, with more zombies than you can shake a chainsaw-cum-stick at.
Coupled with an open world that's larger than the worlds of Dead Rising 1 and 2 combined, along with SmartGlass and Kinect functionality, Dead Rising 3 is the perfect game for showcasing what the Xbox One is capable of. It's just as well that it's a hell of a lot of fun as well.
Forza Motorsport 5 - £45
Microsoft's racing sim series has been building a steady following since its launch, so anticipation for the first entry on the Xbox One is sky high, especially as Forza 5 will be taking advantage of the Xbox One's online cloud computing powers, which come in the shape of the brand new feature, the Drivatar.
This feature learns from your driving style, creating a realistic AI computer opponent that you and other Forza 5 players can race against.
When the game launches, there will be 29 cars, and four tracks to race around - the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Prague Circuit and Spa-Francorchamps. And Forza Motorsport 5 is going to keep growing, with the promise of a steady stream of new cars and tracks being added in the future.
Crimson Dragon - £55
In many ways the spiritual successor of the cult Sega Saturn game Panzer Dragoon, this on-rails shooter for the Xbox One features six types of dragons, over 100 skills and three-player online co-op. You can level-up dragons by feeding them between missions to make them more powerful.
Designed to be played with a controller and the Kinect camera, the game promises to be an experience like none other, with Yukio Futatsugi, creator of Panzer Dragoon and other much-loved Japanese games, helming this exciting title. The idea is to really make you feel as though you are flying a powerful dragon through the air.
Zoo Tycoon - £55
At first you might think that a zoo-building simulation game is an odd choice for a launch game to herald in a powerful new console, but Zoo Tycoon is an inspired choice on Microsoft's part. It manages to highlight some of the Xbox One's greatest features, such as an improved Kinect, cloud processing and enhanced graphical might.
It's also a welcome reminder that Xbox, which is so often associated with violent first and third-person shooters, has plenty of games that will entertain the whole family.
You can create and fill your zoo with over 100 animals, and then spend your time walking around your zoo in 3D, admiring your work - and the animals.
Zumba Fitness: World Party - £60
Combining fun and exercise has led to the Zumba Fitness franchise selling a staggering nine million copies worldwide, so its debut on the new Xbox One console is bound to be a huge seller.
Using the new and improved Kinect camera to track your movements, Zumba Fitness: World Party takes you on a whirlwind tour of the world, using beautiful settings and new cultural dances as well as over 40 new routines and more than 30 dance styles.
You can get your dance on to some of the most popular songs from artists such as Lady Gaga, along with original Zumba tracks as well.
Peggle 2 - £55
The sequel to one of the most popular puzzle games of all time comes exclusively to Xbox One. While keeping the peg-popping addictive gameplay of the original, Peggle 2 offers all-new levels, new and improved power-ups, fantastic multiplayer modes, gesture controls with Kinect, the ability to customise the Peggle Masters who host the game, and more.
As in the original, Peggle 2 combines elements of pinball, pachinko and billiards, as well as a whimsical style and extremely fun gameplay that offers just enough challenge to keep you coming back for more. It's as fun as it is addictive.
Ryse: Son of Rome - £49
Originally penned as a Kinect-only game for the Xbox 360, Ryse: Son of Rome has had its ups and downs in development. One thing's for sure, though, with Crytek, the studio behind the visually stunning Crysis games, developing the now Xbox One-exclusive game, this is going to be a treat for the eyes.
You play as a Roman general, with the game following him from childhood. Use the Kinect to shout orders, while using the Xbox One's controller to hack and slash your way to victory.
Gifts for Wii U owners
Released in November 2012, it's safe to say the Wii U hasn't been the runaway hit that the original Wii was. This is partly down to a lack of marketing on Nintendo's part as well as it lacking any real killer game titles that people expect from Nintendo.
However, that is set to change over the coming months with the release of some quality titles for the Nintendo faithful. We have rounded up our selection below as well as when your likely to get your hands on them.
The Wonderful 101 - £35
The Wii U is quickly becoming home to some truly unique and quirky games. In The Wonderful 101, you control a gang of superheroes who can morph into various objects to help battle against their opponents, move about levels and solve puzzles.
Known as Unite Morph forms, they can be upgraded using the game's currency, O parts. You can draw the shapes you want the Unite Morphs to take on the Wii U's GamePad. For example, you could draw a sword on the GamePad and your diminutive heroes would form the corresponding shape, letting you cut your way through your enemies.
The game is packed with charm, with a huge story to play through that will keep you glued to your Wii U.
Skylanders Swap Force - £50
Skylanders has established itself as a bona fide phenomenon, combing real-life collectable toys with fun and frantic video game action. As with the previous Skylander games, Spyro's Adventure and Giants, you use a portal to bring real-life action figures to life in the video game.
This new game introduces the Swap Force, 16 new figurines, which brings a totally new element to the game, letting you swap and mix the top and bottom halves of each figurine, allowing for up to 256 combinations.
Mix and match their powers and moves for even more ways to play, with new abilities such as flying, climbing, digging, bouncing and teleporting. These new powers let you explore previously unreachable parts of the Skylands universe.
Legend of Zelda Wind Waker HD - £45
The Legend of Zelda Wind Waker first appeared on Nintendo's GameCube, and its charming cartoony style set it apart from other games. But this re-release isn't just about updated HD visuals, because there are loads of new features that take advantage of the Wii U's hardware.
For example, the Wii U GamePad and touchscreen can be used as a map or to check your inventory, and you can use the motion controls to control the wind baton, as well as aim weapons.
You can also use the Off-TV Play mode of the Wii U, which enables you to play the game on the Wii U GamePad, while someone else uses the TV.
Another cute implementation of the Wii U's features is that you can send messages in a bottle to the Miiverse online community. Other areas have been improved to make sure that this is the definitive version of Legend of Zelda Wind Waker.
Sonic the Hedgehog: Lost World - £35
If you'd told us 20 years ago that Sega would be making exclusive games for a Nintendo console, we'd have laughed, but here we are. Taking equal inspiration from Sonic's classic 2D games as well as Nintendo's groundbreaking Super Mario Galaxy, Sonic the Hedgehog: Lost World mixes 2D races through familiar worlds and 3D dashes through spherical levels.
Multiplayer is supported with a second player using the Wii U GamePad, and Off-TV and Miiverse functionality is also included. A version is also being released for Nintendo's 3DS, which will be able to interact with the Wii U version as well.
Rayman Legends - £34
After Rayman's triumphant return in Rayman Origins, the 2D platform hero is back in a visually gorgeous adventure that lets you and three friends play through a number of fun levels. Players can use the Wii U GamePad's touchscreen to take out enemies or clear paths, and use the gyroscope technology to manipulate and rotate platforms on the TV screen.
The Wii U controller also allows players to continue the adventure on the controller's screen even while the television is off. The game comes with over 120 levels, including 40 remastered levels from the already-classic Rayman Origins. Once completed, you can play remixed levels with new enemies and objectives.
Scribblenauts Unmasked - price TBA
As with previous Scribblenauts games, you play a boy called Maxwell, who can create any object or person using his magical notepad. You use the Wii U's GamePad to draw the objects and characters you want to appear in the game, and with Scribblenauts Unmasked you also have access to almost every character from DC Comics, such as Superman and Batman.
You can create your own Super Hero or Super Villain using any item from the DC Universe, then set properties for how it behaves, changing its appearance and powers. You can then share your creations with the community.
- More info: www.wbie.com
Just Dance 2014 - £30
The fifth game in the popular Just Dance series features more than 40 new tracks, ranging from chart-topping hits to classic party tracks. Whether it's pop, hip-hop, rock, R&B or funk, there is something for everyone. There are new modes called World Dance Floor and On Stage Mode, with the former being the first online multiplayer mode in the Just Dance franchise.
Players can also track their standing on global leader boards, check out stats about other players around the world, and see community updates. On Stage Mode enables a player to own the spotlight by dancing the starring role in a song.
Wii Party U - £30
If you've got a load of friends over, you're going to want to make sure you've got Wii Party U. This multiplayer game takes the form of a board game which contains over 80 different minigames. Each one has been designed for the Wii U's GamePad and it will ensure that this game is the ultimate party entertainment for people of all ages.
Perfectly encapsulating the design ethos of easy to play, hard to master, Wii Party U will appeal to anyone no matter how good they are at computer games.
Gifts for Xbox 360 owners
Xbox Live remains number one for online gaming, and the Xbox 360 is about level pegging with the PlayStation 3 for classic titles. It also has the award-winning Kinect to play with. Here are the new games we recommend for the Xbox 360.
Halo 4 - £24
The Halo series has helped redefine the Xbox 360 and the dynamic world of first-person shooters. Halo 4 follows Master Chief, a superhuman soldier tasked with protecting his people in the aftermath of an inter-stellar war.
But when the flagship of the human armada is brought down in ruins, Chief must once again suit up and uncover a new threat to humanity. If you pick up a copy of Halo 4, you not only get a 12-hour single-player campaign, but you also get the addictive Spartan Ops missions, and the endless fun of the multiplayer modes.
Forza Horizon - £25
With the most recent Gran Turismo title for the PlayStation more than missing the mark, the Xbox 360-exclusive series Forza has risen to the forefront of modern driving simulations.
Based at the fictional festival Horizon, Forza Horizon gives you access to hundreds of miles of Colorado terrain - every turn is littered with races, time trials and other vehicular events for you tackle and dominate. It also saves your best times and shares them with your friends.
The game takes on a great social dynamic when you log in and find one of your friends has beaten your time overnight!
BioShock Infinite - £20
Hailing from Irrational Games, the same studio that brought us the award-winning BioShock in 2007, BioShock Infinite is a wonderful experience that combines first-person combat with a rich story that spans time, space and the human heart.
Set on the floating city of Columbia, BioShock Infinite follows the story of Booker DeWitt, a private investigator who enters the skyward utopia to rescue an imprisoned young woman.
But as Booker delves further into the world of Columbia, he discovers a realm divided by social, racial and political turmoil. BioShock Infinite is also available for the PS3 and PC.
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag - £40
Set in the Caribbean during the 'golden age' of piracy, you take on the role of Edward Kenway, a selfish privateer drawn into a secret war between a brotherhood of assassins and a league of nefarious Templars.
The naval combat from Assassin's Creed 3 returns, only this time you'll be able to seamlessly sail a ship into battle, board another vessel or disembark on to strange new lands, all in real time. Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag is also available for PlayStation 3 and PC.
Gifts for PlayStation 3 owners
if you're buying for a PS3 owner, then how about one of these games?
The Last of Us - £38
Like BioShock Infinite before it, The Last of Us brings an interactive experience that's as heartfelt and emotionally resonant as any film, book or TV show. Society has all but collapsed as an unknown fungal virus decimates the population.
Set 15 years into the outbreak, survivor Joel struggles to exist in a world divided by politics and social problems. Tasked with protecting a rebellious young girl who could hold the key to humanity's survival, the two characters must find a way to survive.
The Last of Us is a cinematic story that combines intense action, tense stealth mechanics and a level of production to match even the biggest blockbuster.
Mass Effect Trilogy - £56
The Mass Effect Trilogy is less a game and more a giant space opera that spans entire galaxies. The Mass Effect series is an experience that adapts to your decisions and actions.
Choosing to save certain characters or failing to meet certain objectives can have a huge effect on the outcome of your journey.
Even how you speak and interact with other characters can affect how they see and work for you. Each game in the trilogy saves your progress, creating a consistent universe that reflects your good or bad decisions. Bold, beautiful and thoroughly entertaining, the Mass Effect Trilogy also comes with the excellent multiplayer modes from Mass Effect 3.
Grand Theft Auto V - £40
The fifth Grand Theft Auto looks to rejuvenate the franchise once again, with a graphical presentation that pushes the PlayStation 3 to its limits, plus three brand new characters and an entire state's worth of things to do/eat/buy/shoot.
Los Santos is a thriving and dynamic world, and you can switch between any of the three main characters - Trevor, Michael and Franklin - at any time with the touch of a button.
You also get access to Grand Theft Auto Online, a dynamic multiplayer mode that's packed full of things to do. Grand Theft Auto V is also available for Xbox 360.
FIFA 14 - £40
Once upon a time, Pro Evolution Soccer was the benchmark in football sims, but in recent years the FIFA series has risen to the top.
FIFA 14 is the first to appear on both current and next-gen consoles. Apart from classic FIFA features such as Be a Pro, the time-consuming Ultimate Team mode also returns.
It combines the addiction of collecting football stickers with the impeccable online capabilities FIFA is renowned for. FIFA 14 is also available for Xbox 360 and PC.
Gifts for Nintendo Wii owners
Is a friend or family member a Wii gamer? Then make their Christmas with one of these top Wii games.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 - £34
The Wii gave us some truly great gaming moments - case in point: Super Mario Galaxy 2. The iconic Italian plumber has had a mixed run of games in the 32 years since his first appearance, but the two Super Mario Galaxy games are some of his best.
And while some games used the Wii Remote's motion controller as a cheap gimmick, Nintendo crafted a Mario experience that was tailor-made for it.
Beginning with some classic side-scrolling action, Super Mario Galaxy 2 uses size, depth and verticality to challenge your platforming skills like never before, and each topsy-turvy level is bursting with the innovation and charm that makes Nintendo games so unique.
Wii Sports Resort - £30
Think Wii - think Wii Sports. The image of Mum, Dad, Grandpa and co having a bash at tennis or a round of golf has now become as synonymous with the Wii as Mario himself.
The 2009 sequel, Wii Sports Resort, includes the sports from the original, along with a treasure trove of new activities. Now you can try a little wakeboarding, let loose a few arrows in archery, or riposte in a bout of fencing.
Wii Sports Resort was also one of the first games to use the Wii Motion Plus - a device that fits on to the base of your Wii Remote, providing a whole new depth of precision and control.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - £20
Remember that Wii Motion Plus you picked up with Wii Sports Resort? It's time to break it out again. The previous Zelda title on the Wii - 2006's Twilight Princess - struggled to fit into the Wii's control system, but Skyward Sword delivers not only one of the best Zelda experiences ever, but one of the best Wii games ever.
Skyward Sword combines action and adventure with role-playing and puzzle elements, creating an intense but safe experience for young and older gamers. It may not be the HD quality Zelda experience fans have been crying out for, but it's one of the most entertaining, engaging and lovingly crafted titles on any console.
Super Smash Bros Brawl - £33
Super Smash Brothers Brawl is all about scale. Up to four players can scrap it out on screen at once, leaping between multiple platforms, collecting power-ups and genuinely laying the smackdown on one another.
The roster is packed with familiar faces, so whether you're a Mario kind of guy or a Pikachu-loving Pokémaniac, there's bound to be a character to suit your tastes. The Wii is a perfect family console, and Super Smash Bros Brawl is great for playing with friends or relatives.
Gifts for Mac owners
External hard drives, docking stations, mobile printers and much more for the Apple computer owner in your life.
Matrox Thunderbolt Docking Station - £181
Manufacturers have been rather slow to capitalise on the speed and versatility offered by Thunderbolt, so it's great to see interesting peripherals such as this unit from Matrox.
Thanks to the station's Ethernet and DVI ports, three USB ports (one of which is 3.0) and audio sockets for a mic and headphones/speakers, you can transform your laptop into a desktop computer.
Connect your monitor and your peripherals, then just plug your MacBook Pro or Air into the Thunderbolt port at the front.
Twelve South HiRise for MacBook - £50
We've seen stands for the MacBook Pro before, but Twelve South claims that this is the first that's height-adjustable. Crafted from beautiful brushed metal, its spring-loaded post means that you can raise your notebook to whatever height you choose - just the thing if you want to align its screen with an external monitor.
Your notebook sits snugly on silicone-lined, v-shaped arms, so it won't slip or slide off. You can always trust Twelve South to come up with quirky accessories that are well-built, high-quality and, above all, useful - and the HiRise for MacBook Pro is no exception.
If you want to be able to use your laptop as a desktop computer while at home (with the addition of an external keyboard), it's just what you need.
HP Officejet 150 Mobile All-in-One - £230
What a neat idea! According to HP, the Officejet 150 Mobile is the world's first portable all-in-one printer, scanner and photocopier. It measures 35 x 17.1 x 9cm and weighs 2.9kg, or 3.1kg with the optional battery fitted; it can be stowed neatly in your suitcase, but don't expect to slip it into your briefcase with your MacBook.
The battery's good for 500 print-outs, which is very impressive, and you can use mains power if you take the cable and transformer with you. Text quality is good, though photos aren't quite up to the "lab quality" you're promised. The 150 Mobile is expensive, but it's an excellent piece of engineering and a boon if you often need to scan, print and photocopy on the go.
equinux tizi for Mac - £40
This tiny USB dongle brings live TV to your Mac. It has a built-in aerial for viewing on the move, and an adapter so you can connect to a rooftop aerial for a better reception.
As well as TV viewing, you can also create clips on the fly during a broadcast, rewind to a specific scene, and schedule recordings with the built-in electronic programme guide (EPG).
Equinux's tizi TV tuners have proved very popular and capable on iOS devices, and it's great to see them come to the Mac.
KwikDock - £56
With this MacBook Pro docking station, you can enjoy a tangle-free desktop and access to seven connectors. Plug your peripherals into the KwikDock, then when you want to take your notebook away, simply unplug the dock.
There's even a 30-pin dock for all your iOS devices. This is the ideal gadget to quickly swap your MacBook Pro from being a desktop Mac to a notebook one.
- More info: www.kwikdock.com
Crosskase Solar 15 - £100
This rugged laptop bag features a built-in solar panel and a rechargeable 2200mAH battery. When outdoors, you charge the battery using the solar cells, and when it's full, charge your iPod, iPhone or other mobile device on the move.
It won't recharge an iPad, a MacBook or other notebook, but has pockets for you to carry them. Crosskase is perfect for hikers, walkers and festival-goers. If you're sick of having your phone run flat just when you want to use it, this handy and well-made bag could be what you're looking for.
Kanex DualRole - £60
This pocket-sized marvel doubles as a USB 3.0 hub and a Gigabit Ethernet port. Just plug it into your notebook's own USB 3.0 port and you're away. It's ideal for MacBook Airs and Retina MacBook Pros, which have no built-in Ethernet sockets.
If you stay in hotels where Wi-Fi is dodgy, unreliable and expensive but Ethernet internet is free, the DualRole could save your sanity. If they'd made it from MacBook-matching aluminium, it would be perfect, but it's a great idea as it is.
QuickerTek Battery for the MacBook Air - £300
This external battery, with MagSafe 2 modified adapter, can keep a MacBook Air going for up to 12 hours. If you're away from a power socket, this could be just what you need. And it can power up USB devices simultaneously, too.
It's just over 15 x 20cm, about 2cm think, and weighs around 1kg, so it will easily stow away in your bag. There's also a version for the Retina MacBook Pro.
- More info: www.quickertek.com
Apple Magic Mouse - £52
The Magic Mouse is the world's first Multi-Touch mouse, with a smooth surface that can detect multiple points of contact. Gesture inputs are detected just as on a trackpad. For example, a finger swiped across the mouse can move through Safari pages, and tapping gives a smart zoom. It has 360-degree scrolling too.
Apple USB Keyboard - £44
This USB keyboard lacks the freedom offered by the cable-free wireless model, but it has two USB ports and a numeric keypad to make up for it. Like its wireless equivalent, it's very comfortable to use, even after several hours' typing. Like the wireless model, it's much easier to keep clean than Apple's old-style keyboards, too.
Apple Magic Trackpad - £52
The Magic Trackpad is a larger, desktop version of the trackpad used in the MacBook. It supports the same range of multitouch gestures, including 360-degree scrolling, activating Mission Control, Exposé or Notification Center, and scrolling, rotating and zooming. It connects to your laptop wirelessly using Bluetooth.
Apple Wireless Keyboard
Apple's Bluetooth keyboard is normally bundled with the iMac, but is also available separately. It lacks a numeric keypad and any USB ports, but it takes up considerably less room when it's on your desk and offers cable-free convenience. It's perfectly styled to go with the MacBook, and is extremely comfortable to type on.
Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 for Mac - £60
The Logitech K750 is a wireless Mac keyboard that's solar-powered instead of running on batteries. It can draw energy from both artificial and natural light, and when fully charged can be used in pitch darkness for around three months. It's very comfy to type on, too.
Apple Thunderbolt Display (27-inch) - £795
This is the ideal display for your Thunderbolt Mac. A single cable combines a Thunderbolt lead for video and also a MagSafe connector to power your notebook while you work. As well as a big 27-inch screen, the display offers a FaceTime HD camera, three USB ports, FireWire 800 and Gigabit Ethernet ports.
WD My Passport for Mac 1TB - £85
This USB 3.0 drive is ideal for the latest MacBooks, but as high-speed USB is backwards compatible with USB 2.0, it can also be used with older models.
The drive's gorgeous enclosure looks great next to any Mac, and it comes bundled with Western Digital's Drive Utilities, Security and Turbo Driver apps. (A PC version is also available for £59.)
Apple USB SuperDrive - £59
If your Mac doesn't have an optical drive, this external USB drive is an excellent alternative. It can handle both DVDs and CDs, can burn discs as well as read them, and is perfectly designed to match your Mac. It's light and portable, too, weighing only 335g, and it's powered through its integrated USB cable.
LaCie d2 Blu-ray XL - £178
No Mac has ever had its own Blu-ray drive, but LaCie has stepped in with the d2 Blu-ray XL external model. Connecting through USB or FireWire, it can both read and write Blu-ray discs, although it won't play Blu-ray movies. You can record up to 128GB of data or 10 hours of high-definition video on a BDXL disc.
LaCie Little Big Disk - £800
LaCie's Little Big Disks are solid state external Thunderbolt drives. They're extremely petite and incredibly fast, but also very, very expensive. If you have a Mac with a Thunderbolt port, however, they're ideal for creative professional tasks.
Gifts for PC owners
Whether the person you are buying for uses their PC for work or for play, you'll find something here that they'll love to receive.
Mad Catz R.A.T. 9 - £87
Mad Catz' R.A.T. mice are excellent for gaming, with pixel precision, comfortably placed controls and a range of customisation options. The top-of-the-range R.A.T. 9 is wireless, and comes with two rechargeable battery packs. The R.A.T. 7 has the same feature set but is USB; and there's also the cheaper R.A.T. 3 or 5 if you don't want to spend quite so much on a mouse.
Edifier E10 Exclaim - £54
These 2.0 speakers look as good as they sound. The black base at the foot of each speaker contains bass radiators, while the silver columns hold high frequency and mid-range tweeters, so the whole sound spectrum is pretty accurately reproduced even without a true subwoofer.
They would look great on your desk, complimenting any stylish laptop which needs a little boost - but they're also small enough to be easily portable, giving you great sound wherever you go.
Buffalo MiniStation Slim 500GB - £51
If you need to back up or transfer very large files or a lot of data, try a portable hard drive. This Buffalo drive is USB 3.0-compatible, and is described as "the world's thinnest storage device." The slimline USB 3.0 port has enabled Buffalo to shave a few millimetres off the enclosure's height, leaving it just 8.8mm thick.
Viewsonic VX2370Smh-LED - £138
This budget monitor makes an ideal second screen. It has excellent image quality for the price, a great response time and a very thin bezel that doesn't get in the way. Build quality is equally good, although its speakers leave a lot to be desired. It might not suit design professionals, but it's great for general home use.
Creative ZiiSound D5 - £101
If you don't want your external sound system on your desk with your computer, the ZiiSound D5 is what you need. You can connect it to a computer through Bluetooth, and because it uses the aptX codec (which enables higher-quality sound), your music sounds great, too. It's also supplied with a 30-pin aptX dongle for iPods.
Philips 298P4QJEB UltraWide 21:9 Display - £383
The 21:9 ratio gives you a lot of breadth; you can quite comfortably open two applications and run them side by side on your desktop, without squashing or overlapping. It has four USB 3.0 ports around the back, too, and built-in stereo speakers.
Dane-Elec Superhero USB Sticks - £10
These fully licensed Marvel figurines conceal a retractable USB plug and 4GB or 8GB of flash memory in the base. Look out for Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, The Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man, Wolverine and more. They may not be practical for popping in your pocket, but they look great when they're plugged in.
Hitachi Touro Desk Pro - £120
If you're looking for a no-frills hard drive that gives good value for money and gets on with the job, the Touro Desk Pro is for you.
Available in 2TB, 3TB and 4TB capacities, it's USB 3.0 compatible and puts in very good speeds. You'll need to reformat it if you want to use it as a boot drive or Time Machine back-up drive.
WD Scorpio Blue - £62
Western Digital's Blue family of hard drives are ideal for notebooks and external enclosures, being built to withstand knocks and bumps if they're carried around. They come in capacities of up to 1TB, and are designed to run very quietly indeed.
The one pictured here has had its cover removed to give you an idea of what a hard disk drive looks like inside its shiny exterior.
Kingston DataTraveler GE9 - £6
With a Kingston DataTraveler GE9, you can carry your data around in style. Available in 8GB and 16GB capacities, this USB thumb drive is thin, robust and covered with 24-carat gold plating. Created by award-winning industrial designer Arman Emami, it's ideal for transferring large files between computers.
FRITZ!Box 7390 - £207
This German device isn't exactly the cheapest ADSL router you can hook up to the internet, but it's extremely high quality and packed with features. It's Wi-Fi n, and has simultaneous dual-band with advanced traffic shaping to keep your net-surfing smooth. You can even use it as a telephony hub and connect up to six DECT wireless phones.
WD My Net N750 - £43
This Western Digital router is an excellent alternative to the one that you get free with your BT Infinity account. It can use the 2.4GHz and 5GHz wavebands simultaneously, it uses exclusive FasTrack technology - which claims to keep streaming video up to speed - and has two useful USB ports for when you want to add peripherals such as printers or hard drives to your network.
Netgear R6300 - £200
According to Netgear, the R6300 was the industry's first Wi-Fi ac router. It's backwards-compatible with older a/b/g/n devices, boasts two USB ports for connecting storage drives or printers, and is great for homes with lots of devices. There's a free Mac, iOS and Android app to monitor and manage it, too. Pricey, but as close to futureproof as you'll get.
Huawei E5756 MiFi - price depends on plan
A wireless module such as this one holds a mobile phone sim and uses this to get your laptop or any other Wi-Fi compatible device onto the internet using mobile data networks like 3G. The one pictured here is for the Three network in the UK, but most mobile and cell phone operators sell them. How much they cost depends on the data tariff you choose and, often, whether you're buying a phone too.
Gifts for iPhone owners
Apple's smartphone line-up is more diverse than ever this year, with the new iPhone 5s and 5c models appearing alongside 2011's long-time stalwart, the iPhone 4s.
Naturally that means a good few new iPhone owners will abound this holiday season, and what better way to indulge them than with a top accessory for their device?
Nike+ Fuelband SE - £129
Activity trackers have really taken off this year, with the big brands in the market learning from their early designs to bring more rounded devices to the fitness-conscious masses.
Nike has improved upon its original FuelBand with the FuelBand SE, which comes in three colour variations. The band's slick OLED display shows steps taken, calories burned, Nike Fuel earned and the time, serving a second function as a futuristic-looking wristwatch.
The rebooted iOS app distinguishes your daily activity in the form of Sessions which you can define yourself. It also tracks sleep duration, and syncing with the band is now continuous and automatic thanks to Bluetooth LE.
Cygnett Alternate two-tone case - £20
Cygnett has a solid record in bringing stylish yet robust cases to the iPhone range, and this two-tone offering for the iPhone 5 and 5s is no different.
The Alternate forms a sleek and protective anodised alumninium shell around the back and sides of your device, and offers easy in-case docking via the removable end.
The real hook though is that both ends can be slipped off and replaced with funky colour 'accents' (also included), meaning you can switch your style up to fit your day. Comes in grey, silver and pink combinations.
Pure Contour i1 Air speaker - £180
Apple's introduction of the Lightning connector on the iPhone 5 puts the device at odds with older docks that use the 30-pin standard of previous iPhones, including the 4s.
So it was with much glee that we reviewed the ridiculously convenient Pure Contour i1 Air speaker, which features an interchangeable dock system that supports both standards - a godsend for households whose members own different generations of iPhone.
With precise, natural audio as well as all-important AirPlay support, this could well be the perfect Apple fan's speaker.
Apple iPhone 5c case - £25
Coming as it does in a range of vibrant colours, the iPhone 5c is Apple's answer to stylish personal expression. To that end, it also released a range of iPhone 5c cases that are available in six different flavours.
The hole-punch design lets the original colour of your iPhone come through, allowing for 30 possible colour combinations, from loud pink-on-yellow, to a more restrained black-on-white.
As you would expect from Apple, the protective silicone cases are a perfect fit, with an inside lined with soft microfibre to keep your phone safe from scratches.
Woodbuds Originals - £25
Apple makes much of its environmental responsibilities in the iPhone manufacturing process. But how about these rustic noise-isolating earphones for eco-friendly bonus points?
Woodbuds Originals are made from sustainable plantation hardwood, feel comfy in the ear, and are available in five bold colours. They sound as if they should cost far more, offering decent frequency response and well-balanced bass for such small drivers.
Woodbuds come in recycled card packaging with three sizes of earpiece, and the small Yorkshire-based company plants a tree for every 100 products it sells.
Pebble watch - £210
With all the talk of an iWatch this year, there's been scant evidence of one arriving anytime soon. But that's okay, because Pebble is available to buy today.
Pebble lets you know of incoming calls and text messages without you even looking at your iPhone. In fact it's the only Bluetooth device that makes many iOS features - notifications, music playback, alarms and motion tracking - directly accessible from your wrist.
The LED backlit display allows you to change the clock face style on the fly; it's also water-resistant, and lasts up to a week on a single charge. Expect app support to only increase thanks to a timely Pebble developer pack update.
Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation - £70
Nostalgic for the days when your phone didn't run out of battery power in 24 hours? Neither are we. That's because we use the Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation, the smart external battery pack for iOS devices.
The Powerstation charges your iPhone (or iPad) in super-fast time due to its large 4000mAh battery, and yet it's compact enough to carry around in your pocket. It isn't half bad-looking either, with a soft felt finish and metal casing that nicely complements the iPhone 5 design.
Six discreet LED lights indicate the level of juice left in the Powerstation, and if you buy the (PRODUCT) RED edition that's currently available, 5% of the profits go to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS.
Native Union Switch - £120
For all Apple's tech wizardry, simple physics dictates it can't seriously improve upon the iPhone's speaker. That's where accessories such as the Native Union Switch come in.
Weighing just half a kilo and able to fill a room with clear and precise tunes, this portable, rectangular Bluetooth speaker unit can be positioned horizontally or vertically, and has another trick up its sleeve.
Its built-in, 14-hour-life battery can also charge an iPhone to full capacity via USB – with power to spare.
Apple TV
Apple TV makes our iPhone gift guide for the second year running, simply because it has so much to offer for relatively little expense.
It's still the only way to mirror an iPhone's screen to a television for displaying web pages, photos and video on, while iCloud integration via Photostream means that any photos taken on an iPhone get automatically sent to your Apple TV seconds after you arrive home.
The device also had its internals upgraded in 2013, allowing it to take advantage of the increasing number of 1080p movie titles available for streaming on the iTunes Store. For the iPhone owner, we can't recommend it enough.
iTunes Gift Cards - £10-£100
If you're short of inspiration or stuck for time, an iTunes voucher is the perfect get-out-of-jail gift card.
Giving one allows the recipient to select from a vast range of iTunes entertainment, from music, films, apps, games, books, and more - and the selection is growing every day.
Gifts for iPad owners
If you've read our iPad Air review, then you won't disagree that this is sure to be a bumper Christmas for Tim Cook's tech giant.
Back at home, that translates to plenty more festive iPad owners among family and friends, and a sure-fire opportunity for gift-givers to whittle down the possible present market.
Philips Hue Light Bulbs - £180
Christmas is about novelty and frivolity. And so what better way to begin a festive gift guide than with these iOS-controlled domestic lightbulbs from Philips.
The £180 pack includes a wireless bridge puck and three energy-efficient screw-fit lightbulbs, which can be independently controlled via the iPad (and iPhone) app to dim, brighten or turn innumerable shades of colour on a timer.
TruGlide Duo Stylus Pen - £18
Despite the late Steve Jobs' insistence on their redundancy, styluses can be a brilliant iPad aid for a range of uses.
TruGlide's Duo Stylus Pen is a case in point. Eschewing the standard rubber tip, TruGlide has patented its own woven microfibre technology to eliminate drag and improve conductivity at all angles, making for the perfect illustration or note-taking iPad accessory.
Best of all, the TruGlide Duo doubles up as a premium ballpoint pen for paper scribbles. You don't have to be an artist to use a stylus, but it helps.
iPad smart case - £55 iPad mini / £65 iPad Air
A new iPad deserves protection. One way to provide it is with an Apple Smart Case.
Smart Covers are all well and good, but Smart Cases go one better by protecting the back as well as the screen, using aniline-dyed leather and a soft microfibre lining. They also serve a second and third function as a display and keyboard stand.
Let's not forget, Apple is a premium brand. A Smart Cover ain't cheap, but if you've got the spends, we can't not recommend one.
Booqpad - £50
Students and professionals love the iPad, and the refined Booqpad is a great case for leveraging its function as both a note-taking and record-keeping device.
Open up the book-style case and the iPad sits securely on the left in an inset suede frame lining. Sometimes nothing beats a handwritten note, which is why a paper notepad is tucked in on the right; between the two sits a loop to secure a pen - or the TruGlide Duo Stylus (above), to serve both media equally.
The Booqpad features a range of handy card-size pockets, and comes in sizes for both iPad mini and Air.
Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover - £90
Extended typing on a full-size iPad isn't many people's idea of heaven. So it's with some relief that Logitech released a physical Bluetooth keyboard case that after a year is still the best of its kind on the market.
The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover itself well-sized for comfortable typing, feels responsive, and even has shortcut keys for the commands you use most often, such as copy, paste and undo.
When not in use the keyboard doubles up as a screen protector, which matches the iPad's colour profile and really looks the part. And who can argue with its six-month battery life on a single charge?
Sol Republic Tracks HD Headphones - £100
On-ear headphones never go out of fashion. But if you want to stand out from the Beats crowd, try a pair of Sol Republic Tracks HD cans instead.
Tracks cans offer high-performance sound drivers that enhance bass and vocals the likes of which easily rivals Beats by Dre Solo, combining audio quality with a robust design that can be customised with a range of limited edition headbands (sold separately).
They're solid and confident, and also exceedingly comfortable when worn for long periods.
JBL OnBeat Rumble - £260
The JBL OnBeat Rumble is a fine gift for any iPad owner who values big, brash, powerful sound. The speaker dock comes with a handy remote, Bluetooth support for easy wireless pairing, and a sturdy Lightning connector for directly attaching Apple's latest range of iOS products, including of course the iPad mini and iPad Air.
Clearly JBL knows a thing or two about subwoofer design: the OnBeat Rumble offers a truly room-filling sound, providing excellent bass and surprisingly clear highs for your iPad music.
HiRise for iPad mini - $35
HiRise for iPad mini is a handy little stand for desk use if you're referencing something on the tablet while working alongside a computer. In fact it sits perfectly on any worktop or coffee table if you need your hands free during calls or FaceTime chats, or just want to keep an eye on your favourite app.
The stand sports the company's signature brushed metal aesthetic and steers clear of the mini's ports, speakers and microphone. Lightning cable not included.
Luxa2 Groovy wireless speaker - £66
The Luxa2 Groovy wireless speaker struck us as almost the perfect marriage of quality portable sound and suave, sleek looks.
It connects to iOS (and many other devices) via Bluetooth and packs a decent level of battery life. It's also pretty loud, delivering clear, high-quality audio in both indoor and outside environments. The Luxa2 comes with a spare AUX input cable for optional direct connection, along with a neat carrying pouch and straps.
iTunes Gift Card - £10 to £100
It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the possibilities a new iPad affords. Seriously, where do you start? The easiest place, we think, is the iTunes Store. And what better way to open up this world to someone than with an iTunes Gift Card.
A gift certificate buys not only music, but games, apps, films, books, ringtones, magazines and newspapers - and the catalogue for every category grows by the day.
Headphone gift ideas
Whether you want to buy headphones to go over the ear or in the ear, to be worn in the home or the gym, this selection won't disappoint.
Celebrity headphones
Skullcandy Mix Master Mike - £160
These headphones sport the name of Beastie Boys DJ Mix Master Mike and feature DJ-style rotating earcups. They're comfy and have a mute button on the right earcup, as well as an input on each side so you can hook up to either one or attach a second pair of headphones. The sound quality is good, but suffers as you crank up the volume.
SMS Audio Street by 50 Cent - £110
The only wired cans in 50 Cent's Street range, the SMS Audios feature earcups that, while feeling squidgy and comfy, are huge and fairly heavy. The large and bendy headband makes them feel rather loose, and sound is leaked before it even reaches your ears. What does get through sounds good, but the low-end isn't as beefed up as the Beats.
House of Marley Destiny TTR - £185
These distinctive headphones are the flagship model from House of Marley, which prides itself on using sustainable materials. The TTRs are built from recyclable aluminium and stainless steel, but it makes them heavy. The audio performance is strong and the on-board noise-cancelling tech proves its worth. The cable is covered in woven fabric, so it stays tangle-free.
AKG Quincy Jones Signature Line Q460 - £90
Bearing the name of legendary producer Quincy Jones, these on-ear headphones are much smaller and lighter than any of the others here.
They look plasticky, but padding on the earcups and the underside of the thin headband makes them comfy to wear. Audio performance is excellent thanks to the closed-back design, which means little sound is lost.
Beats by Dre Studio - £200
The king of celeb headphones has to be the Beats range from Dr Dre. The Studio cans feature noise isolation and are powered by a pair of AAA batteries.
Available in a kaleidoscope of colours, the Beats will certainly get you noticed, although the shiny finish is a fingerprint magnet and the cable is annoyingly prone to tangles. The bass performance is second to none - fantastic for dance tracks or booming movie soundtracks.
In-ear headphones
Beats by Dre Tour - £120
With a huge range of speakers, headphones and earphones bearing his name, Dr Dre has established himself as king of bass.
The Beats by Dre Tours are no exception - their sound is one of the heaviest and deepest we've heard from such tiny earbuds. Sadly, the trebles lack clarity, but if you're into dance or hip-hop they're ideal. We like the neat flattened cord, and the fact that they block a lot of background noise.
Klipsch Image S4A - £50
The S4As' tapered design and chrome finish may look like something from the jet age, but they pack some futuristic features. There's a dedicated smartphone app so you can change the functionality of the built-in button, and the flattened cord is impossible to tangle. They sit comfortably in the ear and give a sound that's punchy and clean. They do a decent job of blocking out background noise, too.
Bose IE2 - £90
These headphones can be a little fiddly at times, but they provide a snug, comfortable fit that prevents them from dropping out, even during vigorous exercise. As you'd expect from the experts at Bose, the sound quality is exquisite, with finely tuned drivers directing music both into and around your lugholes. Our sample only consisted of the headphones themselves, but they're available with smartphone controls, too.
Sony XBA-3 - £156
These may be the biggest headphones in our test, but it's with good reason: they pack a woofer and a tweeter, which makes them more like hi-fi speakers. As a result, they deliver muscular bass and crisp trebles, without any muddying between the two.
They're a lot more comfortable than they look, and they come with a nice range of tips for the perfect fit. The only let-down is the cord, which can be a little awkward to use.
House of Marley Zion Midnight - £54
These eco-friendly headphones are as good for your tunes as they are for the planet. They include a selection of rubber tips for different types of music - the defaults deliver nice wide bass, while the longer ones enhance trebles, making them ideal for the spoken word. The braided cord is tangle-free, and the FSC-certifi ed wood finish adds a nice organic feel.
Headphones for the gym
Sennheiser Adidas PMX 685i - £50
Despite its streamlined look, this light headset feels very durable. The remote is connected to the left-hand side, so you might notice a pull if you thread them under a jacket, but the buds stay put. On the sound front there's a decent 120dB of power, with an improved frequency response for a richer, more detailed sound. The bass is somewhat lacking, though.
Yurbuds Inspire Duro 2 - £42
Yurbud claims that its TwistLock technology ensures these buds will stay put, and after testing, we can't argue with that. They don't always feel very secure, though, which can be off-putting.
Unlike many of their rivals, the Yurbuds let in ambient noise, which is good if you like to know what's going on around you, but means that the audio lacks some vibrancy.
Sony XBA-S65 - £57
Sony's sporty earbuds feature lasso-style hangers that adjust around your ears to provide a secure fit during running. Weighing just 10g, they're barely noticeable in your lugs, although part of the reason they're so light is that there's no remote control.
The narrow earpieces use armature drivers instead of dynamic drivers, producing a crisp, clear sound with strong vocals and bass that doesn't distort even at higher volume levels.
Monster iSport Victory - £130
Yes, these are pricey, but in our view you get enough features to warrant the extra investment. The tangle-free cord actually lives up to its billing and sound is excellent, with great noise isolation and deep, intense bass. Last but by no means least, with a hygienic, anti-microbial coating and sealed housing, they're easy to keep clean and sweat-free.
Pioneer SE-E721 - £40
Pioneer's 'skull fit' design lives up to its billing - these earhooked 'phones clamp around your ears with no intention of letting go until you're ready to take them off, but are comfortable at the same time.
The 9mm speaker units produce a supremely bassy sound, making them ideal for up-tempo workout music. They've been designed with extreme sports enthusiasts in mind, but they're also suitable for just a jog around the park.
Watches and fitness gadgets
Get fit and keep an eye on the time in style - plus a selection of action cameras for recording those moments of sporting brilliance.
Ultimate gadget watches
Casio Pro Trek PRG-240T - £125
When we say the Casio Pro Trek PRG-240T is the ultimate watch for hikers, we're not kidding. Features include Auto Illuminator, which detects when the watch is facing you and turns on its electro-luminescent panel, a digital compass that detects magnetic north, solar power, a pressure sensing altimeter, a thermometer, stopwatch, world time and water resistance. Phew!
Garmin Forerunner 610 - £200
Come on, you've got to admit it - any watch that displays the message "searching for satellites" when you first turn it on is pretty damn cool.
This is the perfect timepiece for going on runs, working out at the gym or riding your bike, with a load of features for keeping track of your workouts. It's rain, sweat and water proof, and has a touchscreen that's easy to use.
Casio G-Shock GB-6900 Bluetooth - £175
The G-Shock range has been a familiar presence on our wrists for a long time, and it's great to see a brand new Bluetooth version that's packed with great features.
Along with worldclass shock resistance, the watch connects to your phone so you can see emails and voice call notifications on your wrist. A "Find me" function lets you use the watch to find a lost phone.
sWaP Rebel - £145
The sWaP Rebel is a feature-packed watch and smartphone hybrid that comes complete with a touchscreen, USB connectivity, camera, 3G internet, and voice and text communication.
You can transfer files via USB or Bluetooth, and add memory cards up to 8GB. You can listen to music and even read ebooks - if you must. Perfect for killing time on those long train journeys. It also comes in an array of stunning colours.
sWaP Active - £200
While some watches are able to connect to your mobile phone, the sWaP (smart watch and phone) Active goes one better by combining the two devices into one. Features include built-in memory, MicroSD card support and a camera.
It boasts almost all the features you'd find in a smartphone, including the ability to play music and watch videos, as well as voice recognition and a waterproof body that makes it ideal for workouts.
Fitness gadgets
Nike+ FuelBand - £129
At first glance, the Nike+ FuelBand is stylishly understated. Available in black or white, it sports a rubbery yet rigid texture and links around your wrist with a retractable silver clasp.
But with a press of the band's discreet button, a strip of coloured LED lights illuminates a seamless animated display that can show the time, your steps taken, calories burned, and accumulated Nike Fuel - the company's proprietary unit for calculating activity that's tied to your Nike account, and feeds into other Nike-linked activities.
Below the display sits a spectral dial of traffi c lights, which indicate your progress towards a predetermined goal. This is chosen via the iOS app, which looks as sleek as the wristband and represents your data in various insightful ways.
Holding down the button activates the all-important Bluetooth sync, and while GPS tracking is absent, it's the visual nature of the instant feedback that will win over most users.
Fitbit Flex - £80
The Fitbit Flex combines the company's honed pedometer technology, key to its One product (see below), with a convenient wristband that, while not the most stylish of accessories, oozes ruggedness like no other tracker.
An adjustable clasp keeps things secure, while a black strip acts as a simple progress display that's activated with a double-tap and powered by a removable plastic sensor housed inside a rubber pouch.
Battery life is around five days, and although the five LED lights helpfully indicate the number of steps taken in a day, it's the iOS and Android apps that offer a more detailed and extended picture of your activity.
This data can also be shared with other Flex users, all of whom can choose between a range of cool custom band colours.
Fitbit One - £71
The Fitbit One is a more inconspicuous type of tracker, with a sleek pebble-like design small enough to keep in your pocket or attach to your belt using the supplied clip. During the day it tracks your steps, distance covered, calories burned and even stairs climbed, thanks to its built-in altimeter.
It also tracks the quality and duration of your sleep, and packs a vibrating alarm to wake you. This data is stored minute-by-minute, and is converted to a daily total, which can be viewed on the LED display or through the Fitbit Connect software, which works on both Mac and PC via the supplied cable.
It syncs the stored data from your tracker to your Fitbit.com Dashboard, where you can also record diet, weight and more.
Striiv Play - £57
Like the Fitbit One, the Striiv Play smart pedometer adopts a sleek, understated polycarbonate design that's easily hidden away in your pocket or clipped to your belt. Powering the device is a three-axis accelerometer that measures your steps taken, calories burned, and distance travelled, as well as an altimeter to record stairs climbed (though sleep isn't tracked by the Striiv).
The device runs for up to seven days on a single charge, which takes just a couple of hours. The button-toggled OLED display highlights your running daily totals, while Bluetooth 4.0 lets you sync data to your iOS device via the accompanying Striiv app, which includes some fun fitness-based games.
Jawbone UP - £100
The second-generation Jawbone UP resolves the problems that dogged the original device, and can finally square up against the leading contenders in the activity tracker market. The water-resistant band is flexible and casually surf-styled, comes in a range of colours, and still retains an unobtrusive, secure profile.
It records your daily movement as well as your sleep, distinguished by manually pressing the silver button on one end. Specific periods of exercise can be defined to the second with the button, while a pop-off cap reveals the mini jack that fits into the headphone port of your iOS or Android device for manual syncing.
The app takes a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle and, aided by an online nutritional database, enables you to record dietary habits by taking shots or scanning barcodes with your camera. It also offers a visually-rich representation of your activity, with the option to share this information with like-minded friends.
Action cameras
Ion Air Pro Wi-Fi - £250
You'll have no trouble attaching Ion's Air Pro to your extreme sports vehicle of choice, as it comes with all kinds of straps and fastenings. Its video quality is a little grainy by day, but great in low light. The 170-degree lens picks up action in all directions, and its Wi-Fi pod makes uploads easy. If it seems a bit pricey, it can be bought more cheaply without the Wi-Fi.
Sony HDRAS15 - £185
Sony's action camera is surprisingly inexpensive, but doesn't skimp on features. It uses SteadyShot image stabilisation and an Exmor sensor to ensure smooth filming with high image quality. There's Wi-Fi, too, enabling you to control the camera and view footage via your smartphone.
Our only issue is the case - it's waterproof to 60 metres, but it muffles the sound and it's the only way to mount the camera without buying extra kit.
GoPro HD Hero3 Black Edition - £360
Truly the king of action cameras, the GoPro Hero3 provides jaw-dropping image quality in both light and dark scenes. It's really easy to use and comes with housing that waterproofs it to 60 metres, making it perfect for diving.
There's also a Wi-Fi remote so you can control it from afar, and an app so you can use your smartphone to preview your footage.
Drift HD Ghost - £300
The Drift HD Ghost is the biggest and bulkiest in this round-up, but that's probably due to the sheer amount of tech it contains. It's the only camera here with an LCD screen, which means you can review your footage on the fly.
Image quality is good, with high frame rates even in low light. Its rubberised finish and Gorilla Glass screen feel sturdy, and it includes a handy remote with a tag function for highlighting moments as you're recording them.
Contour ROAM2 - £150
Available in red, blue, green and black, Contour's camera is certainly the most colourful in this selection. Its aluminium body feels reassuringly solid, and it's waterproof to one metre.
A nifty feature here is a built-in laser that helps you see where it's pointing, which is especially useful in low light. Its controls are quite minimalist, so check the manual before you set off.
Gadgets for home and work
A coffee maker for the start of the day, a robot vacuum cleaner which cleans throughout the day, and a fridge to chill the wine for the end of the day - plus gadgets to make the daily commute more pleasurable.
Gadgets for the home
Belkin Chef Stand - £15
This handy stand is a must-have for budding chefs who like to use online recipes to cook up some magic. You can perch your tablet on the stand and then use the included wand to browse the touchscreen, without splashing ingredients all over it.
iRobot Roomba 660 - £365
Imagine never having to vacuum again. No, it's not the stuff of dreams - it's reality! The Roomba is your personal robotic vacuum cleaner, which tidies your home for you, going underneath furniture as it cleans. It even returns to its base when the battery is low.
Herman Miller Sayl - £320
The Sayl is designed to resemble a suspension bridge and can quite comfortably hold a person's weight. The suspension design at the back supports you in all the right places, while the mesh panel keeps you nice and cool.
Logitech Harmony Touch - £135
Home is a happier place when you have a lounge full of tech - so a remote that can manage everything, such as this Logitech Harmony Touch, is a must-have. It has a touchscreen, which enables you to swipe to change controls and more.
Nest Learning Thermostat - £248
Home temperature control has never looked so good. The Nest thermostat sits on your wall and lets you easily adjust the temperature of your home. Nest also learns your ideal conditions and there's a Nest app to control it remotely.
- More info: www.nest.com
Dyson Hot + Cool - £350
Dyson kit is a home gadgetlover's dream, and the company's latest offering is this modern bladeless fan. It churns out both hot and cold air, so you can use it to micro-manage your home's temperature with ease.
Fitbit Aria - £99
For weight watchers, these Wi-Fi scales from Fitbit are the easy way to manage your diet. Every time you step on the scales, they automatically log your weight, BMI and body fat percentage.
Bodum Pebo Vacuum Coffee Maker - £39
While this coffee maker might not be brimming with electronic bells and whistles, its designed purely to provide great-tasting coffee, using a vacuum brewing process. And thanks to the Pebo's clear bowls, you get to see the action as it happens.
KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer - £430
The Artisan can mix cake ingredients, grind meat, prepare pasta and more. It has a 10-speed motor, and you can easily swap the main attachment with a range of accessories for other duties, such as making ice cream.
Bodum Bistro Electric Coffee Grinder - £85
The Bistro electric coffee grinder enables you to grind exactly the amount of coffee you want, and in exactly the way you like. It even has a glass catcher, so you don't have to worry about spillage.
Dyson DC59 - £350
Dirt has no place in the kitchen, and a handheld device such as the DC59 is the convenient way to keep things clean. It packs the same sort of punch as a regular vacuum, and will keep going on a single charge for 20 minutes.
Samsung Smart Fridge - £2,100
This has to be the ultimate in kitchen gadgets: a fridge that has a 10-inch touchscreen PC with apps built-in, so you can look at recipes, show off photos, check out what's happening on your calendar, and leave notes. You can also specify when food in your fridge expires, so you get a reminder when the date is near.
Roberts Revival Blutune - £200
This DAB radio takes the retrostyled Revival model and adds Bluetooth audio streaming via your tablet or smartphone. It can also be unplugged from the mains for up to 120 hours on a single battery charge.
Magimix Vision 2-Slice Toaster - £130
If you have a habit of burning toast, this could be the perfect gadget for you. The Magimix Vision toaster has glass panels either side, so you can keep an eye on your toast.
Hurom HU-100W - £290
While regular juicing can be time-consuming, this machine can squeeze the juice from your favourite fruits and vegetables in no time at all - and with no effort. The HU-100W also uses slow-juicing technology, meaning it extracts not only the maximum juice from food, but also the full nutritional benefit.
Simplehuman Sensor Recycler - £250
The Simplehuman sensor bin does away with pedals and buttons, so there's no touching - wave your hand over the lid to open it, then it closes itself after. The lid operation adjusts to the task at hand, so if you're changing the bag, it detects this and stays open longer. A regular version without recycler is also available.
Chef Sleeve Cutting Board with iPad Stand - £70
It's amazing nobody came up with this idea sooner - a cutting board with an iPad stand built-in, so you can watch recipes on your device while you prepare the ingredients on the board. It also has a groove to prevent juice from invading your iPad.
Cuisinart Soup Maker - £130
Making soup at home normally involves numerous procedures and a variety of kitchen equipment, but the Cuisinart Soup Maker takes all those things out of the equation with a single device to do the lot. The Soup Maker blends the ingredients, cooks the resultant mix and then simmers it, even stirring it on occasion, until it's reached soup perfection.
Magimix Le Mini Plus - £140
When preparing a meal, you could chop all the ingredients by hand, or you could just get yourself a minichopper, such as this Magimix Le Mini Plus, and let the machine do all the hard work for you. It's big enough to chop a variety of ingredients in seconds, but it's still small enough to fit into a variety of dinky home spaces.
SousVide Supreme Demi - £250
Sous vide is French for "under vacuum" and it's a method of cooking food really slowly - great for when you want to make meat really tender without burning it to a crisp.
The SousVide Supreme Demi enables you to cook food in this way in your own kitchen. Simply wrap meat in a vacuum-sealed pouch, drop it in the water contained in the SousVide Supreme, and push a button to start the slow cooking process.
Sodastream Source - £110
If you're fed up with shelling out on fizzy drinks for the kids, your kitchen needs its own Sodastream for making bottles of pop on command.
This version, the Sodastream Source, is designed by Yves Behar, and will go nicely with any modern kitchen. Simply choose your level of fizz - made easy with the Source's LED indicator - and add your flavour. Your drink will be ready in just 30 seconds.
Gadgets for commuters
Smart ebike - £2,495
The revolutionary Smart ebike is a commuter's dream. It's an electrically powered cycle, which gives you up to 62 miles of range and a 15mph top speed. You can even dock your smartphone and charge it up as you ride into work.
More info: www.smart.com
Spidermonkey - £40
Commuters often need a range of gadgets for their journey, and the Spidermonkey is great for charging a variety of devices all at once. It's also compatible with a mains adapter or a portable charger, so you needn't worry about feeling powerless again.
Senz Smart - £25
It might look like a stealth aircraft, but the Senz Smart umbrella has been designed to withstand winds of up 50mph. Its sleek design comes in a range of stealthy colours - or red. Keeping dry has never looked so good.
TomTom Via - £134
Every motorist needs sat nav these days, and the Via does a great job of guiding you to work - or anywhere else - safely. With built-in voice commands, it can help you avoid congestion and even spot those pesky speed cameras.
Pure Move 2500 - £86
The Pure Move 2500 comes with everything you need to listen to digital (DAB) music on the move. A rotary dial makes it easy to quickly switch stations and you can block out that noisy commute thanks to noise-isolating headphones.
Halo Belt - £40
Cyclists rejoice - the Halo Belt fits around your body and makes you visible from miles away, thanks to its bright LED strip. It can even be worn as a regular belt and is available in four, sci-fi-tastic colours.
Handpresso Auto ESE - £138
Skipping your morning coffee may save you time, but it's a drowsy disaster waiting to happen. Instead of getting up earlier, get your caffeine fix by using the Handpresso - just add water and heat it up with your car's power adapter.
Gifts for tablet and laptop owners
it seems everyone has a tablet or a laptop these days so why not give them a gift to keep it safe or help them enjoy it more?
iShower Wireless Shower Speaker - £81
Is there someone on your good list who loves singing in the shower? This waterproof speaker hooks up to your tablet via Bluetooth, enabling you to listen to and croon along with your favourite songs while in the bathroom. You can control playback and volume with it as well.
KeyFolio Pro 2 for Galaxy Tab - £65
This high-performance removable keyboard is perfect for fast and accurate typing on your Galaxy Tab. Its three-in-one design is compact enough to travel with and protects your tablet from knocks, while letting you comfortably use the removable Bluetooth keyboard.
Kensington SecureBack Security Case - £79
Keep your tablet safe with this security case that comes with a built-in Security Anchor and ClickSafe one-click locking mechanism, which will keep your tablet protected from theft. The case also keeps the tablet protected from damage, and doubles as an adjustable stand.
Spudz SPFD01-G4 6x6 Micro Fibre Lens Cloth In Pouch - £5
This convenient microfibre cloth is easy to store and carry about. Whenever your screen gets too covered with fingerprints, whip out this cloth and quickly and easily give it a clean. An essential piece of kit.
Griffin Tablet Stylus - £5
This carefully balanced stylus pen makes taking handwritten notes on your tablet easier and more comfortable than ever. Perfect for sketching, note-taking, gaming and using photography apps. The integrated clip lets you attach it to keep it safe.
KitSound Tablet and Smartphone Surround Sound Stand - £29
If you're buying a present for someone who loves watching movies on their tablet, give them the cinema experience with this excellent dock that offers portable surround sound. The battery lasts four hours between charges, and the compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around.
Belkin Screen Guard for Galaxy Tab 3 10.1, Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 & Galaxy Note 10.1 - £10
There's nothing worse than getting an unsightly scratch across the front of your Galaxy tablet's pristine screen. That's why these screen guards are a great buy - easy to apply (and remove), and they keep your screen nice and protected.
Creative D200 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker System - £64
Hook up your smartphone or tablet to this fantastic wireless speaker. The built-in technology makes your tunes sound better than ever before, with integrated bass for pounding low frequencies. Connect your device via Bluetooth or use the aux-in port.
Philips SHB9100/00 Bluetooth Stereo Headset - £60
These wireless Bluetooth headphones sound fantastic thanks to some of the best audio technology available (including digital enhancements to boost the bass and high quality drivers). They're also incredibly comfortable to wear, thanks to the deluxe FloatingCushions design.
BeachBuoy Samsung Galaxy Tab Waterproof Case - £20
Take your Galaxy Tab everywhere you go, even in the bath, with this completely waterproof case. It also has a clear window, so you can continue to use it in the wet.
Avantree Saturn Bluetooth Music Adaptor - £30
Want to connect your smartphone or tablet up wirelessly to your existing hi-fi? This handy adaptor can turn any stereo into a Bluetooth-enabled speaker, enabling you to quickly and easily play the music on your mobile device through almost any sound system.
Aluminium Bluetooth Keyboard Case Stand for Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 - £20
Combines military-grade high density padding, stylish aluminium protection and a built-in wireless Bluetooth keyboard that lets you type quickly and accurately on your Note.
Sennheiser RS 180 Open Digital Wireless Headphones - £170
These might cost a pretty penny, but for sound quality and freedom of movement, they can't be beaten. With a digital wireless connection, dynamic bass and surround sound, they're perfect for music and movies.
Samsung P7100 Galaxy Tab 10.1V PU Leather Cover and Stand - £10
Protect your Tab and make it easy to work on with this case that doubles as a desk stand. Ideal if you use your Tab to watch TV or films, or combined with a Bluetooth keyboard to work on.
Steelseries Free Mobile Wireless Controller - £53
Know someone who loves playing games on their smartphone or tablet? Give them the advantage with this excellent Bluetooth-connected gamepad. It gives you the feel of a classic gaming console experience, with dual analogue sticks, D-pad, trigger buttons and action buttons. It's small, yet comfortable to use, with a good battery life.
Galaxy Tab USB & SD Connection Kit - £16
Make your Samsung Galaxy Tab even more useful with this fantastic adaptor that lets you connect and transfer files from SD or Micro SD cards, or an attached USB stick. You can also connect USB peripherals, such as keyboards, to your tablet.
Trust Anti-shock Bubble Bag for 10-inch Tablets - £24
This carry case for 10-inch tablets enables you to take your mobile device with you in complete comfort, with adjustable straps and a stylish look. An extra compartment is included for accessories, and the anti-shock bubble lining keeps your tablet completely safe from drops and knocks.
Samsung Galaxy Tab HDTV Adaptor - £18
For those with loads of movies and TV shows on their Galaxy Tab who fancy watching them on a big-screen HDTV, this adaptor is a must-have. It enables you to hook the Galaxy Tab up to a TV to watch your media, and you can continue to work on your tablet without interrupting the video.
Samsung Galaxy Tab P4 10.1 Inch Desktop Dock - £18
Keep your Samsung Galaxy Tab device charged and safe with this stylish dock. It will hold your tablet securely when not in use, and make sure it's full of juice when you need it.
Samsung Clip-on Leather Feel Flip Case for Galaxy Note 10.1 - £20
This clip-on cover has been specially designed for the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, so you can be sure of a perfect fit. It's made of tough material to keep the Note protected, and can be converted to a stand to make viewing and working on the Note even easier.
Aspire ePillow for Tablets - £40
If you know someone who finds using their tablet for long periods of time uncomfortable, this case is for them. It's a lightweight and portable cover that makes it easy and comfy to hold or rest your device on your lap.
Galaxy Note 10.1 S Pen - £15
This stylus is compatible with S Pen optimised apps on the Galaxy Note 10.1. It's pressure sensitive, and includes five pen tips for different writing and drawing styles. A button on the side helps you work with compatible apps.
Galaxy Tab Conductive Stylus - £6
This stylish chrome-and-black stylus is the perfect fit for your Galaxy Tab - specially made to make interacting with your tablet faster, and more accurate, than ever before.
X-mini Max Capsule Speakers - £45
These small and unassuming speakers have a quirky design and manage to pack quite a bit of power regardless of their reduced stature. The built-in battery can be charged conveniently via USB.
Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Magnetic Book Cover - £20
This excellent cover protects your Galaxy Tab from damage, as well as acting as a stand with non-slip feet. It's custom designed to fit the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, so the slim design of the tablet isn't compromised.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Rotatable Leather Case and Stand - £23
This quality leather case lets you stand and rotate your Galaxy to use the tablet comfortably in either landscape or portrait mode. As the case is designed for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, all ports and features are easily accessible.
Transcend Wi-Fi SD Card - £35
The Transcend Wi-Fi SD Card looks like a standard SD card, but it comes with built-in Wi-Fi. This lets you connect your smartphone or tablet wirelessly to the card when it's plugged into your camera and view your photos straight away.
ChargeAll Family Desktop Charger - £40
If you have a lot of devices that need charging, this desktop charger is for you, because it enables you to charge up to six devices all at the same time. It's a neat and stylish alternative to a tangle of wires and chargers.
- More info: http://buychargeall.com
Knomo Lola Shopper - £81
Beneath its exterior, the Lola Shopper hides features that make it a match with the best laptop bags. It's made from Scotchguarded wear-resistant material, a shock-absorbing section keeps your 15-inch laptop secure, and a unique "if lost" ID number is stitched inside should it go missing. It's surprisingly spacious, even when it's loaded with a laptop.
Targus CityGear Topload - £31
Targus doesn't muck about when it comes to solid accessories, and this dedicated laptop bag has all the space you'll need to store your laptop, everything your laptop needs, and keep it all organised at the same time.
It's not made by a designer brand, but we reckon the sturdy looks of the CityGear will suit just about anyone, and it's certainly built to last.
North Face Base Camp Hot Shot - £74
This backpack is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association and includes an Airmesh back panel to reduce sweaty back syndrome. The result is a supremely wearable backpack. It also features a padded bottom should you drop your bag, and its duffel material is said to be "bomb proof." Perfect for treks across the Andes and hikes to work.
be.ez LE Reporter - £38
Designed for 13-inch laptops, this be.ez looks respectable and smart from the outside, but opening it reveals an eye-catching bright orange liner.
There's a neat Velcro strip to secure your laptop in place, with enough room for accessories and documents in the other compartments. The hard-wearing waterproofed canvas should see you through the heaviest rain showers, and it's ideal for workers who still know how to have fun.
Superdry Classic Tarpaulin - £50
Superdry is known for well-made fashion, and that now extends to laptop bags. The PVC-coated material is strong and waterproof, and there's a neat outer compartment for phones.
Within there's a padded compartment for a 15-inch laptop, and enough sections for your accessories. It feels comfortable to wear, and certainly turned heads when we took it out.