A big variety of tech gadgets have been introduced throughout this year. The quality ranges from meh, to pretty good to outright fantastic — but which ones to buy? With Christmas right around the corner you’ll be tempted by shiny object syndrome to grab anything to complete your gift list.
Not so fast. Think beyond stuffing the stocking and get a better gift for your money. We’ve researched the new gadgets of 2017, and compiled a list of the 12 best of the year. Our focus was on Christmas gifts that keep on giving. These cool, fun gizmos have more than just a “wow” factor — they’re also innovative life hacks that add continuous value to the life of the person you’re gifting.
1. TrackR Bravo — Lost It? Found It
Lost your keys yet again? Is your dog a free spirit that likes to roam? Has someone “borrowed” your bike? Get instant help tracking misplaced things with a TrackR, a coin-size tracking device that sounds an alarm to pinpoint your lost item’s exact location.
TrackR also utilizes a network of 20,000 fellow users that will help you locate what’s missing. Send a missing item report to the network, and when a fellow TrackR finds it an update will be sent to your phone. If you’ve misplaced your phone, TrackR will make it ring, even if it’s on silent mode. Don’t get mad at yourself, get TrackR.
2. Siren Song — Personal Safety Alarm
Are you forced to walk to your car late at night? Do you worry about your child living in a dormitory? Siren Song is a simple but effective safety device that scares off bad guys with a 130-db shriek.
The Siren can also be a life-saving device that alerts in case of a medical emergency. The alarm will get everyone’s attention to call for help.
The Siren Song Personal safety alarm made our 2017 best products list because of its universal value as a personal safety and health alarm. Inspired by the military for use in war zones, this small device easily attaches to a keychain, backpack or purse.
3. KeySmart — Find Keys Faster
Do you have trouble finding the right key on your keychain? Is your keychain an unwelcome second bulge in your pants? Nobody likes bulky, disorganized keychains, although they’re accepted as a fact of life.
Not anymore. The KeySmart key organizer is an elegant solution for bulky, disorganized keychains. It can hold up to 14 keys compactly, so it won’t scratch you or your phone. The durable KeySmart neatly ends the “jingle-jangle” of a bulky keychain. You can also customize your KeySmart by adding USB thumb drives and other small devices.
4. Fixd — Instant Car Diagnostic
Ever get spooked by “that noise” while driving your car? Dreading the “check engine” light? Mystery problems will have your mind racing over the mechanic’s bill. Fixd puts you one step ahead of the mechanic by telling you right away what’s happening under the hood.
Modern cars (1996 and later) have computers built in to help mechanics diagnose cars’ problems. Fixd is a device that’s similar to what mechanics use for an instant diagnosis.
Also, mechanics are notorious for sometimes tacking on high cost car repairs. Fixd will tell you if the problem is major or nothing much at all — potentially saving you thousands in repair bills.
5. Peeps — Cleaner Glasses
Your glasses get fogged, dusty and oily several times day. As you’ve noticed, regular cleaning wipes don’t do a good a job of getting them clean.
The Peeps eyeglass cleaner will get them cleaner and faster, using an advanced cleaning compound that’s invisible and safe for your eyeglasses, sunglasses and also goggles. The Peeps cleaning technology was originally used by NASA and will get your glasses sparkling clean for up to 500 uses. Peeps is available in 7 different colors, and it easily packs into a purse, glove compartment, and of course, a Christmas stocking.
6. Snap SmartCam — Spy On Your House
The Snap SmartCam conveniently doubles as a nanny cam and a smartphone charger, and keeps an eye on your house as long as it’s plugged in. The device requires no maintenance from you. After it reaches full memory capacity, it’ll automatically record over the old videos starting from the beginning.
Use the Snap SmartCam to keep an eye on the nanny, your pets or house-sitter. It has even helped record thieves in the act during several home invasions. Snap SmartCam blends into your living space perfectly, as it looks like an ordinary phone charger.
7. TC1200 Flashlights — World’s Brightest, Toughest Flashlight
A fail-proof flashlight is an essential piece of equipment in case of an emergency: a power outage, fire, if you’re stranded roadside and need to signal for help. The TC1200 Flashlight uses military grade LED technology relied on by Navy Seals and the US Coast Guard to handle extreme emergency situations.
With 800 lumens of light the TC1200 Flashlight can blind an attacker, illuminate a wide work area or focus ultra-bright light onto a small space. The skin is super-tough aircraft grade aluminum — you could actually drive over it, or throw it into six feet of water — and it’ll still work.
The TC1200 Flashlight will exceed your expectations should be everyday safety gear for yourself or loved ones to keep at home and in the car.
8. DashCam Pro HD — Two Extra Eyes In Your Car
Have you ever tried to convince your insurance company (or a judge) that an accident wasn’t your fault when you had no proof? It’s your word against theirs without evidence.
The DashCam Pro HD is the perfect Christmas gift for an important driver in your life. It provides video evidence that could save you thousands in insurance and legal fees. DashCam Pro HD records the action taking place in front, back and even inside a car. You can also point this quality dash cam at the great outdoors to record breathtaking scenery, at someone threatening you at your window or to spy on your kids’ driving.
9. Xtra PC — Thumb-Sized PC
Computers of a certain age are known to get a little wonky: they slow down, freeze up and may stop working entirely.
The Xtra PC is like a tiny thumb-size PC that’s like a whole new computer on a memory stick. Just plug it into the USB port of a PC or Macintosh computer, and it’s like a whole new machine. The Xtra PC is unbelievably small, and the fastest, simplest solution for old computer woes.
10. HD Zoom — Converts Smartphone to High End Camera
Enhance your smartphone’s cameras to take pictures like a high end DLSR. The HD Zoom is an inexpensive, simple gadget that clips over any smartphone camera for clear, highly focused pictures in any weather.
You can catch player action from the stands during sporting events, capture stunning vistas or zoom in to capture a colorful insect. This accessory helps your smartphone’s camera perform similarly to a DLSR worth thousands, and easily fits into your pocket. This is the perfect gift for a smartphone owner in your life.
11. Night Sight Driving Glasses — See Better in the Dark
Most auto accidents happen at night, and poor visibility is the cause. Night Sight driving glasses reduce headlight glare, eye strain, enhances color and improves visibility during bad weather conditions.
Night Sight is a simple clip-on that fits over your glasses, to improve your vision on all sides and reduce fatigue. It’s durable, lightweight and an essential piece of safety equipment for anyone who drives at night.
12. ClearView Antenna — Cut The Cable Cord
Cut the cord and enjoy free TV. Imagine no more ever-increasing TV bills. No more cable/satellite/DISH guy. No more paying for expensive TV when you’re not using it. You could get between 90-100 top free channels with the ClearView Antenna.
It works indoors, attached to a wall or hidden inside you TV cabinet. Try ClearView Antenna and enjoy all the leading TV networks no charge, and you’ll also get a free on-screen channel guide and full DVR capability.
