Gadgethead Christmas 2023 Issue by Littlegate Publishing

CHRISTMAS EDITION

£4.95

Inspired By Your Success

DiscovR A Smarter Speaker MUSIC DISCOVERY Add songs you hear on the radio straight to a Spotify playlist by the touch of a button

Visit pure.com/discovr to learn more Copyright © 2019 Pure International Limited. All rights reserved. E&OE. Apple and Airplay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Amazon, Alexa and the Amazon Alexa logo are trademarks of Amazon.com Inc. or its affiliates. The Spotify Software is subject to third party licenses found here: https://www.spotify.com/connect/third-party-licences. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG,Inc. and any use of such marks by Pure International Limited is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

T G G S O A H B H

CONTENTS 4 Connectix 120 Piece Pastel Creative Pack

44 QDOS Pure and Snap Case

88 AENO Smart Sonic Toothbrush

6 Little Dutch Tool Workbench

46 Times Gate

90 Rockit Stoller Rocker

48 Ditoo Pro

92 Zed Sleep Soother

50 Timebox-Evo

94 Woosh Sound Machine

10 Geomag Magicube Blocks and Card 16PCs

52 So Chill Mini Fridge

12 Geomag Glow

96 Ninja Foodi Possible Cooker 8-in-1 Slow Cooker

56 Canyon Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1

TOYS&GAMES GADGETS GAMING SPORT&FITNESS OUTDOORS AUDIO HEALTH&BEAUTY BABY HOUSEHOLD 8 Mechanics Gravity Elevator

54 AlcoSense Breathalyzer

58 Hue Animation Studio

98 Wacaco Picopresso Portable Espresso Machine and Stand

16 Kikkerland Animal Mix-Up Wooden Puzzle

60 Exogrip PS5 Controller Grip

100 Wacaco Exgram Coffee Scale

18 Geomag Glitter

62 FORM Swim Goggles

102 Wacaco Exagrind

20 Space Rocket Duo

66 Biolite Headlamp 425

22 Spot the Intro

68 Maglite ML50LX LED Flashlight

104 AromaFresh II Therm Pro

14 Casio SA-50 Mini Keyboard

24 Topix

106 Floozie Stuffed Cookies

26 Pop Master Special Edition

70 FRESHTEK Socks

108 SodaStream ART

72 Solar Dashboard Lights

110 ION8 Travel Mug

28 We’re All Gonna Die Party Game

74 Technaxx 4G Wildcam TX-189 Solar Panel

112 Tower Vortx 12 Litre Airfryer

30 Wines of Italy Puzzle

114 Nova Lamp

32 SpyraThree

76 Edifier MS50A Wi-Fi Smart Speaker

36 datAshur PRO+C

78 SkullCandy Dime 3

38 TRIWA x Ghostbusters Watch

80 Canyon Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

40 QDOS Powermag 3in-1 Wireless Charger 42 QDOS OPTIGUARD Eco Glass Screen Protector

82 TOZO OpenReal 84 QuietOn 3.1

86 Ordo Sonic+ Toothbrush

116 Shark CarpetXpert Deep Carpet Cleaner

118 Shark StainStriker Stain and Spot Cleaner 120 Zero Water 6cup/ 1.4 L Jug 122 Kikkerland Cocktail Maker

TOYS & GAMES

£115

https://connetixtiles.com/product/120-piece-pastel-creative-pack-uk/

CONNECTIX 120 PIECE PASTEL CREATIVE PACK

DESIGNED TO PUT YOUR LITTLE ONES’ IMAGINATIONS TO THE TEST, CONNECTIX HAS LAUNCHED THEIR NEW PASTEL CREATIVE PACK WHICH FEATURES A RANGE OF SHAPES AND BEAUTIFUL PASTEL COLOURS ACROSS ITS 120 PIECES. THE PIECES IN THE SET ARE NOW IN A NEW PASTEL COLOURWAY WHICH PERFECTLY CAPTURES THE LIGHT AND MAKES YOUR CHILD’S CREATIONS JUST THAT EXTRA BIT MORE COLOURFUL. When I first got the CONNECTIX 120 Piece Pastel Creative Pack I was shocked by its weight, as packed inside are so many beautiful and sturdy pieces perfect for building constructions both big and small. Each shape is magnetised to fit perfectly with the other shapes, whilst not compromising the aesthetics of each piece. In the 120-piece pastel pack, there are 8 large squares, 48 small squares, 16 equilateral triangles, 16 right-angle triangles, 16 isosceles triangles, 8 window square pieces, 8 hollow square pieces, and an ideas booklet. The isosceles triangle is new to the pastel set but is compatible with all traditional CONNECTIX isosceles triangles. This is one of the main perks of CONNECTIX ranges; all pieces are compatible with other ranges, as well as many of the leading brands in the industry. Therefore, by buying from CONNECTIX you are just building up your children’s collection and giving them even greater building potential as they continue to grow! The aim of CONNECTIX is to provide the building tools for your child’s imagination, as through building they are developing their creativity whilst actively developing their fine motor skills. Then as they continue to build larger constructions it becomes a challenge of endurance and resilience to make these constructions stable. Therefore, with the CONNECTIX set you are providing your child with an educational tool, which is based

on STEM, to develop their learning in a fun and imaginative way. I was most impressed with the quality of the pieces; each one is bevelled and provides a pretty transparent centre for light to pass through the pastel shapes. When built into a range of things, the new pastel range looks great and feels sturdy. As a parent, you can feel confident giving this range to your children to bring educational development, whilst knowing they’re made from non-toxic ABS Plastic, and are BPA and phthalate-free. Each piece has also been sealed and riveted for extra safety. Overall, to expand your child’s creativity and give them a building set that is both educational and looks great, the CONNECTIX 120 Piece Pastel Creative Pack is a great choice for gifting this festive season.

PROS: - Pretty pastel colour for fun constructions - Made from sturdy and safe material - Comes with a whole range of different shapes and colours

CONS: - The set as a whole is quite heavy so not easy to take with you on the go needed to use the kit

www.scandiborn.co.uk/products/little-dutch-tool-wood-workbench

£130.00

TOYS & GAMES SCANDIBORN LITTLE DUTCH WOODEN TOOL WORKBENCH INCLUDED IN THE LITTLE DUTCH WOODEN TOOL WORKBENCH IS ALL ANY YOUNG BUDDING HANDYMAN OR WOMAN COULD WANT. THE WHOLE WORKBENCH LOOKS GREAT AND HAS 55 DIFFERENT PARTS – PERFECT FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES TO PRETEND TO BE WORKING HARD IN THEIR WORKSHOP HAMMERING, SAWING, AND MEASURING AWAY Every single part of the Workbench is made of plywood and MDF and is painted with child-friendly water-based paint. Therefore, in buying the workbench you can be sure that it is made of great material and is safe for your child as they explore the various parts and wooden tools in the set. I loved how all the parts are in muted colours and made of smooth wood. This makes a great change to the usual plastic sets that so often are made for children. The Little Dutch Wooden Tool Workbench looks stylish and would make a great addition to any child’s playroom. I loved that the workbench comes with so many different parts which can be put together and allow your child to really delve into their imagination through free play. Included in the set are nuts, bolts, screws, panels, wheels, and a range of essential tools including a hammer, saw, screwdriver, leveller, ruler, and wrench. Of course, every single aspect of the set is smooth and

PROS:

cannot cause any harm, however, it will let little ones feel like they’re involved when they see DIY going on at home. This would make an incredible gift for your little one this Christmas, especially if they’re constantly following workmen around the house. The style, quality of every piece and range of tools make this a top-quality piece of play equipment for any child. Choose from other complementary toys avalible at Scandiborn (scandiborn. co.uk) this Christmas.

- All wooden child-safe construction and items - Range of parts perfect for a whole range of play activities - Feels top quality, especially compared to plastic alternatives

CONS: - Lots of pieces could easily be lost or misplaced throughout play

TOYS & GAMES

https://www.wickeduncle.co.uk/childrens-presents/ archive/mechanical-gravity---elevator-circuit-35997

£49.95

MECHANICS GRAVITY ELEVATOR CIRCUIT 207 PCS BUILT TO HELP HARNESS THE INVISIBLE POWERS OF GRAVITY AND MAGNETIC REPULSION, THE MECHANICS RANGE BY GEOMAG FOCUSES ON LEARNING THROUGH STEM-FOCUSED CONSTRUCTION. EACH SET IS DESIGNED TO HELP KIDS LEARN ABOUT THESE FORCES IN A FUN AND EDUCATIONAL WAY. Inside the Elevator Circuit box are a range of parts, spheres and magnetic rods which work together to provide the mechanical movement of the circuits. The mechanical parts allow this range to rotate, trigger chain reactions and facilitate magnetic repulsions. Therefore, the elevator system that is created through this set allows you to manually turn the construction to move the sphere, use the magnetic canon to shoot the spheres around the tracks you have created and then send the spheres back up to the top via the elevator. The whole set is designed to use gravity, magnetism, and repulsion to provide a hands-free approach to the science-focused range. I was impressed with the level of detail across the sets, which, with over 207 pieces, allows you to build and alter constructions to suit your interests. My only concern arises with the number of pieces in the set which greatly increases the possibility of losing some - especially if you send a sphere flying off a little too fast. However, the mechanic’s range is compatible with all other standard Geomag ranges, so this isn’t too much of a problem if it is just a sphere.

PROS:

If you are looking for a more advanced version of Geomag for a budding STEM-obsessed child or you want to introduce more educational play into your child’s life this Christmas, the Mechanics Gravity Elevator Circuit is the perfect choice. With a keen focus on physics, whilst also being made with 86% recycled plastics you know you are gifting not only a great present for learning but one that has been designed with sustainability in mind.

- Advanced Geomag set focusing on physics for educational learning - Range of Geomagcompatible components to add in mechanics and expand with other collections - Many different variations to be discovered through play and construction to develop critical thinking skills in a fun way

CONS: - Parts can be easily lost which may affect mechanics functions

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geomag-MagicubeMagnetic-Colours-Recycled/dp/B000HVJ9SG?th=1

£32.00

TOYS & GAMES GEOMAG MAGICUBE BLOCKS AND CARDS 16PCS

WITH JUST 3 BLOCK SHAPES, MAGICUBE BLOCK AND CARDS ALLOW LITTLE LEARNERS TO DEVELOP THEIR FINE MOTOR SKILLS, WHILST LEARNING ABOUT SHAPES AND COLOURS. IN THE BOX ARE A RANGE OF 3D MAGNETIC SHAPES INCLUDING 4 CIRCULAR ARC, 4 TRIANGLE AND 2 CUBE SHAPES, ALONG WITH 6 DOUBLE-SIDED CONSTRUCTION CARDS. EACH CARD USES THESE SHAPES TO ALLOW CHILDREN TO IDENTIFY THE CORRECT COLOUR AND SHAPE OF THE FIGURES, AND THEN WORK TO PUT THEM TOGETHER FOLLOWING THE CARD AS A GUIDE. I was impressed with the quality of the shapes which seamlessly magnetise together using hidden internal magnets. The blocks are larger than others from previous Geomag ranges which is great for safety, as well as helping younger learners to develop colours and patterns through these simple but effective shapes. The range is designed for ages 2-5 years and provides a great activity for children which is both fun and educational. Whilst the 12 figures on the cards provide a great starting point for young learners, the cubes allow children to begin to grow their imaginations and creativity to build new and exciting shapes using what they have learned from the cards. The move from structured to freeform play allows the Magicube sets to grow with your child. My

only issue is that there are only 10 blocks in the set, so as children develop, they may be looking for a greater number of blocks for larger building potential – however, this may be the perfect time to buy a larger set or move your child on to another of the Geomag range as your child continues to develop. If you are looking for a fun gift for your little ones this festive season or are simply looking for an educational gift that helps develop a young creative mind, then this is the choice for you. Not only does it provide clear educational benefits, but it also is made with 100% recycled plastic so you can feel good about buying it too. A budding learner or construction enthusiast would be thrilled to find this underneath the tree this December!

PROS: - Cards and blocks for structured play centred around learning - Develops fine motor skills and shape learning - Smooth shapes with hidden magnets - Allows for free-form play

TOYS & GAMES

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geomag-GlowRecycled-329-White/dp/B09V4G8HJQ/

£19.00

GEOMAG CLASSIC GLOW 42 PCS EVERY CHILD WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO FIND THE GEOMAG GLOW SET UNDERNEATH THEIR CHRISTMAS TREE THIS FESTIVE SEASON – AND WITH SO MANY EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS, PARENTS CAN BE JUST AS DELIGHTED TOO. GEOMAG HAS REINVENTED ITS CLASSIC RODS TO GLOW IN THE DARK MAKING THEM A GREAT PLAY ACTIVITY AS THE NIGHTS GROW DARKER. YOUR KIDS CAN BE FASCINATED BY GEOMAG’S GLOWING COMPONENTS AS THEY BUILD BOTH 2D AND 3D MODELS. One thing that stands out every time we review products from Geomag is that the STEM learning behind all its creations can always be seen. Not only can children learn about magnets and construction, but they now can understand the role of UV as it makes the rods glow. I let my nephew play with the Geomag glow set and it quickly began to introduce questions about why they glow. This was then followed by putting the rods back in the box and placing them on a windowsill so they would glow even more that evening. Therefore, the Glow set is great for getting little ones’ minds going as they begin to ask questions and develop their understanding of STEM subjects. If you are looking for a great gift for your child that you hope will improve their concentration, focus on education through a practical task, and keep them away from screens for a few hours, then the Geomag glow set is a perfect choice! Not only does it boast great educational benefits, but it has also been

PROS: designed to be more environmentally friendly with its recyclable parts and packaging. Therefore, in choosing this set, which is at such an affordable price point, you can give your child hours of educational learning and fun – Perfect for Christmas!

- STEM-based learning - Glow-in-the-dark features for extra fun - Comes with a useful carry case

CONS: - Small parts, including the spheres, can be easily lost

£60.00

https://www.casio.co.uk/sa-50-mini-keyboard

TOYS & GAMES

CASIO SA-50 MINI KEYBOARD IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A FUN AND PORTABLE MUSICAL GIFT FOR YOUR CHILDREN – THE CASIO SA-50 MINI KEYBOARD IS A PERFECT CHOICE FOR YOU! The SA-50 Mini Keyboard has 32 mini keys perfectly sized to make learning tunes and following along with the preprogrammed songs easy for children. Upon opening the box I was impressed by its quality – each key is perfectly sized for smaller hands, and all buttons are soft touch. The keyboard is super easy to navigate from its LCD screen, and only requires 6 AA batteries for hours of fun. Across the top of the keyboard are a range of tones and drumbeats, as well as pre-programmed songs perfect to let children explore the different sounds and develop their musical understanding. I was most impressed by the sound quality and extensive tone range for such a compact keyboard. Casio has included a new sound chip in the keyboard which delivers consistently high-quality stereo sound - Casio even boasts that its SA-50 series are the best 32-note mini keyboards it has ever produced! Furthermore, weighing only 1kg the keyboard is lightweight and easy to move around to suit your space, which is a big perk especially when compared to fixed or larger keyboard options. The SA-50 also includes a headphone port to allow your children to still practice the piano but in a much quieter way –

great for when other smaller siblings are sleeping! I let my small cousin try out the mini-keyboard and he was thrilled. He sat for hours hitting the tone buttons and hitting keys to make his own ‘song’ up! Therefore, for any child, I think this would make a great choice to either channel their creativity or way to encourage an educational musical activity as a family. I was super impressed that every Casio keyboard comes with access to the Casio Music Academy, which is an online course suited to beginners to help them learn and develop their skills on the piano. It comes completely free with the purchase of your mini keyboard and does not include any subscription fees. Therefore, by buying the SA-50 you are also giving your child access to hours of online tutorial videos to help them learn new songs. Therefore, the SA-50 continues to deliver even after its initial purchase! If you are looking for a great gift for your children this Christmas that is fun, portable and will help to

develop their musical talents then this is the one for you! It will provide hours and hours of enjoyment and may even inspire them to take up the piano when they are older. Therefore, I’m sure any child would be thrilled to receive this under the tree this Christmas!

PROS: - Lightweight and top-quality sound design - Comes with a range of preprogrammed songs and tones - Access to the Casio Music Academy for online tutorials

CONS: - Does not include required batteries

TOYS & GAMES

$20.00

https://kikkerland.com/products/animal-mix-upwooden-puzzle?_pos=1&_sid=b34c8f544&_ss=r

KIKKERLAND ANIMAL MIX UP! WOODEN PUZZLE

KIKKERLAND’S ANIMAL MIX-UP WOODEN PUZZLE PROVIDES ENDLESS HOURS OF FUN PUTTING TOGETHER THE 6 ANIMALS AND A RANGE OF TOPS AND HATS. THE MIX-AND-MATCH NATURE OF THE PUZZLE ALLOWS YOUR CHILDREN TO PLAY INTO THEIR CREATIVITY TO PUT TOGETHER A WHOLE RANGE OF COMBINATIONS OF ANIMALS AND CLOTHES. WITH 6 DIFFERENT ANIMALS INCLUDING A BEAR, PANDA, MONKEY, FROG, CAT AND TIGER; CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE THEIR FINE MOTOR SKILLS TO EITHER ACCURATELY MATCH UP THE ANIMALS WITH THEIR TOPS AND HATS, OR CREATIVELY MIX THEM UP CREATING A WHOLE HOST OF NEW ANIMAL AND STYLE OPPORTUNITIES. The feel of the puzzle is great, and all can be stored within the wooden case. Therefore, the Animal Mix Up wooden puzzle is great for throwing in your bag to bring out when the kids need a little distraction. I think this would be a great activity for children on road trips to pass the time while fitting the shapes together, whilst as a parent knowing the pieces won’t get lost in the back of the car thanks to the included box! The wooden puzzle pieces make a great change compared to the large number of plastic toys that children so often are left with. Instead, Kierland’s wooden puzzles are sleek, neutral and a nice alternative for your kids. With 30 different puzzle pieces,

your children can experiment with fitting shapes together, and continue to develop their critical thinking skills through the puzzle process. Overall, the Animal Mix-Up is a great puzzle that will keep kids occupied and help them harness thinking skills as well as creativity. It is such a simple idea, but perfect for those moments when you need a little activity to keep your child entertained. Therefore, this would make a great Christmas present this December.

PROS: - Wooden Puzzle pieces - Develops colour and shape understanding - Allows for creativity and imagination - Easy travel case

£27.99

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Geomag-RecycledMagnetic-Constructions-Colorful/dp/B09V4746R1

TOYS & GAMES

GEOMAG CLASSIC GLITTER 60 PCS

NOTHING QUITE SAYS IT’S THE FESTIVE SEASON AS MUCH AS GLITTER DOES – AND THE GEOMAG CLASSIC GLITTER SET IS NO EXCEPTION. THE PREVIOUS RODS AND INTERLOCKING PANELS HAVE BEEN GIVEN A SUPER STYLISH UPGRADE AND NOW ARE COVERED IN BEAUTIFUL SPARKLING GLITTER ACROSS THE LIGHT BLUE, PINK AND PURPLE COMPONENTS. Geomag is known for creating great construction sets which subtly focus on STEM learning whilst keeping children entertained. The sparkling sets allow children to reach new heights of construction in style, creating 2D and 3D shapes that are picture-perfect in this new colourway and style. However, Geomag is not just focused on bringing educational products that look great, but, in buying Geomag, you can feel great as the rods are made from 100% recycled plastic,

and all come in recyclable packaging. Therefore, Geomag are not just great gifts but are great for the planet. Included in the box are 28 rods, 28 metal spheres, 2 square panels and 2 pentagon panels. In addition, the glitter set comes with a special glitter-covered storage case, perfect for keeping this special set together. However, a great part of Geomag is that all parts from previous sets can be used together if desired. Overall, the Geomag glitter sets make a perfect gifting choice for your child who loves a little sparkle and wants a special festive element to their newest Geomag set. If you are looking for a new Geomag set to gift a loved one this Christmas which focuses on providing hours of education-based construction and is eyecatching with its new sparkle design then this is the perfect choice for you.

PROS: - Stylish sparkling components for an added festive flare - Special glitter carry case exclusive to the Geomag Glitter set - STEM-based activity for children

CONS: - Small parts can be easily lost

TOYS & GAMES

letoyvan.co.uk/products/space-rocket-duo

£29.95

LE TOY VAN SPACE ROCKET DUO

THE SPACE ROCKET DUO IS A SIMPLE BUT EFFECTIVE TOY FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AS THEY LEARN THE WORLD AROUND THEM THROUGH PLAY. THANKS TO THE SPACE ROCKET THEME, YOUR LITTLE ONES CAN BE TRANSFORMED INTO ASTRONAUTS AND DIVE INTO THEIR CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION AS THEY CONSTRUCT SCENARIOS AND SETTINGS FOR THE ROCKET. The main larger rocket opens up via magnets to reveal a smaller rocket inside. The look of both pieces is great as they are all made in high-quality wood which has a good weight and smooth feel. Each piece is finished in child-friendly non-toxic paint so you can be happy that your little ones are safe playing with this toy. The smaller rocket inside the larger allows children to develop their coordination and dexterity as they try and correctly align the two black arrows to magnetise the two sections of the larger rocket together. It also helps to promote cause and effect through the placement and retrieval of the smaller rocket inside. As a parent you can feel extra confident getting this toy for your child as it is made of FSC-Certified wood which means it was sourced from sustainably managed forests – yet another great aspect of this small but great educational toy. The look of the

rocket is top quality and thanks to its design provides your little ones with a whole range of adventures that are out of this world. I can see the rocket being great as your child continues to grow as not only will it help very young children with coordination, but for slightly older children the imaginative free play that a rocket can provide is next level. Overall, if someone in your family has a new little one around this Christmas, or you want to treat your child to a toy that is sustainably made, looks great and will give them hours of playtime, then the Space Rocket Duo is the perfect choice. It’s a toy that will grow with your child and continue to provide great imagination development, all in a compact plasticfree unit. Available at letoyvan.co.uk

PROS: - Top quality plastic-free wood design - Helps develop imagination, dexterity, and coordination, as well as a cause-andeffect understanding - Provides hours of open free play and numerous intergalactic adventures

CONS: - It is on the pricier end for a single toy throughout play

TOYS & GAMES

https://cheatwell.com/products/spot-the-intro

£30.00

SPOT THE INTRO THINK YOU HAVE A GREAT MEMORY FOR SONGS? THEN SPOT THE INTRO BY CHEATWELL GAMES IS PERFECT FOR YOU! THE GAME BRINGS ALL THE FUN OF INTRO GUESSING GAMES INTO BOARD GAME FORM – GREAT FOR BRINGING OUT AT FAMILY GATHERINGS THIS FESTIVE SEASON. WITH MUSIC FROM EVERY DECADE BETWEEN THE 1960S AND 2010S THE GAME GETS ALL THE FAMILY INVOLVED AS THEY WORK ALONE, OR IN TEAMS TO SPOT THE INTRO AND MOVE ACROSS THE GAME BOARD TO THE FINISH LINE. I sat down to play Spot the Intro with some music-loving friends and had a great time. We split into 3 teams of 2 people and placed a team counter on the starting line. The first question allows you to choose an intro from any of the decade decks. Each card has a QR code on one side for one decade, and another for a different decade on the back. The correct side QR code is scanned by the team to the left of the playing team, which takes you to the Spot the Intro website. Here you are shown the song title which allows you to copy and paste the song into your preferred music streaming service. We used Spotify, but you can use streaming services such as Apple and Amazon Music too. 15 seconds of the song’s intro is played, and then the team are given 15 seconds to correctly identify the artist and song title. If the team get these correct, there is also a bonus question for each intro giving you the possibility of gaining an extra third point for that round. We had a great time playing, and whilst I personally had little knowledge of many of the 1960s songs, I was leading my team in the more recent ones. The range of music decades makes it perfect for playing with a wide range of ages as older players may remember songs from the 1960s and 1970s that the younger players may not have even been alive for! For each point won for correctly identifying the artist, song name and bonus question,

S you move this many places across the board. Whatever space you land on will determine which decade you will be getting a song from on your next turn – this is often in the choice of 2 decades to best choose one suited to your team. However, much like the starting place the multicoloured spaces allow you to choose from any of the decades that you like. The first team to get to the ‘finish’ square, and then answers the song name, artist, and bonus question correctly wins the game. My only issue with Spot the Intro is that it is largely a smartphonefocused game, which is not necessarily what I’m searching for when I’m buying a board game. To play you need an online connection to access the Spot the Intro website, however, this makes the game impossible to play without an internet connection. Personally, a big perk of playing board games is that they are accessible and can be taken to even remote areas and are still playable. However, I can see how this is the only main way to make a game like this work – although maybe an offline app where you can input codes would be ideal so the game can still be played whilst disconnected from the internet.

Overall, there’s no denying Spot the Intro is very fun to play and would make a great addition to any family gathering this Christmas. I had a great time playing this with friends, and it really had a song for everyone. If you are looking for a slightly different board game to play this Christmas, that will be a fun mix of nostalgia and inevitable singing across the group – then this is an easy pick.

PROS: - Hidden QR codes for each song made for the Spot the Intro Website

TOYS & GAMES

https://cheatwell.com/products/topix

£30.00

TOPIX

RACE AGAINST YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY AS YOU WORK TO GIVE AS MANY EXAMPLES AS YOU CAN FOR YOUR GIVEN TOPIC – THE ONLY CATCH; ALL YOUR ANSWERS MUST START WITH THE SAME LETTER. WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF BROAD AND SPECIFIC TOPIC CATEGORIES TO BE FACED WITH, TOPIX IS GREAT FOR ALL THE FAMILY. To play the first round all players or teams are given a topic answer sheet and pencil. They then get to choose a counter from one of the stacks to choose their topic. The blue topics are best for younger players as they offer a broader topic, while the red topics can be more specific and challenging. Once all players have a topic, they then pick a letter which every single one of their answers for their topic must begin with. Once all players or teams have a topic and have picked a letter, the timer is turned over and the player or team must write down as many related examples to the topic starting with the chosen letter. Once the timer runs out, each team draws a line under their list and then the lists are passed to the team next to them. Once all the teams have swapped to a different topic, the timer is flipped over again, and each team then attempts to add more examples to this topic list. Words cannot be repeated, and should they be repeated, the repeating team will not gain a point from it. The lists continue to be passed around until every team or player has attempted each topic sheet. Then the total number of examples given across all topics is calculated for each team, and this is how many moves you make across the board. After the first round, each team or player’s topic (either blue or red) and the letter used are determined by the board based

on where you land after each topic card’s correctly identified examples. The board also has star spaces which allow you to choose your own topic level and letter too. The winner is whichever player or team reaches the finish space first. Should there be a tie-break if two teams reach the winning space at the same time, a final topic and letter are given, and each team or player works to write down as many examples as possible. Once time is up, the teams read aloud their answers and cross out the ones that both teams have said. The team with the most unique examples wins. At a recent family gathering, I brought out Topix to see how well the game works for all age ranges. The topics, even from the more challenging red stack, were not super difficult, so younger players didn’t feel completely

excluded. However, the blue topics were definitely more accessible to everyone. Overall, Topix is a great game to bring out at family gatherings. It’s a fast-thinking game which gets everyone involved whilst still causing a competitive battle between the teams. I would definitely recommend this as a new addition to your game collection for family gatherings, especially for the upcoming festive season.

PROS: - Great for all the family - Fast-thinking game with a competitive edge - Easy to get the hang of

https://www.gingerfox.co.uk/products/popmaster-special-edition-board-game

£30.00

TOYS & GAMES POPMASTER SPECIAL EDITION BOARD GAME GET READY TO PUT YOUR CHART MUSIC KNOWLEDGE TO THE TEST WITH THE POPMASTER BOARD GAME, BASED ON THE BELOVED GAME FROM KEN BRUCE’S NATIONAL RADIO SHOW. THE POPMASTER BOARD GAME GIVES YOU EVERYTHING YOU LOVE ABOUT THE RADIO GAME BUT NOW YOU CAN TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE AND SEE HOW YOU’D DO ON THE REAL SHOW! The board game works in a very similar way to how the game show works; there are a range of regular questions, bonus questions and then the famed 3-in-10 final round. The game allows up to four people or 4 teams to compete. Each player or team places their counter on the starting point on the board. The regular cards are shuffled and placed in a pile question side up, the same is done with the bonus questions cards with the theme face up. Each player or team is dealt 2 bonus question cards showing the theme which they have to choose between. This card is then passed to the player or team on the left to ask them during the bonus question rounds. The question tracker is placed next to question 1, and each team are given tokens with A, B or C on them ready for the questions – then you are ready to play. To play one person reads out the question card which has multiple-choice answers. Each team or player chooses the answer and places that letter token face down. Once everyone has done this you flip them over, and the correct answer is revealed. Correct answers gain 1 point and can move their counter 1 space up the board. Repeat this will all regular questions. Questions 2,6 and 9 are bonus questions and are read by the team which they have passed their card to on the left. These are unique to each team and there is the option of 3 multiple-choice answers.

S However, should the team choose not to use the multiple-choice options they can gain 2 points for every correct answer, but for every correct answer with the multiple-choice options you gain 1 point and move forward just one space. The two teams with the most points at the end of these questions go through to the final head-to-head 3-in10 round. Each team takes a sheet from the provided 3-in-10 answer pad and will need a pen for the final round. Another player who is not in the final round picks a 3-in-1 question for the group and then scans the QR code on the card using their phone. This will take them through to Ken Bruce reading out a 3-in-10 question, where, as the name suggests, the team has to name 3 UK single chart hits for a specific artist or group. To make it a little easier to score and play the game gives you a range of 10 options and you have to pick three correct hits. Once the question is asked 10 seconds will begin to count down on the screen and each team will write down their answers. The correct answers are then revealed on the screen, and the team with the most correct answers win. However, if you don’t have access to the internet there are a selection of 3-in-10 cards in the box which allow you to still play in a similar way. Overall, if you love Popmaster and want to see how you’d fare on the radio show game then this is the perfect game for you. This would be perfect for bringing out this festive season to play with all the family with a range of songs from a wide spectrum of genres

and years. I loved playing this with my family at a recent gathering and I know this would make a great game to bring out this Christmas.

PROS: - Easy to play and set up - Includes QR codes to have your final round question read out by Ken Bruce himself - Allows you to try your hand at the famed game show

CONS: - You do need a phone and internet connection to take advantage of the questions from Ken Bruce in the final round – However, the game is still playable without it needed to use the kit

TOYS & GAMES

£14.99

.gingerfox.co.uk/products/were-all-gonna-die-party-game

WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE PARTY GAME

LOOKING FOR A NEW QUICK AND FUN GAME TO PLAY WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY THIS CHRISTMAS – THEN WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE IS THE PARTY GAME FOR YOU. AS WE CAN SEE FROM THE GAME’S DRAMATIC NAME, THE AIM OF THIS GAME IS TO WORK YOUR WAY THROUGH DEATH CARDS AND TRY TO NOT DIE! In We’re All Gonna Die you have a game board with 6 spaces, 6 life-saving dice, 45 ridiculous death cards and 5 embarrassing but not deadly cards. To play you shuffle the death cards, along with the embarrassing but not deadly cards, and draw 20 to place next to the ‘1’ space on the playing board. To begin you flip over the top card of the 20 shuffled cards and place it on the ‘1’ space. This card outlines a ridiculous death and has a range of life-saving items which you need to roll to survive that death. You are allowed three rolls of the 6 dice to achieve this, however, after your first roll, you can keep some of the lifesaving items you have rolls and do not have to roll all 6 for the final 2 rolls. After your third roll attempt if you have successfully matched the life-saving pictures on the card to your dice you can discard the card to a separate pile. You then flip a new card, and the game continues in the same way. Should you not successfully roll the needed life-saving items on the dice for your card, a new card is added in the next spot on the board. If you continue to be unsuccessful with the cards and after each round have to add a new card to the board, you edge closer and closer to death. Once you place a card in

It’s a very fun and silly game the ‘You’re Dead’ space the which has everyone laughing at team loses. The aim is to get the ridiculous death cards we had to through all 20 of your cards and beat. If you are looking for a fun game not end up on the final death space on the board. The embarrassing but to play with some friends, then this not deadly cards may be included in is a perfect choice and makes a great your stack and if revealed can be moved addition to any game collection. straight to the discard pile, essentially giving you a life by making one of the 20 death cards not that deadly. If you get through all 20 cards without getting to the final ‘You’re Dead’ space on the board, you have won! - Quick to play and easy to We’re All Gonna Die is a fun party get the hang of game to play with friends. I brought - Cards and dice are great this out at a recent game night, and quality with good graphics everyone loved it, as it was easy to - Great for small groups to pick up and a large part of it was left play completely up to the luck of a dice roll.

PROS:

TOYS & GAMES

gingerfox.co.uk/products/wines-of-italy-puzzle

£17.99

WINES OF ITALY PUZZLE

DESIGNED FOR ANYONE WITH A TASTE FOR ITALIAN WINE, THE GINGER FOX PUZZLE IS A GREAT PRESENT FOR THE WINE LOVER IN YOUR LIFE. THE PUZZLE HAS 1000 PIECES AND OUTLINES A MAP OF ITALY SHOWING KEY LANDMARKS AND THE WINES ASSOCIATED WITH DIFFERENT REGIONS AND TOWNS. I loved the vintage feel of the puzzle, which is designed to look like a map. The box also comes with the same image in poster form, both to help you complete the puzzle and as an added decoration to remember the puzzle and continue to celebrate wine. In terms of the puzzle, the graphics are nicely printed, and each puzzle piece fits well together. Often you can find puzzles are poorly cut, so when you try and fit pieces together it can be difficult. However, the Wines of Italy puzzle has all been well cut and every piece fits together seamlessly. The puzzle wasn’t too difficult to complete either, as lots of similar pieces such as the sea have patterns across them, so they were easier to find. However, this still took a few hours, and with a glass of wine in hand and a friend to complete it with – it was the perfect activity. I think gifting a puzzle is such a perfect present idea, as you are gifting an activity which your loved one can enjoy as an experience. I personally would gift this puzzle along with a lovely bottle of Italian wine – then your loved one can sit down with a glass and do the Wine Puzzle whilst drinking some!

PROS: - Great look, vintage feel puzzle - Comes with a poster as a guide and decoration - Provides education on the wines of Italy

CONS: - Only 1000 pieces so doesn’t take that long to complete if you are a big puzzler

https://uk.spyra.com/products/spyrathree?variant=44302824472840

£169 SINGLE / £317.72 DUEL

TOYS & GAMES

SPYRATHREE

GET READY TO BATTLE YOUR FRIENDS WITH THE THIRD GENERATION OF SPYRA. THE NEW GENERATION BRINGS YOU EVERYTHING YOU LOVED ABOUT THE PREVIOUS WATER BLASTERS, BUT NOW WITH A WHOLE LOT MORE PUNCH! THE SPYRATHREE DELIVERS 3 GAME MODES (LEAGUE, BURST AND OPEN) GIVING YOU THE ULTIMATE WATER FIGHT EXPERIENCE TO TAKE OUT ALL THE COMPETITION OF THE FIELD. We got the chance to test out the SpyraThree and were given the DUEL set which includes both a red and blue SpyraThree to truly put the game modes to the test in a true battle setting. Upon opening the box, the SpyraThree looks impressive. Each one is in a solid blue or red colour depending on which you choose with a white underside and textured black grip. Holding the SpyraThree it’s a comfortable weight, but not too heavy although with water inside it is a little heavier but does not affect gameplay. I took

the SpyraThree for a test run with some friends and they were incredibly fun to use and led to a very competitive battle! Unlike your regular water guns, the SpyraThree are fully automated water blasters which you can re-load and repressurise in under 10 seconds. Each water blast delivers 22 powerful individual water shots thanks to the Power-Shot Tech. This means that with every blast you shoot with purpose and can feel the power and pressure of the water as it leaves the SpyraThree.

Whilst the blasts do not hurt your opponents, they can definitely be felt! The powerful nature of the blasts helps to keep score as you can feel more accurately that you’ve been hit – and of course, as they use water you do end up getting your clothes wet. However, unlike regular water guns that tend to leave you soaked, the singular SpyraThree blast droplets are more targeted which makes for a more precise hit and thankfully less excess water spray.

SpyraBase £30.00

https://uk.spyra.com/products/spyra-base

TOYS & GAME 34

Spyra also sent us over some of their SpyraBases to really make it a battle. The SpyraBase, as the name suggests, allows you to keep a base of water on hand perfect for refuelling your SpyraThree mid-battle. The bases come in the same colours as the water blasters to allow you to create clear home bases perfect for each team. I found the bases were easy to set up and could easily be collapsed between uses. However, should you need to take the base with you on the go as your team moves, the thick straps allow you to easily move the bases to a new location while they are filled. There’s no mistaking that with the SpyraThree and SpyraBases the battle is next level – especially if you are only used to regular water guns. What allows the SpyraThree to remain powerful throughout every shot is that they are fully rechargeable. Before using the water blaster you simply

connect the charging cable to your SpyraThree and the screen shows the battery and tank status so you can see when your SpyraThree is fully charged, and also keep an eye on your reserved whilst playing. Ultimately, with the SpyraThree you will be returned to the child-like fun of a water fight but now with a grown-up edge. With a tactical display, powerful multi-shot blast and modi slider, you can level up your battles and take out the competition with ease. This is the perfect gift for people of all ages, to take their love for water fights to a whole new level, or return you to the fun they bring no matter your age.

PROS: - Fully automated water blaster - Quality feel and secure textured grip - Bright colour design perfect for identifying different teams - SpyraBase are easy to transport whether full or folded down

CONS: - High price point for water gun - however the fully automated and top quality design makes them worth it - Wouldn’t recommend for younger kids due to the power of the SpyraThree

GADGETS

istorage-uk.com/product/datashur

£249

DATASHUR PRO+C FLASH DRIVE IN AN AGE WHERE SO MUCH OF OUR DATA AND PERSONAL INFORMATION SEEMS VULNERABLE ONLINE, ISTORAGE BRINGS US INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS PERFECT FOR STORING FILES AND DATA IN A SECURE AND ENCRYPTED FORMAT. THE DATASHUR PRO+C IS A PINPROTECTED USB TYPE-C FLASH DRIVE WHICH REQUIRES YOU TO INPUT A UNIQUE CODE BEFORE YOU CAN USE IT. ONCE YOU ARE FINISHED WITH THE DRIVE, YOU SIMPLY UNPLUG FROM YOUR DEVICE, AND IT IMMEDIATELY LOCKS TO KEEP ALL YOUR FILES AND DATA PROTECTED So often we don’t think about how much vital data we can be carrying around on regular flash drives, whether it be for personal or work use. It only takes a flash drive to be lost or stolen and your personal or company information may be shared to unwanted sources. Therefore, the datAshur PRO+C Flash Drive has been designed with all of this in mind. iStorage’s datAshur PRO+C Flash Drive is bright blue, with a sliding case covering the pin pad keys. After sliding off the cover, you are met with the thin long flash drive in the same blue, with black key buttons, and a black base with a keyring loop. However, don’t be mistaken by its sleek and stylish design, the flash drive packs a punch with AESXTS 256-bit hardware encryption, and superfast data transfer rates with 310MB/s read and 246MB/s write speeds. I don’t think I ever realised how vulnerable flash drives were till I got to try out the datAshur PRO+C. The flash drive supports independent user passwords, so you can set up a personal 8–15-digit code which only you know to access the files or data on the flash drive. However, as a further level of security,

S each flash drive has an admin password which can also be used. This feature is essential should someone come across your flash drive and try and spam PIN combinations. After 10 consecutive wrong attempts, the unique PIN is lost, and only the admin PIN can be used. Should the admin pin also be input incorrectly 10 consecutive times all data on the flash drive will be lost forever. This is a great feature, especially in corporate and governmental settings where a stolen flash drive could contain sensitive information. You can also set the flash drive to lock when idle for certain periods of time for added security. I was impressed by the flash drive component which is covered in a layer of super tough epoxy resin to make it virtually impossible to remove without causing permanent damage to the parts inside. In addition, the outside of the flash drive is designed to be tamperobvious so you can see if someone has been trying to open and tamper with it. iStorage has even considered the potential wearing of keys which may give away passwords, so it has used a polymer coating across them to hide usage. It is clear that throughout every aspect of the datAshur PRO+C’s design, security and reliability are always paramount. This focus on every aspect of security is why it is the world’s sole flash drive which is currently pending a FIPS 140-3 Level 3 certification. This is a benchmark for cryptographic hardware, and so if a device has this certification, it has been tested and formally validated by the US and Canadian governments for security.

Overall, whilst you may not at first think of a flash drive as a gift this festive season, it’s a great alternative gift to keep you or your loved ones’ personal information safe. Whether you know someone who uses flash drives for work or personal use, it is likely that they haven’t even considered a password-protected alternative for security. Therefore, in gifting the datAshur PRO+C, you are gifting them with top-level security which cannot be understated.

PROS: - Top-tier security across its software and design - Sleek, bright and has a keyring attachment for added security - Includes a USB Type-C to Type-A adapter in the box for greater universality

£159.00

triwa.com/en-uk/products/triwa-x-ghostbusters-tfo-sub-octopus?pr_prod_ strat=copurchase&pr_rec_id=4f8714517&pr_rec_pid=8286194335999&pr_ref_ pid=8286194270463&pr_seq=uniform&variant=44513403273471

GADGETS

TRIWA X GHOSTBUSTERS WATCH YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WITH GETTING YOUR LOVED ONE A WATCH THIS CHRISTMAS, BUT WHY NOT MAKE IT JUST THAT EXTRA BIT SPECIAL AND GET THEM ONE FEATURING THE ICONIC GHOSTBUSTERS LOGO. TRIWA HAVE INTRODUCED A GREAT COLLABORATION WITH GHOSTBUSTERS FEATURING THE WELL-KNOWN FRANCHISE LOGO WHICH GLOWS IN THE DARK. We were thrilled to get to review one of TRIWA’s watches as they’re known for being top quality and always putting the planet first. TRIWA are known for designing and producing the world’ first ocean plastic watches which work with innovative materials, organisations and ambassadors to try to make the world a better place. On a mission to transform the watch industry, TRIWA (acronym for Transforming the Industry of Watches) wants to change watches from a symbol of status, to something of more value and sustainability in line with modern day issues and concerns. The watch arrives in a beautiful bright blue case, and inside was the Classic Time for Oceans style by TRIWA which features the Ghostbusters logo. The strap is made of a black thick material which feels smooth on the skin, and features a bold red contrast stitching to match the Ghostbusters logo. Inside the watch it has a reliable Japanese Miyota Quartz Movement mechanism to keep your watch ticking away perfectly. Being a collaboration with Ghostbusters the logo, number indicator dots and clock hands

S all glow in the dark. It is all of these subtle glow in the dark and Ghostbuster themed elements which make this a great purchase for a Ghostbusters super fan that wants to show off their love for the franchise in an understated style. The watch is in TRIWA’s Time for Oceans style, which is the world’s first style made of recycled ocean plastic. Therefore, in getting this watch not only can you celebrate Ghostbusters in style, but you can buy it knowing that whether it’s a gift to yourself or a loved one, you are also working to help reduce ocean plastic. Also with each purchase, you’re supporting the efforts of #tideoceanmaterials which are working to improve the quality of oceans. The overall feel of the watch is top quality and kept reliable time throughout testing it. If you’re thinking about getting your loved one a watch this Christmas you should definitely check out TRIWA and their selection of watches. The Ghostbusters watch is a perfect pick for those that love the franchise or want something a little different – I especially loved the glow in the dark aspects of this. However, the sustainability aspect of the whole brand which supports ocean clean up, is yet another great added bonus and why you should consider these top-quality timepieces.

PROS: - Unique Ghostbusters design with glow in the dark aspects - Reliable timepiece mechanics - Smooth and comfortable black strap (also available in Seaweed Green)

GADGETS

www.qdossound.com/collections/power/products/ powermag-3-in-1-wireless-charger?variant=43470996963568

£69.99

QDOS POWERMAG 3-IN-1 WIRELESS CHARGER

SO MANY OF US ARE CARRYING OUR PHONES, EARPHONES, AND SMARTWATCHES WITH US EVERY DAY AND SO, AT THE END OF THE DAY ALL OF THESE OFTEN NEED CHARGING USING SEPARATE WIRES WHICH CAN GET TANGLED UP AND TAKE UP LARGE AMOUNTS OF SPACE ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND OR DESK. HOWEVER, THE QDOS POWERMAG 3-IN-1 WIRELESS CHARGER TACKLES THESE PROBLEMS HEAD-ON AND PROVIDES ONE SEAMLESS AND COMPACT UNIT PERFECT FOR CHARGING YOUR IPHONE, AIRPODS, AND APPLE WATCH SIMULTANEOUSLY. The PowerMag 3-in-1 comes in white and can be folded up into a single pocket-sized square perfect for taking with you on the go. The compact wireless charger has 3 wireless charging platforms perfect for placing your MagSafe or Qi-compatible devices on. I was especially impressed with the multipurpose nature of the PowerMag which allows you to fold the charger into a triangle shape, perfect for using as a stand for your phone whilst it charges. Also, the middle section has a pop-out circle perfect for placing your smartwatch on to charge. The overall feel of the PowerMag is exceptional; it has a soft touch feel and securely magnetises into one single compact unit that feels sturdy and high quality. I think my favourite part of the PowerMag 3-in-1 Charger is that it is really designed to be both functional and look great. The compact foldable nature makes it a perfect pocket-sized charging option, which ultimately removes the need for 3 separate chargers and instead leaves one single charging unit. I found this especially useful for going away travelling, as I only needed

to remember a single charging unit and cable (which usefully is also included in the box). It efficiently charged my phone, earphones and watch overnight without much hassle and seemed to do so at a decent speed for the size of the unit. The PowerMag would make a great gift accessory to the Apple lover in your life, especially if you know a loved one is getting the new iPhone 15 for Christmas. However, as the unit is Qi compatible, it is a perfect present for anyone who has a smartwatch, phone and earphones which support this kind of wireless charging. I would really recommend the PowerMag Charger if you are an Apple product fiend, as for me it was compact, looked great and served its purpose efficiently.

PROS: - Compact, portable, pocketsized wireless charger - Feels sturdy with secure magnetism to devices - Designed to be multipurpose to make charging possible whilst still using your phone

CONS: - Products do need MagSafe or Qi Wireless charging certifications to work with the PowerMag 3-in-1 Wireless Charger

GADGETS QDOS OPTIGUARD ECO GLASS SCREEN PROTECTOR qdossound.com/collections/qdos-screen-protection

£29.99

HAVING A SCREEN PROTECTOR ON YOUR PHONE IS ESSENTIAL THESE DAYS – ESPECIALLY WHEN WE SPEND SO MUCH MONEY ON THEM. INVESTING IN GREAT ACCESSORIES ENSURES THE LONGEVITY OF OUR DEVICES, AND THIS IS SOMETHING THAT QDOS’ ACCESSORIES AND SCREEN PROTECTORS FOCUS ON. HOWEVER, QDOS IS ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT THE PLANET, SO ITS PRODUCTS ARE ALSO MADE WITH RECYCLED MATERIALS. QDOS’ Optiguard Eco Glass Screen Protectors are made with recycled glass and provide crystal clear ultra-transparent screen protection for your phone. Within the box, there is 1 screen protector, and a precision application tool to ensure that you get your screen protector in the perfect place. The screen protectors are designed to provide top-notch 9H scratch and advanced impact screen protection. After placing the screen protector on my phone, I was thrilled with how easy it was to apply, there were no air bubbles left and overall it looked great. The fit of the screen protector is perfect and is almost unnoticeable, which for me is exactly what I want from a screen protector. Also, the QDOS Eco Glass screen boasts to be anti-microbial, which, in a post-COVID-19 world, is essential to keep our phones and us as safe as possible. Along with the launch of its iPhone 15 range, QDOS has also introduced privacy screen protectors which allow you to keep your screen hidden from unwanted onlookers – perfect for commuting on busy trains!

PROS: - Made using recycled glass - Easy application and antimicrobial qualities - Looks great and scratch protection

Overall, if you have just got the new iPhone 15, or know someone who is getting it for Christmas, the cases by QDOS are a great choice and will keep your screen looking great and scratchfree.

CONS: - The price of the screen protector is quite expensive for only a single screen protector

GADGETS

£29.99

qdossound.com/collections/iphone-15/products/ touch-pure-snap-for-iphone-15-pink

QDOS TOUCH PURE + SNAP CASE

WHEN YOU BUY A NEW PHONE, ONE OF THE BEST PARTS IS GETTING TO CHOOSE A NEW CASE THAT DELIVERS TOP-QUALITY PROTECTION AND A STYLISH LOOK. QDOS SENT US OVER ONE OF THEIR TOUCH PURE + SNAP IPHONE 15 CASES IN A LOVELY BABY PINK TO TEST OUT. Straight out of the box, the case fitted easily onto my phone and looked sleek. The baby pink colour is pretty and is made of premium silicone for an easy grip and soft touch feel. The case is exactly what many of us look for, it covers the back of your phone for protection and even has enough of an edge on the front of your phone to protect your screen and corners as much as possible. A crucial element of QDOS cases is that they’re MagSafe compatible so you can still use wireless charging and NFC without the case getting in the way. I was impressed that the case boasts to be both antimicrobial and is made using 50-73% recycled material. This recyclability is a key focus for QDOS’ new range of the iPhone 15, which is focused on ensuring sustainability across its accessories. Therefore, QDOS provides a case recycling program which ensures that once your case is no longer needed it can be recycled through QDOS to save on excessive waste. Overall, QDOS’ Touch Pure + Snap Case provides excellent phone protection, a stylish look and great antimicrobial qualities making it a perfect choice for your new phone. I think the case,

PROS:

alongside QDOS’ screen protectors, is the perfect pairing that anyone with an iPhone will love to find under the tree. However, even if you don’t have an iPhone, QDOS provides a range of cases, screen protectors and accessories suited for a whole range of smartphone devices so you can be sure that QDOS will have something for you or a loved one this Christmas – and who doesn’t love a new phone case for Christmas!

- Case looks and feels great - Made using recycled materials and can be recycled through QDOS’ recycle scheme - Great phone protection and MagSafe compatible

CONS: - The light pink colour is pretty but may show dirt more easily than other colours in the range

https://divoom.com/products/time-gate

£125.00

GADGETS

DIVOOM TIMES GATE PIXEL ART INFORMATIVE DISPLAY INSPIRED BY THE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY, DIVOOM HAS INTRODUCED THE TIMES GATE DISPLAY, AIMED TO TRANSFORM ANY GAMING SET-UP AND TAKE YOUR DESKTOP TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL OF PERSONALISED SCI-FI CREATIVITY. With five full-colour LCD displays, the Times Gate is fully customizable through the Divoom App. Each screen can be customized with different pre-set or personally designed pixel artworks. What makes the Times Gate special is that it is also WIFI enabled and so can be used to show real-time data such as your social media performance, financial market changes or even just the time. I set up the Times Gate on my desk and downloaded the app. It was easy to get started, and soon I was playing with all the various pre-set pixel art and info-graphic options. I was thoroughly impressed by the look of the Times Gate as the backlighting and LCD screens make your display fully customizable to your needs. I think for a gaming set-up this would make a great addition – as you can even customize the lights to match your desktop backlighting. This would be especially great for

streamers, influencers, or tech-savvy companies to keep track of social media figures and celebrate huge milestones in real-time. A lovely bonus of the Time Gate is that it comes in a super futuristic case making it a great gifting option for the gamer, sci-fi or cyber-punk fan in your life. It’s a great gift to help enhance anyone’s desktop, workstation or gaming set-up that looks as if it has landed right on your desk from the future with its sci-fi design. Therefore, the Times Gate is an incredible smart data gadget that celebrates pixel art and allows you to fully customize your display and make your space truly unique to you.

PROS: Futuristic sci-fi design - Fully customizable setup - WIFI-enabled real-time data screens

CONS: - Requires downloading a further app to use the Times Gate

GADGETS

£79.99

https://divoom.com/products/divoom-pro

DIVOOM DITOOPRO RETRO PIXEL ART BLUETOOTH SPEAKER

DESIGNED WITH A RETRO VINTAGE FEEL LIKE MANY OF THE OLD COMPUTERS AND ARCADE MACHINES WE ARE FAMILIAR WITH, THE DITOO-PRO IS AN ALL-AROUND USEFUL LITTLE GADGET THAT ALLOWS YOU TO LISTEN TO YOUR FAVOURITE MUSIC, CREATE EXCEPTIONAL PIXEL ART AND RECEIVE YOUR NOTIFICATIONS ALL IN ONE LITTLE DEVICE. The Ditoo-Pro comes in the great packaging we expect from Divoom, a lovely gift bag and a little case for your DitooPro, which already adds a level of quality to the speaker. Upon opening, you are met with a small square screen with a small keyboard below. Once turned on the keyboard glows red, green and blue, and has a fun little lever which allows you to control the device and your music. I connected to the Ditoo-Pro via Bluetooth, and it played my music at an impressive volume for such a small device. The internal speaker has a 10-watt output and delivers 360° sound, perfect for filling your room. However, the speaker is so much more than a retrostyle mini speaker! The Ditoo-Pro also has a customizable pixel art display which allows you to create your own artwork to be displayed on the screen. To do this you simply have to download the Divoom app and connect to your Ditoo-Pro. There you have access to a whole gallery of online images, as well as the space to create your own pixel art. I loved that I could change and personalise the art depending on the day or the setting, great for parties when using the speaker. The pixel art also adds yet another future retro feel to the Ditoo-Pro.

However, whilst not being used as a speaker you can also use the Ditoo-Pro as an alarm clock, to get notifications, to check the weather or even as a nightlight. The versatility of the DitooPro is what makes it such a great gift for your loved one this Christmas. The Ditoo-Pro is a nifty gadget that for its size packs such a punch. I loved that I could see notifications whilst at my desk as the pixel art changes to show this – great when your phone is not next to you. Overall, if you’re looking for a unique gift that helps with a range of daily tasks whilst delivering top-quality sound in a fun retro package, then the Ditoo-Pro is the perfect choice for you. I know lots of kids or tech-savvy fans would be thrilled to have this as a great addition to their bedside table or desk.

PROS: - Fun retro design - Personalised pixel art display - Powerful speaker output - Range of daily use functions from alarm clock to notifications

CONS: - Requires downloading a further app to make the most of the device

GADGETS

£54.99

divoom.com/products/divoom-timebox-evo?_ pos=1&_psq=timebox-evo&_ss=e&_v=1.0

DIVOOM TIMEBOXEVO PIXEL ART SPEAKER 16X16 DIY LED DISPLAY ALARM CLOCK BOX

DON’T LET THE SLEEK AND MINIMALIST DESIGN FOOL YOU, THE DIVOOM TIMEBOX-EVO PIXEL ART SPEAKER IS A DYNAMIC AND CONSTANTLY EVOLVING GADGET WHICH HELPS YOU DAY TO DAY WITH ITS ALARM CLOCK, STOPWATCH, NOTIFICATIONS, AND WEATHER FEATURES. HOWEVER, THE TIMEBOX-EVO IS SO MUCH MORE, IT’S A PIXEL ART DISPLAY THAT PROVIDES AN ALL-AROUND AUDIO AND VISUAL EXPERIENCE WITH A 16X16 LED PIXEL SCREEN TO BRING YOUR ARTWORK TO LIFE AND MAKE YOUR LISTENING EXPERIENCE SO MUCH GREATER. Upon opening the Timebox-Evo it may at first look quite understated in an all black with various raised control buttons on the top. However, as soon as you turn it on you see it transform into an impressive pixel art display. To make the most of the Timebox-Evo you need to connect it to the Divoom app where you can make your own pixel art displays or change the screen to show one of its many impressive functions. I personally loved using the Timebox-Evo as a clock on my desk, and I had set it up so that when I received a WhatsApp notification the display would change to show the logo and I could go and check out the message. The range of features is what makes this almost pocket-sized device so impressive, as it really is an all-around useful tool for every day.

S However, one of the main features of the Timebox-Evo that I loved was the speaker function. On the opposite side to the pixel art screen is a 6W DSP tuned speaker which delivers exceptional sound quality. For such a small device you might think some quality may be lost, but the TimeboxEvo was compatible with many other larger speakers I’ve tried. A great perk is that via the Divoom app, you can change the pixel art display to move and bounce with the music, giving an all-around great music and visual experience. This makes a great addition to your room as the pixel art looks fun, and the sound quality is great. I love that the Timebox-Evo is designed to evolve with you and the future, as through the app Divoom are keeping your Timebox updated with the best features and modes to best suit your needs. This ability to constantly evolve is such a key focus for the Timebox-Evo (as the name suggests) which means that not only is your device perfect for now but you know it will be a device which stands the test of time. Therefore, this would make an exceptional gift for anyone who wants a nifty device to help with everyday tasks, allow you to play games and provide great music output. I think anyone would be thrilled to have this waiting for them under the Christmas tree this festive season!

PROS: - Great sound quality and inbuilt music visualiser for great audio experience - Customizable pixel art display - Constantly evolving thanks to the Divoom app - Has a range of uses other than just a speaker – has alarm clock, notifications, weather reports etc.

CONS: - Does require the further downloading of the Divoom app to keep up to date and make the most if its features

£44.99

smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/arts-crafts-and-music/ring-lights-andvideo-makers/so-chill-4-litre-mini-fridge/p/230378

GADGETS

SO CHILL MINI FRIDGE (BLACK) NOTHING SAYS LUXURY QUITE LIKE HAVING YOUR OWN PERSONAL MINI FRIDGE IN YOUR ROOM, AND NOW WITH THE SO CHILL MINI FRIDGE, THIS CAN BE A REALITY! WITH SPACE TO FIT UP TO 6 CANS, THE MINI FRIDGE MAKES THE BEST ADDITION TO ANY GAMER’S DESK SET-UP. I was impressed with the quality of the mini fridge when I opened it. The exterior is a lovely shiny black with a silver handle and a little window to see inside. Inside there is a small shelf, which is removable and an inside door pocket. The mini fridge comes with a USB cord to keep your fridge running, which can be plugged into an outlet, or even plugged into your car for cold drinks on a road trip. I personally used the mini fridge on my desk and found the 6-can capacity was plenty for my needs. I love a nice cold can in the evening whilst gaming, so being able to reach over and grab a can from my own fridge without having to walk all the way to the kitchen was great. I even liked that included in the box is a range of stickers so you can personalise the outside of your mini fridge exactly how you like it. This fridge would be essential for a long road trip as you can connect it to your car and have cold drinks on hand between

stops. However, I personally would also use this as a skincare fridge so you can put your moisturisers and various skincare products on your face when they’re cold. This is great for waking you up in the morning and helping to reduce puffiness. Therefore, whether it be for skincare or for keeping your beverages cold in your room or on the go, the So Chill Mini Fridge is a great gift of convenience and luxury for anyone. If you have an avid gamer or beauty guru in your life you should definitely consider gifting them this, or even treating yourself to a little secret hideaway of all your favourite drinks right in your room!

PROS: - Own personal mini fridge - 6 can capacity - Range of uses whether in your room or on the go

CONS: - Does need electricity to power it which may be an added cost on energy bills

£69.99

https://alcosense.co.uk/alcosense-elite-3.html

GADGETS

ALCOSENSE ELITE 3 BREATHALYZER AS WE ENTER THE CHRISTMAS SEASON, WE ARE CONSTANTLY GETTING INVITED TO PARTIES AND FESTIVE EVENTS WHICH QUITE OFTEN INCLUDE ALCOHOL. HOWEVER, MORE OFTEN THAN NOT THE NEXT MORNING WE’RE STILL FEELING THE AFTER-EFFECTS, AND A BIG PART OF THIS IS KNOWING HOW MUCH ALCOHOL IS STILL IN YOUR SYSTEM – ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE WORK OR NEED TO DRIVE EARLY THE NEXT DAY. THIS ALCOSENSE PERSONAL BREATHALYSER ALLOWS YOU TO UNDERSTAND YOUR ALCOHOL LEVELS AND HAVE A GREATER AWARENESS OF HOW MUCH CAN STILL BE IN YOUR SYSTEM THE MORNING AFTER - EVEN WHEN YOU MAY FEEL SOBER. As the most reliable premium semi-conductor alcohol sensor for this price point on the market, the Elite 3 gives you clear and consistent results to know your levels every time you drink. The Elite 3 can be set to different legal limits. For England and Wales it is 0.8‰BAC, but in Scotland the limit is lower at 0.5‰BAC. Then you attach the small straw and after only a 6-second breath sampling the inbuilt air flow sensors check the concentration of alcohol in your breath. It needs roughly 1.2 litres of air to get a good sample, which usually takes an average person 6 seconds of deep lung air to achieve. However, the breathalyser will tell you if you haven’t given a long enough sample which is great. After you give your sample, a green, amber, or red light will be shown. The green light indicates that you are below 0.10%BAC and shows ‘LO’ on the screen. This indicates that there is either no alcohol or only a very small trace of alcohol detected in your sample. If you get an amber light, it will display

S the alcohol level in your sample, but the amber light means that you are below your set limit. However, if you get a red light along with your reading it means you are very close, if not over your limit. Along with the red light a ‘don’t drive’ symbol will appear to indicate you should not get behind a wheel. The colour-coded indication makes knowing your limits easy to see at a glance, but the readings are great for knowing just how close to your limit you are. The AlcoSense is ideal for the morning after a Christmas party to check whether you’re safe to drive or not before you even consider getting behind the wheel. Often after sleeping people feel that they are not as drunk, however, you can still be very much over the limit so the breathalyser helps you to make safer decisions for yourself and other drivers and opt for public transport should you be even slightly close to the limit. For the price point, the Elite 3 gives great accuracy, however, more pricey breathalysers can give you more detailed and even more accurate results. Overall, the AlcoSense Elite 3 is a great companion to help you make smarter and safer decisions. This handy reusable device allows you to accurately measure your limits with its easy-touse system and intuitive colour result displays. If you like to have a drink and want to make sure you are remaining safe, the Elite 3 is a great choice to have more knowledge about the alcohol levels in your body.

PROS: - Knowledge of your own alcohol levels to make better choices - Premium accuracy for the price point - Easy-to-use and easy-toread display - Can be recalibrated annually for the longevity of reading accuracy

CONS: - If you require even more accurate results you may need to purchase a more expensive product in the range, as the Elite 3 is top for its price range but not as accurate as the next range up which uses fuel cell sensors

£40.00

tjhughes.co.uk/products/5001217-canyon-wirelesscharging-station-3-in-1-ws-303-black

GADGETS

CANYON WIRELESS CHARGING STATION 3-IN-1 SO MANY OF US NOW HAVE A PHONE, SMARTWATCH, AND EARPHONES WITH US EVERY DAY WHICH OFTEN ALL NEED CHARGING EVERY NIGHT. HOWEVER, WITH SO MANY WIRES AND DIFFERENT CORDS NEEDED THIS CAN OFTEN LEAVE YOUR DESK OR NIGHTSTAND LITTERED WITH WIRES AND WITH LIMITED PLUG SPACE. HOWEVER, THE CANYON WIRELESS CHARGING STATION COMBATS ALL THESE PROBLEMS AND HAS CREATED ONE SEAMLESS UNIT PERFECT FOR CHARGING ALL YOUR DEVICES AT ONCE! The Canyon Wireless Charging Station is perfect for placing your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods on at night and when you wake up, they will be fully charged. The stand is compatible with all Qi-integrated devices and offers some of the best charging speeds for docking stations on the market. This is all thanks to the Nuvoton chipset which works to charge your devices quickly and securely. When I tested out the charging station, I was impressed with the speed at which each one had charged, as often when you combine charging ports into one singular station you often have to deal with a slightly slower charging speed. However, the Canyon Wireless Charging Station supports fast charging to make sure your devices are ready for you when you need them.

I loved the look of the charging station on my desk as the sleek black colour was minimalist and felt high in quality. I even liked the LED indicator and backlighting. The whole station uses a Type-C cable which greatly reduces the need for multiple different wires and means I finally can plug in my lamp which until now has been unplugged in favour of charging my phone! If you have an Apple product fan, or someone who has a whole range of Qi-Integrated devices that they use every day then the Canyon Wireless Charging Station makes a great nifty gift this Christmas to organise their desk or nightstand and still provide top-notch charging speeds.

PROS: - Supports fast charging for an efficient and secure charge - Organises desk or nightstand by reducing charging to a single cable and charging station - Looks great on your desk in its sleek black minimalist design

CONS: - Devices must be Qiintegrated to be able to use the charging station

£49.95 + VAT

https://huehd.com/shop/hue-animation-studio/

GADGETS

HUE ANIMATION STUDIO HUE ANIMATION STUDIO IS A MOVIE-MAKING STARTER KIT CONTAINING EVERYTHING THAT A BUDDING ANIMATOR NEEDS TO LEARN TO CREATE STOP MOTION ANIMATION MOVIES USING MODELLING CLAY, LEGO®, 2D DRAWINGS, TOYS OR EVERYDAY OBJECTS. The kit includes a colourful and flexible HUE HD camera, (with a built-in microphone), animation software and the 64page full-colour, animation activity book with step-by-step instructions, tips, and ideas. Using the easy-to-use software, children can edit images, record their own voice, import sound and even add text and special effects. They can then share the finished movie with friends, and family, or upload it to YouTube. To get started, you need to download the Stop Motion software via your HUE account, where you will also have access to a range of printable backgrounds, sound effects and 20 videos to watch if you need some inspiration. I found setting up the Stop Motion Software was fairly quick and easy, but I think a child may need a little help. However, once you have the software downloaded and the camera plugged in, it is simple to use as it has been specifically designed for educational use for children aged 7-13. The software has a user-friendly, fully featured interface where children can work together, helping to develop the 21stcentury skills of collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. HUE also has some brilliant tutorials on Youtube showcasing how to use the different features in the software. HUE Animation studio allows even the youngest animators to have fun making and moving characters around in scenes whilst older children can enjoy imagining the storyline, writing the script and recording the voice-overs, deciding on camera angles, positioning the characters and creating or importing sound effects. Any actors in the group will love getting into character for the voiceovers and everyone can enjoy watching the finished film again and again. The quality of the HUE camera included in the kit is great and it really feels like an excellent gift to give to your kids to

encourage them to use their imagination and be creative. Parents too will have loads of fun helping their kids get started and all can enjoy the end result together at show time! HUE Animation Studio makes an ideal gift for 7-13 year olds this Christmas and will have your kids’ creativity flowing as they put time into creating imaginative scenes and learning about stop motion. The process of making animations helps to develop their critical thinking skills in a fun way, as they work out how to make shots possible and then edit them together to tell a story. This is sure to keep kids busy for hours and bring educational fun for all the family.

PROS: - Educational fun for all the family - Develops imagination and critical thinking skills - Child-friendly user face - Plug & Play HUE camera

CONS: - Requires 512MB RAM (1GB recommended)

GAMING

exogrip.co.uk/products/ exogrip?variant=46949712691508

£19.99

EXOGRIP PS5 CONTROLLER GRIP

DESIGNED TO TAKE YOUR GAMING EXPERIENCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL, THE EXOGRIP PROVIDES AN UNRIVALLED GRIP ON YOUR GAMING CONTROLLER FOR ALL YOUR GAMING NEEDS. THE ENTIRE CONCEPT OF THE EXOGRIP IS SIMPLE, YET SO EFFECTIVE. THE GRIPS ARE ADDED TO YOUR CONTROLLER AND CAN BE MOULDED TO PERFECTLY FIT THE CONTOURS OF YOUR HAND. To mould the grips you just pop one into a mug of boiled water for a minute, being sure to keep the rings on the end of the grips for easy retrieval. Once 60 seconds have passed you take the grip out using the ring, shake off excess water and push onto the correct side of your controller. You then quickly grip that side of the controller as you usually would to create a mould of that hand. I found using my other hand to help press my fingers around the grip was useful to ensure a deep and secure mould. Once you’re happy with the mould, you run it under some cold water to set it in place. You then repeat this all on the other side, leaving you with a controller which has exceptional grip personalised to you!

When testing the Exogrip I was impressed with just how easy the process was and the resulting look of the grips adds a nice touch to your control. The grips I got to try out were grey with a little turquoise lining around the top and on the base. They made a nice addition to my usual PS5 controller, however, I do think there is an opportunity for more fun or matching-coloured grips to be added to Exogrip’s current collection. After putting the grips on I was thrilled with how much more control I felt I had over my controller, which is great for more intense games when I’m sometimes left with an aching hand from awkwardly holding the controller. I love that the grips can also be removed and added to another controller should you be gaming at a friend’s house, or you change your controller often. The Exogrip would make a brilliant gift for the gamer in your life,

or even as a little treat to yourself if you love gaming. They’re such a creative gift that only makes gaming more comfortable and personalised to the individual. And at such an affordable price, these are a must-buy this festive season.

PROS: - Personalised grip moulding - Easy to use and mould - Affordable price

CONS: - Could have a wider variety of colour options for even greater customizability of your controller

https://uk.formswim.com/products/smart-swim-goggles

£249.00

SPORT/ FITNESS

FORM SMART SWIM GOGGLES FORM HAS TAKEN SWIMMING GOGGLES TO THE NEXT LEVEL, WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AUGMENTED REALITY AND ADVANCED LEARNING ALGORITHMS WHICH HELP YOU IMPROVE YOUR REAL-TIME METRICS WHETHER YOU’RE IN THE POOL OR OUT IN OPEN WATER. THESE ARE NOT REGULAR SWIMMING GOGGLES, INSTEAD, THEY’RE YOUR TRAINING PARTNER AND COACH READY TO GIVE YOU REALTIME FEEDBACK TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE THE RESULTS YOU WANT. Straight out of the box, the FORM Smart Swim goggles are immediately more high-tech than any goggles I’ve ever seen – I’ve never had goggles which needed a charging cord before! The FORM Smart Swim Goggles are lightweight, in all black with an attachment on the right eye side which monitors your swimming. They’re made of leak-free silicone and come with a range of nose bridges ranging from extra small to extra-large which allow you to find your perfect fit and seal for a better swimming

/ S

experience. The goggle lenses have an anti-fog protective layer inside them, so you never have to worry about them fogging up whilst swimming. However, you must be super careful to not damage this coating whilst using them to ensure they keep their anti-fog qualities. Inside the box is a ventilated black carry case perfect for keeping your goggles safe and protected in your gym bag between swims. In terms of the physical goggles, they feel great and fit great which provides a great base for the role that the goggles play in your training. The main role of the Smart Swim goggles is to provide you with real-time data straight onto the goggle lens for you to see whilst you’re in the water. The goggles use powerful sensors to track your swimming and monitor how you continue to progress. They are designed with a focus on helping you to improve your performance whether you’re training for a triathlon, or even just trying to improve your own swimming stamina. To activate and make the most of your goggles you need to use the FORM Swim App. The app is well laid out and provides you with a clear analysis of your distance, time, pace, stroke rate, calories, and heart rate (but this requires an additional heart rate monitor). Through the app, you can choose what data is shown on the goggle lens whilst you swim. This real-time data is designed to help you continually improve in the moment, rather than relying only on feedback

on things such as pace and stroke rate after the swim. However, a big part of the goggles’ role in helping you improve is mainly accessed through a premium subscription. The premium subscription includes HeadCoach™ which works to analyse your swim and then provides feedback on areas of improvement through a scoring system. It will identify areas/skills which need development and show you how to improve. These skills can then be monitored during your future swims, where you can get real-time feedback directly into your goggles. The coaching system, when paired with the comprehensive in-

app analysis and range of educational resources on the app provides you with an all-round training experience. In addition, the premium subscription also gives you access to over 15,000 workouts and more than 45 training plans covering a variety of tri-distances and techniques areas. Whilst without a premium subscription you still have access to real-time metrics and post-swim analysis, I do think if you are investing in the goggles already because you are serious about training and improving your swimming, then the subscription seems worth it. Thankfully, whether you get the FORM Smart Swim goggles for yourself or as a gift for a loved one this Christmas, they come with a 1-year free trial of premium features so you can spend a year testing these out for your training needs. When the free trial ends after a year, the subscription costs £13 a month - but you can cancel this at any time. However, if you’re serious about your swim training this seems fairly affordable. Having tested out the FORM Smart Swim goggles I’m impressed! Whilst I’m not personally training for any triathlon, the data that the goggles provide straight onto your screen is such a great idea. I found the metrics provided were a great motivation to keep going or to change up my technique. The ability to get this realtime feedback whilst in the water is what makes these goggles so special.

PROS: - Only goggles with an augmented reality display - Secure fit and no leak silicone design - Comes with 1 year free trial of premium membership on the FORM App - Real-Time data metrics are given straight in the goggle lens - 16-hour battery life

CONS:

So are the FORM Smart Swim goggles worth the price? If you are looking for a more accurate way to track your swimming and want a tool to really enhance your training in the water, then yes absolutely! They provide such a great partner for your training or stamina building with unrivalled realtime data as the only goggles with an augmented reality display. However, if you aren’t looking for a more in-depth analysis of your swimming, then at this price point they might not be worth it as they are truly designed for training. But, if you’re willing and dedicated to revolutionising the way you swim and train, then the FORM Smart Swim goggles are a great choice!

- Expensive price point – but is designed for those who want real-time feedback and an all-encompassing training experience - Requires additional downloading of the FORM app to use the goggles and access the 1-year free premium membership - After the free trial, premium membership is £13 per month – a continued additional cost to the goggles

OUTDOOR

https://uk.bioliteenergy.com/products/headlamp-425

£64.99

BIOLITE HEADLAMP 435 YOU WILL NEVER KNOW HOW USEFUL A HEADTORCH IS UNTIL YOU OWN ONE AND THEN WONDER HOW YOU LIVED WITHOUT ONE FOR SO MANY YEARS. I USE MINE FOR SO MANY THINGS, WHETHER WALKING THE DOGS IN THE MORNING, RUNNING, WORKING ON SOMETHING TRICKY, OR TRYING TO FIND THE LOOS AT A FESTIVAL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT - IT IS ALWAYS BEST TO HAVE BOTH HANDS FREE IN THE DARK. WE HAVE TESTED MANY BIOLITE HEAD TORCHES IN THE PAST, SO I DON’T FEEL I EVEN NEED TO QUESTION THE BUILD QUALITY - THESE ARE HIGHLY DURABLE AND EFFECTIVE TORCHES. The new HeadLamp 425 is a professional-level head torch that will certainly brighten up your day. It is USB rechargeable and provides you with a maximum output of 425 lumens which is more than enough for most uses. As it isn’t ridiculously powerful, the battery life is good and on the low setting you will get around 60 hours. However, if you need it on full power, it will considerably reduce this time and burn through the power in as little as 4 hours. The battery pack at the back balances the weight well and makes for a good walking/running torch. I especially liked the new rear red light with solid or strobe options which was great for safety. There are multiple beams to choose from, all controlled from one button which allows you to toggle through all the headlamps modes - so it’s worth taking a bit of time to get used

to what’s available. The main button is small and maybe a little frustrating to press if you’re wearing gloves or have cold hands, although, compared to previous models, this wasn’t too much of an issue. By keeping pressure on the button, you can decide on how bright you want the beam. The direction of the light can also easily be changed with the one-hand tilting. The headlamp also has a red night vision feature which is awesome. I went camping with my young grandsons and when they hit the hay early, I stayed up to read. I found that a white light kept them awake, but the low red light was perfect to read to and with the kids’ eyes closed they didn’t even know I had the torch on! Weighing only 78g, the headlamp is lightweight and comfortable to wear thanks to the elasticated cloth strap which can be adjusted to fit over helmets, hats, or even just worn directly on the head. It is available in 4

different colours including, blue, grey, yellow/red and teal. In addition, I found the battery life indicator a great feature with 4 lights for maximum battery and a 1-hour reserve mode which alerts you when power is low. Overall, this is a great piece of kit by BioLite and if you spend a lot of time wearing a headlamp, then the HeadLamp 425 is exactly what you require. Though the cost of this product is quite dear, its durability and range of uses (including safety) makes it all worth it.

PROS: - Comfortable to wear - High-Quality feel - Range of different bean options - Decent battery life for use

torchdirect.co.uk/products/maglite-ml50lx-2-c-cell-led-torch

£139.99

OUTDOOR MAGLITE ML50LX LED FLASHLIGHT AS THE WINTER NIGHTS DRAW IN AND THE EVENINGS BECOME EVER DARKER, HAVING A TORCH ON HAND IS ALWAYS USEFUL. THE MAGLITE ML50X LED FLASHLIGHT BRINGS YOU A POWERFUL LIGHT OUTPUT PERFECT FOR KEEPING IN YOUR CAR FOR EMERGENCIES, NEARBY IN CASE OF A POWER CUT, OR EVEN JUST FOR WALKING THE DOG ON THESE DARK NIGHTS. Upon opening the box, I was surprised by its lightweight but sturdy design. The torch has a stealth matt finish and a textured handle for a secure grip while you’re holding it. On the side is the QuickClik™ electronic switch which allows you to flick between light modes. Straight out of the box, the torch requires 2 C Cell alkaline batteries which are not included. Once you’ve popped some batteries in, you are then ready to use the torch. The torch comes with 4 modes which each have a range of settings to click between using the side switch. The torch arrived in the box in mode 1 which is great for general use. This mode allows you to flick between high beam, low beam and eco beam modes which would cover the majority of needs for the average user. However, other modes include the Outdoor mode which allows you to flick between high, low and strobe beams; the Law Enforcement mode which allows for momentary, high and eco beam modes; and finally the Tactical mode which allows you to flick between momentary, high and strobe modes. Whilst for me the General and Outdoor modes are the only ones I would reach to, the torch does include the other modes as it is designed for law enforcement and tactical uses – therefore, using the torch you know it is top quality and designed for even the most advanced of situations.

R My main issue came when flicking between the various modes as they took a little more effort than expected; you must first unscrew the tail cap and then screw it on whilst holding down the side switch until it blinks. Then when the torch blinks the correct number in accordance with the different modes (e.g. Outdoor – 2 blinks) you release the side switch, and that mode is now active. It is not the most complicated thing, but it is a little more hassle than I was expecting. However, for the average user, the general mode, in which the torch comes in, is perfect for most people’s needs. I tested out the torch whilst walking my dog on a dark evening and was thrilled by the beam. On high the 466 lumens torch has a beam range of 291m, which was more than enough while walking the dog. In the high beam mode, the beam lasts roughly 8 hours, 13 hours in the low beam and an impressive 109 hours in the eco mode. Overall, the torch is a great choice; whether it is just to keep on hand or in a safe place ready for an emergency, or even for general use as the evenings become darker. The torch even has IPX4 waterproofing making it a great choice for all weather conditions. Therefore, if you are looking for a great and useful gift for the one person who seems to have everything, this makes such a nice gift choice that is both functional and unique.

PROS: - Multiple light mode options - Eco mode provides hours of use from one lot of batteries - Lightweight but sturdy design

CONS: - Changing between modes can be a little complicated - Torch does not come with batteries

£16.99 per pair

stance.eu.com/products/reptilious-mid-crew-sock-camo?_pos=4&_sid=41d2116db&_ss=r

OUTDOOR

STANCE REPTILIOUS MID CREW SOCK STANCE IS KNOWN FOR ITS RANGE OF PERFORMANCE AND LIFESTYLE SOCKS WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO GIVE YOUR FEET THE ALL-STAR EXPERIENCE. WE GOT THE CHANCE TO TEST OUT A FEW PAIRS OF STANCE’S FRESHTEK™ PERFORMANCE SOCKS WHICH BOTH WICK MOISTURE AND MINIMISE ODOUR FROM SWEAT. Stance sent over the Reptilious Mid Crew Sock which not only had a fun reptile green pattern but are made with Stance’s Infiknit™ technology which ensures that your socks never rip or tear. If you are someone who walks a lot you know the pain of finding a hole in your sock and that weird uncomfortable feeling all day until you can change them, but with the Infiknit™ technology you should never have this problem again. A key role in this is the seamless toe closure which creates anti-friction and reduces the likelihood of tears, but should you manage to get a gnarly rip in your sock, Stance has got you and will help you to get a replacement (Stance believe in their socks that much!) The Reptilious Mid Crew Sock provides moderate cushioning and a secure fit for enhanced impact protection. Having worn the socks all day I can say they were super comfortable and did not overheat my feet which was great. They are made of 94% polyester, 3% nylon and 3% elastance which helps to keep your feet cool and supported. The socks feature targeted cushioning for where your foot needs the most support, as well as arch support to help your feet feel as comfortable as possible. Ultimately, whilst a lot of people may joke about receiving socks as a Christmas present, the socks Stance provide are next level and as soon as your loved one tries them on, they will

PROS: - Supportive and reinforced design to ensure comfort and longevity - The FRESHTEK™ performance collection come in a range of styles and patterns to suit your style - Include anti-tear and odour control technology

instantly understand why they have received them as a gift! The top-quality design and super soft but supported feel is why people continue to return to Stance and why their socks are game changers in the market.

CONS: - Price for a single pair of socks is quite high - Are not made from any cotton which may be undesirable to some people

isabella.net/uk/accessories/camping-equipment/ details/solar-driven-light-for-windscreens-2-pcs

£75.00

OUTDOOR

SOLAR-DRIVEN LIGHTS FOR WINDSCREENS AS THE NIGHTS DRAW IN AND EVENINGS ARE DARKER, HAVING EASY AND ACCESSIBLE LIGHTS IS ESSENTIAL. THEREFORE, THE SOLARDRIVEN LIGHTS BY ISABELLA ARE THE PERFECT ACCOMPANIMENT FOR JUST ABOUT ANYTHING TO PROVIDE YOU WITH LIGHT WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST. The lamps come in a pair of two and are minimalist in design. Each light is round with a solar panel on the top, with a touch on/off button. Each lamp emits a warm but fairly bright light which is perfect for a variety of needs. The lamps are designed to be kept outside so they can capture solar power during the day to keep the lights going through the night. These are perfect for camping as you can sit them outside your tent during the day, and then move them inside or around your tent during the night. The lights even have a small hole in the base which allows you to attach the lights to the spikes on windbreakers, so you have great lighting across and around the perimeter of your campsite at night. When I got the lights out of the box, I was surprised by just how lightweight they were. Their lightweight nature means they’re super easy to transport around or place them wherever you need. These would be a game-changer at festivals, as they’re easy to carry and would be great for searching for your tent or the toilets in the dark! However, should you have had a particularly cloudy day (very apt for British weather) you can also charge the lights via the USB charging cable in the box making them a perfect portable lighting option when you’re on the move or camping. Fully charged either by the sun or by the USB charging cable the

lights will emit light for between 6 and 7 hours – perfect as a nightlight during the night or whilst travelling. Overall, if you are an avid camper or are in need of a lighting solution which you can easily move around and take with you on the go, then the Isabella solar-driven lights are perfect for you. If you have a loved one who frequently goes camping or is always at music festivals during the summer, then these would make a perfect gift for Christmas. Having a good light source is essential for safety and visibility, and with the Isabella Solar-Driven Lights you can have this on the go wherever you need.

PROS: - Portable light source - Solar powered for sustainability – but can be USB charged for cloudy days - Lightweight and intuitive design

CONS: - Quite expensive for the size of the lights

OUTDOOR

€249.99

https://www.technaxx.de/products-detail/?pid=4987&cid=530

TECHNAXX 4G WILDCAM TX-189 SOLAR PANEL

AS THE NIGHTS GET DARKER AND LONGER THE RISK OF BREAK-INS OR UNWANTED GUESTS IN YOUR GARDEN INCREASES, SO THE NEED FOR A GOOD SECURITY SYSTEM THAT ALLOWS YOU TO HELP MAINTAIN THE SECURITY OF YOUR HOME OR LAND IS ESSENTIAL. HOWEVER, WHEN LOTS OF SECURITY CAMERAS REQUIRE WI-FI TO OPERATE, HAVING CAMERAS IN THE BEST PLACE ISN’T ALWAYS POSSIBLE WHILE MAINTAINING A CONNECTION. HOWEVER, TECHNAXX HAS INTRODUCED ITS NEW APP-CONTROLLED 4G WILDCAM TX-189 WHICH USES A MOBILE NETWORK CONNECTION TO RUN AND MAINTAIN THE CAMERA. Inside the box, you get the 4G Wildcam TX-189, a solar panel, a USB power cable, an antenna, 6 screws and dowels, 2 brackets, a mounting belt, 4 batteries and the user manual. I was impressed with the quality of the camera, which has a camouflage casing, and all components are designed to make the set-up and use as easy as possible. The inclusion of a bracket to allow you to attach the camera to your home or a tree is great for finding the best position without having to buy extra attachments to support it. It even comes with 4 batteries so you can use the Wildcam straight out of the box. However, one of the main perks of the 4G Wildcam TX-189 is that it also comes with a solar panel so you can extend the operating time of the camera through the power generated via solar energy. I set up the camera to see the quality of the footage and was very impressed. The Wildcam captures a wide 100° angle to give a great overview of your land or garden. The camera captures video

in high resolution and even has a night vision function to capture movement at night up to 15 metres. The WIldcam even comes with a built-in PIR sensor which triggers automatic recording if it notices something moving within the 12-metre range. All footage recorded is stored locally on a microSD inside the camera. Along with the Wildcam, you get access to the Security Premium app which can send you notifications and allow you to view the footage from your camera with ease. This is great as you can access the camera, and through the built-in speaker and mic, you can have 2-way communication should anyone be in the frame. Overall, the camera provides an all-round great security and surveillance system perfect for use at home or across your land. The security of your property can never be taken too seriously, and with the Technaxx 4G Wildcam TX-189, you have an all-inone self-sufficient system to add a little peace of mind – great especially if you are going away this holiday season.

PROS: - Wildcam uses a mobile network for connection so can be used in remote areas - Includes a solar panel for self-sufficient power - Camouflage colour and brackets included for easy installation and look

CONS: - To make the most out of your Wildcam you do need to download the security app

AUDIO

amazon.co.uk/Edifier-Microphone-SupportsOne-Piece-Bluetooth/dp/B09YMGQLR3

£129.99

EDIFIER MS50A WI-FI SMART SPEAKER

NOTHING IS BETTER THAN A GREAT WIRELESS SMART SPEAKER THAT ALLOWS YOU TO BRING THE PARTY TO WHICHEVER ROOM YOU CHOOSE. THEREFORE, EDIFIER HAS DESIGNED THE MS50A TO DELIVER GREAT SOUND AND TOP-QUALITY STYLE, ALL IN ONE SEAMLESS UNIT THAT YOU’LL BE PROUD TO DISPLAY IN YOUR HOME. Opening the MS50A I was immediately impressed with how stylish and minimal the unit is. The speaker is made with a walnut veneer and a dark grey material front, with a black top and base. The touch controls on the top are intuitive and allow you to easily pause, play, or quickly mute the speaker. I was especially impressed with the clockwise/counterclockwise touch control which you slide your finger along to turn the sound up or down. Connecting to the speaker is super simple via Bluetooth, and in just a few seconds it was ready to start playing my music for the whole house to hear. You can even connect the speaker to another MS50A for a multi-room concert experience across your home. This is an option available in the Edifier Home App which is designed to make your listening experience easier. In terms of sound, it is exactly what we expect from Edifier – top quality! The speaker has the latest AP6265 chip, as well as AMP and DSP technology which works to bring you a powerful sound. To get the most out of your listening experience the MS50A is compatible with a whole range of streaming and media apps including Alexa, Apple Airplay2, Spotify, etc. Therefore, at your fingertips is a whole world of music, delivered to you via this powerful but stylish unit. I personally love how Edifier’s products

are designed to deliver exceptional sound so you can enjoy your favourite tunes across your home, but they also don’t forget about how the speaker will look. Edifier’s speaker designs are made to seamlessly integrate into your home for a listening experience that not only sounds good but looks good too! This speaker would make an incredible Christmas gift and allow the whole family to enjoy those festive tunes this December. Everyone needs a good smart speaker, and with Edifier, you can be sure that it will continue to deliver great sound and great aesthetics all at a very affordable price for a home speaker.

PROS: - Stylish look to seamlessly fit into your home - Great sound quality - Intuitive touch controls

CONS: - Quite a heavy speaker so not as easy to move about your home as a portable speaker

£34.99

https://www.skullcandy.co.uk/dime-3-wireless-earbuds

AUDIO

SKULLCANDY DIME 3 TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS SKULLCANDY BRING US THEIR NEW DIME 3 EARBUDS WHICH ARE BEST DESCRIBED AS SMALL BUT MIGHTY! BOASTING ALL-DAY BATTERY, ALL-DAY COMFORT AND MIND-BLOWING SOUND, THE DIME 3 TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS ARE EXACTLY WHY WE LOVE SKULLCANDY PRODUCTS SO MUCH. Upon opening the earbuds I was shocked with just how compact the case was, but it was a little different from other earbuds cases I’ve seen before. The case closes around the earbuds to keep them secure, but you can still see the earbuds when they’re in the case – and even if they are not! The earbud case has a bright orange lanyard which allows you to clip the earbuds’ case onto your bag or keys to make sure they go wherever you go. This makes a great addition, as so often I’m left searching through my bag for my little earbuds case, but this lanyard allows you to always know where they are. Inside the black case are the little earbuds, however, do not be mistaken by their size. The Dime 3 Earbuds really pack a punch with a great noise-isolating fit, 2 clear voice smart mics and 3 preset EQ settings so you can tailor your audio to your content. The sound quality was great for me, and whilst it may not be as advanced as some super expensive earbud brands, you can’t deny that for the average headphone user the earbuds are a great choice for sound. They’re packed full of the Skullcandy audio we love and for such an affordable price – you can’t go wrong! A personal favourite part of Skullcandy’s earbud design is the Stay-Aware Mode which allows you to hear the world around you whilst still enjoying your music or podcasts. Personally, I

O commute and then walk part of my journey to work, so being able to pop these earbuds in and walk around still hearing for traffic and people is great for peace of mind. Furthermore, I used these earbuds for a good week, taking calls and listening to music while I worked and was thoroughly impressed. The battery life is great with 8 hours of charge in the earbuds and a further 12 in the case, so you know you’ll never be caught without earbuds during the day. I even called my friend while walking home one day and she was impressed by how clear my voice sounded whilst passing traffic. The clear voice for calls is all thanks to the Dime 3’s AI technology which makes sure your voice comes through crystal clear whilst drowning out background noise. Yet another nifty little feature of these buds. So would I recommend them? Yes, absolutely! For the price, the Skullcandy Dime 3 True Wireless Earbuds are next level. Throughout their design, every detail has been taken into consideration; from making sure they’re easy to find (also have Tile Finding Tech to ‘call’ earbuds that you

have misplaced), to the sound quality or stay-aware features - the Dime 3 are an easy choice. If you are looking to buy affordable earbuds that rival some of the more expensive brands, then look no further. The Skullcandy Dime 3 True Wireless Earbuds would make a great gift for the music lover in your life this Christmas!

PROS: - Lanyard to ensure they are always with you and don’t get lost - Unique case design to see earbuds - Top quality audio for such an affordable price

CONS: - The included charging cable is very small which makes charging a little inconvenient

tjhughes.co.uk/products/5001460-canyon-portable-wireless-bluetooth-speaker-dark-grey

£20.00

AUDIO

CANYON PORTABLE WIRELESS BLUETOOTH SPEAKER NOTHING MAKES IT FEEL QUITE LIKE CHRISTMAS THAN FESTIVE MUSIC, AND WITH THE CANYON PORTABLE WIRELESS BLUETOOTH SPEAKER, YOU CAN TAKE YOUR MUSIC WITH YOU ON THE GO – WHETHER THAT BE PLAYING SOME FESTIVE TUNES WHILST PUTTING UP THE TREE, TAKING IT WITH YOU TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS HOUSES FOR FESTIVE DRINKS, OR EVEN JUST FOR SOME FUN BACKGROUND MUSIC WHILST WRAPPING PRESENTS. THE CANYON PORTABLE SPEAKER DELIVERS POWERFUL SOUND ALL IN A SMALL AND ALMOST POCKET-SIZED DEVICE. Upon opening the speaker I was surprised by how compact and lightweight it is. I quickly connected it to my phone via Bluetooth and could immediately start playing music. The sound quality for such a small device is exceptional and really stands up to many of the pricier portable speakers on the market – and arguably is more portable. Using Bluetooth I found you have roughly 10 metres of distance to move around the speaker before you run into disconnection issues, which isn’t a big issue unless you want to leave the speaker playing in a different room and take your phone with you. The thin shape of the speaker is great for putting in your

O bag or pocket without it taking up much space. However, I love that it comes with an included portable handle which I could attach to the zip on my bag. I think the portability of the speaker is next level and would be great for attaching to your bag whilst walking or hiking for music on the go! Another great aspect of the Canyon Portable Speaker is that you can insert a TF card to play your music, or even connect it to your favourite radio station. This makes listening to whatever you choose just that much easier, and all accessible straight through the speaker than relying only on a Bluetooth connection – great for if you don’t have a good signal to stream music. You can get 4 hours of playtime for each charge of the speaker, which isn’t super long especially when charging does take a while, however, the portability of the device and its ability to remain small seems worth it for a slightly smaller battery life. Also, if grey isn’t your favourite colour, it also comes in red and blue to best suit your style and preference which is a nice added touch. Overall, the Canyon Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker is a great choice that is affordable, portable, and delivers great sound quality. This would make an excellent stocking filler for anyone to be able to play music whenever and wherever they want it. This is especially great for someone who loves travelling as its small size and lightweight nature is perfect for throwing in your bag and taking your music wherever you go.

PROS: - Lightweight portable design - Top-quality audio output - Can connect to Bluetooth, TF cards or FM radio

CONS: - Battery life isn’t super long so will need to be recharged more often which is a little less convenient

£41.00

https://www.tozostore.com/products/openreal?variant=45790332584225

AUDIO

TOZO OPENREAL AIR CONDUCTION HEADPHONES TOZO ARE A GLOBALLY RENOWNED BRAND BEST KNOWN FOR ITS RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURING OF HIGH-TECH PRODUCTS INCLUDING WIRELESS AUDIO, SMART IOT, VIRTUAL REALITY AND DIGITAL ACCESSORIES. THEREFORE, I WAS THRILLED TO GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO TEST OUT ONE OF THEIR MOST RECENT LAUNCHES WITH THE OPENREAL AIR CONDUCTION HEADPHONES. Before the TOZO OpenReal, I hadn’t heard of air-conduction headphones. Whilst in-ear earbuds and over-ear headphones dominate most of the marketplace, alternative conduction headphones such as bone and air conduction have begun to see a steep rise in recent years – so, getting to try some air-conduction headphones was a fun experience. The OpenReal’s are very minimalist in all black and are uniquely designed to keep the ear canal open. They have a titanium alloy neckband which sits around your neck and the drivers hook over your ears and sit just outside your ear canal. If you are used to in-ear earbuds this feels a little strange but is very similar to sport or bone conduction earphones which hook over your ear. I found they sat very comfortably - the neckband is super flexible to ensure they are comfortable around the neck, and the over-ear hook design is very lightweight which makes for comfortable wear all day. Often, I find in-ear headphones can become quite uncomfortable on the ear after hours of wearing, but with the TOZO OpenReal, they were incredibly easy and comfortable to wear and always delivered great sound.

O In terms of sound, the TOZO OpenReal Headphones are impressive with 16.2 mm dynamic drivers which deliver great audio. I was concerned that the open-air design would cause my music to not be of super great quality, or even cause the people around me to be subjected to hearing my music. However, the OpenReals have been designed with directional sound technology to ensure that you hear all the depth of your music, whilst ensuring that people nearby cannot hear it. The OpenReals also have TOZO OrigX Acoustic Technology which is designed to deliver true rich sound for audio and call clarity. I tested out the headphones while on a commute to work and was impressed by the sound quality and comfort. They were even great for calls thanks to the dual-mic ENC technology which works to eliminate background noise so both ends of the call experience clear voices. I was also impressed with the customizability of the TOZO OpenReal as you can download the TOZO app to personalise touch controls and make your OpenReals work for you. This personalisation, combined with the 14hour battery life from a single charge, means the TOZO OpenReal are a great all-around choice for a top-notch personalised and comfortable listening experience. If you are looking to treat your loved one, or personally want to try out some open-ear headphones, the TOZO OpenReal Air Conduction Headphones are an excellent choice.

PROS: - Open-ear design great for comfort and awareness - Top-Quality audio - Personalisation via the TOZO App

CONS: - Does require the additional downloading of the TOZO App for all personalisation – but most headphones on the market these days use apps for personalisation

https://quieton.com/shop/quieton-3-sleep-earbuds

$289.00

AUDIO

QUIETON 3.1 SLEEP EARBUDS QUIETON IS A BRAND THAT TRULY BELIEVES THAT EVERYONE DESERVES A GREAT NIGHT’S SLEEP, AND THROUGH THE THIRD GENERATION OF THEIR SLEEP EARBUDS, THEY JUST MIGHT HAVE ACHIEVED THIS! THE QUIETON 3.1 SLEEP EARBUDS ARE THE WORLD’S SMALLEST NOISECANCELLATION EARBUDS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING YOU WITH THE BEST POSSIBLE CHANCE FOR A PEACEFUL NIGHT’S SLEEP. I was so excited to get to try out the QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds having heard such great things about their noisecancellation qualities online. Upon opening the earbuds case, I was shocked by just how small they were. Snuggled within the charging case, the two earbuds, which are three times smaller than Apple Airpods Pros™, are designed to be super comfortable and almost unnoticeable whilst wearing them. Of course, I immediately popped them in my ears and was shocked by how much noise they cancelled out. Once you put them in you enter 20 seconds of an almost transparency mode so you can hear your surroundings, and then they enter a full active noise cancellation (ANC) mode. I was surprised at how much of the office noise and traffic outside was cancelled – however, to fully put them to the test I took them home and tried them for sleeping. For a week I used the QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds, and they did an excellent job. Now I’m not someone who typically struggles to sleep, but on occasion, my partner’s snoring or the sound of traffic outside can lead to me waking throughout the night and struggling to get back to sleep. Every night before bed, the earbuds were simple to pop in and I laid down to sleep. As a side sleeper, the size of the buds was great as they fit perfectly inside my ears to actively reduce outside noise whilst they are still small enough to be barely noticeable and not put extra strain on my ear. I will say if you are not used to sleeping with any earplugs the feeling of having something in your ear can take a little getting used to. However, personally after having them in for a little while I didn’t even

O notice they were in except for realising that my surroundings had been greatly muted. The earbuds make this possible using its top-quality ANC technology which works to eliminate low-frequency sounds which most common noise disturbances during sleep stem from. It does this by taking a sample of the noise outside of the earbuds, which through the tiny active electronics inside the earbud, creates a phase-shifted and equalized sounds which in then played through a speaker to cancel out the original outside noise. This technology has been developed through three generations of earbuds by QuietOn to bring you this generation, which in my opinion, provides next-level noise cancellation. The entire week I did not wake up to snoring, a car outside, or even a large rainstorm, which meant I woke up every day feeling refreshed. I will definitely be keeping these earbuds by my bedside and will be sure to pop them in on days when sleep is a struggle or when my partner won’t stop snoring! A big perk of the QuietOn 3.1 Earbuds is that they provide 28 hours of wear, meaning that I got a few days of wear out of a single charge – this obviously varies in length from person to person, but you are sure to get a decent amount of sleep over a few days before they need recharging. For the size, the fact they have such a long battery life before you need to recharge them is exceptional – they truly are small but powerful! If you struggle to sleep, or you know someone who is constantly getting woken up during the night (Even

if it is from your own snoring) then this is the perfect gift for you or them! QuietOn are even having a great Black Friday sale, perfect for getting these great little earbuds as a Christmas gift for someone in your life, or even grabbing yourself a great deal. For Black Friday the QuietOn 3.1 will have $50 dollars off, available for $239 USD!

PROS: - Unrivalled noise cancellation - Comfortable design for side sleepers - Great battery life for multiple nights sleep on one charge

CONS: - They do have a luxury price point – but for the noise cancellation qualities they seem worth it

£49.99

https://www.ordolife.com/products/ordo-sonic-toothbrush-charcoal-grey

HEALTH

ORDO SONIC+ TOOTHBRUSH CHARCOAL GREY YOUR TOOTHBRUSH PLAYS SUCH A VITAL PART IN MAINTAINING GREAT ORAL HEALTH, SO WHAT BETTER THAN A TOOTHBRUSH WHICH HAS BEEN REVOLUTIONIZED TO UPGRADE YOUR ORAL CARE ROUTINE TO KEEP YOUR TEETH STRONGER, WHITER AND HEALTHIER. THE ORDO SONIC+ TOOTHBRUSHES ARE DESIGNED WITH 40,000 SONIC PULSES AND 4 DIFFERENT BRUSHING MODES, ALL PERFECTLY DESIGNED BY DENTISTS TO HELP YOU KEEP A CLEAN AND HEALTHY MOUTH. Upon opening the box, I was impressed by the charcoal grey colour that looks sleek and is a nice change to the usual white electric toothbrushes you can get on the market. (Plus, I know Ordo offer the same Sonic+ in a range of bright and stylish colours to suit your style!) In the box is the toothbrush, which is minimalist and sleek in design, along with the brush head, a travel cap for the toothbrush head, the charging base and a user manual. Like most electric toothbrushes it is fairly intuitive to use, on the front is a main button which allows you to turn on the toothbrush and click through the different modes. Like many electric toothbrushes, it includes a 2-minute timer, which pulses every 3 seconds to make sure you’re thoroughly cleaning each quadrant of your mouth. The clean, white, massage and sensitive modes mean you can customize your cleaning to best suit your needs. I personally loved the sensitive mode as I have sensitive teeth, and it gave a clean feeling without being harsh on my teeth. One of my favourite parts about the Ordo Sonic+ is its battery life – many standard toothbrushes have a smaller battery capability lasting anywhere between a few days to a week or so, but with Ordo, the Sonic+ boasts

H PROS: - 40,000 sonic pulses for a super clean feeling. - 4 cleaning mode options to suit your needs. - Great battery life

4 weeks+ of battery life on a single charge. This is thanks to the lithiumion battery inside. I especially love that the toothbrush remains sleek even with such a powerful battery inside, so it is perfect for travel in both battery life and size. Throughout testing out the Ordo Sonic+ Toothbrush, I was impressed. It provided a clean feeling and made the whole cleaning experience easy which is exactly what you want from your toothbrush. Overall, every aspect of the toothbrush has been designed to make the necessary task, easy, stylish and convenient - and so the Ordo Sonic+ Toothbrush is an obvious choice if you are looking for an electric toothbrush that is backed by dentists

HEALTH

AENO SMART SONIC TOOTHBRUSH £89.99

appliancehouse.co.uk/aeno-db1s-db2s-smartsonic-toothbrush-with-12-cleaning-functions

DESIGNED FOR ALL THE FAMILY, THE AENO DBS2 SMART SONIC TOOTHBRUSH PROVIDES CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY TO REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR ORAL CARE ROUTINE. WITH A RANGE OF CLEANING MODES AND AN INTEGRATED SMART APP, YOU CAN CLEAN YOUR TEETH LIKE NEVER BEFORE WITH REAL-TIME FEEDBACK TO MAKE SURE YOUR SMILE STAYS AS HEALTHY AND WHITE AS POSSIBLE.

I got to test out the AENO DBS2 Smart Sonic Toothbrush which comes in a sleek black colour. The brush is lightweight and thin, like many other electric toothbrushes on the market. I liked the black colour, a nice change from the white that many dental tools come in. On the front of the toothbrush is the on button, a range of cleaning modes and the AENO logo. The entire thing is very subtly designed to look great in your bathroom, as well as provide a great deep clean. The toothbrush comes with 3 brush heads, perfect for having backups or for the whole family to try out the toothbrush. Also included in the box is the wireless charging base and a charging cable. So what is the toothbrush like to use? The toothbrush, like many on the market, cleans your teeth using a range of pulses to help remove plaque and residue on your teeth. However, what makes the AENO Smart Sonic Toothbrush special is that alongside your toothbrush the AENO app allows you to get a much more in-depth understanding of your clean by providing you with real-time feedback. The app also gives you access to 8 additional modes alongside the soft, clean, massage and white which come as standard on the toothbrush. The app is designed to help you hold yourself accountable and provide a greater cleaning experience with the overall goal of helping you maintain a pristine smile. The app is a great addition to the electric toothbrush market to allow you to really understand your cleaning, and to also make

H your toothbrush work for you. From within the app, you can choose a range of other cleaning modes including gum care, express cleaning, deep cleaning, braces, and deep whitening. This allows you to really tailor each clean to you – and allow your family to alter and change their modes depending on their needs too. The brush heads are top quality, boasting premium Du Point™ Tynex® which are designed to give you exceptional wear resistance and flexibility whilst still providing topquality cleaning of your teeth. After using the toothbrush I was impressed with the clean feeling after just one brush! Over 1 minute the AENO Smart Sonic Toothbrush delivers 46,000 vibrations to your teeth which helps to oxygenate the fine foam from your toothpaste to help it reach the most inaccessible areas of your mouth. This helps to make the most of your toothpaste and ensure that all those little interdental places remain clean and plaque-free. If you are in the market for a new toothbrush, then the AENO Smart Sonic toothbrush might be for the one for you! The ability to monitor your cleaning, adjust your cleaning preferences and receive notifications when your toothbrush is low on charge is what makes the AENO really stand out. This is great for all the family and will help those little ones stay accountable for their teeth cleaning whilst allowing you to focus on your own needs such as whitening and deep cleaning.

PROS: - Personalized cleaning modes to suit your needs - Integrated App to receive feedback and notifications to upgrade your cleaning experience - Has 90 battery life on a single charge

CONS: - Like with all electric toothbrushes the replacement brush heads are necessary repurchases, but they can be costly

rockitrocker.com/product/the-rockit-rocker-rechargeable-version/

£49.95

BABY

ROCKIT RECHARGEABLE BABY ROCKER THERE’S NOTHING WORSE THAN WHEN YOUR LITTLE ONE HAS JUST GOTTEN TO SLEEP, AND YOU THINK YOU CAN STOP ROCKING THE STROLLER, BUT AS SOON AS YOU DO, THEY’RE WIDE AWAKE AND CRYING. ROCKIT TOOK THIS VERY COMMON EXPERIENCE AND MADE THE ROCKIT RECHARGEABLE BABY ROCKER THAT KEEPS THE STROLLER ROCKING, AND YOUR LITTLE ONE ASLEEP – ALL WITHOUT YOU SPENDING THEIR ENTIRE NAP ROCKING THE STROLLER YOURSELF! Straight out of the box I was impressed with the Baby Rocker’s design. The baby rocker comes in a rocket shape, which is sleek and minimalist in design – perfect for easy use and without too many complex controls. The top of the rocket shape has an on/off button, and the dial on the base allows you to adjust the vibration to suit your baby’s preference. To use you simply attach the Rockit Baby Rocker to your stroller using the universally compatible bracket. The bracket easily clips to the Baby Rocker and allows you to tighten it to your stroller handle or sidebar which twists to tighten for a perfect fit. I was impressed with the range of vibration levels the rocker provides to mimic anything from the feeling of the stroller being hand-rocked to providing just a gentle vibration like that of the stroller being moved on the pavement. This variation allows you to find the best vibration level for your stroller size and for your little ones’ preferences. These vibrations have a 60 min cycle perfect for allowing you some free time away from rocking your child whilst still keeping them asleep. What makes the upgraded Baby Rocker better is that it is now rechargeable so no more worrying about batteries dying

suddenly when you need the Rockit Baby Rocker the most! The Baby Rocker comes with a small USB charging cable so you can charge it ready for being out and about. This makes it perfect for bringing with you for meals out or whilst visiting friends or family, so you always have a little help in keeping your little ones asleep. This would be perfect for the festive period when you’re either travelling or spending lots of time away from home so you can move around knowing you have this nifty aid to help your child get their much-needed rest no matter the location. This would make a great gift for any parents who frequently are stuck gently rocking their stroller to keep their little one asleep. This will give them way more freedom to spend time with loved ones knowing their child is happily sleeping without them needing to constantly be rocking them.

PROS: - Universally compatible with any stroller type - Gives parents more freedom knowing their child is sleeping - Rechargeable for taking with you on the go

CONS: - The charging cable is a little short which makes recharging a little inconvenient

BABY

https://rockitrocker.com/product/zed/

£29.95

ZED SLEEP SOOTHER AND NIGHT LIGHT EVERY PARENT HAS BEEN THERE, YOUR BABY SLEEPS LIKE A DREAM IN THE CAR BUT AS SOON AS YOU PUT THEM IN THEIR COT, THEY DON’T WANT TO ANYMORE! ROCKIT NOTICED THIS TREND AND HAS INTRODUCED ZED, THE SLEEP SOOTHER AND NIGHT LIGHT WHICH PROVIDES A RANGE OF GENTLE VIBRATIONS WHICH MIMICS A CAR RIDE AND HELP YOUR LITTLE ONE’S SLEEP MUCH BETTER. Zed looks like a cool little spaceman that once placed by your baby’s feet sends gentle vibrations through the mattress to simulate a car ride. These include a range of 6 vibrations, including 3 static vibration speeds, and 3 modes at varying speeds to simulate a car accelerating and decelerating. It can be used on any type of mattress so is perfect for Moses baskets, cots, prams, beds or even feeding cushions. The vibrations are set to slowly fade out after an hour which should leave your baby deep into a second sleep cycle. What makes Zed so perfect is that it is such a seamless and compact unit, so it is easy to take with you on the go. This a great for this time of year when you might be travelling or staying with relatives for the holidays. With Zed you can ensure that your baby can always get the sleep they need, and in turn, so can you! In addition, Zed is also a great nightlight with three red light levels which promotes sleep in babies, making it great for

night feeds to help your little ones fall back to sleep faster. The nightlight aspect of the Zed continues to benefit your child as they grow because it works as a great nightlight for children of all ages even when the soothing aspects of the Zed are no longer needed. Overall, the Zed Sleep Soother and Night Light ensure that your child gets a great night’s sleep thanks to the relaxing vibrations to simulate a car ride. Perfect for those babies who usually struggle to sleep in their cot but can easily fall asleep in the car. If you are staying at a relative or friend’s house over the festive period, the Zed is a great accompaniment to help your baby sleep better and feel at home.

PROS: - Portable sleep soother to take with you on the go - Great night light as your child continues to grow - Range of car simulation vibrations for those babies that struggle to sleep in their cot

CONS: - Requires 2 AA batteries which are not included

https://rockitrocker.com/product/wooshh/

£24.95

BABY

WOOSHH GONE ARE THE DAYS OF GENTLY SAYING ‘SHHH’ ON REPEAT TO HELP YOUR CHILD GET TO SLEEP. THE WOOSHH IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A GREAT RANGE OF SOOTHING AND SHHHH-ING SOUNDS PERFECT FOR GETTING YOUR LITTLE ONE TO SLEEP AND MASKING ANY OTHER DISRUPTIVE NOISES. The Wooshh has 8 soothing sounds including sounds of streams, the womb, rainfall, shh, shh-shh, cat purr, outer space, and lullaby noises. These sounds are all perfectly designed to help your little ones sleep without disruption – all provided in such a small device which packs a punch. The pocket-sized nature of the Wooshh is what makes it so special, as it can easily be popped into your bag and taken with you on the go for an easy sleeping environment wherever you are! The Wooshh even has 4 volume settings to ensure that you can find the perfect volume for your baby and the environment. Furthermore, the Wooshh is designed to easily clip onto things, attach to your stroller or stand nearby thanks to its stand/clip-back design. Whilst it is not designed to be clipped to a cot or within reach of your child for safety reasons, the Woosh provides great sound wherever it is thanks to the premium sound chip inside, which delivers near-CD quality audio with no glitches to wake your child up. I liked that the Wooshh can be set to a single-hour mode or even a 10-hour mode depending on the age of your child or how tricky getting to sleep has been for the child. This range allows the woosh to grow with your child and continue to provide soothing sounds to them (and even adults) for a better night’s

sleep. I love the sound of rain when I fall asleep, so the rainfall setting was great not just for my child but also for me! Ultimately, if you want a soothing sound machine which helps your child, or even you, to get to sleep that little bit easier then the Wooshh is a great choice. It’s a great little device to throw in your bag and make any situation a great environment to sleep in. This would make a great gift for those new parents who are desperately seeking sleep, as the soothing sounds will hopefully help both the baby and them to sleep!

PROS: - Compact pocket-sized device - Range of sound options and volumes - Rechargeable so no need to worry about batteries

CONS: - Short charging cable making charging a little less convenient

HOUSEHOLD

https://tinyurl.com/3fbxn477

£149.99

NINJA FOODI POSSIBLE COOKER 8-IN-1 SLOW COOKER THE NINJA FOODI POSSIBLE COOKER 8-IN-1 SLOW COOKER REALLY MAKES ANY MEAL POSSIBLE. WITH ITS RANGE OF 8 DIFFERENT COOKING MODES, THE STYLISH CERAMIC POT IS PERFECT FOR MAKING YOUR FAMILY’S MEAL TIMES JUST THAT EXTRA BIT SPECIAL, AND A WHOLE LOT TASTIER! I was so excited when the slow cooker arrived as it boasts to do so much all in a single pot. Immediately upon opening, the pot looked great and sat neatly inside the base. The base and pot are a sea salt grey colour, which just so happens to look perfect in my kitchen which is a very similar colour! According to the box, it can slow cook (for up to 12 hours), sear or sauté, steam, braise, simmer, bake, prove and keep warm – a big feat! Over the course of a few weeks, I truly put the Ninja Foodi Possible 8-in-1 Slow Cooker to the test and tried out many of its functions. I started off making a hot pot and cooked off the vegetables and meat using the sauté function and then turned it to the slow cooking setting once I’d added everything else. Then I left it for a few hours of slow cooking to perfectly marry all the flavours together. I was impressed by how quickly the pot heated up because in just a few minutes it was ready to start cooking. This is due to the slow cooker being made with Triple Fusion Heat technology which combines side, base, and steam heating for fast but also even cooking. This technology was vital throughout the slow cooking process as it ensured that one side didn’t stick or disproportionally cook compared to the other. However, the non-stick coating of the pot also works well to make cooking as easy as possible! Consequently, the Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker 8-in-1 Slow Cooker is 5X more powerful than conventional slow cookers making it a perfect choice when you want to save on large amounts of electricity associated with using other slow cookers or even turning the oven on. The family aspect of the slow cooker is

reinforced by its 8-litre capacity, perfect for giving you 8 portions of food per pot. This is great for daily family meals, for use at larger events such as family festive gatherings, or even for meal prep if you prefer to make larger batches of food to enjoy across the week. Personally, this was great for my family of 4, as I was able to make a large hot pot with ease which left us with plenty of leftovers for lunch the days after. Over the weeks, I tried out the steam option for some dumplings, simmered some soup and even made a great syrup sponge using the bake function. The versatility of the pot is truly remarkable and allows you to make a whole range of dishes, snacks and treats with just one piece of equipment – effectively reducing the need for a separate pot, pan, cast iron skillet, hob, slow cooker, casserole dish, roasting tray, bread maker and food warmer. Instead, the Ninja Slow Cooker makes this possible all in one single appliance. The fact you can seamlessly take the pot from counter to oven and then to the table making it a prep, cook and serving dish shows just how easy the 8-in-1 slow cooker pot makes meal times. It saves on washing up as you only need one pot for most cooking functions, and as a little added bonus; the pot, lid and spoon are also fully dishwasher safe making cleaning just that bit easier! An even further added perk is that the lid integrates a serving spoon perfect for dishing up your favourite meals or packing away the slow cooker as one seamless unit. Having used the Slow Cooker for a few weeks I am thoroughly impressed with the quality and flexibility that

it offers to cooking and mealtimes. Designed to suit the whole family, the Ninja Foodie PossibleCooker 8-in-1 Slow Cooker will make a great addition to your kitchen and will likely make many of your current pans and appliances no longer necessary. If you have someone who loves to cook, or you want to make mealtimes just that little bit easier – the Ninja Foodie PossibleCooker 8-in1 Slow Cooker is a perfect choice and would make a great gift this festive season.

PROS: - Multipurpose pot perfect for flexible and versatile cooking needs - Great for meal prep or large family gatherings with 8L capacity - Stylish and seamless unit, with integrated spoon holder in lid

CONS: - Large appliance which is quite heavy – so may take up lots of counter space and base isn’t super portable

HOUSEHOLD WACACO

https://tinyurl.com/cptjhhb3

£289.95

PICOPRESSO PORTABLE ESPRESSO MACHINE AND PICOPRESSO STAND

THE PICOPRESSO CONTINUES TO INNOVATE THE MARKET AS THE MOST COMPACT AND PRO-ORIENTED PORTABLE ESPRESSO MACHINE. NOW, THE PICOPRESSO IS NOT FOR A COFFEE NOVICE, NO! THE PICOPRESSO IS DESIGNED FOR THOSE WHO TRULY WANT TO MASTER THE ART OF MANUAL ESPRESSO MAKING. ONCE YOU HAVE ACHIEVED THIS MASTERY, THE PICOPRESSO ALLOWS YOU TO ENJOY TOP-QUALITY COFFEE ON THE GO THANKS TO ITS PORTABLE DESIGN. . When opening the box, I was thrilled with how high-quality everything was – from the packaging to the feel of the unit. Included in the box is the machine itself, a carry case, brush, spoon, tamper, basket, funnel, and showerhead. Everything you would need to use the Picopresso is included…except for the coffee of course! To use you first have to grind your coffee, whilst this is not a feature of the Picopresso, Wacaco does have its own Exagrind which is perfect for this. Once your coffee is ground, you weigh it into the filter basket, tamp it, and pour over hot water. Then you take the Picopresso in your hand and press the side button to release a creamy shot of espresso from the base. What is impressive about the Picopresso is that it requires no batteries, instead, it uses a single hand-powered piston, so you never have to worry about recharging or changing batteries. Therefore, the Picopresso is designed to last as Wacaco has worked to improve

every aspect of the core technology to ensure that the pumping system is more reliable and capable than other portable espresso machines on the market. For me the Picopresso was great, whilst I’m not necessarily a big espresso drinker, I could appreciate the quality throughout every aspect of the design of the unit. It even has a naked portafilter which means you can see every drop of your delicious creamy espresso as it flows from the base of the Picopresso. Wacaco has now also introduced the Picopresso stand, perfectly designed to work with the Picopresso to carefully hold the device. The stand is stable and made of 4 easily dismounted stain-less steel parts, so, just like your Picopresso, you can take the stand with you on the go for easy brewing. It even includes a mirror so you can keep a watchful eye on every single drop of your espresso. Across the whole Picopresso range, Wacaco’s attention to detail cannot be missed. Every single aspect of the Picopresso and Stand is made to ensure that the espresso process feels luxurious, smells exceptional and tastes top-notch. If you are a master of espresso or know someone who is, the Picopresso is the perfect gift for this Christmas. It is portable and provides the same quality of coffee that you can get from many barista shops, whilst being more accessible than a massive coffee machine which is usually considerably more expensive and takes up an excessive amount of counter space. If you are looking for a unique gift that will continue to serve your loved one or yourself, the Picopresso and the accompanying stand are a perfect choice.

PROS: - Compact and portable Espresso Machine - Hand-powered piston for longevity - Design of both the machine and the stand to make the coffee experience luxurious

CONS: - Use of the Picopresso does require some level of coffee knowledge and skill - The stand is only compatible with the Picopresso

https://www.wacaco.com/products/exagram

£31.90

HOUSEHOLD

100

WACACO EXAGRAM COMPACT COFFEE SCALE TAKE YOUR COFFEE TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH THE EXAGRAM COMPACT COFFEE SCALE WHICH GIVES YOU PRECISE AND ACCURATE MEASUREMENTS IN SUCH A COMPACT POCKET-SIZED UNIT. Perfect for any coffee set up the small but mighty scale provides exceptionally accurate measurements up to 2kg. The scale is black with a stainless-steel top with a black-and-white interface. The scale is very intuitive and provides a range of

PROS: - Super accurate measurement scales - Range of new measuring features to get the best coffee possible - Includes a silicone matt for stability and protection of the scales

CONS: - Requires two AA batteries which are not included with the scale

measurement options outside of the standard gram, ounce, and millilitre measurement you may get with most scales. The Exagram, thanks to newly updated software also has autotimers, drop-by-drop measurements, and a mute sound option. These make pouring that perfect coffee just that much simpler. Much like many of the other products available by Wacaco, the Exgram champions compact portability, accurate measurements, and intuitive use. The Exagram comes with a silicone pad to ensure that the stainless-steel surface is not damaged and also provides even greater stability for containers placed on top. Thanks to the tare setting, the scale can even display the net weight of the ingredients by subtracting the weight of the bowl to ensure accuracy.

For me, the scale does exactly what it is designed to do – it accurately measured my beans which allowed me to get the perfect quantity for grinding, and then through the timers allowed me to pour the perfect amount of water to suit my brewing needs all using the scales nifty settings. If you are looking for a great gift for a coffee enthusiast this year, then the Exgram scales make a perfect choice. They work with a whole range of brewing devices and espresso machines, so are sure to work with whatever the coffee lover in your life already has. However, if they are looking to update their kit Wacaco provides a whole range of great coffee products which would make great gifts along side the Exagram.

HOUSEHOLD

https://www.wacaco.com/products/exagrind

£99.90

WACACO EXAGRIND MANUAL COFFEE GRINDER

102

THE EXAGRIND PROVIDES YOU WITH TOP-NOTCH COFFEE-GRINDING POSSIBILITIES IN SUCH A COMPACT AND PORTABLE UNIT. MUCH LIKE OTHER PRODUCTS FROM WACACO, THE EXAGRIND IS PACKAGED IN ITS USUAL MINIMAL BUT STYLISH BLACK BOXES. UPON OPENING THE BOX, I WAS SURPRISED BY HOW SLEEK IT WAS AND EVEN HOW LIGHTWEIGHT IT WAS AS A WHOLE. THE TOP PART OF THE GRINDER IS BLACK WITH THE WACACO BRANDING SUBTLY ON THE EDGE, WHICH SITS ON THE STAINLESS-STEEL BODY OF THE GRINDER WITH THE STAINLESS-STEEL HANDLE AT ONE SIDE. The Exagrind does exactly what it says, it is designed to grind your coffee beans into your desired grind size. The Exagrind features a precision-cut 38mm stainless steel burrs design which is perfect for getting a smooth motion and a premium grind quality. The grinder has a 60-microclick range, and a 33-micron adjustment between these clicks to allow you to really perfect your grind for your specific tastes. I popped in some of my favourite coffee beans and began grinding. The Exagrind features a handle on the side that stays smoothly against the side of the grinder body. This makes hand grinding your coffee perfect, whilst also making the portability of the grinder excellent. The grinder hand lays almost flat to the grinder’s side so it can easily be put into your bag without a large

handle getting in the way. The handle has been designed to produce minimum friction for a smooth and easy grind experience. I was impressed by how easy it was to grind, as I only previously had experience with electric coffee grinders and I worried I wouldn’t be strong enough to grind it by hand – but the Exagrind makes this a super easy and smooth experience, made extra comfortable with the silicone sleeve which covers part of the body. If you already have the Picopresso and a range of the great products that Wacaco offer, then this is the perfect addition. However, the Exagrind stands alone as a perfect coffee grinder for those who want a stylish and compact version that can be neatly packed away or great for throwing in your bag and taking with you on the go with your portable coffee machines. Being a hand

grinder, you never have to worry about outlets, recharging, or batteries – it comes as a ready-to-go compact nifty device. Therefore, as we begin to start buying gifts this festive season, the Exagrind is a perfect choice to treat any coffee enthusiasts and add a great coffee grinder to their set-up.

PROS: - Hand grinder which is ready to go - Compact and minimal design for great portability - Range of grind levels to suit your preference

HOUSEHOLD https://tinyurl.com/cptjhhb3

£289.95

MELITTA AROMAFRESH II THERM PRO

104

ONCE AGAIN MELITTA BRINGS US A STYLISH COFFEE MACHINE WHERE EVERY ASPECT FROM TASTE, FUNCTIONALITY AND EVEN CLEANING HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION. AS A COFFEE FIEND, I WAS THRILLED TO GET TO TRY OUT THE NEW AROMAFRESH II THERM PRO WHICH BOASTS SOME GREAT SPECS AND GUARANTEES THAT DELIGHTFUL COFFEE AROMA WITH EVERY CUP. Upon opening the AromaFresh II Therm Pro, I was immediately impressed with its overall smart look. The main part of the machine is in a sleek matt black, with a stainless steel and black jug, and the grinder and water tank compartments in a black transparent plastic. The TFT colour display on the front is clearly laid out, and the buttons are intuitive. Personally, nothing beats a cup of freshly ground coffee and with the AromaFresh II Therm Pro, you can easily grind your own coffee and immediately have it ready for use in your drink. On the top of the machine is the grinding compartment where you place your beans, then turn the dial to your preferred grind setting, and then it is ready to go. I personally like a strong cup of coffee so opt for a finer ground – the Melitta machine was great for accommodating this. However, should you prefer preground coffee, you can also swing open the filter compartment, put in your favourite ground coffee and ensure you click the preground option on the front of the machine when programming. As a lovely added touch, the AromaFresh II Therm Pro even came with 4 filters ready for this which was great! Once you have decided on freshly ground or pre-ground coffee, you just need to fill up the detachable water jug to your desired level based on the cup measurements on the front and then you are ready to set the machine with your desired intensity. The interface was easy to understand, but instructions are included in the box to make sure you are getting the perfect cup every time. Once you have chosen all your preferences, you hit start and the machine does the rest for you dripping the coffee

PROS: - Stylish looking unit for countertop - Fresh ground and pre-ground settings - Range of customizable options – intensity, cup size, timers

straight into the insulated stainlesssteel jug below. I have to say the coffee from my Melitta AromaFresh II Therm Pro is topnotch - not only is the flavour strong and smooth, but the smell of coffee throughout the process is just divine! I love that the machine has an insulated jug which works to keep your coffee hot just that much longer – this is great if, like me, you have a habit of getting so busy that by the time you remember to get to your coffee it is already starting to cool. In addition to this, the AromaFresh II Therm Pro also has a built-in timer. Once you have prefilled the water compartment and put in your coffee, you can set the machine to turn on at a specific time, to have your coffee ready for you when you need it. Great for programming ready for when you wake up in the morning! So, once you’ve had some delightful coffee – is the machine hard to clean? Not at all. The insulated mug, grind disk and water tank are all detachable and were easy to clean by hand. The machine even comes with an in-built 3-in-1 limescale protection system which allows you to program in your water hardness to help with reducing limescale build-up, as well as providing an easy descaling function to

CONS: - Heavy base unit which isn’t super portable

remove any that does occur. Whilst not a great deal of limescale built up whilst testing out the product, the system seems easy enough to work and will be great in areas with much harder water to make sure your machine is always working at its best. Overall, Melitta has delivered yet another great coffee machine that makes the coffee experience just that bit more enjoyable. From the design of the unit on your countertop, the easy functionality of the machine, and then the great-tasting coffee – you will struggle to fault this. The whole range of Melitta products deliver topquality coffee in sleek, easy-to-use, and functional units which will make a great addition to anyone’s countertop. If you have a coffee lover in your life or are thinking about treating yourself to a new coffee machine this Christmas, then the Melitta AromaFresh II Therm Pro is an easy choice.

HOUSEHOLD

https://flooziecookies.com/collections/frontpage/products/ cookie-box

Box of 6: £17.50

FLOOZIE STUFFED COOKIES

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AS SOMEONE WHO DOESN’T EAT ANY DAIRY PRODUCTS, I’M ALWAYS SEARCHING FOR DELICIOUS NEW TREATS AND DESSERTS THAT CATER TO MY DIETARY REQUIREMENTS. HOWEVER, PERSONALLY, I FIND MANY VEGAN TREATS EITHER DON’T TASTE GREAT OR DO NOT COMPARE TO THE TREATS THAT EVERYONE ELSE GETS TO ENJOY. WHEN I GOT THE CHANCE TO TEST OUT FLOOZIE STUFFED COOKIES THAT ARE 100% VEGAN I WAS THRILLED, NOT ONLY BECAUSE IT MEANT 6 COOKIES I GOT TO TRY, BUT SHOULD THEY BE GOOD FLOOZIE COOKIES HAVE NATIONWIDE UK DELIVERY SO I COULD GET THEM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO MY DOOR. IT’S SAFE TO SAY I WENT INTO THIS REVIEW WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS! A big pink box arrived at my door and inside were 6 delicious-looking cookies. First, Floozie Cookies packaging is top-notch. It is bright pink, and the box has 2 pull-out trays, each of which had 3 cookies inside. Inside the was a chocolate chunk, cinnamon crunch, pecan pie, triple chocolate, celebration, and the monthly special cookie. The monthly cookie is, as the name suggests, a different flavour that Floozie Cookies introduces each month as a special, and when I reviewed these cookies the Chai and Apple cookie was the monthly special. Every cookie came in its own little protective film sleeve, which provided a nice little added protection for each cookie for delivery. The cookies were amazing! Having tried many vegan cookies before, they often taste dry or not particularly sweet. However, the first one I ate was the chocolate chunk, a good base level for rating cookies I think, and it tasted great! The inside of each cookie is stuffed with a delicious filling, which for the chocolate chunk was a delicious chocolate ganache. I think the cookies’ stuffed nature ensured they remained moist whilst having just enough crunch and goo to be perfect. My only slight complaint came with the monthly special Chai and Apple cookie which had an apple and cinnamon filling. Overall it tasted good, but, as the filling was quite wet, it had

PROS: - Excellent gift idea for the vegan (or anyone) in your life - Quick and efficient delivery in beautiful packaging - Great range of cookie flavours, and monthly special flavours

CONS: - Depending on fillings, some cookies may become a little soggy

seeped into the rest of the cookie and made it a little too soggy for my liking. As I tried to eat it, it fell to pieces which was a little bit disappointing. However, the rest of the cookies had a great consistency, they were soft but had just enough crunch to stay together for an enjoyable cookie experience. Overall, if you have someone in your life who doesn’t eat dairy or is vegan, this would make an exceptional gift. Truthfully, you could send this to anyone even if they are not vegan;

they taste that good, and no one would be unhappy getting a beautiful box of cookies delivered straight to their door! As we head into the festive season we don’t often think about boxes of baked treats, but they make such a great gift. Personally, I’d love to receive a box of cookies for Christmas – they make such a fun but unique gift. Therefore, if you fancy treating yourself or a loved one this festive season, why not consider a box of Floozie Cookies delivered straight to your or your loved one’s door.

HOUSEHOLD

https://sodastream.co.uk/products/ art?variant=42031661711554

£139.99

SODASTREAM ART

108

DO YOU LOVE SPARKLING WATER? THEN THE SODASTREAM ART IS PERFECT FOR YOU. THE NEW PREMIUM SPARKLING WATER MAKER ALLOWS YOU TO CREATE SPARKLING WATER EXACTLY AS YOU LIKE IT. WITH THE LARGE SIDE LEVER, YOU JUST PULL IT DOWN TO GIVE YOUR DESIRED CARBONISATION FOR ALL YOUR SPARKLING DRINK NEEDS. As we enter the festive period a sparkling beverage is always wanted, and especially for those who don’t drink - a nice sparkling drink can be just as nice as a glass of alcohol! With the SodaStream ART, every aspect is designed to help you make drinks exactly as you like them. Included in the box is the shiny black base unit, which is quite tall but looks sleek. You also get a 1-litre slim dishwashersafe plastic bottle and a Quick Connect CO2 cylinder. To put it together you simply attach the CO2 cylinder in the back of the SodaStream stand, and then you fill up your water in the bottle to the max fill line. This bottle is then clipped into the front of the SodaStream unit and then you are ready to start making your water sparkle! With a few presses of the lever, you release the CO2 into the water and create sparkling water. 3 presses give you a standard bubbliness, whilst 5 presses give you a strong number of bubbles should you prefer your water extra sparkling. Whilst the starter kit only allows you to make sparkling water, once you have successfully sparkled it you can either drink it as it is with maybe a little fruit garnish or cordial, or you can add some of SodaStream’s mixes which allow you to make your own flavoured soft drinks at home. If you have been thinking about getting a SodaStream the ART is a great more affordable unit which allows you to create up to 60 litres of sparkling water via a single CO2 cylinder. The

only recurring cost is that you will need to repurchase further CO2 cylinders in the future when yours runs out of CO2. However, with a 60-litre capacity, you would go through roughly 60 of the included bottles before this happens which seems worth it for the price. I think this is a great gift for someone who loves sparkling water or loves a fizzy drink but wants to save on the amount they buy. With the SodaStream ART, you can make your own drinks and personalise the bubbles to your personal taste – perfect for people who can’t stand flat drinks! This would be great at Christmas for some nice refreshments with a little extra sparkle.

PROS: - Customizable sparkling water – can add as much CO2 as you need - Easy to set up - Looks sleek in your kitchen

CONS: - Quite a tall unit which may not fit in everyone’s kitchen - The CO2 cylinder do need to be repurchased once they are empty

HOUSEHOLD

£24.99

ion8.co.uk/products/ion8-leak-proof-travel-mugvacuum-insulated-blackberry-360ml-12oz

ION8 DOUBLE WALL INSULATED TRAVEL MUG BLACKBERRY 360ML

110

NOTHING IS BETTER THAN A NICE HOT CUP OF TEA OR COFFEE ON THE WAY TO WORK IN THE MORNING BUT WHEN SO MANY OF THE LEADING TRAVEL MUGS SEEM TO LEAK THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE ISN’T GREAT – ESPECIALLY IF YOU DRIP HOT COFFEE DOWN YOUR SHIRT JUST BEFORE WORK! We got the chance to test out the double-walled insulated travel mug from ION8 in a lovely blackberry colour and all I can say is I’m impressed. On first look, the travel mug is minimally designed, but every aspect has been made to ensure the hot beverage experience is enjoyable and above anything else – well sealed! The cap features a lock to help ensure that the opening spout is not open to pour out your drink should it get on public transport or as you walk to work. Once the locking clip is removed the lid clicks open with a swift flick and the drinking spout is revealed. I loved that the lid has a silicone seal that covers the spout when it is closed - just one way that the lid helps to keep the contents inside and not leaking everywhere! Drinking out of the travel mug is a nice experience, as the lid is made of a nice smooth plastic. Your drink stays nice and hot (or cold if that is your preference) thanks to the insulated body of the travel mug. The inside is made of thermal insulated stainless steel that is both easy to clean and keeps your drinks at your desired temperature for much longer than other travel mugs. We got to try out the Blackberry colour which was beautiful, however, it also comes in a range of other colours and sizes perfect

for getting one that suits your style and your drinking needs. I personally loved the leakproof nature of the travel mug which really was leakproof – something even I wasn’t sure about until I tested it! Therefore, it is no surprise that the design has won a range of awards that acknowledge its perfectly curved wide brim for comfort and a reliable liquid flow. A great additional feature is that it is completely dishwasher safe, so you can pop your travel mug in the dishwasher to save on hand washing which makes clean up between uses just that much easier. Overall, if you are always on the go or never have time for that first cup of coffee in the morning before work then the ION8 Double Walled Insulated Travel mug is perfect for you. It would make the best gift for a commuter to enjoy a nice hot drink whilst travelling to work or university without having to worry about it leaking all over them or their things.

PROS: - 100% leakproof design - Easy clean as it is dishwasher safe - Great colour and cup size options for your desired drink needs - Double-walled insulation to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold

HOUSEHOLD

https://www.towerhousewares.co.uk/air-fryers/ vortx-12l-air-fryer-oven-black-t17128

£7149.99

TOWER VORTX 12 LITRE 5-IN-1 DIGITAL AIR FRYER OVEN

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BY NOW WE’VE ALL HEARD THE AMAZING BENEFITS OF USING AN AIR FRYER BOTH FOR THE TASTE AND THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY, BUT TOWER AGAIN HAS STEPPED UP THE GAME AND INTRODUCED THE 12-LITRE 5-IN-1 DIGITAL AIR FRYER OVEN WHICH HAS THE CAPACITY TO FEED THE WHOLE FAMILY AND USES VORTX TECHNOLOGY TO SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE COOKING TIME. WITH THE FESTIVE PERIOD SLOWLY CREEPING UP, MANY OF US WILL BE TURNING TO OUR AIR FRYERS TO HELP WITH FEEDING THE FAMILY, AND TOWER’S AIR FRYERS ARE THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR MAKING THIS MASSIVE TASK SO MUCH EASIER. Straight out of the box, the Vortix 12-litre 5-in-1 Digital Air Fryer Oven by Tower is much larger than the smaller drawer air fryers you might be familiar with. It comes with 16 pre-set options perfect for a range of meats, as well as a variety of functions from air frying to baking or roasting. However, a big draw of this model is that it includes a rotisserie fork and handle so you can pop a whole chicken inside. According to Tower, you can cook a whole rotisserie chicken in as little as an hour, and it will be ready with a perfectly crispy skin. I was amazed when I put this to the test, as the chicken was indeed perfectly cooked, and the skin was divine even with using very little oil. Thankfully, the technology behind the air fryer means that oil is almost completely unnecessary and so is also a healthier option for cooking. Having tested out the air fryer for a few weeks now I’m thoroughly impressed by the quality of speed with which it cooks food. The aero crisper basket is great for getting that all-round crisp, and the rotating skewers function allows you to make little meat and vegetable skewers which were cooked perfectly in such a short amount of time. I was particularly interested in the bake mode, something I don’t think many people would have expected to see on an Air fryer model. I whipped up a quick cake batter and popped it into the air fryer. I was amazed that on the bake setting it produced a perfectly risen and still moist cake. This is a game changer for the festive season as often we’re juggling between

getting savoury snacks and meals ready in the oven, so you can easily pop something sweet in the air fryer and it will quickly and successfully bake your delicious, sweet treats ready for a big family gathering. A key factor in this is the temperature control of the air fryer, which has an accurate range from 80200° and a 90-minute timer. One of the main draws of Tower’s air fryers is that they provide quick and efficient cooking which saves up to 70% on your energy bill when compared to a regular oven. This is all thanks to the Vortx technology that Tower uses to rapidly circulate hot air around the food, which cooks it 30% faster than conventional ovens and so subsequently reduces cooking time and energy usage. In addition, the range of functions and easy-to-use LED screen makes using the air fryer such an easy, efficient, and cost-effective choice – especially when coordinating lots of different dishes ready for a big family gathering. It was also super easy to clean between uses, as many of the shelves, baskets and rotisserie forks can be simply removed and washed up by hand. Having used the air fryer for the last few weeks I know I’m going to be relying heavily on this in December, and know that with Tower’s great technology behind it, it will serve my family well. If you are thinking about getting yourself or a loved one an air fryer then the Tower Vortx 12 Litre 5-in1 Digital Air Fryer Oven is a great choice. Not only will it produce great food with little to no oil, but you’ll also be saving your loved one or yourself some money on your electricity bill which is an extra gift in itself!

PROS: - Range of pre-set modes - Includes a range of accessories perfect for a range of dishes and cooking needs - Easy to use and intuitive LED display - Easy to clean

CONS: - It is a heavier unit than other single-draw options - the weight is worth it for the family-sized capacity, but if you are a single person maybe check out the whole range of Tower air fryers to find one more suited to your needs

HOUSEHOLD

uk.humanscale.com/products/lighting/nova-desk-light

£715.00

HUMANSCALE NOVA LED TASK LIGHT WITH WIRELESS CHARGING DESKTOP BASE

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AS MANY OF US NOW WORK FROM HOME, THE NEED FOR A SEAMLESS HOME SET-UP WHICH ALLOWS US TO WORK MORE EFFICIENTLY AND PRODUCTIVELY IS SO IMPORTANT. THIS IS WHERE THE NOVA LED TASK LIGHT COMES IN AS HUMANSCALE HAS DEVELOPED A LIGHT USING ADVANCED LED TECHNOLOGY WHICH DELIVERS A POWERFUL LIGHT OUTPUT AND IS COMPLETELY ADJUSTABLE TO SUIT YOUR HOME DESK CONFIGURATION. THIS VERSATILE LIGHT COMBINES INDUSTRYLEADING TECHNOLOGY WITH SLEEK DESIGNS WHICH IS EXACTLY WHY WE LOVE EVERYTHING HUMANSCALE HAS TO OFFER. We got to test out the Nova Task Light which has been upgraded and now how a wireless charging desktop base perfect for charging your devices while you work. The lamp arrived and I was surprised by how weighty the base was. The base, like the lamp light and arm, is white and has a smooth soft-touch finish. The lamp was straightforward to put together and looked sleek on my desk. The base is super sturdy which helps to balance the arm so you can easily move the arm height to suit your screen size and angle needs without it becoming unstable. To use the lamp you simply have to tap the touchpad which will turn it on, and then you can slide your finger across the touchpad to change the brightness setting. The smart technology of the lamp will remember the brightness setting for its next use. The light is perfect for illuminating your space and was a game changer when it came to video calls whilst working from home. My set-up made my camera picture look almost filtered and professional – a big change from the poorly lit calls I’d had before! One of my favourite aspects of the Nova Light is that it has an optional occupancy sensor so when you are within roughly a

D metre of the light it will automatically turn on. This is a game changer in those early dark winter mornings when your hands are full of your morning coffee and breakfast, so as you approach your desk the light will turn on for you without you having to do a thing. This feature highlights how every aspect of the Nova Task Light has been taken into consideration by Humanscale to make your life easier through their humanfocused designs. If you or someone in your life works from home every day, then the Humanscale Nova LED Task Light is a great special treat of a gift which will change up your desk set-up and make working from home just that bit easier. The light is designed to be functional for you; with its wireless charging station perfect for popping your phone on while you work, its sturdy height adjustability and sleek look, the lamp truly is the best gift you could get anyone – and especially for yourself. As a little added bonus – Humanscale have a holiday promotion currently running with 20% off the Nova Task Light until 31st Dec!

PROS: - Sleek look and soft touch feel - Wireless charging pad for convenience - Sturdy base and arm for adjustment, with forever hinges for longevity

CONS: - The lamp is at a much higher price point than others on the market, but with Humanscale, you are paying for top-quality designs that are made to work for you. (However, Humanscale does offer a variety of light options and a standard base option at a much cheaper price of £568 if this is more favourable to your budget!)

sharkclean.co.uk/product/shark-carpetxpert-deep-carpet-cleanerwith-built-in-stainstriker-ex200uk-zidEX200UK

£299.99

HOUSEHOLD

116

SHARK CARPET-XPERT DEEPCARPET CLEANER WITH BUILT-IN STAINSTRIKER EX200UK AS THE FAMILY GATHERS THIS FESTIVE SEASON THERE IS ALWAYS THE CHANCE THAT A DRINK WILL GET DROPPED OR SOME FOOD WITH SADLY LAND ON YOUR CARPETS OR RUGS. HOWEVER, THE ACCIDENTAL DROP OF WINE NO LONGER HAS TO SEND EVERYONE INTO A FRENZY TO TRY AND STOP A STAIN FROM SETTING IN WITH THE SHARK CARPETXPERT DEEP CARPET CLEANER. The Shark CarpetXpert Deep Carpet Cleaner with Built-in StainStriker is the perfect pairing for any gathering as it doubles as both a carpet cleaner and a hand-held stain eliminator to ensure your carpets or rugs are super clean. With the CarpetXpert should an accident happen the handheld stain remover is ready to quickly clean and remove stains without the need for pretreatments. The CarpetXpert claims to clean 8X deeper than a regular vacuum and includes a range of cleaning tools to perfect for removing odour and leaving your carpets and rugs super clean. I got a new rug last year and have never used a carpet cleaner on

D it, so I put the CarpetXpert to the test and was horrified by how dirty my rug had become but was also thrilled with how great the CarpetXpert worked. The CarpetXpert works by delivering powerful suction to extract dirt and liquid to leave your carpets clean and revived. The CarpetXpert comes with a starter kit of the CarpetXpert and Deep Clean Pro solution, as well as a StainStriker Oxy Multiplier solution. The CarpetXpert and Deep Clean Pro formula removes layers of dirt and grime, and this is what I used to give my rug a whole new life. The StainStiker Oxy Multiplier formula is designed to lift and extract suborn stains and odours. Now this is where the handheld attachment comes in which pre-mixes the formula and delivers powerful stain removal possibilities. This was great when I accidentally knocked over some fruit juice onto the carpet. With the handheld attachment I could easily treat the spot, remove all the liquid, and ensure there was no odour left. This is going to be a game changer when my family visits this Christmas as so often food, drink or some mud ends up on the carpet and now with the CarpetXpert I know that I will never have to worry about a stain again!

PROS: - Delivers 8x deeper clean than a regular vacuum - No pretreatment is required to rejuvenate and tackle tough stains - Easy to use and flexible handheld attachment

CONS: - Only includes a start kit of the two cleaning formulas so more will need to be purchased

£169.99

https://sharkclean.co.uk/product/shark-stainstrikerpet-stain-spot-cleaner-px200ukt-zidPX200UKT

HOUSEHOLD

118

SHARK STAINSTRIKER PET STAIN AND SPOT CLEANER PX200UKT IF YOU HAVE PETS, YOU KNOW THE ALL TOO FAMILIAR SITE OF MUDDY FOOTPRINTS ACROSS YOUR CARPETS – ESPECIALLY IN THE WINTER MONTHS. THIS IS WHERE THE SHARK STAINSTIKER PET STAIN AND SPOT CLEANER IS ABOUT TO BECOME YOUR BEST FRIEND; THIS LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE LITTLE UNIT IS PERFECT FOR TACKLING THESE LITTLE STAINS AND HELPING KEEP YOUR CARPET, CAR, AND SOFAS CLEAN. The StainStriker Pet has been designed by Shark to tackle stubborn stains by instantly removing them and any associated odours with 20x more stain-striking power than other spot cleaners. The handheld device works using the two active formulas of the CarpetXpert which removes ground in dirt and grime, whilst the StainStriker targets and lifts the stubborn stains at the source. It does this through a powerful suction which carefully saturates the surface just enough to remove the stain and then powerfully removes all the dirt and liquid through its suction. This leaves your carpet, upholstery, stairs, sofa etc. dry and clean almost instantly. To make the job easier the StainStriker Pet comes with a trapping tool and a hose-cleaning tool to help you get into those difficult-to-reach spots such as in the car or on the stairs. I

tested out the StainStriker in my carpet to tackle some muddy footprints left by my dog after her walk, and I was impressed firstly with how lightweight and easy it was to manoeuvre, and secondly with how quickly the footprints disappeared. It did not leave any weird residue or leave my carpet damp where the solutions had been used, and within minutes I was walking around my house looking for any tiny stain to see the StainStriker’s powerful cleaning abilities in action! If you have pets or know someone who is constantly cleaning up after their pets, the Shark StainStriker is the perfect gift to save them from worrying about potential stains. I found it to be a game changer when it comes to small stains, and know this would make a great tool for anyone who has pets or loves to keep their houses clean and tidy with ease.

PROS: - Lightweight and portable unit - Excellent stain spot treatment - Perfect if you have pets to clean your house or car with

CONS: - Comes with 1 of each of the CarpetXpert and StainStriker solutions so you would need to repurchase more when they run out

HOUSEHOLD

zerowater.co.uk/products/zerowater-6-cup-1-4l-jug

£24.99

ZEROWATER 6 CUP/1.4L JUG

120

THERE’S NOTHING BETTER THAN A NICE COLD GLASS OF WATER, AND WITH THE ZEROWATER 6 CUP/1.4L JUG YOU CAN HAVE COLD AND CLEAN WATER ON HAND AT ALL TIMES. THE SLIM JUG IS PERFECT FOR FITTING IN A COMPACT SPACE IN YOUR FRIDGE, ESPECIALLY AS WE SLOWLY START TO FILL UP THE FRIDGE WITH FOOD READY FOR CHRISTMAS. The jug is a great size providing a 6-cup capacity which is great for family mealtimes or offering a drink to your guest over the festive period. However, one of the main perks of ZeroWater is that you can drink the water knowing all TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), which can often be found in your water, has been removed. TDS include things such as minerals, salts, metals including lead, chemicals, fluoride, and runoff pollutants that could make their way into your drinking water. Therefore, all ZeroWater jugs include their water filters which have a 5-stage filtration process to ensure all of these TDS are removed so you know you’re only drinking safe and pure water every time. In addition to the water filters, ZeroWater includes a free TDS Water Quality Meter in every jug that they sell. These nifty little devices can be popped into a glass of water to measure the TDS content and ensure that all the water you drink is TDS-free. This is great to test out using a glass of ZeroWater filtered water and a glass of regular tap water. With the meter, you can clearly see the effect of the ZeroWater filtrations system and start to

PROS:

see the TDS levels that regularly occur in your tap water. The Water Quality Meters are also great for periodically testing your ZeroWater jug and filters as should the TDS number increase it is then time to change the filter. Ultimately, we all want safe and purified water to drink, and with the ZeroWater jug it makes this so much more convenient. The filter system, size of the jug and included water meter all allow you to have access to purified water with ease.

- Slim size perfect for compact fridges - Includes 5-stage water filter system - Free TDS Water Quality tested to ensure your water is always purified - Easy to clean

CONS: - Like with all water filters you will need to repurchase water filters when yours runs out to maintain the same level of purified water

HOUSEHOLD

$25.00

https://kikkerland.com/products/four-seasonscocktail-shaker

KIKKERLAND FOUR SEASONS COCKTAIL SHAKER

122

CELEBRATE COCKTAIL HOUR IN EVERY SEASON WITH THE KIKKERLAND FOUR SEASONS COCKTAIL SHAKER WHICH GIVES YOU THE RECIPES AND EQUIPMENT TO MAKE A WHOLE RANGE OF COCKTAILS PERFECT FOR EACH SEASON. Around the main shaker glass are 8 different cocktail recipes, and the glass shows where to fill each of the ingredients to for a perfectly mixed drink. The recipes include the BlackEyed Susan and Lemon Drop Martini for spring, the Junebug and Hurricane for summer, a Whiskey Sour and French Martini for autumn and finally Penicillin and Espresso Martini recipes for Winter. I love that the glass clearly shows what you need and just how much of each to pour in for each drink, giving you 8 different cocktail options all right in your shaker. In addition to the shaker glass, you get a stainless-steel lid which features a strainer and a cap. These all fit together perfectly and provide a silicone seal to the glass so you can be sure when you are shaking your drinks they do not leak out. I tried out an Espresso Martini recipe (as it is my usual drink of choice) using the measurements provided I was impressed! It was well mixed for my taste and not too overpowering which was great. If you have a cocktail fan in your life this is an excellent gift this Christmas as in one single gift you are giving 8 cocktail recipes and all the equipment they will need to make it!

PROS: - 8 cocktail recipes on the glass - Includes lid, strainer and cap with seal for perfect shaking and pouring - Sturdy glass and stainless steel components

CONS: - Whilst the shaker does provide a range of cocktails, they may not all be to everyone taste depending on which flavours and alcohols people prefer

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TERMS & CONDITIONS AT GADGET HEAD, OUR AIM IS TO GIVE OUR READERS THE MOST HONEST REVIEWS WE CAN. We also seek to provide all manufacturers with an equal opportunity to promote their goods: in fact, we are incredibly proud that startup companies have just as much of a chance to feature in our magazine as established brands do. How do we ensure all of this? Our policy is simple: we do not offer sponsored reviews. Instead, if you send us goods to review, we reserve to right to keep and sell these on. By funding our magazine in this way, we can guarantee that we are not publishing paid-for opinions or prioritizing larger companies, and there are no hidden fees to having your product reviewed and featured.

WE DON’T GUARANTEE 5-STAR REVIEWS, BUT WE DO GUARANTEE AN HONEST ONE! Copy Editor Carley Fallows hello@thegadgethead.com

Lead LeadDesigner DesignerAdam AlinaKnights Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com

Publisher Stephen Warman

stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

EXPLORE. ENJOY.

MAXIA 4

THE NEW GENERATION OF THE LEGEND GIVI’S most popular top case, totally redesigned. Stylish as never before, versatile and as strong as ever. • ABS cover with a new design • Internally strengthened outer edge • Double cover made from plastic and aluminium • New outer band • New optical reflectors with small reflector on the outer band • Capacity: 56 lt

Sponsor of the LCR Honda MotoGP Team.

Find more than 900 accessories at www.givimoto.com