Six of the best: stocking filler gadgets

A tablet for kids
The Christmas Story for Kids The Elf Adventure, available from iTunes, Amazon and Google Play. See PA Feature GADGETS Stocking Fillers. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/Handout. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature GADGETS Stocking Fillers. WARNING: This picture must only be used with the full product information as stated above.The Christmas Story for Kids The Elf Adventure, available from iTunes, Amazon and Google Play. See PA Feature GADGETS Stocking Fillers. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/Handout. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature GADGETS Stocking Fillers. WARNING: This picture must only be used with the full product information as stated above.
The Christmas Story for Kids The Elf Adventure, available from iTunes, Amazon and Google Play. See PA Feature GADGETS Stocking Fillers. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/Handout. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature GADGETS Stocking Fillers. WARNING: This picture must only be used with the full product information as stated above.

LeapFrog EPIC Tablet, currently priced £119.99, from Amazon, www.amazon.co.uk

Want to introduce tablets and tech to your child without throwing them in at the deep end? This wonderful little device is the perfect stepping stone. The Android based tablet not only comes with loads of games (complete with educational benefits), but also their own LeapSearch browser that only allows users to click on websites, images, videos and games that are age-appropriate. You can create up to three different profiles - each with different parental controls. So, whether your child is four or eight they can have the tablet tailor-made to their requirements. A great device which will make their Christmas.

:: Respect your privacy

LeapFrog EPIC Tablet, available from Amazon.LeapFrog EPIC Tablet, available from Amazon.
LeapFrog EPIC Tablet, available from Amazon.

BlackBerry PRIV, £559, from Blackberry, www.blackberry.com

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Blackberry are back! And this, their first foray into the Android-operated smartphone world, should be a big hit. While it’s just about small enough to fit into a stocking, it will be a squeeze - the touchscreen is 5.4in and there’s the option to slide out Blackberry’s trademark keyboard too. The keyboard may look similar to previous Blackberry models but it can also be used as a trackpad just by lightly touching it. The big benefit of this phone though is its focus on your privacy. Not only will it protect you from malware, but, via their programme DTEK by BlackBerry, you can keep an eye on whether apps you’ve downloaded are accessing personal information. The phone also comes with a 18mp rear camera and 2mp front camera and, most importantly, the phone is straightforward to use and easy to get to grips with.

:: Charge forward

Robot Head Portable Charger, £34.99, from Firebox, www.firebox.com

BlackBerry PRIV, available from blackberry.com.BlackBerry PRIV, available from blackberry.com.
BlackBerry PRIV, available from blackberry.com.

There are plenty of portable chargers on the market, but if you’re giving one as a gift, you want to make sure it’s one that looks good. With that in mind, it’s pretty much impossible to find one cuter than this. The little (it’s 3.4cm(W) x 4.8cm(H) x 7.4cm(D)) robot doesn’t just look the part though - it has a capacity of 6000mAh, so holds enough juice to charge your smartphone approximately two and a half times, plus there are two ports so you can charge two devices at once. Look into his eyes as that will let you know how much battery remains (they’ll shine red, orange or yellow) and so you don’t waste the robot’s power, it turns itself off when your device is fully charged.

:: Snap happy

ION SnapCam Wearable Camcorder, £129, from Currys, www.currys.co.uk

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This may weigh less than an ounce and be just 1.5 inches square, but the tiny camera proves the old adage, size isn’t everything. In fact, this dinky device provides HD Video recording and, when fully charged, will film for two hours. It takes 8mp photos, and comes with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity so you can upload your film or photos while you’re on the go. A great example of how wearable tech can be both practical (it’s even splash proof), while at the same time look good.

ION SnapCam Wearable Camcorder, available from Currys.ION SnapCam Wearable Camcorder, available from Currys.
ION SnapCam Wearable Camcorder, available from Currys.

:: Talk it out

World’s Smallest Walkie Talkies, £9.95, from Prezzybox.com, www.prezzybox.com

Breaker breaker, do you read me? With a range of 100ft - which includes through walls and floors - you will indeed be able to receive top secret information through these little walkie talkies. When we say little, we really do mean it - when a toy looks small in a child’s hands, you know it really is tiny. Aptly named World’s Smallest Walkie Talkies, this gift will be suitable for those aged 6+. On top of the usual function, you can also chat via Morse code!

:: Good health

World's Smallest Walkie Talkies, available from Prezzybox.com.World's Smallest Walkie Talkies, available from Prezzybox.com.
World's Smallest Walkie Talkies, available from Prezzybox.com.

Jawbone UP3 Teal Cross Heart Rate Activity and Sleep Tracker, currently priced £123.47, from Amazon, www.amazon.co.uk

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

To the outside eye this is just a pretty bracelet, however, beneath the glam exterior lies some great tech. So, if you give this as a gift you can rest assured you’re giving a tool to help the recipient achieve a healthier lifestyle. Connect it to your smartphone and track your sleep (REM, light and deep), your activity levels - whether that’s incidental exercise or a gym session - and also monitor your heart rate. Via the app you’ll be able to check in with the Smart Coach - which will be on hand to help you reach your health targets.

APP OF THE WEEK

Christmas Story for Kids: The Elf Adventure, 79p available iTunes, Amazon and Google Play

Countdown to Christmas with this great advent calendar app. Every day you open a new window and get to play a new game. A great, little app that kids will love.

TOP 10 BEST SELLING IPHONE APPS

The Jawbone UP3 Teal Cross Heart Rate Activity and Sleep Tracker, available from from Amazon.The Jawbone UP3 Teal Cross Heart Rate Activity and Sleep Tracker, available from from Amazon.
The Jawbone UP3 Teal Cross Heart Rate Activity and Sleep Tracker, available from from Amazon.

1 Football Manager Mobile 2016 by SEGA

2 Minecraft: Pocket Edition by Mojang

3 The Official DVSA Theory Test Kit for Car Drivers by TSO (The Stationery Office)

4 Heads Up! by Warner Bros.

5 Storage Hunters UK : The Game by UKTV Interactive Ltd

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

6 Theory Test for Car Drivers UK - Driving Test Success by Focus Multimedia

7 Facetune by Lightricks Ltd.

8 MONOPOLY Game by Electronic Arts

9 Minecraft: Story Mode by Telltale Inc

10 7 Minute Workout Challenge by Fitness Guide Inc

TOP 10 FREE IPHONE APPS

1 I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! By ITV

2 Twist by Ketchapp

3 WhatsApp Messenger by WhatsApp Inc.

4 Messenger by Facebook, Inc.

5 Facebook by Facebook, Inc.

6 Instagram by Instagram, Inc.

7 YouTube by Google, Inc.

8 Snapchat by Snapchat, Inc.

9 Smashy Road: Wanted by Remco Kortenoever

10 A Call From Santa! By Net Unlimited

Related topics: