2. BB-8 Droid
Tech company Sphero was already making cool circular toys before being drafted into Disney's accelerator programme. Then came the first trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, featuring BB-8, a cool new cylindrical droid to rival R2D2. Could Sphero make something similar? Of course they could. This mini version of the real thing is controlled via an app from your iPad or Smartphone, and is so simple to use your kids will pick it up quicker than you can. It rolls, it bleeps, it gets stuck under the couch. Just make sure you don't stand on your BB-8, otherwise there'll be tears before bedtime.
Where to buy them: mightyape.co.nz
RRP: $279
3. Apple TV
No, it's not an actual TV set. Apple TV takes a little more explaining: it's basically a smartbox that connects to your existing TV, letting you download various apps and stream all your fave shows from one place. It's simple to use: plug it in, hook it up to wifi, sync with your iPhone or iPad and away you go. This second model is slightly bigger and comes with a remote control upgraded with swiping technology. It lets you watch Netflix, buy and stream movies through iTunes and play games including Rayman Adventures and Guitar Hero, although you'll want to get a Nimbus wireless controller to make the most of them.
Where to buy them: apple.com
RRP: $299
4. Samsung Gear S2
If you think the latest Samsung watch looks nothing like the original, you're right. The upgraded Gear S2 is the main rival to the Apple Watch and features many new upgrades to the original, like a classic watch design with multiple face options, a cool twisty dial that lets you cycle through apps, messages and functions, and, if you're lucky enough to get one, a leather strap designed by Stolen Girlfriends Club. As well as alerting you to calls and emails, the Gear S2 connects to your Samsung phone and will collect all your fitness and health data, include heart rate.
Where to get one: All leading tech suppliers
RRP: $549
5. Fitbit Surge
If there's a gym bunny, fitness freak or Crossfit nutter in your life, this is the present to get them. The Fitbit Surge is bulkier and more expensive than other models, but if you're building up for a marathon, or you're into a bit of trail running, this will track every single step thanks to the built-in GPS. More of a gym-goer? No worries. The surge keeps monitoring you whether you're doing weights, cardio or cycling, mapping it all to an app on your phone. Careful: if you're a competitive type, these can be addictive.
Where to get one: JB Hi-Fi
RRP: $329
6. Breathometer Breeze Wireless Smartphone Breathalyzer
If you're planning on celebrating over the holidays, this might be an important purchase. The Breathometer promises to check blood alcohol levels through a gadget paired to a smartphone app. So if you have one too many wines at the Christmas party, you'll know whether or not you're okay to drive.
Where to buy them: Harvey Norman
RRP: $179.95
7. 3DR Solo Aerial Smart Drone
Yes, you'll need to love someone a whole lot to get them this. At $2297 the price is prohibitive, and the cost doesn't stop there - you'll need to package this up with a Go Pro camera to really make the most of owning your very own drone. But think of the uses. You can take beautifully stable landscape shots of hard to get to places, like clifftop views, secret forests, or John Key's backyard. The Solo Aerial Smart Drone comes with a top speed of 88km/h, can climb to a height of 121m, and can fly for 25 minutes at a time.
Where to buy them: Harvey Norman
RRP: $2297
8. Wharfedale Versa portable Bluetooth speaker
When it comes to sound, Wharfedale know their stuff. But you'd normally need to invest thousands in a decent home theatre set up to own something with the Wharfedale brand on it. This is the UK company's downscaled effort, a portable wireless system perfect for beaches, baches and backyards. Pair it via Bluetooth to your phone, fire up Spotify and start blasting the neighbours with some dirty southern fried hip-hop. The Versa has up to six hours of battery life and a range of 15 metres - more than enough to annoy the neighbours plenty.
Where to buy them: Noel Leeming
RRP: $199.99
