Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Tech Gadgets

We've gone through the vast oceans of new gadgets and picked out the highlights of the year so you don't have to this holiday season.

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What device are you using to read this? Is it Galaxy S5? Maybe a passport-sized BlackBerry? We were introduced to a slew of new devices in the last twelve months—new smartphones, tablets, e-readers, smartwatches, cameras, and headphones (not to mention the sale of an entire headphone company to Apple in Beats by Dre).

There have been some flops this year as well, like Amazon's first attempt in the smartphone market with the Fire Phone. They do have the awesome Kindle line, so don't feel too bad. 2014 was a good year for gadget geeks, and, who isn't one nowadays?

From devices that focus on photography, music, and communication, here are The Best Gadget Gifts​ of 2014.

Amazon Kindle Voyage

Ghostly International TMA-1 Headphones

Price: $250

Buy it now at: AIAIAI

If you're looking to break away from those ubiquitous candy-colored headphones, put Ghostly International's collab with AIAIAI in your sights. The TMA-1 was designed to boost bass levels even at low volumes, and feel great around your ears, thanks to adjustable cups. Not to mention, the matte black is never going to go out of style. 

Moto 360

GoPro Hero4 Black/Silver

GoPole GoPro Accessory Bundle

Olloclip 4-in-1 Lens for iPhone or Samsung Galaxy

Price: $69.99

Buy it now at: Olloclip

This is a great gift for the shutterbug in your life. While it's fun to slap on a filter after you've snapped a picture, slapping on a device that pumps up the power of your phone's lens is even better. The Olloclip 4-in-1 Lens is portable, and gives your iPhone 6, 5/5S, iPad Air/Mini, or Galaxy S5/S4 the power of four perspectives: fisheye, wide-angle, macro 10x, and macro 15x. 

TCL Roku Smart-TV

Alpine TKR3 Headphones

Apple iPhone 6 and 6 Plus

Price: Apple iPhone 6 starting at $199 for 16GB, $299 for 64GB, and $399 for 128GB, on two-year contracts; 

Apple iPhone 6 Plus starting at $299 for 16GB, $399 for 64GB, and $499 for 128GB, on two-year contracts

Buy it now at: Apple

Another year, another iPhone. Except this time, Apple gave us two different sizes—a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 with Retina HD and 1334 x 750 resolution, and a 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus with Retina HD and 1920 x 1080 resolution. Decisions, decisions. Of course, they come with different storage options, starting at 16GB. But we recommend dropping the extra $100 and going straight to 64GB. With upgraded cameras, these babies are going to need more room to hold larger size photo and video files. It'll be worth it.

If you're having trouble choosing between the two, we recommend the iPhone 6 Plus for its camera and battery life. You'll be more comfortable with it if you find yourself carrying around a backpack or purse that you can slip it into. Both phones are an upgrade from the iPhone 5S, and offer what may be the future of payment: Apple Pay's NFC technology. If you're going to use this as a stocking stuffer, consider the recipients' hand size. 

 

Mophie Space Pack

DJI Phantom 2 Vision+

Price: $1,099

Buy it now at: Amazon

While drone laws vary from state to state (or city to city, if you live near an airport), more people are using them to create beautiful films or straight up drone selfies. DJI's Phantom 2 Vision+ is considered the best consumer drone that comes with a camera on the market. It'll make a great gift for filmmakers who feel constrained by gravity—and you should make sure you get a role in the project, considering this baby's price.

Vaporizers

Snoop Dogg G Pen

Price: $84.95

Buy it now at: Grenco Science

If you're looking to combine your love of vaping with your love of rap music, look no further. The G-Pen was designed by Snoop Dogg (note the map of Long Beach printed on the pen's body). Snoop's entire set includes a G Pen, battery, herbal tank, USB charger, cleaning tips, brush, and glass sleeves. Herb is not included. 

 

Arizer Solo Portable Diffuser

Price: $224

Buy it now at: Vape World

The Solo Diffuser is powered by an internal battery, and features a ceramic heating element and glass stem. It's small and discreet: 4.5 inches tall and about 1.75 inches in diameter. Just the right fit for your hand.

Crank Dash Smartphone Battery Pack

Logitech UE Boom

Nintendo Wii U Mario Kart Bundle

Price: $329.96

Buy it now at: Walmart

You heard it already and you'll hear it again: This is the time to buy a Wii U. The Walmart exclusive Wii U Mario Kart bundle is still more affordable than the Xbox One or PS4 without any games. Pick up some extra controllers—or use some Wiimotes—and race with the fam on Christmas Day (the newly released Super Smash Bros. for Wii U would be a good complement). Walmart seems to be in short supply, so keep an eye out.

If you're still not convinced, here's what you can look forward to in 2015:

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