The gadgets everyone is talking about

Announced at Apple's September 2026 event, with pre-orders from 16 October and sales from 23 October in the US. Expect a wave of unboxing and durability videos.

Heads-up: First-generation hardware. Wait for long-term reviews of the hinge and crease, and check repair and insurance costs before buying.

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Illustrative photo: Thai Nguyen on Unsplash

On sale since 18 September 2026; camera comparisons against last year's model and rival Android flagships are everywhere on YouTube.

Heads-up: If you have an iPhone 16 Pro or 17 Pro, the upgrade is smaller than launch videos suggest. Trade-in and carrier offers often beat the sticker price.

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Illustrative photo: Filip Baotić on Unsplash

Creators love the half-folded hands-free mode for selfies and video, and the cover screen for framing shots with the main camera.

Heads-up: Folding screens are softer than normal glass. A good case and screen cover plan are worth it.

Illustrative photo: Jonas Leupe on Unsplash

Launched September 2026. Health features such as fall detection and emergency SOS also make Apple Watch a popular gift for older relatives.

Heads-up: Only works with an iPhone. Older models often go on sale when a new one launches, and cover most of the same features.

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Illustrative photo: Daniel Korpai on Unsplash

Smart rings are one of the fastest-growing wearable categories, and sleep-score screenshots are a staple of wellness TikTok.

Heads-up: Most features need a paid Oura membership. Use the free sizing kit before ordering.

Illustrative photo: Becca Schultz on Unsplash

Hands-free point-of-view video has become its own genre on TikTok and Reels.

Heads-up: A light shows when you're recording, but always respect people's privacy. The Meta Ray-Ban Display version (with a screen in the lens) has had limited availability outside the US.

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Illustrative photo: Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash

A popular "first phone" alternative as more parents delay giving children a smartphone.

Heads-up: Needs a monthly data subscription. Check it is sold and supported in your country before buying.

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Illustrative photo: Simon Daoudi on Unsplash

Launched September 2026. AirPods are perennial Amazon best-sellers and one of the most-wanted gifts for teens.

Heads-up: There are two versions: one with a wireless charging case and touch volume control, one without. Check which you're buying.

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Illustrative photo: John M. Smit on Unsplash

A fixture in "best headphones" round-ups, regularly compared with Bose and Apple's AirPods Max by YouTube reviewers.

Heads-up: The previous model (XM5) is often heavily discounted and still excellent.

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Illustrative photo: Luke Peterson on Unsplash

The main rival to Sony in every noise-cancelling showdown video.

Heads-up: Try both brands on if you can: fit and comfort matter more than spec sheets.

Illustrative photo: C D-X on Unsplash

A constant Amazon best-seller in portable speakers, and a go-to for "waterproof speaker test" videos.

Heads-up: Older Flip models drop in price when a new one launches and sound almost the same.

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Illustrative photo: Nejc Soklič on Unsplash

Popular with runners and cyclists, and part of a wider open-ear audio trend.

Heads-up: Bass and noise isolation are weaker than in-ear buds by design.

Illustrative photo: Daniel Romero on Unsplash

Nothing's transparent look gets a lot of attention from tech creators and design fans.

Heads-up: Check app features on your phone: some extras work best with Nothing's own phones.

Illustrative photo: TheRegisti on Unsplash

Steady Amazon best-sellers for tablets, car journeys and flights.

Heads-up: Look for a clear volume limit (often 85 dB) and a cable-free option if your child's tablet has no headphone jack.

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Illustrative photo: Pluto Mossa on Unsplash

Sold out within a day at launch in 2025, and restocks have kept selling out. Grainy, retro photos are the point.

Heads-up: 1.6MP: a fun toy, not a phone replacement. Rare editions resell for far more than the retail price, so beware of scalpers.

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Illustrative photo: Yucel M on Unsplash

One of the most-gifted cameras on Amazon, and a staple of scrapbook and room-decor TikToks.

Heads-up: The film is an ongoing cost: factor in packs of film when you compare prices.

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Illustrative photo: eniko kis on Unsplash

Gen Z has made old compact cameras cool again: #digicam photo dumps are a long-running TikTok trend.

Heads-up: Mostly bought second-hand: check the battery, charger and memory card type are included.

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Illustrative photo: Katrin Hauf on Unsplash

A favourite of travel vloggers who want steadier, better low-light video than a phone.

Heads-up: Check current availability in your country: DJI products have faced import restrictions in the US.

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Illustrative photo: Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Drone reveal shots and self-flying "follow me" selfie drones are everywhere on travel feeds.

Heads-up: Drone rules apply even to small drones: check the FAA (US), CAA (UK) or EASA (EU) rules before you fly, and current US availability for DJI models.

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Illustrative photo: Karl Greif on Unsplash

The "invisible selfie stick" third-person shots are a viral effect on their own.

Heads-up: Editing 360 footage takes time; the phone app does most of the work.

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Illustrative photo: Jadon Kelly on Unsplash

Those little mics you see on every talking-head TikTok: clean audio is the cheapest way to look more pro.

Heads-up: Check the receiver plugs into your phone (USB-C or Lightning) or connects over Bluetooth.

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Illustrative photo: Axel Mencia on Unsplash

One of the simplest, best-value creator gadgets: a constant Amazon best-seller.

Heads-up: Cheap clamps can be wobbly with heavy Pro and Max phones. Check the stated weight limit.

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Illustrative photo: Georgia de Lotz on Unsplash

Launched June 2025 and still one of the most-wanted gifts. Bundles and new games keep it trending.

Heads-up: Most original Switch games work on it, but check individual titles. Some physical games are "key cards" that download the game.

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Illustrative photo: Kamil Switalski on Unsplash

Still the benchmark every new PC handheld is compared to on YouTube.

Heads-up: Not every PC game runs well: check Valve's "Steam Deck Verified" rating for the games you care about.

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Illustrative photo: Branden Skeli on Unsplash

The most affordable way into VR fitness, games and "VR fails" content.

Heads-up: Needs a Meta account; younger users need a parent-managed account. Clear a safe play space first.

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Illustrative photo: Remy Gieling on Unsplash

Lets PS5 owners play while someone else uses the TV.

Heads-up: It isn't a standalone console: you need a PS5 (or PlayStation Plus cloud streaming where offered) and strong Wi-Fi.

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Illustrative photo: Adrià García Sarceda on Unsplash

A popular way to play mobile, cloud and console-streamed games with proper buttons.

Heads-up: Buy the version that matches your phone's port (USB-C or Lightning) and check it fits with your case.

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Illustrative photo: Eugene Chystiakov on Unsplash

Retro handheld reviews are a booming YouTube niche, and nostalgia sells.

Heads-up: Only play games you own the rights to: downloading copyrighted ROMs you don't own isn't legal in most countries.

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Illustrative photo: Jesper Brouwers on Unsplash

One of Amazon's most heavily discounted devices in every big sale event.

Heads-up: It's always listening for its wake word: review the privacy settings and use the mic-off button when you want.

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Illustrative photo: Bence Boros on Unsplash

A popular gift for grandparents: family can video call it, and photos appear on it automatically.

Heads-up: Set it up before gifting, and turn on the camera shutter when it's not in use.

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Illustrative photo: Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

A top seller in every Amazon home-security sale; doorbell clips are a TikTok genre of their own.

Heads-up: Saving and reviewing recordings usually needs a paid plan. Point the camera at your own property, not your neighbours'.

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Illustrative photo: Sophie Dale on Unsplash

The backbone of every "room makeover" and gaming-setup TikTok.

Heads-up: Strong adhesive can peel paint off walls. Test on a hidden spot first, or use mounting clips.

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Illustrative photo: Joshua Rawson-Harris on Unsplash

One of the original TikTok-made-me-buy-it gadgets, and still a selfie-lighting favourite.

Heads-up: Very cheap versions can be flimsy. Look for a proper plug and safety marks (UL in the US, UKCA/CE in the UK/EU).

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Illustrative photo: Nathan Van Egmond on Unsplash

Robot vacuums are among the biggest-discount items in Black Friday and Prime sales, and pet owners love the hair-pickup videos.

Heads-up: Self-emptying docks need replacement bags. Check how it handles rugs, cables and pet mess.

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Illustrative photo: Onur Binay on Unsplash

Consistently one of the most-recommended gifts for grandparents in gift guides.

Heads-up: Check if any features need a subscription, and pre-load photos before you wrap it.

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Illustrative photo: Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

"Where's my luggage?" airport videos made trackers a travel must-have.

Heads-up: AirTag works with iPhone and Samsung SmartTag with Galaxy phones; pick the one that matches your phone. Never use one to track a person.

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Illustrative photo: Dimitri Karastelev on Unsplash

Protein ice cream recipes made it one of TikTok's biggest kitchen gadgets.

Heads-up: Bases need to freeze for around a day, so it's not instant. It's loud while it spins.

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Illustrative photo: sheri silver on Unsplash

Air fryers are among the most-bought kitchen appliances in the US and UK, and air-fryer recipes are a TikTok staple.

Heads-up: Measure your worktop first: dual-basket models are wide.

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Illustrative photo: Jason Briscoe on Unsplash

A favourite desk-setup gadget and a regular in gift guides for people who "have everything".

Heads-up: Hand-wash only, and the battery lasts longest when it sits on its charging coaster.

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Illustrative photo: ian dooley on Unsplash

Gym-bag and smoothie-run videos keep it trending.

Heads-up: Small motors struggle with ice and frozen fruit chunks. Don't expect full-size blender results.

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Illustrative photo: Sara Julie on Unsplash

One of TikTok's most-reviewed beauty gadgets, with endless "Airwrap vs dupe" comparisons (Shark FlexStyle is the best-known rival).

Heads-up: Buy from Dyson or an authorised retailer: fake Airwraps are a known scam on social ads and marketplaces.

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Illustrative photo: Jenna Oslin on Unsplash

The glowing-mask selfie is a skincare TikTok icon.

Heads-up: Results vary and need regular use over weeks. If you have eye conditions, take photosensitising medication or are unsure, check with a doctor or dermatologist first.

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Illustrative photo: Sunny Ng on Unsplash

A top fitness gift, and the minis fit in a gym bag.

Heads-up: Avoid bones, the neck and any injury. Ask a physio if you have a medical condition.

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Illustrative photo: Javier Esteban on Unsplash

A staple of "phone out of the bedroom" and better-sleep routines on TikTok.

Heads-up: Some models lock features behind a subscription. Check before buying.

Illustrative photo: Benjamin Voros on Unsplash

A long-running Amazon best-seller in men's grooming.

Heads-up: Replacement blades are an ongoing cost: compare multi-pack prices.

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Illustrative photo: Allef Vinicius on Unsplash

A constant TikTok and Amazon best-seller: no cables, just snap and go.

Heads-up: Power banks must go in your hand luggage on flights, and some airlines now restrict using them on board.

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Illustrative photo: I’M ZION on Unsplash

Desk-setup and nightstand videos made it a go-to tidy-up gadget.

Heads-up: Check it supports your watch (Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch chargers differ).

Illustrative photo: Allen Y on Unsplash

Ceiling-movie and backyard-cinema videos keep projectors trending, especially before the holidays.

Heads-up: Very cheap projectors often overstate brightness and resolution ("supports 4K" isn't native 4K). Check reviews that test in a lit room.

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Illustrative photo: Alex Litvin on Unsplash

BookTok made e-readers cool again, and Kindles are among the most-discounted devices in Amazon sales.

Heads-up: Adjustable text size makes it a great gift for older readers. Kindle Unlimited is a separate subscription.

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Illustrative photo: Irina Rybcko on Unsplash

"Thocky" typing-sound ASMR is a whole genre on TikTok and YouTube.

Heads-up: Clicky switches are loud. Choose quieter switches if you share a room or office.

Illustrative photo: Stefen Tan on Unsplash

A permanent fixture in YouTubers' "what's on my desk" setup tours.

Heads-up: Right-handed only. Left-handers should look at symmetrical mice.

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Illustrative photo: Oscar Ivan Esquivel Arteaga on Unsplash

Parents looking to cut screen time have made screen-free audio players a gift-guide favourite (Tonies are the main rival).

Heads-up: Story cards are bought separately, though there is free content too.

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Illustrative photo: Alireza Attari on Unsplash

The Pro AirPods are a staple of “what’s in my bag” videos, and the fitness features gave reviewers plenty to test.

Heads-up: Best with an iPhone; many features are Apple-only. The cheaper AirPods 5 now also have noise cancellation, so compare both.

Illustrative photo: Daniel Romero on Unsplash

The comeback of a 2010s icon, helped along by colourful drops and celebrity collabs.

Heads-up: Compare with JBL’s Flip on sound and battery before you decide; colours and prices vary by retailer.

Illustrative photo: Habib Dadkhah on Unsplash

Design-led tech is having a moment, and Marshall’s retro look photographs beautifully.

Heads-up: You’re partly paying for the look; check sound comparisons against cheaper rivals.

Illustrative photo: Habib Dadkhah on Unsplash

A favourite starter speaker in home-setup and apartment-tour videos.

Heads-up: Sonos’s 2024 app redesign drew a lot of complaints; read recent reviews about the app before buying.

Illustrative photo: Nicolas Lafargue on Unsplash

The vinyl revival is real: record collections and “Sunday spins” are all over TikTok.

Heads-up: Very cheap suitcase-style players can wear records faster. A basic entry-level turntable is a safer bet.

Illustrative photo: Jakob Rosen on Unsplash

Athletes and fitness creators made recovery scores part of their daily content.

Heads-up: It works on a paid membership rather than a one-off purchase. Add up the yearly cost before signing up.

Illustrative photo: Filip Mroz on Unsplash

The go-to smartwatch for Android users, and a regular in every Black Friday sale.

Heads-up: Recent Galaxy Watches don’t work with iPhone, and some health features work best with a Samsung phone.

Illustrative photo: pratik prasad on Unsplash

Steady Amazon best-sellers for anyone who wants the basics without a pricey smartwatch.

Heads-up: Accuracy varies; some brands charge for premium insights. Check the app is available in your region.

Illustrative photo: Nikita Kostrykin on Unsplash

It went viral on TikTok for its “film look” straight out of the camera, and waiting lists followed.

Heads-up: Expensive and often hard to find; avoid inflated reseller prices and buy from authorised retailers.

Illustrative photo: Charlie Firth on Unsplash

One of the most-wanted compact cameras of the digicam revival, and frequently sold out.

Heads-up: It’s been on sale for years, so check you’re paying a fair price; older second-hand units are common.

Illustrative photo: Sanju Pandita on Unsplash

Ski, surf and bike clips keep GoPros trending every season.

Heads-up: Cloud backup and some extras need a GoPro subscription. Factor in mounts and spare batteries.

Illustrative photo: Maik Kleinert on Unsplash

The signature light behind countless TikTok and makeup videos.

Heads-up: Look for adjustable colour temperature and a sturdy stand; cheap ones can flicker on camera.

Illustrative photo: Maria on Unsplash

Xbox’s first big step into handhelds made it one of the most-watched hardware launches for gamers.

Heads-up: There are two models at very different prices. Battery life in demanding games is short, as with most PC handhelds.

Illustrative photo: Javier Martínez on Unsplash

A favourite comparison topic on gaming YouTube: is the Pro worth it over a standard PS5?

Heads-up: The disc drive is sold separately. Most of the benefit shows on a 4K TV; on a 1080p screen the standard PS5 is better value.

Illustrative photo: Nik on Unsplash

A perennial best-seller and one of the safest gifts for any gamer.

Heads-up: Check it supports your console (PlayStation, Xbox and Switch differ). For kids, look for volume limits.

Illustrative photo: Fredrick Tendong on Unsplash

90s and Y2K nostalgia plus keyring culture made Tamagotchis a TikTok favourite again.

Heads-up: There are many versions with different features; check which one you’re buying, and beware of fakes on marketplaces.

Illustrative photo: Jenny Dabon on Unsplash

Bedroom glow-ups and “cosy night” videos made galaxy projectors a TikTok staple.

Heads-up: Choose a reputable brand with clear laser-safety labelling, and don’t let young children look into the light.

Illustrative photo: Olena Bohovyk on Unsplash

Close-up “bird postcards” turned garden birds into a viral TikTok genre.

Heads-up: Some features need a subscription, and it needs decent Wi-Fi where you mount it.

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Illustrative photo: Andrey Larionov on Unsplash

A long-running Amazon best-seller, especially during allergy and wildfire-smoke seasons.

Heads-up: Replacement filters are an ongoing cost. Check the clean-air delivery rate (CADR) suits your room size.

Illustrative photo: Álvaro Bernal on Unsplash

Home coffee-bar videos made it one of the most-recommended starter espresso machines.

Heads-up: Sold as Breville in the US and Sage in the UK and Europe. You’ll want a decent grinder too.

Illustrative photo: Luke Porter on Unsplash

One of 2025’s biggest viral kitchen launches, with endless flavour experiments on TikTok.

Heads-up: It’s big and takes a while to freeze each batch. Measure your counter space first.

Illustrative photo: Eryk Piotr Munk on Unsplash

A favourite gift for barbecue fans, and a hero of “perfect steak” videos.

Heads-up: Bluetooth range can be limited through walls or grills; check the range of the model you choose.

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Illustrative photo: Matt Connor on Unsplash

Iced latte and matcha routines made the humble frother a TikTok must-have.

Heads-up: Handheld wands are cheapest; heated jug frothers are easier for hot drinks.

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Illustrative photo: Fahmi Fakhrudin on Unsplash

Laifen went viral as a lower-priced alternative to Dyson’s Supersonic, with endless comparison videos.

Heads-up: Buy from the brand’s official store or authorised sellers; look-alikes are common on marketplaces.

Illustrative photo: JOVS Beauty on Unsplash

“Walking pad era” and #deskwalking videos made them a work-from-home staple.

Heads-up: Built for walking, not running. Check the weight limit, and think about noise if you have neighbours below.

Illustrative photo: Mike Cox on Unsplash

Productivity and study creators love it as a distraction-free notebook.

Heads-up: It’s expensive, and cloud sync extras need a subscription. It isn’t a general-purpose tablet.

Illustrative photo: Fiona Murray-deGraaff on Unsplash

BookTok’s favourite Kindle alternative, especially for library borrowing.

Heads-up: Many libraries lend e-books through it via OverDrive in supported regions. Colour is softer than on a phone screen.

Illustrative photo: Balázs Kétyi on Unsplash

A desk-setup YouTube favourite that frees up space and looks tidy.

Heads-up: Check it fits your monitor; very curved or thin screens can need a different clamp.

Illustrative photo: Lukas Blazek on Unsplash

A consistent Amazon best-seller and a popular screen-light gift.

Heads-up: Image quality is basic; check whether it needs a memory card, and how photos get onto a computer.

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Illustrative photo: Annie Spratt on Unsplash

One of Amazon’s top-selling devices every holiday season.

Heads-up: The included Amazon Kids+ subscription renews at a monthly cost unless you cancel. Set up controls before gifting.

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Illustrative photo: Shashank Verma on Unsplash

Announced at Apple’s 13 October 2026 “Welcome home” launch; pre-orders are open, with availability from 13 November.

Heads-up: Not sold in the EU at launch. The wall-mounted version needs a separately sold mount. Brand-new product: wait for full reviews.

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Illustrative photo: James Yarema on Unsplash

Announced 13 October 2026, on sale from 30 October, and it can team up with the new Apple TV 4K for surround sound.

Heads-up: The upgraded Siri arrives in a later software update, not at launch. It costs more than the original HomePod mini did.

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Illustrative photo: Howard Bouchevereau on Unsplash

One of the most-reviewed phones of the season; reviewers rate it highly but question the higher price.

Heads-up: It costs more than the Pixel 10 did at launch, and reviewers found little reason to upgrade from last year’s model.

Illustrative photo: Samuel Angor on Unsplash