Santa’s state-sanctioned home invasions are just around the corner. The big ball of joy is going to be squeezing down your chimney in just a few weeks, but you don’t want him to spot a sad, empty Christmas tree when he makes it down, do you?
Trees that shadow dozens upon dozens of wrapped presents, of varying shapes and sizes, are what you – and the big man – want to see during Christmas. But for that to happen, you’ll need to get to buying some presents.
Lucky for you, the AU review has played with, tested and loved many products this year across numerous categories. Whether they are new or old, we’re highlighting our favourites in our annual last-minute Xmas gift guide so you aren’t left looking lonely and confused in Myer’s Skincare section.
Home Technology
Ecovacs Deebot X5 Omni
Air fryers may still be some of the more popular items come Christmas time, but the real winner that’s emerged over the past few years has been the not-so-humble, kind-of-cute robot vacuum cleaner.
But as it appears, there are way too many on the market these days, so it’s quite hard to choose the best one for you. That’s why it’s worth reaching for the top shelf with this valuable home tech. Much like a good coffee machine, a well-chosen robot vacuum can save you money in the long term, not to mention that abstract thing we call time (and hence, sanity).
Ecovcas has been leading the charge for years so its Deebot X5 Omni is a no-brainer. The slick, black robot vacuum is a sturdy all-in-one that goes even further when cleaning every inch of your house. This is due to the new TruEdge mopping technology that works like a breeze, lifting the mopping pad 15mm in the air when it comes time to clean the carpet, addressing a pain point for many older models and ensuring an efficient clean that’s perfectly suited to homes with various floor types.
The 12,800Pa suction power is great for even the finest pet hairs and debris, while the ZeroTangle brush and TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance prevent any issues with efficiency. If you want true automation that you won’t have to babysit or correct now and then, this is one of Ecovac’s most advanced flagships to date.
$2,399
evocavs.com
Xgimi Mogo 2 Pro
Those days of big, chunky projectors that take up too much space and can’t really be moved around are gone. Portable projectors that actually pack in a decent amount of power have taken the niche category and made it even more alluring for anyone who doesn’t necessarily want to be stuck with a giant TV. The product line is especially popular for renters and anyone who moves around a lot but wants to be able to set up a movie night anywhere.
This puts a lot of eyes on Xgimi’s class-leading projectors, the top of which is currently the MoGo 2 Pro.
The tower-shaped portable projector has a charging stand (or can be charged using USB-C) and supports native 1080p with 4K input. With Android TV 11 built-in and remarkable colour accuracy, the device weighs barely over 1KG yet puts a lot of the projectors I’ve tested in the past to shame. The portability certainly helps, with the projector easily adjusted with a simple recalibration system that means you can watch The Sopranos on your ceiling any damn time you want.
$995
jbhifi.com.au
Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty System
Cordless vacuums are hefty investments, assuming you don’t want to cut corners and have to keep replacing your model every year. This is one category where it pays to invest well. This is why Shark’s PowerDetect Clean & Empty system is such a compelling product. For starters, they aren’t outright calling this a cordless vacuum cleaner, because it’s not. It’s a whole-home deep cleaning maestro with its own Auto-Charge empty dock that has been calibrated to reduce dust exposure when compared to traditional emptying.
The feature-packed set includes multi-directional cleaning and Shark’s efficient DuoClean detect system, which can capture more dirt, dust and debrit with a single sweep. Couple that with 70 minutes of runtime, outdoor neutralising technology and an included MultiFlex wand for under-furniture reach and you’ve got a serious stick to push around the house.
$999
sharkclean.com.au
Beatbot iSkim Ultra
With the revolution of robot vacuums and window cleaners, it was only a matter of time before a company created the world’s first intelligent robot pool skimmer. If you know someone who needs to keep their body of water looking pristine all summer round, this is one handy device that won’t go astray.
The iSkim Ultra has been designed with large, debris-prone areas in mind, and uses cutting-edge smarts to scan any pool with 20 tri-ultrasonic sensors, creating a map and using AI to optimise path planning to automate the process. The device then skims the water surface to capture all debris, with the ability to clean up to 375,000 litres of water while removing all dirt, oil, metal residue and scum buildup to keep water crystal and clear.
The large 265mm front roller brush and dual side brushes avoid the issue of pushing debris that has plagued other ordinary pool robots in the past, cleverly creating a water flow that sweeps dust towards the centre and sucks it into a massive 9-litre filter.
$2,049
beatbot.com
Shark FlexBreeze Fan
Is there any category of home tech that Shark hasn’t touched this year? We think not, and we’re glad the rapidly growing, TikTok-famous (no, that doesn’t mean cheap quality) brand has jumped into the world of cooling to compete with some of the more expensive names out there. And they’ve done it exactly right, presenting a sleek, durable fan that transforms from a pedestal to a tabletop unit to speak to both indoor and outdoor use.
The battery-powered 24-run time certainly helps make this thing super portable, and it looks great too with stylish grey and rose gold accents. The best part: it’s as quiet as a mouse, so users can get some sleep with this one.
$249
sharkclean.com.au
Smartphones & Watches
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Google’s really knocked it out of the park with its latest high-end smartphone, blending powerful performance with a sleek design, making it the perfect Christmas gift for tech enthusiasts and casual users alike. Powered by the latest Google Tensor G4 chip, it ensures lightning-fast performance and seamless multitasking. Its stunning 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display offers vibrant colours and smooth 120Hz refresh rates, perfect for gaming, streaming, or browsing.
The Pixel 9 Pro’s standout feature is its advanced camera system, with a 50MP main sensor, 48MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto lens. Equipped with AI-driven features like Magic Eraser and Real Tone, it delivers breathtaking photos in any lighting. Its robust battery life and 30W wireless charging ensure all-day use without compromise. It truly feels like the smartphone of the future, with incredible utility.
I’ve been using it primarily as a content phone on my travels this year due to its superior camera and video modes. But of course, there are plenty of ways to use this impressive device so if you know someone who’s looking for a new Android, this is the only smart choice this year.
$1,449
store.google.com
iPhone 16 Pro
With its sleek titanium design, lightweight yet durable build, and stunning 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, the latest top-tier iPhone model from Apple combines elegance and functionality in one device. The A18 Pro chip powers blazing-fast performance and advanced AI capabilities, ensuring seamless multitasking, gaming, and creative work. Its groundbreaking camera system, featuring a 48MP main sensor, improved low-light performance, and a new 5x telephoto lens, empowers users to capture professional-quality photos and videos effortlessly.
The latest iOS is as efficient and customisable as ever, with Apple making clear attempts to push its iconic smartphone line even further into the future. The Camera Control button and the recent arrival of Apple Intelligence have helped it stick apart from the competition, despite strong entries from other brands this year. We’d say it’s well worth the upgrade if anyone has a 14th-generation or older iPhone.
$1,799
apple.com
Apple Watch Series 10
It may be a largely iterative update, but Apple has delivered once again when it comes to its smartwatch. The Apple Watch Series 10 is more comfortable, infinitely brighter and has a vastly improved display when compared to last year. You definitely know someone who could use one of these to help your mate move through life much easier
Its sleek, modern design suits all tastes, while the customisable watch faces allow for personal expression. Packed with cutting-edge features like advanced health tracking, crash detection, and precision GPS, it’s perfect for fitness enthusiasts or those prioritising wellness. The always-on Retina display ensures easy visibility, and extended battery life adds convenience. Seamless integration with other Apple devices makes it ideal for tech lovers, enabling effortless communication and smart home control.
From $649
apple.com
Bellroy Mod Phone Case + Wallet
The one thing I get asked about the most in terms of what I own and regularly carry around with me is Bellroy’s genius Mod Phone Case + Wallet. The wallet attaches to the back of your phone using super strong magnets (stronger than Apple’s MagSafe products, I’ve found) and can quickly flip open with storage for up to three standard-sized cards.
It’s eliminated the need for me to carry around a wallet and is one of the few things I own that has genuinely improved the way I go about my day. If you’re looking for an affordable Christmas present, this is the one.
$139
bellroy.com
Bellroy Watch Strap (Second Edition)
Let’s be real, that standard strap that comes with the Apple Watch is good, easy to put on and comfortable. But it doesn’t have the aesthetic appeal that other watch straps have, which is why a lot of Apple Watch users have been looking to other brands to mix and match their watch straps. Bellroy is easily up there with its premium leather straps, which have been updated to flow with the curves of the latest Apple Watch Series 10.
Audio
Sennheiser Momentum 4
When it comes to a good pair of headphones, you want the best or you want nothing at all. There’s little more annoying than trying to soundtrack your commute while your Bluetooth connection flitters all over the place, or you have to fiddle with the EQ settings to get the right balance you want. It’s annoying, and need not be an issue when you’re going for something as audio-forward as Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 cans.
The over-ear headphones have been out for a few years now but, as a testament to superior design, are still as relevant as ever. With competition dying down and other brands like Dyson and Sonos leaping into the headphone game to mixed results, these futuristic pair of cans do the perfect job while sticking to a reasonable price point.
With 60 hours of continuous playback time, an immaculate sound signature and a wide sound stage, plus superior noise cancelling, any traveller in your life is going to enjoy unwrapping these bad boys.
$379
sennheiser.com
Ultimate Ears Everboom
Yes, the one almost every sharehouse owns. The Ultimate Ears Everboom is still the ultimate party speaker, building upon previous success with a solid build (drop-tested up to 1 meter) but the same relentless portability that has made UE the go-to for party speakers. We like to think of UE’s dependable lineup of portable speakers a bit like Lego, so if you know someone already locked into the ecosystem, add the Hyperboom to their UE lineup to help them build an immense, wide soundstage wherever they go.
All the standards are here and then some. You’ve got an exceptionally well-balanced sound signature with bright highs and deep, rumbling lows credited to two full-range transducers with augmented magnets and two custom passive radiators. With 20 hours of battery life, this one is a very safe bet for anyone in your life who wants to take the party with them wherever they go.
$249
ultimateears.com
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Appropriately futuristic with their neat egg-shaped case, with incredible sound and strong battery life. Google may have taken a few iterations to get to this point but we think they’ve produced one of the most high-value earbuds in the markets to date. The price point is reasonable, the performance is incredible, and the Bluetooth standard is high.
I’ve never experienced multipoint connectivity so fast and reliable as this, which is just one of the many things that runs smoother thanks to the AI-powered Tensor A1 chip that can run 90 times faster than the speed of sound, doubling the efficiency of Active Noise Cancellation and delivering premium sound that sounds genuinely lush and beautifully balanced.
These won’t be outdated for a while so if you know someone in need of some future-proofed earbuds, get them these.
$379
store.google.com
LG Tone Free T90S
Truth be told, LG didn’t quite get it right out of the gate when they first ventured into the competitive world of Bluetooth earbuds a few years ago. But times have changed and the electronics company, primarily known for their incredible TVs, are now a major competitor in the space. That makes the LG T90S such a compelling product. They’re inexpensive, offer plenty of value and have improved Dolby Head Tracking for a more immersive sound with spatial audio.
I rarely see spatial audio done so well at this price point so if you know someone who is looking for a reliable pair of modern noise-cancelling headphones, you can do far worse than pick up a pair of these.
$299
lg.com
LG XBOOM Go
A good mini portable speaker for less than $100 is hard to come by, but LG has stepped in to fill a gap. With surprisingly loud, expressive sound for something so small, it’s a great way to soundtrack any adventure that would suit keen hikers and those who can’t leave their music behind when they go for a stroll, or to the beach.
The military-grade durability is something you’d expect at higher price points, so the company bringing things down to the very, very affordable side of the spectrum is admirable. With a Sound Boost mode kicking up the low end when necessary, anyone would be mighty surprised when they hear what this thing can do.
$89
lg.com
Kitchen
Bartesian
There are robots for almost all tasks now, so why not bring the technology to the most important of them all? Bartesian is the world’s first intelligent cocktail maker, recently arriving in the Australian market to shake the scene up (and save you from blowing hundreds on mixologists every weekend). The machine can create restaurant-quality drinks with ease, and all one needs to do is insert a specialised cocktail capsule, toggle strength, and press “mix”. It’s not just a novelty either; we’ve tested this thing out and can attest to its bloody perfect margaritas.
$598
jbhifi.com.au
Ninja Doublestack XXXL 2-drawer air fryer
Air fryers need to evolve as a category too, right? The most trendy kitchen essentials over the past few years need no introduction, but Ninja’s latest innovation could use some description. The large capacity, 9.5L air fryer flips the script of a double-drawered alt-oven by stacking both drawers on top of each other. It’s a simple solution to a common issue with air fryers, in that they’re just way too thick and take up too much counter space.
Stacking a double air fryer vertically is a genius move for Ninja, offering the ability to cook up to 4 foods at once so any kitchen maestro can whip up a full meal in no time.
$449
ninjakitchen.com.au
Ninja Foodi Power Nutri Duo
When you start to build up a healthier morning routine, you begin to realise the importance of having a good, reliable and speedy blender. Smoothies are undeniably a trend in the wellness and health space now, so you’re guaranteed to know at least a few people who could use something like this.
Given Ninja has been on an absolute roll with all types of appliances this year, their putting out the blender of the year is no surprise. This one has a 20% boost in power over the previous model, powering through thick spoonables so you can add as much peanut butter to your smoothie as you like, or crush even the toughest seeds.
$179.99
ninjakitchen.com.au
Ninja EverClad Commercial Grade Stainless Steel Cookware Set (7-piece)
Now someone moving into a new home in the New Year? Or perhaps they just need a quick, uniformed reset of their old, weary pots and pans. Consider the Ninja EverClad set a godsend then, as it comes with 7 pieces of gorgeously minimal stainless steel essentials: 3 fry pans, 2 saucepans, 1 saute pan and 1 stock pot. With a large capacity and durable design, this is one of those gifts that really can’t go wrong.
$499
ninjakitchen.com.au
Fashion
Cloud Nine Starlight Collection
One of the most dependable brands in the game of high-end hair maintenance has gotten a literal glow-up this year with the limited edition Starlight Collection. Cloud Nine’s most popular tools have all been redesigned with a stunning matte silver shimmering finish with chrome accents to add a bit of style to your bathroom cabinet.
We’ve heard great things about The Curling Wand ($269), designed for healthier, smoother curls with its cutting-edge moisture locking, mineral-infused barrel and variable temp control. But our top pick would be The Airshot, giving competitors a run for their money by providing high-end hair care at a very affordable price. Advanced anti-static blow-drying technology is something you’d expect from a more expensive model so consider this a cost-of-living godsend for anyone who needs to get that mane sorted asap.
$299
cloudninehair.com.au
UNIQLO’s SUW range
Much like most people in this world, you’ve already picked up plenty of affordable, quality pieces from UNIQLO this year. But the brand’s constant evolution makes the perfect Christmas gift as well. Especially when you want something reliable that no reasonable person would be disappointed with.
The brand’s latest Sports Utility Range is a nice pick, backed by breathable fabrics, AIRism technology, Ultra Stretch material and UV protection. Given it’s going to be a hot one in Australia this summer, the pieces from this collection would make great stocking stuffers for the loved one who cares about comfort but scoffs at overpriced designer wear.
Kids
The Dark Falcon Lego set
You might think that $300 is a lot to pay for a Lego set, but nostalgia is invaluable for some. If you know a Star Wars fanatic who wants to spend hours learning the ins and outs of the iconic Dark Falcon then grab them this buildable toy vehicle set for kids. The incredibly accurate design recreates the Millennium Falcon from LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy Disney+ special. But someone has to build it first.
$300
lego.com
Kai’s Ninja Climber Mech
When it comes to Lego sets for Christmas, the more niche the more popular. If you know a kid who is obsessed with NINJAGO Dragons Rising, surprise them with this big, dramatic mech which includes 2 ninja hooks on the back for kids to play out climbing action, or to hang it after playtime. Think of it as a clever blend between a challenging Lego set and a full-blown action figurine.
$119
lego.com
Outdoors
Dometic CFX5 Series
I know. You’re already asking yourself how a portable fridge and freezer can cost over $1,000. Outdoor tech leaders Dometic have answered that loud and clear with the CFX5 Series. The cutting-edge portable fridge may be testy when it comes to its price tag, but the insanely feature-rich device works hard to justify it.
Protected by Vacuum Insulated Panels, the fridge/freezer offers industry-leading energy saving and weight reduction. It’s surprisingly light and portable for its capacity (there are 25L and 94L options), plus has sustainable power options so you can choose from solar to advanced battery protection. The Bluetooth-enabled device also comes with a dedicated app so anyone can manage cooling and energy consumption. Dual cooling zones have been cleverly designed so you can organise every part of your food and drink set-up while you’re on the road.
If you know someone who is always on the road with mates, this will go very far.
From $1,099
dometic.com
Ninja FrostVault Hard Cooler
Offered as either a 28L or 47L model, the Ninja FrosVault is the high-performance cooler you never knew you needed. Given Sydney’s summers are all about running circles around the state and camping with mates, you’ll want this beast of a cooler to go to your most nomadic mate. The premium model features superior ice retention and fridge temperature dry storage, plus a Dry Zone to keep food at an optimal temperature for days. Road trips just got that much easier.
$399
ninjakitchen.com.au
Bellroy Transit Workpack Pro 28L
My favourite brand for carry solutions knocks it out of the park with their well-designed, highly functional and premium backpacks. My older Bellroy I’ve had for years started to get a few scuffs so I felt like an upgrade. The Transit Workpack Pro steps it up as an ideal backpack for day trips and work commutes, given its multitude of smartly-placed, easy-access compartments well thought out to address all issues with carry solutions.
I’m not able to organise my carry much better, which helps me move more efficiently throughout the day. If you know someone who can use that sense of organisation (especially if they are notoriously disorganised) then this one is a no-brainer.
$349
bellroy.com
Bellroy Lite Sling 7L
An attractive lightweight sling that can be easily folded for travel with expandable pockets and easy access. It’s a simple design for a sling and works beautifully in the wider Bellroy ecosystem. The brand’s stylish design language keeps this from looking like just any sling, which helps you feel a bit more confident carrying this thing strapped to your shoulder.
Over the years, I’ve come to realise that there are few things as important as how you organise your carry. Especially when you’re travelling. If you know someone who doesn’t quite need a backpack but likes to be prepared when they’re on the go, this is the one.
$129
bellroy.com
Event Cinemas Gift Card
You do no outdoors doesn’t necessarily mean touching grass right? If you know someone usually in hermit mode during the Christmas holidays, coax them out of their comfort zone with something as simple as going to the cinema. One of the most nostalgic things to do is to settle in to watch a movie on the big screen while the industrial-grade air conditioning is blasting and feeling the stress just slide off as you know exactly where you want to be.
That’s a gift in itself. Encourage someone to see more movies these holidays by loading up an Event Cinemas gift card and stuffing it in a sock. It’s a great last-minute gift idea because you can buy a card immediately online, and however benefits from your generous spirit can redeem for tickets, food and bev at the candy bar, and any type of movie experience they want from Original to 4DX.
Drinks
We Three Kings
This is no ordinary gin. Coming from the award-winning Distillery Botanica, We Three Kings is a gin that’s been completed with gold, frankincense and myrrh. Building up flavours of Christmas pudding wouldn’t have been easy but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by this seasonal release. You’ll want to grab a bottle for yourself and then an additional one for the more adventurous spirit consumer in your life.
