We love technology, even though it’s true we should all probably spend a little less time on our phones. That’s why we lined up some products that can enhance our giftees’ lives and make everyday tasks — from finding those darn keys to making morning coffee — slightly less mundane.
Couple Connector
Research out of University of California Davis suggests that some couples are so connected that their heartbeats actually sync up. But when one of you is away, you can still feel linked up with Enso, an egg-shaped device developed by Apple, Fitbit, and Intel engineers, that lets you feel a loved one’s heart rate as the Enso pulses to the rhythm of their heart. Who know tech could be so romantic?
$99, shareenso.com
Safer Helmet
Biking is a smart, eco-friendly, and healthy way to get around. But biking home as the sun goes down? A little more dangerous. The Lumos Helmet flashes while you’re riding and turning, and brake lights automatically turn red as you slow down.
$199, store.moma.org
Smart Air Purifier
Sure, the Molekule Air Purifier is pricey, but independent testing shows that the brand’s patented technology gets rid of mold, bacteria, chemicals, and viruses from the air in your home, and can do so in just 90 mins. It’s also a stylish — dare we say chic? — addition to any room.
$799, molekule.com
Genius Tracker
Cure absent-minded slip-ups by placing the quarter-sized Chipolo Bluetooth tracker on a key ring or in a wallet to keep track of your things at all times — you can use the app to make it ring. When something goes missing, you can also ask Alexa or Google Assistant to help you find it.
$25, store.moma.org
Intelligent Coffee
The morning cuppa just go so much smarter. The Spinn Coffee Machine grinds and brews coffee without a planet-killing plastic pod in sight, and can be controlled from a smartphone.
$299, spinn.com
Hydration Made Easy
Multiple studies say that drinking water, up to two liters a day, helps with energy and weight loss. This nifty water bottle, the Hidrate Spark 2.0, glows when it’s time for you to drink more H2O. It also tracks your total ounce intake via an app, connects to a FitBit, and is dishwasher safe.
$45, hidratespark.com
Sleek Scale
Most of us don’t know what three ounces of fish looks like, but with a food scale, it takes all the guesswork out sticking to a healthy eating plan. The Greater Goods Nutrition Facts Food Scale also lets you know exactly how many calories, fat, cholesterol, and carbs are in whatever you’re weighing. Genius.
$40, greatergoods.com
Artful Entertainment
Samsung’s The Frame is a real work of art. When it’s not being used as a TV, set it to any piece of artwork in Samsung’s library (including collections from Victoria and Albert Museum and Saatchi Art) that fits the scheme of your room. A study from University of Westminster showed that a visit to an art gallery can decrease the stress hormone cortisol, and with this piece, you don’t even have to leave the house.
From $1,200, samsung.com
Adorable Adapter
Stay fully charged on the go with this rainbow-hued Flight 001 5-in-1 universal adaptor, a jetsetter’s best friend: it can be used in 150 different countries, is slim enough to slip in a carry-on (and can be disassembled easily if you only need one part), and is bright enough that you won’t have trouble finding at the bottom of your bag when you need it.
$35, shopbop.com.
Sleep-boosting Band
Not only does the super-techy Whoop wristband send you daily analytics on your sleep, workouts and recovery, the brand says that athletes who tested the Strap 2.0 band for four months wound up getting an additional 41 minutes of sleep per night. Even more impressive, they also consumed 79% less alcohol before bed than they had without the band.
$174 for six-month membership, whoop.com
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Plus: Check out our other Gifts to Thrive By guides:
Presents Under $50 for Stress Relief
Presents That Boost Creativity and Inspiration
While all of these items were independently chosen by editors of Thrive Global, Thrive may earn a commission on purchases through these links.