Award Banner
Award Banner

Top geeky tech upgrades to give your parents this Christmas

Top geeky tech upgrades to give your parents this Christmas
PHOTO: Karcher

While you might have given your extensive wishlist to your parents to ponder over as your Christmas gifts, it is without a doubt that parents are the more mysterious bunch in the household.

Many parents will typically laugh off any offers to get them Christmas presents, and usually also shrug in vague nonchalance at wish list suggestions for them. 

Maybe we could help you out with that a little. Given how we’ve constantly spent time and money to get ourselves to speed with the latest technology, it wouldn’t hurt to give our parents those geeky upgrades too.

These gadgets don’t necessarily have to be the top of the line, and their primary purpose is to do enough to make their daily lives that much more convenient. 

Without further ado, here are some of our top suggestions for geeky tech upgrades for your parents this Christmas!

Kobo Clara HD 6-Inch Carta Touchscreen E-Reader

PHOTO: Amazon

These days, it wouldn’t be uncommon to see an e-reader in the hands of lots of young folk. The Kobo Clara HD is one of the better-quality models in the market, sporting a slim and compact form factor, as well as a colour-changing front light to suit different light situations.

Also, Kobo has the always-reliable Overdrive feature, which lets users borrow e-books from public libraries to download onto their e-readers. It’s a great way to save up especially if your parents are the frugal sort too.

Energizer Reading Light Book Clip

PHOTO: Amazon

If your parents are avid bookworms that seem to have developed bad habits of reading in low-lit areas, perhaps investing in the Energizer Reading Light will prove most useful.

Compact, easy to set up, and with a long-lasting battery life of up to 25 hours, this little guy will shed some light on your old man’s/woman’s sojourns into their paper imaginations.

Foldable Laptop Notebook Stand

PHOTO: Amazon

No doubt you’ve seen your parents slouching over their laptops or tablets while surfing the Net or just consuming content for hours on end. If you don’t exactly want to invest in a chiropractor because it’s just too expensive, maybe this foldable stand could help develop some good posture habits.

Aside from providing some much-needed elevation for your device, it also facilitates better cooling with an outlet where the laptop or tablet would be resting.

AeroGarden Sprout

PHOTO: Amazon

We know some households are mini greenhouses, being chock full of plants and all. This AeroGarden Sprout adds a geeky twist to your parents’ gardening routine, as it utilises LED lights to facilitate photosynthesis for up to 3 plants that can be grown in it. Think of it as a fun little science experiment that your parents could try out on the side.

Bosch Go 3.6V Smart Cordless Screwdriver

PHOTO: Amazon

Sure, probably every household has at least one electric drill for all the handiwork. But why not get something more portable such as this tiny cordless screwdriver?

Measuring only 8.2 inches, this little guy can certainly get the job done without much hassle thanks to its 360RPM rotation. Also, it charges via a micro-USB cable for added convenience.

TP-Link HS110 WiFi Smart Plug

PHOTO: Amazon

Lately, smart plugs have become increasingly popular as more eco-friendly alternatives to various electronics that require to be plugged in as they automatically power off devices that aren’t in use, especially if they take up too much power.

This smart plug by TP-Link does exactly that, and is also compatible with Amazon Echo voice control, for even greater utility in the house.

Arlo Video Doorbell

PHOTO: Amazon

If your parents are constantly complaining about how small the peephole in your front door is, or if they just require a new doorbell, then the Arlo Video Doorbell might just be that refreshing new tech upgrade that they need for their front door.

This literally replaces your old doorbell (which might require some cabling), but it not only acts as a doorbell with 2-way audio so you can speak to the visitor, but also a security camera as it has an in-built siren, as well as a camera that feeds directly into the free Arlo app on your smartphone. Also, it’s surprisingly not that expensive despite how much utility it offers.

Dyson V11 Animal Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

PHOTO: Amazon

With the 21st Century seeing the rise of wireless devices in everyday life, it’s also natural for vacuum cleaners to join the wireless club too.

The Dyson V11 is the latest and greatest of its kind from the brand. It’s super lightweight compared to traditional vacuum cleaners, which makes it less of a hassle to lug around, and possesses powerful suction so you don’t have to spend time going over areas multiple times. 

Karcher FC 5 Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner

PHOTO: Amazon

Similarly, mops and floor cleaners have now evolved over the years to incorporate electronic spinning mechanics to speed up the mopping process. Your parents might take some time getting used to this, but spend enough time with the Karcher FC 5 and they’ll probably forget what it was like to use a traditional floor cleaner.

Equipped with a dual tank system that sprays water directly in front of the mop, it allows you to quickly clean up the area without having to rely on a pail.

Fitbit Sense

PHOTO: Amazon

Fitness trackers have become increasingly popular over the years, and for good reason. They not only tell the time, but also give you a good sense (heh) of how well your body is functioning over the course of 24 hours.

The Fitbit Sense essentially acts as your personal doctor, with a wide array of health trackers such as stress management, heart rate, skin temperature, as well as a sleep detector, to help users get the best out of their rest and maximise their personal well-being.

ALSO READ: Is the Fitbit Sense a smartwatch fit enough for the pandemic age?

As our parents get older, it’s only natural to think of giving them a more comfortable life down the years. So why not start early in investing in that comfy life for them with some much-needed tech upgrades this holiday season?

Though, you might want to go through the setting up process with them for a little bit too before they can get into their shiny new tools.

In any case, happy shopping this Christmas season!

This article was first published in Geek Culture.

homepage

trending

trending
    'We've done very commendably': WP's Pritam 'proud' despite landslide PAP's GE2025 win
    No victory parade: Chan Chun Sing emphasises commitment to residents after PAP’s strongest win in Tanjong Pagar GRC
    Car crashes into wall at Anderson Sec on Polling Day, 76-year-old unconscious driver hospitalised
    'Clear signal of trust and confidence,' says Lawrence Wong following PAP's victory in his first election as PM
    Ong Ye Kung leads PAP team to victory while elder brother Howard Ong loses in Australia's election on the same day
    GE2025: PAP returns to power with 65.57% of popular vote; WP retains 10 seats
    Why this Singapore homeowner wakes at 5am to commute - and has zero regrets
    PAP's vote share up to 65.57%, WP to get 2 NCMP seats
    PAP's Poh Li San wins Sembawang West SMC with 53.19% of votes over SDP's Chee Soon Juan
    PAP's Ng Chee Meng wins Jalan Kayu SMC with 51.47% of votes over WP's Andre Low
    PAP edges WP in Tampines GRC, NSP and PPP receive less than 1% of votes
    GE2025 results: WP wins Sengkang GRC with 56.31% of votes over PAP

Singapore

Singapore
    • GE2025: Singaporeans living abroad share experience of voting overseas
    • PAP's Gan Siow Huang wins Marymount SMC with 70.70% of votes over PSP's Jeffrey Khoo
    • PAP wins Punggol GRC with 55.17% of votes over WP
    • WP wins Aljunied GRC with 59.68% of votes over PAP
    • PAP wins Sembawang GRC with 67.75% of votes over SDP and NSP
    • PAP wins Nee Soon GRC with 73.81% of votes over RDU
    • PAP romps home in West Coast-Jurong West GRC with 60.01% of votes as PSP falls well short
    • PAP wins Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC with 76.66% of votes over RDU
    • PAP's Henry Kwek retains Kebun Baru SMC with 68.50% of votes over PSP's Tony Tan
    • PAP's Gho Sze Kee wins Mountbatten SMC with 63.84% of votes over independent Jeremy Tan

Entertainment

Entertainment
    • (G)I-dle rebrands in light of 7th anniversary, sparking mixed emotions from fans
    • Parents thank Park Seo-joon for donation that saved child: 'It was the first time in a long while our family laughed'
    • Red Velvet's Irene and Seulgi, Exo's Doh Kyung-soo, Xdinary Heroes: Singapore concert calendar for 2025
    • 'My acting wasn't going anywhere': Zhang Zetong was close to leaving showbiz before winning Star Award
    • US singer-songwriter Jill Sobule dies following a house fire
    • Comedian Russell Brand appears in UK court over rape and sex assault charges
    • A$AP Rocky 'living his dream', now a dad of 2
    • Tom Cruise always eats a 'massive breakfast' before doing any daredevil stunts
    • Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Chappell Roan and Sarah Michelle Gellar will be guest judges on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 10
    • Ozzy Osbourne feared his health problems were 'never going to end'

Lifestyle

Lifestyle
    • Local brands like Ann Chin Popiah and Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice to open at 5-star hotel in Macau
    • 'It hurts, losing everything': Mentai-Ya boss closes all remaining stalls after $550k losses in 2 years
    • Kenny Rogers Roasters now has an all-you-can-eat buffet for $28.90++, here's a sneak peek at the menu
    • This new American malt shop along Joo Chiat Road looks like it came straight out of a Wes Anderson film
    • Things to do in Porto, Portugal: A curated 5-day itinerary
    • Buying a walk-up apartment in Singapore? Don't overlook the shops below - here's why
    • Fun for all in Saudi: A guide to exploring the country's best family attractions
    • Tiny island, massive flex: 60 times Singapore topped the charts
    • 5 false ceiling designs that never go out of style
    • Here's where to treat mum this Mother's Day

Digicult

Digicult
    • A $500 wake-up call: How the Samsung Galaxy Ring made me realise my stress
    • Monster Hunter Wilds producer explains how game has remained unique and fresh over 20 years
    • Google Pixel 9a: The best AI-centric phone under $800 in 2025?
    • Western intelligence agencies warn spyware threat targeting Taiwan, Tibetan rights advocates
    • Taiwan says China using generative AI to ramp up disinformation and 'divide' the island
    • Russian court fines Telegram app for refusal to remove anti-government content, TASS reports
    • One Beijing man's quest to keep cooking — and connecting with Americans — on camera
    • Nintendo Switch 2 to launch in June with US$449.99 price tag
    • Games in April: RPGs, racing and Ronaldo in a fighting game
    • Is it time to get a MacBook at a good price? The M4 MacBook Air says yes

Money

Money
    • Giant deal: Malaysian company to acquire Cold Storage and Giant supermarket chains in Singapore
    • Do high floors equal to high returns? Let's unpack the numbers
    • What DIY property buyers in Singapore might miss out on (and why it matters)
    • 5 affordable condos with unblocked views priced under $1m
    • How tariffs could shape interest rates in 2025: What Trump's 'Liberation Day' means for Singapore home loans
    • GM delays investor call, UPS axes 20k jobs as Trump's tariffs create corporate chaos
    • India prepared to 'future-proof' trade deal as sweetener in US talks, sources say
    • UPS cuts 20,000 jobs, GM delays investor call as Trump's tariffs create corporate chaos
    • Profit warnings and uncertainty as Trump tariffs send a chill through businesses
    • Risk of global economic recession surges on US tariff shockwaves

Latest

Latest
  • UK police arrest 5 men, including 4 Iranians, over suspected terror plot
  • Eco-friendly activities for the family
  • Screen-free parenting isn't realistic (and that's okay)
  • Touring rare freehold conservation shophouses in Cairnhill (from $7m)
  • 12 best Mother's Day 2025 dining deals in Singapore: Mums dine free, credit card promos, and more
  • Trump shares AI-generated photo of himself as the Pope
  • 4-year-old girl among 2 dead in Manila airport car crash, says Red Cross
  • 5 survive after plane missing for 48 hours in Bolivia
  • Yemen appoints new prime minister after cabinet resigned, council says

In Case You Missed It

In Case You Missed It
  • Tan Kiat How weighs in on viral video of Gan Kim Yong being ignored by passers-by in Punggol
  • PSP's Tan Cheng Bock turns 85; SDP's Paul Tambyah joins celebration at Teban Gardens
  • PM Wong urges voters to 'choose leaders of good character' in PAP's first party political broadcast
  • It is 'important for Singapore's democracy' that WP wins more seats, says Pritam in election broadcast
  • GE2025: PSP, RDU, SDP, PPP, PAR, NSP promise to push for policy changes if elected to Parliament in first political broadcast
  • 'Everyone has the right to express their feelings': WP candidates address four-cornered fight in Tampines GRC
  • PAP's Desmond Lee responds to opposition's calls for GST exemption, says 'we want to make it progressive'
  • 'A fresher Pritam Singh': Teo Chee Hean to Aljunied resident who mistook PAP's Faisal Abdul Aziz for WP chief
  • SDP leaders criticise GST hike and govt vouchers: 'Give you cup of water to put out fire'
This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.