Yahoo Real Estate Contributors

12 Gadgets Every Homeowner Wants for Christmas

Yahoo Real Estate Contributors

December 7, 2015 at 1:35 p.m.

Take a step back in time with this offbeat gift that mimics an old-school rotary phone. Not only will the Talk Dock charge your cellphone, but you can also tuck the receiver between your cheek and shoulder while you talk—just like you did back in “the good ol’ days.” Anyone on your list who has an appreciation of whimsy and a sense of humor will love this nostalgic play on the past. Available at Uncommon Goods; $36.

A new wallet? Not cheap. A new phone? Even more expensive. The gift of never misplacing your keys again? Priceless. Consider giving your favorite forgetful friend the Tile tracker, which uses Bluetooth technology to pinpoint where your keys, phone, wallet, or any other item to which you choose to attach it are hiding. Simply press a button and the Tile will emit a sound to help you locate it, or you can see where a Tiled item is on a map or view its last known location. Your grateful friend will never have to stress over lost valuables again. Available on Amazon; $25.

A great gift for any culinary enthusiast with a brown thumb, the Click & Grow Indoor Smart Herb Garden makes growing basil, mint, and many other fresh herbs incredibly easy. Virtually maintenance-free, it provides proper lighting and water daily, cultivating a bounty of fresh herbs that will take your lucky giftee’s meals to the next level. Available on Amazon; $60.

If you’re looking for a supremely practical, multifunctional gift, then look no further than the Weego Standard Battery Jump Starter. Not only does this 12V lithium-ion battery pack enough punch to jump-start your car, it can also charge your phone, speakers, tablet, and any other USB device that needs some juice. Plus, this little wonder is no bigger than a standard phone, making it convenient to stash in your purse, pocket, or glove compartment. Available at Urban Outfitters; $99.

The chargers that come with our phones oftentimes don’t stay put, and are too short and not very durable. The Native Union NIGHT Cable, however, seeks to fix those technical difficulties by offering an extra-long cable with an adjustable weighted knot that keeps your phone in place when charging. Pick one up as a fun stocking stuffer or hostess gift this holiday season. Available on Amazon; $40.

Between fans, space heaters, and window units, there’s a lot of machinery in our spaces that’s dedicated to keeping the temperature consistently comfortable. Now there’s the Dyson AM09 Fan Heater, which offers the best of both worlds, evenly heating or cooling a room in no time flat. Highly efficient and attractive to boot, this is one home improvement gift that keeps on giving, whatever the season. Available at Dyson; $337.

Pet owners rejoice! This automatic pet feeder manages mealtimes and portion sizes, and can even deliver more food to your door through the convenience of your iPhone. Ideal for busy or traveling pet owners, this is a great gift that will make your loved ones and their four-legged friends equally happy. Available on Amazon; $149.

Music lovers and home entertainers are sure to appreciate this wireless Bluetooth speaker for its high-quality sound and utter convenience. Despite its compact size, the UE Mini Boom boasts endless features—it’s able to stream from any device up to 50 feet away—as well as unexpectedly clear tones. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts 10 hours, so you never need to interrupt the party to recharge. Available on Amazon; $85.

Turn tap water into your favorite carbonated beverage with the SodaStream Fountain Jet Home Soda Maker. The company also offers more than 60 flavors to choose from that feature healthier ingredients and contain no high-fructose corn syrup or aspartame. Wonderful for the whole family, this gift adds a fun and frothy element to any game night or gathering. Available on Amazon; $70.

Ideal for the workaholic, the tech-obsessed, or anyone simply in need of more outlets, the PowerCube Electric Wall Adapter is a super-easy way to increase your number of USB ports and electrical outlets. The versatile cube-shaped power strip can be customized to your needs and is available in a range of models that offer various numbers and types of ports. PowerCubes can also be stacked to increase the number of available outlets so you’ll always have enough space to charge up your favorite gadgets. Available on Amazon; $16.

A genius gift for the grill master in your life, the Mini Bluetooth Grill Thermometer measures your meat’s temperature and sends real-time alerts to your phone so your food is cooked perfectly every time. It even connects to an app that allows you to select one of dozens of food temperature alarms to ensure that the food you’re grilling is cooked just the way you like it. Available at Sharper Image; $50.

If you know someone who spends a fortune at the dry cleaner, here’s the perfect gift! The SWASH Express Clothing Care System will help eliminate the hassle and cost of frequent trips to the cleaners by providing a convenient at-home solution that cleans, deodorizes, and restores fit—all in just 10 minutes. Plus, there is no water required, making it safe for even the most delicate fabrics. Available at Macy’s; $400.

Take a step back in time with this offbeat gift that mimics an old-school rotary phone. Not only will the Talk Dock charge your cellphone, but you can also tuck the receiver between your cheek and shoulder while you talk—just like you did back in “the good ol’ days.” Anyone on your list who has an appreciation of whimsy and a sense of humor will love this nostalgic play on the past. Available at Uncommon Goods; $36.

Source: Bob Vila

With the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to start making your gift list and checking it twice. But with so many gadgets on the market today, weeding through them to find the right one for the homeowner in your life can be an overwhelming and seemingly impossible task. We’re here to help: We’ve narrowed down the abundant options to assemble a tidy list of the 12 best gizmos out there, so you can find the perfect pick without having to scour the shops for hours. | By Faith Towers, BobVila.com

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