Tech, smartphone and video game gift guide

Bose Frames

If you're going to look like you're talking to yourself while you're actually on a phone call, you should at least look cool. These Bose sunglasses come with embedded speakers in the arms that are aimed directly at your ears to keep the sound from bleeding out. The Bluetooth-enabled glasses can stream music from a portable device as well as make or take calls and come in two different styles; $199.95 at  bose.com. 

Sega Genesis Mini

If you're nostalgic for a time when game consoles weren't dominated by Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft, then put the Sega Genesis Mini on your wish list. The miniaturized replica of the popular 1990s system comes with two wired controllers and 40 preloaded games, including Sonic the Hedgehog (and its sequel), Toe Jam & Earl, and Castlevania: Bloodlines. $79.99; genesismini.sega.com

Nintendo Switch Lite

With no new systems out from the major game companies, Nintendo's Switch Lite is the closest you'll get. The appeal of the nearly 3-year-old Switch -- which resembles a paperback book-sized tablet -- was the ability to hook it to a TV or detach it from its dock for use as a handheld device. The Switch Lite is for those who just want the portability, with a slightly smaller screen and three different body colors -- gray, yellow or turquoise -- but with the ability to play all the same Switch games. $199.99; nintendo.com

Apple AirPods Pro

Leave it to Apple to make its wireless earbuds a must-have product, only to greatly improve them and raise the price a few years later. The AirPods Pro have a shorter stem that don't stick out of the ears quite as far as the original, plus a silicone tip that improves ear-canal fit and active noise canceling. They still come in a wireless charging case, but they're most useful when paired with Apple devices (Android users would be better off with other earbuds). $250;  apple.com

Google Nest Mini

For those invested in Google's electronic ecosystem (as opposed to Apple's or Amazon's), the Nest Mini is the newest entry in the company's smart speaker line. Like the others, the doughnut-sized speaker responds to voice commands when prompted by "Hey, Google" or "OK, Google," but unlike Amazon Echo Dot, it can be mounted on a wall. It comes in white, black, sky blue and a pinkish-orange color. $49; store.google.com

Anker PowerWave wireless charger

Many newer smartphones come with the ability to charge wirelessly, via the Qi wireless standard. Some work via a flat pad that plugs into the wall; just lay your phone atop it to charge, without having to plug your phone in. The Anker PowerWave converts the charger into a stand, allowing you to still use your phone while it charges, supporting either portrait mode or landscape. It even works if the phone is in a rubber or plastic case less than 5 millimeters in thickness. $32.99; anker.com

Peephole Cam

Stay connected to your home with the Peephole Cam designed for homes and apartments. This Ring device features HD video, two-way talk and motion-activated notifications; $199.  

Canon Photo Printer

This portable mini printer can print photos anywhere via Bluetooth; $129.99 by Canon.

Roku Premiere+

Even if that new 4K TV comes with streaming apps already installed, it's worth picking up a streaming device. The Roku is among the most affordable while still allowing you to access such popular services as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon's Prime Video, YouTube and the just-launched Disney+ and Apple TV+. Just plug it into your TV's HDMI port, set it up and you're ready to go; $49 at  roku.com/products. 

Aquapaw Pet Bathing Tool

The most innovative products can solve problems you didn't even know you had. In this case, it's bathing your dog, and trying to keep Fido contained while turning the water on and off and preventing the whole room from getting soaked. The Aquapaw connects to an outdoor hose or bathroom shower, and at the other end of the tubing is a rubbery pad that fastens around your palm. Click the pad as if you're clapping with one hand, and water will shoot out of the pad, allowing you to bathe and brush your dog simultaneously. Click again and the water stops. $24.95; aquapaw.com

AIR 1 Limited-Edition Black Marble

Available in a variety of funky and fun designs, Happy Plugs wireless headphones allow users to listen to music and talk on the phone for up to 14 hours while on the go; $99.99 at  happyplugs.com.

PlayStation Classic

Sony has produced a miniature version of the PlayStation Classic, preloaded with 20 classic games, such as Final Fantasy VII, Tekken 3 and Grand Theft Auto. The system, roughly half the size of the original, comes with two wired controllers and an HDMI cable, which didn't exist when the original game console debuted. $99.99 at playstation.com

The Apple Watch Series 5 lets you access your music, make calls and manage a variety of apps without being next to your mobile device. The newest features include a noise alert app that'll vibrate when sound levels rise to potentially damaging levels and an always-on retina display. Oh, and it tells time; $399.

Third-Generation Echo

You can listen to music, hear the latest news, play games and more from anywhere in the house with the third-generation Amazon Echo; $99.99.

Cruiser Deluxe Turntable

The classic portable turntable gets a modern update, now with built-in Bluetooth compatibility; $69.95 at Nordstrom in Roosevelt Field. 

Brookstone PhotoShare Frame

Help grandma display her best photos on this Brookstone PhotoShare smart frame; $149.99 at Bed, Bath and Beyond.

iHome Vanity Mirror iCVBT10

Getting ready can be a challenge, but this vanity mirror allows for fun while prepping for a night out. Users have the ability to stream music and take phone calls via Bluetooth from a mobile device and control the LED lighting; $189 at  ihomeaudio.com.

Mophie Juice Pack Access

Never run out of battery power with the Mophie juice pack. The wireless charging case allows users to listen to music and take calls while plugged in; $99.95 at  zagg.com. 

Create Your Own Reel Viewer

The nostalgia is "reel." Choose seven photos to relive your favorite memories with this reel viewer; $29.95 at  uncommongoods.com.

Google Nest Hub Max

The Google Nest allows users to stream music, leave video calls and access a camera to keep an eye on your home; $229.

Gen 5 Smartwatch

You'll never miss a text, email or calendar alert with this smartwatch. It includes apps that track heart rate, GPS, Google Pay and has the ability to manage music. The smartwatch is compatible with Android OS 6.0+ and iOS and 10.0+; $295 at  fossil.com. 

PhoneSoap

Germaphobes probably don't want to think about how dirty their smartphone might be. Now they don't have to. Just put the phone -- or keys, remotes or any other similarly sized electronics that can't be washed -- into the PhoneSoap, which acts as a tanning bed for your devices, zapping them with UV-C light. In 10 minutes, the process kills 99.99 percent of germs, the company says. $79.95; phonesoap.com

LED Smart Rope

Your fitness fanatic will love the fact that this smart rope (with smart app on your iPhone, iPad or Apple watch) records each revolution as well as burned calories and work out times; $79 by Tangram at Bloomingdale's in Roosevelt Field and Walt Whitman Shops. 

OneStep 2 Viewfinder i-Type Camera

Capture every moment with this Polaroid instant camera; $99.99 at  polaroidoriginals.com.