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5 Hottest Gadgets For 2015 Holiday Gifts

Holiday shopping can be difficult, especially if you’ve got some hard-to-shop for people on your list this year. That’s where some fun tech gadgets can really come in handy. Nearly everyone loves to get their hands on new and exciting gadgets, and they’re often items that people wouldn’t buy for themselves. If you’ve got some tech-lovers on your list, there are plenty of different items to give this holiday season, with prices ranging from less than $50 to a few hundred dollars. So start you shopping early, plan ahead, and consider these give gifts for some very lucky people on your shopping list this year.

Google Chromecast 2015
Price: $35

Google Chromecast 2015
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images


Google’s Chromecast
has been around for a while, but this newer model is a significant upgrade. It’s a handy tool that allows you to play streaming media from a variety of different apps on your television. Once you’ve connected the Chromecast (which comes in three different colors) you can stream shows from services like CBS All Access, Netflix, YouTube, Showtime Anytime and more on your television. It doesn’t have an external remote control; instead it uses an app that you download to your smart phone or tablet. For such a low price, it makes a great gift for anyone that likes new gadgets and is looking for new ways to watch television.

Philips’ Hue Connected Bulb
Price: $59.95

Philips' Hue Connected Bulb
Photo Credit Apple

If you’re one of those people that spends hundreds on different lighting accessories, just to get the right look for your room, then you’ll fall in love with these color changing bulbs. This is more than your average light bulb, however, as they allow you to change their color and control them from your smart phone with an internet connection. It’s super easy to use and you’ll quickly find lots of uses for these pretty lights. The price is a bit steep, and the novelty level is pretty high, but they make for an excellent holiday gifts for anyone that spends a lot of time setting just the right mood.

Jawbone Up2
Price: $99.99

Jawbone Up2
Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Jawbone

Wearable fitness trackers are very popular right now, and there are several on the marketplace to choose from. The Jawbone Up2 is one of the best, with a very affordable price point and lots of different software available. This is the newest version, which includes heart rate tracking and automatic sleep tracking, plus the band is comfortable and won’t fall off your wrist. Unlike some of the other fitness trackers, this one is much sleeker and won’t stand out, blending in with your outfit while doing its job simply and effectively. If you’ve got a fitness buff on your shopping list, this would be a truly fantastic gift.

Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear
Price: $100 - $120

Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear
Photo Credit Sennheiser Momentum

The days of tangled earbuds at the bottom of your purse or briefcase are long gone. Today, music lovers of all ages are learning the value of a truly great pair of headphones, and this pair is an excellent, affordable option that any music fan will love. The Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear headphones have great, clear sound and a sleek, retro design. They even come with a handy carrying case and second headphone cable that is integrated with a remote and microphone, so you can make phone calls while you are wearing them. These headphones are certainly comparable to many other pairs that run as much as $200 or $300, and you won’t break the bank by getting these for the special music lover on your list this year.

Sony SRS-X3 Bluetooth Speaker
Price: $129.99

Sony SRS-X3 Bluetooth Speaker
Photo Credit Sony

Sometimes, you need to be able to share your music with others, so a great pair of headphones just won’t cut it. Whether you’re throwing a party or you just like to be the office DJ, this wireless Bluetooth speaker is a great way to share your music library. It’s surprisingly strong for its small size, has built-in speakerphone ability and an impressive battery life. There are newer models, but this one still packs a lot of punch for a lower price tag, so you can get some great sound without spending a lot of money. Grab an iTunes gift card to go with this speaker and give the gift of music to someone special on your holiday shopping list this year.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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