5 Gadgets That Make Life Easier And Are Perfect Christmas Presents

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The last few years have been challenging to say the least. We went from a pandemic that stifled the global economy and brought international travel and hospitality to a screeching halt, to a war that sent inflationary pressures through the roof. But through all the doom and gloom, we are once again at that time of the year to celebrate those who have made these turbulent years just a little easier.

The holiday season is a great time to show appreciation with hearty cooking, convivial merriment and of course, the all-important thoughtful present to show you care. Here’s a gift guide, featuring our pick of gadgets that are just the thing to make someone’s life simpler and easier.

Hong Kong-based Wacaco is all about downsizing the conventional coffee machine, if that wasn’t obvious from their signature line of products. Read: the Minipresso, Nanopresso and the crème de la crème, the Picopresso (released in 2021). The portable gizmo is the zenith of the brand’s ethos, purporting to create “authentic café-quality espresso that will rival any expensive high-end machine” – despite only being the size of a coffee cup. Weighing at just 350g, it’s the ideal gift for the coffee lover who insists on freshly brewed espresso, even when you’re miles from the nearest phone signal – let alone speciality café.

Wacaco

For the fireplace-less fire enthusiast
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The best moments are created around a fire. That is the belief of Texas-based Solo Stove, who – as their very literal company name suggests – are all about creating fuss-free fire pits. These range from the massive Yukon model, which are meant for a permanent space in your backyard, to the diminutive Mesa version, which’d fit nicely on your average patio tabletop. The Mesa’s key proposition is its ultra-efficient and therefore near-smokeless fire by way of an innovative vent and airflow system. It also packs a double-walled design of ceramic on top of stainless-steel to prevent any accidental burns should you graze your tabletop fire pit, as well as a tiny stand to prop it on and protect your table.

Solo Stove

For the budding molecular gastronomist
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A great gift for a gourmand who isn’t afraid to dabble with a little molecular gastronomy. This handheld system allows you to infuse smoky flavours into delicate grub or drinks that can’t be smoked the old-fashioned way – think raw seafood, butter or cocktails. Another plus point: it enables tableside theatrics like blowing cool smoke into a glass dome over plated food, to be unveiled dramatically for extra smoky aroma and Instagrammability when guests tuck in. Breville’s Smoking Gun allows for a variety of flavours to be infused, whether that be wood chips, wild flowers or teas.

Breville

For that guy who insists on draft beer
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Ice-cold draft beer like you’d find at your favourite watering hole – anytime, anywhere – is the promise behind The Cooler Keg, a soon-to-release portable draft system that hit its funding goal on Indiegogo in just seven minutes. After all, beer on tap – otherwise known as draft beer – is typically seen as a notch above bottled or canned brews as it’s expected to be fresher (as these suds typically move the quickest) with a purportedly finer mouthfeel due to a la minute carbonation. The Cooler Keg does all that and more with refillable kegs (that you can fill with any pour you’d like, from IPAs to ginger ale) and an in-built carbonation system. The kicker? Nary a can or bottle to deal with post-beer party.

The Cooler Keg

For the outdoorsman who can’t go without booze and good music
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Another present themed around remote luxury comes courtesy of Canadian outdoor specialists VSSL, whose offerings centre around products that are as compact and hardy as they are multi-functional. Case in point: their upcoming stainless-steel flask (which keeps cold things cold for 10 hours, and hot things hot for half that time) that doubles up as a portable weatherproof Bluetooth speaker for tunes and booze on the go. Consider pairing this with VSSL’s other boozy flask that comes with a compass, flashlight and two collapsible shot glasses.

Text: Richard Ng/The Peak