This holiday season’s best gifts are the ones that inspire an immediate, “How did nobody think of this sooner?” From clever household upgrades to surprisingly useful tech, these inventive finds are designed to delight even the hardest-to-shop-for people on your list.
Car diagnostics in the palm of your hand
The Sparq AI OBD2 Scanner is a smart pick for anyone who loves cars—or simply wants an explanation when the check-engine light appears. The compact Bluetooth device plugs into a vehicle and pairs with a free app that translates 50,000 diagnostic codes into plain English. It can assess vehicle health, decode dashboard alerts, investigate unusual noises, track tire tread and review a car’s history. If repairs are needed, the app can also help determine whether a mechanic’s estimate is reasonable. $129.
3-in-1 multi-drill
Give their toolbox a space-saving upgrade with Dremel’s compact Blueprint DD-12V-S1. The 12V brushless power drill and driver features a built-in stud finder, along with a removable self-adhesive line laser and bubble level. An integrated LED illuminates dark work areas—and can help locate dropped bits—while the battery gauge makes it easier to know when a recharge is due. $99, varies by retailer.
Microwave-safe metal
Metal cookware and foil have long been discouraged in microwaves because they can spark and create a fire hazard. Genicook’s stainless-steel containers take a different approach: Their smooth, rounded edges are designed to make microwave use safe, much like the metal racks found in many ovens. The containers are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, and the three-piece set includes 3.4-cup (0.8-liter), 5.1-cup (1.2-liter) and 7.6-cup (1.8-liter) sizes. Each comes with a leak-proof tempered-glass lid featuring a silicone vent. $54.99.
A pet feeder that recognizes your pet
In homes with multiple pets, preventing one animal from stealing another’s food can feel like a never-ending battle. The Surefeed microchip pet feeder offers a simpler solution. After it is linked to a pet’s microchip, the battery-powered feeder opens its protective lid only when that animal approaches and closes automatically when it leaves. That means the dog can stay out of the cat’s meal—and the cat can’t raid the kitten’s kibble. $199.
A different way to seal food bags
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A chip clip or rubber band may close an opened food bag, but neither creates an airtight barrier against staleness. The USB-C rechargeable Magic Reseal magnetic heat sealer is designed to lock in freshness and reduce food waste. It offers six sealing modes and can close as many as 300 chip, cereal, coffee, frozen-food and other bags on one charge. Simply place it over the opening, slide the control and wait a few seconds. A built-in cutter makes opening or resealing bags easy, while a rear magnet keeps the device conveniently attached to the refrigerator. It comes in white or blue. $49.99.
Turn anything into a speaker
The Anything Speaker weighs less than 3 ounces (85 grams) and is roughly the size of a silver dollar, yet it can transform nearly any surface into a speaker. Rather than relying on a conventional speaker design, the portable bone-conduction device uses vibration to produce and amplify sound. Attach it to a door, box, window, table, guitar, piano, mirror or another surface using the suction cup, included magnet or adhesive strip, then stream 360-degree omnidirectional audio from a phone. A USB-C charging cable is included. Available in Aerospace Aluminum or Onyx Black. $49.99.
A sleep mask made for side sleepers and Bluetooth
The Manta Sound Sleep Mask is built with side sleepers in mind. Its adjustable C-shaped eyecups sit flat against the temples, providing comfort and complete light blockage, while breathable knit mesh helps prevent overheating. Adjustable ultrathin Bluetooth speakers, measuring 0.2 inch (5 millimeters), can play for up to 24 hours at full volume on a single charge. When it needs cleaning, the mask can go in the washing machine. $159.
Baby on Board — and in sight
Parents typically monitor a child in the back seat by checking a rearview or add-on mirror—or installing a baby camera with a separate monitor and screen. BubbaSafe’s Baby View camera removes the need for that extra display by connecting directly to a vehicle’s CarPlay screen. Mounted behind the front seat, it wirelessly sends 1080p video to the car’s display in standard, split-screen or picture-in-picture modes. Infrared night vision provides visibility after dark, and the camera is available in Cat, Dog and Panda designs. $208.
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