Christmas presents? Tech but low-cost: a guide to unpretentious innovative objects

Christmas is no longer the time for crazy but reasoned spending. The trend of 2024, that of the global economic recovery, has revealed a Europe, and particularly Italy, somewhat resilient in maintaining a certain spending index, especially in anticipation of the last quarter of the year, between Black Friday and presents under the tree.

According to the study 'High Season 2024: Consumer Trends' conducted by Packlink, an online shipping platform, on a sample of 1,500 people in the main European markets, 45% of Italians will spend more at the end of 2024 than in previous months. The European average is even higher, led by 58% in Spain and 42.9% in France. Electronics is among the top categories, chosen by 42.4% of Italians. The favourite of Millennials (48%) and Generation Z (43.4%). Obviously no exaggerated price tags, but interesting accessories that can come in handy later, not just as a Christmas present.

One example is the 10,000 mAh wireless power bank with cooling fan by Sbs (EUR 89.95). A product that can recharge your devices several times. The 15 Watt power bank works with both Android and iPhone, although it is with the latter that it is at its best. The reason? Because MagSafe attaches to the case magnetically. This way, the phone will charge easily and conveniently. The Automatic Detection System technology offers a high level of protection against short circuits: the power bank understands the power requirement of the charging phone by adjusting the power transmitted.

Is it possible to give something tech even to children by getting them away from some gadget that has to have a screen? The idea of Lunii - La Fabbrica delle Storie (€64.90) is just that. It is an interactive storyteller that stimulates children's imagination without the use of screens. Through the little bed, the little ones become the protagonists of their own stories, choosing characters, settings and magical objects to create ever new adventures.

Operation is simple: you turn the knobs on the Story Factory to select the elements of their story, which is then generated and narrated automatically. You can listen to the narration via the integrated loudspeaker or with headphones, completely immersing yourself in the newly created fantasy world. The Story Factory offers numerous advantages: it protects children's eyesight by avoiding exposure to screens, actively involves them in the creative process and develops important skills such as creativity, language and listening skills. Moreover, being portable and self-contained, it can be used anywhere, even when travelling or when there is no internet connection. Via a dedicated app, parents upload new stories in the form of interactive audio books.