Family
Gizmos and Gadgets: Gift ideas to delight tech lovers
Tech gifts are almost always on trend but keeping up with the latest gaming and entertainment products isn’t easy. From palm-sized entertainment enabled by powerful smartphones to an ultra-flexible laptop-meets-tablet device ideal for unleashing creativity, you’re likely to find a tech gift that fits everyone on your list this holiday season.
Last Updated on December 1, 2025 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Tech gifts are almost always on trend but keeping up with the latest gaming and entertainment products isn’t easy. From palm-sized entertainment enabled by powerful smartphones to an ultra-flexible laptop-meets-tablet device ideal for unleashing creativity, you’re likely to find a tech gift that fits everyone on your list this holiday season.
Explore more tech-based gift ideas (and maybe even some inspiration for your own wish list) at Qualcomm.com.
Game Like a Pro
Crafted with the spirit of adventure, the ROG Phone 6 reaches beyond its cyberpunk roots. With its fusion of geometric simplicity and cutting-edge technology, this next-gen gaming phone is a high-tech companion for journeying through space and time. With power and performance enhancements from the Qualcomm Adreno GPU and Kryo CPU, users experience amped-up gameplay. A class-leading thermal system improves stability for demanding games and a 165Hz display offers a revolutionary visual experience that supports low-latency gaming and ultra-responsive input. For total control, there’s the AirTrigger 6 system and the Armoury Crate app, and for marathon gameplay, there’s a 6,000 mAh1 battery. What’s more, players can personalize the lighting with a huge selection of colors and several preset mood-lighting schemes.
Find a Whole New (Virtual) World
Grab a ticket to the metaverse (and so much more) with the Meta Quest 2 VR headset. Whether gaming, meeting up with friends or enjoying immersive experiences in virtual reality, users can experience industry-leading graphics and immersive audio. With 1832×1920 pixels per eye, everything from multiplayer games and productivity apps to 360-degree videos look incredible. Every detail is engineered to make virtual worlds adapt to player movements, allowing for awe-inspiring games and experiences with unparalleled freedom. The redesigned controllers feature improved ergonomics and intuitive controls that transport gestures, motions and actions directly into virtual reality. No PC or console is required, and with backward compatibility, players can explore new titles and old favorites in the expansive content library.
Tackle the Day with a 2-in-1
The Surface Pro 9 5G with Microsoft SQ3 enables fast performance and connectivity plus up to 19 hours of battery life with Snapdragon power. Whether its job is work, stream or play, this 2-in-1 has the flexibility of a tablet with the performance of a laptop. Unique artificial intelligence features such as Voice Focus and Portrait Background Blur take video calls to the next level while Windows 11 makes it simple to organize apps for expressing creativity, accessing favorite games and relaxing with streaming entertainment, all in one ultra-portable device. A virtually edge-to-edge 13-inch touchscreen and built-in kickstand make it easy to sign, sketch or navigate whatever work or play comes along. Accessories like the Surface Slim Pen 2 and Surface Pro Keyboard help complete the experience.
Mobile Multitasking All Day
A phone that can carry you through the day regardless of what your schedule brings is a powerful tool for crossing tasks off that to-do list. With a long-lasting 3700mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is the phone that claps back, giving you plenty of power for group video chatting, flexing your photo skills and sharing via social media. This sleek, pocket-sized smartphone allows you to snap hands-free photos with Flex Cam, makes checking notifications a breeze with its cover screen and comes in a wide array of colors. Plus, you can take selfies with the rear camera while the cover screen gives you a real-time preview.
Sound Shaped for Your Ears
As the next generation of wireless listening, you can enjoy a solution that’s perfectly yours with Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. A strong combination of sound with noise cancellation offers high-quality listening behind CustomTune technology, which auto-adjusts sound to your ears’ liking. Additionally, Quiet Mode provides pure bliss when you silence background noise while Aware Mode is perfect when it’s time to pay attention, allowing enough transparency to hear your surroundings or engage in friendly conversation. Maintain energy throughout the day with up to six hours of battery life in a single charge paired with a charging case that holds three additional charges.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (girls using tablet with family)
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Last Updated on December 15, 2025 by Rod Washington
(Family Features) If you’ve ever found yourself buying a holiday gift for someone on your list at the last minute, you’re not alone. According to a Walgreens U.S. gift-giving survey, 83% of Americans found themselves getting a gift for someone at the last minute – a trend even more common among Gen Z (90%) and parents (92%). To help keep things merry and bright, consider these tips to help with the last-minute holiday hustle, and visit Walgreens.com or a store near you to find deals and gift inspiration.
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Consumer Corner
How to Choose and Care for a Live Holiday Tree
Discover how to choose the perfect live holiday tree and keep it fresh all season. Get expert tips on measuring, selecting, caring for, and disposing of your real Christmas tree for a safe and festive home.
How to Choose and Care for a Live Holiday Tree: Expert Tips for a Fresh, Festive Season
(Family Features) Though artificial Christmas trees have come a long way, few things compare to the fresh scent and natural beauty of a live tree. Whether your family picks out a real tree as an annual tradition or this is your first time considering a live tree for the holidays, this guidance can help you choose the right one and care for it throughout the season. 1. Measure Your Space Before you head to your local tree farm, measure the ceiling height where you plan to set up the tree, subtracting the amount of room your star or topper will account for. Similarly, measure the width to ensure the tree doesn’t encroach too much on furniture or traffic flow. 2. Choose the Right Tree While the options can be overwhelming once you’re among the field of available trees, consider what shape would fit best in your space: Do you want a fuller or slimmer tree to fit a tighter space? Is a uniform shape without large gaps in the needles important or do you need stronger branches better equipped for handling heavier ornaments? Don’t forget to also consider trunk size – and consider bringing your stand with you to ensure your preferred tree fits – as trees with short or crooked trunks may be unstable. 3. Inspect for Freshness and Quality To ensure a safe, long-lasting, beautiful tree throughout the holidays, look at it from all angles and inspect the needles and branches. Needles should be green, not dry or brittle, and firmly attached to the branches, which should be flexible and not snap easily. If you run your hand through the branches and they break or needles fall off, it may be wise to look at other trees. Remember, if your tree has been cut too early, it may sit too long and dry out before Christmas arrives, so try and buy your tree as close to setup time as possible. 4. Set Up with Care Before placing your tree in the stand, make a fresh cut about 1 inch from the base of the trunk to open the pores for water absorption. Place it away from heat sources – vents, fireplaces, direct sunlight – as they will dry it out faster. Remember to water daily (or at least check it daily), keeping the water level above the base of the trunk. 5. Plan for Disposal Once your tree has dried out – branches may be brittle and lots of needles may have fallen off – it’s time to remove it. Remove all decorations then check to see if your city offers tree recycling or chipping service. Many offer these services for free for a limited time after the holidays but may require you to drop the tree off or cut it into smaller pieces for pick up. Find more seasonal advice to make the holidays safe and festive at eLivingtoday.com. Photo courtesy of ShutterstockWelcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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Last Updated on December 11, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Tips for Parents to Minimize Stress and Maximize Joy During the Holidays
(Family Features) Stress and parenting go hand in hand, but during the holiday season, many parents find their stress levels rising to new heights. Between coordinating schedules, shopping, traveling and managing children’s expectations – plus the disruption to the school routine that everyone had finally settled into – the season can feel more like mayhem than merry. However, by thoughtfully planning and implementing a few practical strategies, parents can protect their well-being and support their families. Early childhood experts from The Goddard School share guidance to help parents stay grounded and make the most of their meaningful family moments this holiday season. Clarify Priorities One of the most empowering steps is to decide in advance what truly matters to your family. Consider:- Which traditions or gatherings are nonnegotiable?
- Are there holiday events you can skip this year without regret?
- What obligations are you taking on out of habit rather than genuine desire?
Set Boundaries Stress often arises when family dynamics, expectations or traditions clash. You can reduce this by setting boundaries and communicating them early. Speak openly with the relatives and friends you’ll see about what’s comfortable for your family and what isn’t (e.g., physical space, travel, topics to avoid). Let your children know what to expect, as the lack of routine during this time can be particularly challenging. Modeling clear boundaries helps your children learn to express their own needs, too. Prioritize Your Physical and Emotional Health Amid the hustle, your own basic care often slips, but your well-being is key to being present for others. Consider establishing routines, such as:- Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours per night whenever possible.
- Nutrition: Keep healthy staples in the mix, even if treats abound.
- Movement: A short walk, stretch breaks or gentle exercise may help reset your nervous system. Stepping outside can be especially helpful.
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