Digital delights (even ones that clean floors) make Christmas a little more interesting and fun for everyone on your gift list.
1 of 12
Tune up the tree
Add music to your Christmas tree with Life Made’s Tree Tunes musical ornament. Its rechargeable speaker connects to any Bluetooth-enabled device, so the choice of music is yours—don’t limit yourself to “Jingle Bells.” It hangs from a color-coordinated ribbon to blend nicely with the rest of your tree decor. $25. (888) 280-4331; amazon.com.
2 of 12
Thousand points of light
Indoors or outdoors, the Thousand Points of Light Tree offers 23 different displays of shimmering beauty and boughs that can be reshaped by hand. Sizes range from 6 to 9 feet, and lights can be set to stay on continuously for eight hours at a time. $400–$700. (800) 321-1484; hammacher.com.
3 of 12
Starry, starry sight
The Moravian star is a traditional Advent symbol with a German heritage. This version spans nearly 40 inches in diameter, with 160 LED lights that sparkle in eight different lighting effects to suggest waves of motion. Safe for outdoor or indoor use. $100. (800) 321-1484; hammacher.com.
4 of 12
Real science
The MP Select Mini 3D Printer is touted as the least-expensive entry into the new world of 3D printing, calibrated at the factory and ready to go out of the box. Got an idea for a new toy? Create your own, and print it out. $200. (877) 271-2592; monoprice.com.
5 of 12
Skin in the game
There’s more than one way to skin a ... butterfly? Or decorate one. The Graphic Skinz Design Studio uses a motorized vacuum chamber to apply graphic skins in seconds to fun shapes, including a seahorse, trinket box, shark and monster truck (shapes vary by which set you choose). Get the kids off the computers and into some hands-on creative fun. $16 and up. (888) 280-4331; amazon.com.
6 of 12
See the night
Never lose at hide and seek again, at least after dark. Ultimate Night Vision goggles from SPY Gear let kids ages 6 and up see 30 feet away in complete darkness—great for nighttime neighborhood games. The lens easily switches from eye to eye. $57. (800) 590-5987; fatbraintoys.com.
7 of 12
Baby talk
Baby’s smartphone entertains the littlest device users with colorful visuals and lights, ABCs, and fun songs. The Mirari MyPhone also features a recording function and remote control, so Mom and Dad can send calls to baby. So much better than a telemarketer. $20. (800) 524-4263; playmonster.com.
8 of 12
Driving on the iPad
Combine the fun of playing on an iPad and with toy cars that virtually spring to life, and you have Disney Pixar Cars 2 AppMATes. Using the free app, junior drivers can race cars and tip tractors while learning how to use a digital interface. $17. (888) 280-4331; amazon.com.
9 of 12
Small but mighty
The Ozobot Bit Starter Pack is a fun way to introduce children to learning code. The tiny tinker robot is just an inch tall, but it can be programmed to dance, race and play in-app games. Or, you can design your own; the world is your Ozobot. $59. (310) 318-0070; ozobot.com.
10 of 12
You got me what?
Getting a vacuum cleaner for Christmas sounds like a bad cliche—unless remote control makes it cool. The Neato Botvac D3 Connected uses laser vision to scan and map the room, then tackles pet hair, crumbs and dust bunnies, regardless of floor type. Use any iOS or Android device to schedule the Botvac for daily cleanups, without being reminded. $399. (877) 296-3286; neatorobotics.com.
11 of 12
Flashy fish finder
The Humminbird Helix 5 Sonar Fishfinder works to depths of 1,500 feet and displays what’s down there—and where—on a 5-inch color screen. A handy keypad makes it easy to navigate through menu options. $180. (888) 922-2336; academy.com.
12 of 12
Kid watch
The colorful LG GizmoGadget is a smartwatch designed to let users too young for cell phones stay in touch with the important people in their lives. Youngsters can make and receive calls with up to 10 contacts and send text messages. No games or internet connectivity are included, but it’s GPS enabled, so you can locate the wearer by satellite. $150 plus service plan. (800) 922-0204; verizonwireless.com.