The magic of Christmas is getting a high-tech makeover. This year, holiday wish lists are moving beyond the typical gadgets and into the realm of the truly smart home. While a new television is still a coveted gift, modern shoppers are seeking next-generation devices that do more than just entertain. They want technology that simplifies daily life, saves energy, and offers peace of mind. This holiday season is all about bringing the future home, with gifts that make every room in the home a little smarter.
A New Era of Home Entertainment
While smart homes are all about efficiency and function, they’re also revolutionising our leisure time. The UK’s television market is set to grow significantly, with consumers always choosing smart TVs because it’s the only option available. However, the latest models from brands like Hisense and Samsung are, as we know, more than just screens to watch and stream to; they are increasingly becoming the central hub of the connected home. The push towards the most advanced display technologies, like brighter OLEDs and more sophisticated Mini-LED backlighting, is a key driver in the purchasing decisions consumers make on their customer journey. These innovations not only deliver incredible picture quality, making everything from blockbuster films to immersive visual feasts, but also create a hub for movie nights, sporting event parties, gaming and casting your treasured photos. Some could argue that with such a powerful TV, why do I need a soundbar? Doesn’t it already have the best possible sound I could get in any TV? Yes, but think of it like the difference between that watch, the one with or without diamonds; it’s the same watch, but it makes a bigger impact. Soundbars, like the Hisense HT Saturn or the Sonos Arc Ultra, are hugely popular for their ability to deliver cinematic audio without the clutter of a full surround sound system. Smart home projectors are also gaining traction, offering the ultimate in-home movie experience. Brands like Hisense and Nebula are making high-quality projection more accessible, turning any living room wall into a gigantic screen for gaming or film nights.
Automated Cleanliness & Comfort: The Rise of Smart Living
The convenience of an automated home is no longer a luxury but a growing expectation; it’s standard for many. The UK’s smart home market continues to grow, with a value estimated at £8.07 billion in 2025 and over 80 per cent of consumers already owning at least one smart product. This trend is driving demand for a new generation of household essentials that span multiple categories in the home. Leading the charge are devices like robot vacuums and mops from brands like Dreame, equipped with advanced navigation and self-emptying docks, which have become highly desirable for maintaining a tidy home with minimal effort. This desire for automated cleanliness extends to smart laundry appliances and even smart lawnmowers, creating a truly effortless living environment. Beyond cleaning, the desire for comfort and health is increasing the popularity of a range of gadgets. Sales of air purifiers and adaptive lighting systems are on the rise, creating the perfect atmosphere and mood with the touch of a button, while smart fragrance diffusers add another layer of sensory comfort. Furthermore, the market for smart health devices is booming, with products like smart scales that track a variety of metrics and air quality monitors that help users understand and improve their home environment. These devices are all part of a larger ecosystem of connectivity and integration, making every aspect of home life smarter and more intuitive than ever before.
Smart Savings for a Sustainable Season
With energy costs still a key concern, especiallyas we approach those months when the heating is switched back on, consumers this Christmas will be very much thinking about smart, cost-saving investments. Thanks to the ongoing smart meter rollout and a growing push for sustainability, energy-efficient appliances are a must-have. The UK’s smart thermostat market is a prime example, with significant growth projected as consumers look for ways to manage utility bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Smart thermostats, such as the Nest, go beyond simple scheduling. They learn your routine, use geofencing to detect when the house is empty, and can even sense an open window, automatically adjusting the temperature to prevent wasted energy. Giving a gift that helps someone save money and reduce their carbon footprint is a present that keeps on giving all year long. This sentiment also extends to other energy-conscious gifts, from smart plugs that let you remotely switch off power-hungry devices to smart lighting systems
that allow for precise control and scheduling, reducing electricity consumption for lighting by up to 80 per cent. These thoughtful gifts empower people to take control of their energy usage, making their homes more comfortable and their wallets a little fatter in the long run.
Peace of Mind Under the Tree
The desire for a secure home to protect those things you hold dear is a year-round priority, making smart security a prime gift category. The smart home security market is a powerhouse, valued at GBP 30.07 billion and continues to grow with innovations like AI-powered video analytics. For the holidays, popular gifts like the Google Nest Doorbell offer more than just technology—they offer peace of mind, allowing people to monitor their homes and feel safe, no matter where they are. This security-focused trend extends beyond simple doorbells to a wide range of devices. Sophisticated smart locks that allow keyless entry and track access are becoming increasingly popular, as are wireless outdoor cameras with must-have features like infrared night vision and customisable motion zones.
Small Gifts, Big Impact
While some gifts aim to transform a whole room, others are designed to elevate a single moment. This holiday season, thoughtful, smaller gifts are making a huge impact byenhancing daily life without a large footprint or a significant price tag. For those looking to introduce a touch of smart living, devices like smart plugs and individual smart bulbs such as LIFX are a perfect choice, offering the ability to automate appliances and control lighting from a phone. In the kitchen, the trend is all about efficiency and convenience, with compact appliances like personal blenders, e.g. from Ninja or Nutribullet, and smaller air fryers proving to be highly sought-after gifts that make cooking healthier and easier. For a more personal touch, a smart mug, such as the Ember Mug, that keeps a drink at the perfect temperature, or a portable Bluetooth speaker with more functionality than just playing music, such as the Robert’s Radio Petite which lets you play music, listen to the radio and even has a built-in alarm clock feature which makes it an excellent small gift option.
This year’s most sought-after gifts are practical, innovative, and designed for a better quality of life. From smart entertainment systems to automated chores, the perfect present for tech lovers is those that make every day feel a little more effortless, providing satisfaction in the process. The subtle integration of AI is a key trend. Devices are not just responding to commands but learning routines and anticipating needs. This creates a smarter, more intuitive home experience. Whether it’s a gift that automates daily tasks or one that provides a sense of security and well-being, the best presents this Christmas are those that seamlessly enhance the modern home and the life within it.
To read the published article by Dan Todaro, Gekko Group CEO, please visit ERT
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