Thanksgiving is barely out of the way and already the most coveted items are flying off the shelves—or even completely missing already. If you’re looking for some of the coolest, best gifts for your loved ones, look no further. Here are 5 of the best-selling gifts of the 2016 season.
Sylvania Portable DVD Player
Sylvania makes a range of different portable DVD players, and several of them are in high demand. You can find Sylvania’s SDVD1030 for less than $80 from most places. It’s 10-inch screen swivels, the battery lasts for up to 5 hours, and you can play movies, music, and pictures via disc, USB, or SD card. If 10 inches isn’t quite enough for you, the SDVD1332 has a 13.3-inch screen with all the same features for just a few bucks more. On the downside, the larger version only has about 2-3 hours of battery life.
Midland GXT1000VP4 Two-Way Radio
For the survivalist nut in your life, these walkie talkies are some of the best on the market, as far as price, range, and performance. Midland’s walkie talkies come out as a top seller with high reviews all over the market. The battery life is only 8 hours, which doesn’t compare highly to other well-rated walkie talkies (comparatively, Motorola's MH230R has a 14-hour lifespan), but its 36-mile communication range blows most of its contenders out of the water. Just make sure to shop around—they go for about $90 a pop from specialty stores, while you can get a set from Walmart for less than $60.
Swagtron Hoverboards
For the gift of the future, hoverboards are taking the stage this year. Swagtron has a line of electric scooters, electric skateboards, and hoverboards. Their line of hoverboards, including the Swagtron T5, is a must-have this season. Lighter than its predecessors, the T5 is moderately priced, carries 187 pounds, and can go for 7 miles at 7 miles an hour. The T5 also has a motor upgrade and better control, particularly downhill. According to the Swagtron website, the T5 passed all mechanical, electrical, and material tests—and it’s environmentally friendly. All that for the low, low price of $250.
Anki Cozmo
This little robot has taken the stage this year. Cozmo was one of the Toy of the Year finalists, and he’ll bring out the kid in anyone. Going above and beyond what you’ve seen from robots in years past, Cozmo can read your emotions. More accurately, he reads your actions and responds with “emotions” of his own. He comes with toys of his own, but he's happy to play your games, too—and the more you play with him, the more his “personality” develops. Controllable through a smartphone app, Cozmo is purchasable for just $180.
Fitbit Charge 2
For the health geek (or want-to-be health geek) you love, the new Fitbit Charge 2 is taking charge. To one up its ancestors, the Fitbit Charge 2 not only monitors your heart rate and every step or stair you take throughout the day, it stays charged for up to 5 days, reminds you to get moving, is GPS-connected, and lets you track your workouts depending upon the specific sport you’re engaging in. Want more? Charge 2 tracks your sleep habits, so you can improve them. It also lets you create your own sleep schedule and keeps you on track with its vibrating alarm.
Kiwi Crate
If you're thinking of going a little less digital and a little more analog, take a look at Kiwi Crate. Kiwi Crate is an activity kit designed for kids ages 5-8. Each box comes with a “Maker” project with kid-friendly instructions that make exploring art, science, and engineering hands-on fun. Past boxes have included a project to build an arcade, to create your own glowing stuffed animal, and even building rubber-band powered rockets. Kiwi Crates can be purchased as individual sample crates or as a 3-month (or longer) subscription so you’ll have a new activity every month. If you’re shopping for someone a bit younger or older, Kiwi Crate has expanded to add four additional brands to cover kiddos from ages 3-16+.
