The Holidays are underway and advent calendars are now the highlights of our mornings… or evenings, no judgement here on what time you open your calendars. Although if we’re being brutally honest opening your advent calendar in the evening is like putting milk before cereal, but that’s a topic for another conversation. This week, C247 has racked up some of our best picks for stocking fillers under £100, to save you the hard work and give you more time to set up the Christmas tree and dig out the tinsel from the deep untouched crevices of the basement. And with that, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Nothing EAR 1
The design of the Nothing Ear 1's is nothing short of impressive! They've used a completely unique approach by housing their earbuds inside a transparent case that accentuates the underlying basis of their whole brand, minimalism that amounts to Nothing. Now that's intelligent design and not something that is easy to pull off either. The design of the Nothing Ear 1's is similar to the AirPods Pros featuring coloured dots to help differentiate from left and right, squared-off stems for an easier grip, as well as allowing for a larger mic and a robust casing. With superb audio quality and a lightweight design ethic, the Nothing Ear 1’s are a stocking filler that are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Fitbit Inspire 3
When it comes to affordable smartwatches with plenty of fitness options, things don’t get much better than the Fitbit Inspire 3. Whilst only hitting the market just a couple months ago, the Fitbit Inspire 3 has caused quite the commotion in the affordable smartwatch segment, partly due to the plethora of customisable straps available to purchase alongside the device ranging from leather, paw print, aluminium chain – the sky’s the limit! It’s safe to say the Fitbit Inspire 3 has a strap to suit every personality. In terms of actual smartwatch functionality, the Fitbit Inspire 3
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
The Amazon Echo Dot is easily the best compact smart speaker up for grabs today and after four previous generations of AI innovation, it’s clear to see Amazon have hit the nail on its head with the 5th Gen Echo Dot. The Amazon Echo Dot doubles down as both a smart home assistant for telling you the best way to make a Crème Brule as well as a speaker for those unplanned Saturday night gatherings that somehow manage to turn into a small house party. No matter the occasion the Amazon Echo Dot turns up, and this year’s 5th Gen packs a larger 1.73in speaker as well as a new temperature sensor which sole purpose is to give the Echo dot automation on regulating smart heating devices. Switching to a smart home is certainly the way forward and what better way than to kickstart your journey towards a smart home than adding an Amazon Echo Dot to your Christmas stocking this year!
Sony WH-C710N
The WH-CH710N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones offer powerful, distraction-free listening wherever you are. With Noise Cancelling via Dual Noise Sensor Technology, as well as Ambient Sound mode, you can take control of what you hear—and with 35 hours of wireless playback, you can listen to music all day long. The Sony WH-CH710N’s are an ideal alternative to its older siblings, the Sony WH-1000XM4 and XM5’s, with the only real trade-off’s being the mostly plastic build quality to of course reduce cost as well as Hi-Res audio support and the same quality noise cancellation. At just over 220g, the Sony WH-C710N’s are surprisingly light which makes them perfect for on the go usage whether that be travelling, at work or just to take on your Monday morning jog. Needless to say, the Sony WH-710N’s are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face this Christmas so certainly worth the pick.
Alcatel 1 (2021)
If you’re looking for a smartphone this year under £100, you may want to take a look at the Alcatel 1, an all-in-one device offering everything you need: a sizable screen in a compact and lightweight device, distinctive design and a camera with comprehensive social media sharing features. The Alcatel 1 features a compact 5” display and surprisingly micro USB charging which whilst may not be for everyone, still serves its purpose. The HD screen is perfect for media consumption from watching your favourite YouTube content to some Angry Birds binge sessions. One things we do love about the Alcatel 1 is its removable battery which does indeed make it a phone for the ages. It’s certainly not for most, but for those who appreciate the little things in life and aren’t fussed about the extra gimmick’s smartphones have evolved out in the last decade – this will make a pleasant stocking filler.
Once again, we hope our selection of festive stocking fillers will bring a smile to a loved one’s face this Christmas or even your own! Let us know if you’ll be using any of our picks for your own stocking fillers in the discussion section below – Merry Christmas.
