A magical part of Christmas morning is seeing the joy on your children and grandchildren’s faces as they open their presents. But if they’re receiving high tech gifts and gadgets this year, tears and tantrums may be on the way.
According to research, most people have their Christmas Day gadget meltdowns by midday. Studies have also found that 15% of people who were given a gadget were so frustrated that they threw it away, sold it, or gave it to someone else.
So, to avoid any Christmas morning high-tech trauma, read on to learn five tips to ensure the gift giving goes off without a hitch.
1. Power: batteries, bricks, and cables
Despite more than 80 million gifts opened across the UK on Christmas Day needing batteries, 52% of families forget to buy any.
A surprisingly large amount of modern technology still runs on AA batteries, including game controllers, remotes, and wireless speakers, but they’re not always included in the gift.
So, if you don’t already keep a stash of batteries at home, it may be worth making sure you have some on hand for Christmas Day.
Some electronics and phone manufacturers like Apple have also now stopped including charging bricks and cables, so make sure you have everything you need before the big day.
You may want to take the time to charge devices in advance so that your loved ones can enjoy their gift straight out of the box!
2. Software: updates, downloads, and subscriptions
If you’ve recently bought a computer, phone, video game console or other smart tech device, you’ll know that they often attempt to download new updates the moment you switch them on. This is because they may have spent time in warehouses or travelling around the world and so need the latest updates and patches.
This isn’t a major issue normally, but the power of modern consoles and the complexity (and massive file size) of their games means that a new console may not be ready to play right away.
On top of software updates, downloading a bundle of games could take hours – if patience is in short supply, this delay could spoil the fun on Christmas morning.
So, when it comes to phones, smart devices and gaming gifts, download software and system updates in advance.
It’s also good to read the fine print, as you may need to buy a subscription to get the most out of the device. For example, if you buy a Peloton exercise bike, you still need to buy a subscription to unlock all the classes, “Scenic Rides”, and other extras that make the experience so unique and motivating.
3. Check for compatibility issues
One potentially frustrating issue when buying tech gadgets is that while your children or grandchildren may love your gift, if it’s incompatible with their current device or operating system, they won’t be able to enjoy it.
For example, wearable tech like the latest Apple Watch requires an iPhone XS or later that’s running the iOS 17 operating system – bad news for android users.
The same is true for some smart home tech, so if your loved one already has a range of Amazon Alexa devices installed, for example, you may want to buy devices that are compatible.
4. Spare a thought for privacy
Smart home tech might seem like a great gift for younger, gadget-loving family members, but it helps to be aware of both their and their parents’ privacy concerns.
While your loved ones might be thrilled to get a Google Home or an Amazon Alexa smart assistant, some people might not want an always-listening microphone in their home that’s permanently connected to the internet.
So, be sure to do some online research so you can explain what it does and doesn’t do when it’s unwrapped on Christmas morning.
5. Check your electricity usage
With the ongoing cost of living crisis in the UK, at an already expensive time of year, you may wish to stay aware of how electronic gadgets may contribute to energy usage.
If this is something you’re concerned about, try tracking how much energy the devices use, and to check whether a more eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative exists.
Free apps, such as the Emporia Energy app, help monitor your energy consumption while many energy companies now offer free smart meters to customers that can help you work out the more energy-efficient choice.
