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Summer Gift Guide

Summer’s multiple heatwaves have knocked everyone for six, but there are still plenty of warm nights before we all start moaning about Winter. Here are the best gadgets and items to make the most of the sunshine, warm days and outdoor nights.

Smeg’s bean-to-cup coffee machine

Iced coffee is a breeze with Smeg’s new bean-to-cup coffee machine thanks to the moveable dispenser. Available in four matte colours; white, red, black and taupe, the new design and colour options will fit seamlessly into any kitchen. The brushed aluminium front panel and plastic trays are easy to keep clean too. Great for all year round use.

£699.95 | www.smeguk.com

 

Google Pixel 6a

Google’s Pixel 6a is a superb bit of kit for budding photographers or casual user. The recent upgrades make it even more affordable, durable and usable, thanks to things like Magic Eraser so you can capture the ultimate summer ‘there’s no-one here but us’ shot without fear you’ll run out of battery. Oh, and it’s available in multiple new colours including a snazzy green!

£399 | www.store.google.com/product/pixel_6a

Apple Macbook Air

Apple Macbook Air with M2 chip has a lot of tongues wagging for the design, lightness and battery capacity – a whopping 18 hours! The sleek new look is available in midnight, space grey, silver and starlight. From the new HD camera to retina display, everything will look superb whether you’re outside in the sun or watching in the dark to keep cool!

£1199 and up  | www.apple.com/macbook-air

Freitag bag

Freitag bags are not just sustainable; they’re rugged and look superb. The ‘Hazzard’ backpack is perfect for hiking, day trips or commuting and, thanks to the wicking material they use at the back, there’s no sweaty swamp back!

£280 | www.freitag.ch

NuraTrue Pro buds

NuraTrue Pro buds are the latest iteration from Nura on their hunt for the perfect sound. Whether it’s Ibiza chillout or Abba, you’re guaranteed the best sound possible thanks to their smart tech and in-ear test technology they use to make sure you get nothing but pure sound like the artists intended.

Pre-order $299  | www.nurasound.com

Dyson V8

Dust can be a killer during the Summer for anyone, but especially allergy sufferers. The new hand-held Dyson V8 aims to limit the tiny dust in your home. Lighter than previous units, this powerhouse also features new de-tangling brush bar technology and the cordless Pet Groom Tool, alongside a new Scratch Free Dusting Brush and Awkward Gap Tool attachment. Dust has nowhere to hide!

£399 | www.dyson.com

 

Ocean Bottle

If you want a superb bottle that removes plastic from the ocean, look no further. Not only does every Ocean Bottle keep things hot or cold for +12 hours, each one stops 1,000 plastic bottles from entering the blue sea. You have a raft of colours to choose from and two openings. The lid can also be used as a cup for sharing too. Genius.

£40 | www.oceanbottle.co

 

The Piqo

Creating an outdoor movie night is easy with the Piqo. Tiny but powerful, the Piqo is a powerful projector that connects to your devices via WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI or USB. You can also download apps via the Google Play Store and get amazing sounds thanks to the built-in HiFi speaker. Best of all? 50 hours of music playback and 5 hours of video playtime. Perfect for movies or binge-watching.

£336 | www.thepiqoprojector.com

 

The Comlife 2600mAh USB powered fan

Keeping cool is important, whether in the middle of a heatwave or just relaxing outdoors. The Comlife 2600mAh USB powered fan isn’t just ultra-quiet, but it’s flexible too. From standing on a table to being wrapped around something, you’ll get good airflow thanks to the flexible tripod. There’s also a mist version if you are feeling super fancy…or hot.

£21.99 | www.amazon.co.uk

 

Harvst Greenhouse

Start to grow vegetables and plants using your own greenhouse. The ones by Harvst are perfect for beginners or those who already have a green thumb. Optional elements include solar power, lights and more. Great for little green thumbs or those looking for healthier lifestyles. There’s a greenhouse for every season or all of them!

£249 and up | www.harvst.co.uk

 

Cygnett power banks

Cygnett are famed for its power banks and the 20,000 mAH won’t disappoint even the most ardent user. From multiple phone charges to iPads and even laptops, the multi-point USB-C charger will transfer power fast and efficiently to your devices to keep you on the move.

£29.99 | www.uk.cygnett.com

Also highly recommended by The Capturist: The cooling towels that everyone has been talking about during the heatwaves (£13.99/Amazon), the rechargeable light that elevates any outdoor dinners or affair  (£56.99/Amazon), Cold Brew Blackcurrant and Blueberry pyramid teabags Whittards (£5.50/Whittards), Sonos’s slick Bluetooth ‘Roam’ travel speaker (£139/Johnlewis.com), Logitech’s iPad Combo Touch keyboard – perfect for remote working or when on holiday. (£199 and up/Logitech.com)

Written by Paul Armstrong