Twinkly, the leading innovator in smart decorative lighting, is gearing up to illuminate this Christmas season with a wide range of festive decorations. From cosy indoor Christmas tree light effects to spectacular outdoor installations, Twinkly has something for everyone. This Christmas season Twinkly introduces the Plus line as well as the new C9 faceted LED string lights, adding a touch of classic holiday charm with a dash of Twinkly magic.
Twinkly Plus: Taking Holiday Decor to the Next Level
Twinkly Plus is designed for “Prosumers” who want to create large and stunning outdoor Twinkly installations. The Plus line is the perfect solution for limitless creativity and crafting the most magical and boundless Christmas light effect. The new Twinkly Plus line includes a Plus Controller, and five of Twinkly’s most popular products, including Icicle, Strings, Dots, Curtain and S14.
The 4-port Plus Controller can host four Twinkly Plus light strands and supports up to 1000 smart LEDs, with over 16 million colours and app-controlled features. Create professional-level lighting effects with ease. With an IP65 certified weatherproof design, the Plus line is tailored for the outdoors and guarantees durability season after season. The controller can connect via WiFi or Ethernet cable offering speed, convenience and stability. For even bigger setups, Plus Controllers can be paired via the Twinkly App offering a countless number of LEDs.
Offering professional-grade installations, Twinkly Plus is the perfect solution for small businesses who want to decorate their shops, restaurants, event venues, inside or outside without the need of professional technicians. The Plus line is also the perfect product for any customer wanting to elevate their outside installations. The products can be purchased individually or in a Twinkly suggested bundle which includes the controller and four 250 LED Strings.
Twinkly Plus Controller at £179.99, Plus Dots 250 LED at £109.99, Plus S14 40 Bulbs at £199.99, Plus String 250 LED at £159.99, Plus Icicle 250 LED at £199.99 and Plus Curtain 250 LED at £169.99 while the Plus Bundle retails at the MSRP of £999.99.
Twinkly C9 smart lights
C9 Faceted Lights: An Iconic Classic Reimagined with Twinkly Technology
Set a merry scene with traditional pine cone lights reimagined with Twinkly technology. The C9 faceted lights are designed to embellish homes with a mix of tradition and innovation. The C9 LED string lights come with Twinkly’s patented smart light technology to create the most captivating holiday display.
The C9 come in two lengths 12 or 24 metres (40 and 80ft). The C9 are www.twinkly.com at the MSRP of £99.99 for the 12 metres and 40 LEDs model, while the 24 metres and 80 LEDs variant comes at the suggested MSRP of £189.99.
The new multi-brand digital gift card, OptionsCard, is the perfect gift this Christmas. OptionsCard was created to provide a world-class gifting experience, free from fees and fuss and with an always visible live balance in your mobile wallet. The multi-choice OptionsCard can be redeemed for more than 60 premium brands such as Brown Thomas, Ikea and Ticketmaster. OptionsCard allows people to easily share or re-gift part of their gift card. To find out more visit www.OptionsCard.ie
An iReach consumer sentiment survey of over 1,000 adults nationwide commissioned by OptionsCard, revealed that almost 4 in 10 (37%) would share their last gift card value of €20 with a family member and 31% would share the last €20 on their gift card with their partner. The survey also revealed that 62% of consumers see a gift card as a special treat, preferring to spend it on something that they would not normally buy, such as a premium product or experience.
OptionsCard holders will have access to exclusive special offers and promotions from retail brand partners.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) today launched their ‘Drone Safely This Christmas’ Campaign. If you’re thinking of getting a drone this Christmas, you need to make sure you register as an Operator with the aviation regulator and that you know the rules before you fly. This advice comes ahead of the busiest shopping days in the lead up to Christmas.
Jim Gavin, Director People & Operations from the Irish Aviation Authority, Aviation Regulator commenting on drone safety said: “Drone use has increased significantly in recent years. Piloting a drone is fun but it comes with responsibilities and no matter what their use or purpose, drones can raise challenges from both safety and privacy perspectives. Operating a drone in public requires training, as they can have serious consequences if they are flown inappropriately, or collide with a person, an animal or an aircraft. So, if you do get a drone this Christmas, find out if you need to register as an operator with the Aviation Regulator and get trained.”
The Irish Aviation Authority became one of the first aviation regulators in the world to introduce regulations and mandatory drone registration in December 2015. Consumers who buy drones that are over 250g, or a drone fitted with a camera, are legally required to register as a drone operator. If you are a drone operator safety is your responsibility. You need to ensure you are always in control of the drone and that you remain compliant with the law.
Enda Walsh, UAS Manager/Drones Championfrom the Irish Aviation Authority added. “The vast majority of drone users fly safely and are compliant with the regulations. However, we are concerned that there are many drone owners who are not registered, who may be flying unsafely and putting people and other aircraft at risk. If you see anyone you believe to be flying dangerously or using a drone irresponsibly, we encourage you to contact the IAA. Reckless use of a drone or inappropriate use of its camera may result in prosecution,”
One important exemption to registration is for toy drones. A toy drone is one where it states clearly on the box or in its documentation that it complies with the regulation on toy safety, and it is intended “for use in play by children under 14 years of age. These types of drones are usually small and only suitable for indoor flying.
For more information on IAA Drone Safety Regulations and registration process, visit www.iaa.ie/drones Stay updated by searching the following @IAApress or searching #DroneSafety.
Don’t worry if you’ve missed Black Friday or Cyber Monday and are still looking for that special gift for someone. ZHIYUN, the leading gimbal brand for amateur and professional filmmakers with smartphones and cameras has some special Christmas discounts on some of its most popular products.
Gimbal: the perfect gift for anyone with a smartphone or camera
Gimbals are light, compact and durable stablilisers, with smartphone versions, small enough to shove in a rucksack or your pocket to take your videos to the next level. There’s nothing more annoying than reliving sporting events, nights out, holidays, trips or special occasions only to see a blur of shaky unwatchable footage. While camera gimbals are sturdier to support larger cameras for professional users.
Smartphone gimbals
Elevate your smartphone with the latest smartphone gimbals.
Tell better stories with the newest member of the SMOOTH range. With its powerful built-in fill light, SMOOTH 5S offers a simplified way of filmmaking for everyone with a smartphone, day or night. With the classic 3-axis design, you can create inspiring content with no angle limitations. SMOOTH 5S makes you a one-man vlogging crew. Available in white or grey from ZHIYUN or the Amazon store.
This neat little smartphone gimbal has a new design for better grip and easy unfolding. It has a 215mm built-in, extendable rod that allows you to shoot at various angles from a wider background. SMOOTH Q4 comes with a double sided, adjustable magnetic fill light offering you a quick and easy way to get the lighting even in the darkness. Buy it at the ZHIYUN or the Amazon store.
Standard: Now £99/$99 USD (original price £119/$119)
Film like a pro with the latest ZHIYUN SMOOTH 5. It makes cinematic smartphone filmmaking possible with its 3-axis design that allows movement through all angles to be amazingly smooth, even at the extremes. Its carefully considered ergonomic controls, high performance motor, professional anti-shake system, and magnetic twin fill lights empower new creative opportunities. Buy it at the ZHIYUN or the Amazon store.
Standard: Now £139/$139 (original price £159/$169)
Now in its 3rd generation, the A4 sized WEEBILL 3 has evolved and tuned its ergonomics with carefully crafted parts that reduce the carrying effort by 40%. This innovative all-in-one solution provides sound, light and image stabilisation together, setting a new bar for portable, powerful gimbals that makes even complex filmmaking endeavours effortless and simple. Available from the ZHIYUN and Amazon stores.
Standard: Now £399/$399 (original price £449/$449)
WEEBILL S: Unleashing possibilities for professional filmmakers
Despite its compact size, the WEEBILL-S easily handles mainstream mirrorless and DSLR camera & lens combos. Its neat, lightweight body and a unique Sling mode allows the WEEBILL-S to offer an effortless shooting experience. Inside, its strong motors feature ZHIYUN’s unique stabilising algorithm. An intelligent ViaTouch 2.0 system as well as an ultra-low latency HD image transmission module, means the WEEBILL-S pushes the limits for boundless filmmaking.
Standard: Now £299/$299 (original price £369/$439)
CRANE M3: For Ultra-portable professional handheld filmmaking
The CRANE M3 is a portable, compact and professional camera gimbal. It provides an excellent grip and balance, with an ergonomic array of control panel, buttons, wheels and joystick for full control of the powerful motors that can carry different kinds of cameras and lenses in stable and smooth movements. The two-in-one universal quick release plate makes camera changes during a shoot safe and efficient.
Standard: Now £319/ USD 319 (original price £369/$369)
Combo: Now £379/ USD 379 (original price £449/$449)
Esri Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), has created a digital map of some of the best Christmas festivals, light shows, and ice skating events happening across the country this holiday season.
Using Esri’s ArcGIS digital mapping system, the interactive map highlights a range of enchanting spectacles and festive activities to suit all ages. Experience the wonder of Christmas by immersing yourself in a winter wonderland; browsing market stalls, marvelling at the glittering lights, soaking up festive music, and gliding across ice-rinks.
From magical train rides in Donegal and family-friendly festivals in Kerry, to glistening light shows in Galway and fun-filled ice-skating in Dublin, this map will help bring festive cheer to life this Christmas season.
Stuck for some gift ideas or something for yourself this Black Friday and Cyber Monday check out the list below from several partners we work with there is something for everyone here and most wont break the bank, front earbuds to lamps to headphones and more see what is on offer below today.
Pocketalk has promotions running on its portable, AI powered instant voice translation devices which break down language barriers and bridge the gap between different spoken languages.
Perfect for globetrotters, the Pocketalk S can translate 82 languages bidirectionally at the touch of a button. It also has a text-to-translate camera which instantly recognises and translates text, the written word and signs – ideal if you need help reading menus or are trying to find your way around a new city. By utilising the best translation engines from around the world, Pocketalk S provides consistently accurate translation and creates the best experience by picking up localised dialects and slang. It also comes with a complementary 2-year mobile data plan that provides coverage in over 130 countries/regions so you don’t need to rely on Wi-Fi.
With its launch in 2018, Pocketalk was originally designed as a travel-friendly practical communication tool. However, with an increased need for social distancing, Pocketalk developed the Pocketalk Plus which has a larger screen that is readable from six feet of distance, a strong speaker, and a noise-cancelling microphone.
Similar to the Pocketalk S, other features of the device include translations for 82 languages, the ability to seamlessly provide audio readout in native language, a camera that translates text and written words and built-in data (no need for Wi-Fi).
Twelve South, the company known for designing beautiful kit for Apple, has promotions running on a number of products during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday period. These include:
Available at this price from: Amazon UK between 18th – 28th November 2022.
The Twelve South HoverBar Duo is an adjustable stand that can securely hold an iPad at different heights as well as in multiple positions and angles. The HoverBar Duo comes with a weighted desktop stand as well as a desk/shelf clamp so whether you want to lift the iPad camera up to eye level for FaceTime calls or clamp it to a kitchen cabinet to follow recipes whilst cooking, the HoverBar Duo is incredibly versatile.
Available at this price from: Amazon UK between 18th – 28th November 2022.
The StayGo Mini USB-C Hub provides four additional ports including a headphone jack, USB-A, USB-C (for pass through power) and HDMI port so that users can easily connect and power their most essential accessories. Being able to easily access external hard drives, connect a display, use a keyboard or Magic Trackpad and other peripherals using StayGo Mini will make editing video, photos or polishing presentations on iPad Air, iPad Pro or MacBook much more convenient and efficient.
Users can connect StayGo Mini directly to their iPad or use the included 0.5 metre-long cable. The handy cable enables users to connect this little hub to their iPad without removing their case, or place it below a monitor or Magic Keyboard for an improved desk setup. StayGo Mini can be used like a dock to quickly connect and disconnect everything at once.
Small and compact, StayGo Mini is perfect for anyone on the go. Having it snapped onto an iPad provides the freedom to connect peripherals as needed or they could use the pass-through power to charge an iPad, iPhone or AirPods.
AirFly Pro – Save £7.50
Price: £42.99 (reduced from £49.99)
Available at this price from: Amazon UK between 18th – 28th November 2022.
The Twelve South AirFly Pro allows you to connect wirelessly to systems and devices that were previously incompatible. Forget the flimsy headphones the airline provides, you can now enjoy in-flight entertainment on your favourite Bluetooth headphones.
Also, AirFly Pro can send audio from your iPhone to the sound system in a car. Ideal for when hiring a rental car – use AirFly Pro to stream directions from a navigation app instead of syncing your entire iPhone.
HiRise for MacBook – Save £9.20
Price: £52.28 (reduced from £61.48)
Available at this price from: Amazon UK between 18th – 28th November 2022.
The Twelve South HiRise for MacBook is a beautifully designed, height adjustable stand that elevates a laptop to the perfect position. Unlike fixed stands, the HiRise allows users to set their screen height from a few inches up to a half foot off their desk, making it perfect for MacBooks and users of all sizes. HiRise allows users to align a MacBook with an external monitor for the ultimate dual-display set-up. Users can perch their MacBook on the HiRise and pair with their favourite wireless keyboard and mouse to create a comfortable and convenient workstation. This sleek brushed metal stand features non-slip arms to securely hold all size MacBooks from 11-inch Air to 16-inch Pro.
Pivo, a leading developer of AI-tracking technology for content creators, has Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotions running on its range of smartphone tracking mounts including:
Available at this price from: www.pivo.ai from now until 28th November 2022
The Pivo Pod Lite, in conjunction with the Pivo + app, turns a phone into your personal camera crew. Powered by AI technology, the Pivo mount, which can rotate 360 degrees, automatically tracks your face and body movements, following you at all times and zooming in and out to make sure you’re always in focus and in the frame. Capturing high-quality video and images with minimal effort, you no longer have to worry about the camera rattling, shaking or if the person filming you has missed the best shot.
The Pivo Play app enables you to be even more creative thanks to its 12 quick create modes. From ‘Many Me’ which takes multiple pictures of you in different positions within the same frame and ‘Magic Edge’ which stitches two video together side by side to ‘Clone Trail’ which creates copies of you within the same video, Pivo makes it easy to create playful, share-worthy content without any editing experience.
Pivo Lite comes in six different colours and accessories such as tripods, a remote control, a smart mount and protective cases are also available.
Pivo Pod – Save £45
Price: £79.99 (reduced from £124.99)
Available at this price from: www.pivo.ai from now until 28th November 2022
The Pivo Pod Active, in conjunction with the Pivo + app, turns a phone into a training partner and your personal camera crew. Perfect for fast-paced content creation like roller-skating, skateboarding and horse-riding, Pivo will capture all the action.
Powered by AI technology, the Pivo Active mount, which can rotate 360 degrees, automatically tracks your movements, following you at all times and zooming in and out to make sure you’re always in focus and in the frame. Pivo Active has four different speed modes and with face, body and horse tracking, makes it easy to record a dance session, stream a workout routine or video a riding lesson when you’re on your own. Pivo Active also includes a video call feature that will allow a coach to train you (whether doing PT or a horse riding lesson) from a remote location.
Pivo Active is compatible with iOS and Android. It comes with a remote control and other accessories such as a mount and tripod are also available.
Petoi Bittle – Save up to £75
Price: £239.99 from 11.11.22 until 23.11.22/ £224.99 from 24.11.22 – 28.11.22
Small but agile, Bittle is a powerful robot that can be programmed to walk, do tricks and roll around just like a real dog. Bittle is operated in OpenCat, an open-sourced quadrupled robot platform that offers endless programming and customisation possibilities and can be controlled using an app that’s compatible with iOS and Android.
Users bring Bittle to life by assembling its puzzle-like frame which is made up of 3D interlocking components, eliminating the need for screws (it’s also available pre-assembled). The bionic construction of legs rather than wheels means that Bittle is able to move more freely over unstructured terrain.
Evolving with an open-source gene, Bittle is built on Petoi’s OpenCat open-source platform specifically for quadrupled robots. Bittle’s dynamic manoeuvrability and behaviours are features typically seen on luxury robots but Petoi’s technology is now making it accessible to more consumers. With a customised Arduino board coordinating all instinctive and sophisticated movements, users are able to clip various smart sensors onto Bittle or mount a Raspberry Pi or other AI chips through wired/wireless connections to inject perception and artificial intelligence capabilities. Bittle can be configured and controlled using Petoi’s official mobile app.
Long standing family-run Yorkshire camping retailer Outdoor World Direct has some fantastic deals available on premium family tents for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with deals running until 5th December or until stocks last.
Outdoor Revolution Kalahari PC 9.0DSE Tent – save £1,128
Price: £1,999.99 (RRP £3,129)
Available at this price from Outdoor World Direct from now until Wednesday 5th December
New for 2022, this premium family tent boasts premium fabric and features and is one of the biggest tents available – sleeping up to 13 people! The tent features a tunnel design with a side extension on each side and the interior is highly customisable as bedrooms or living space depending on your needs.
Despite its size, it is incredibly easy to pitch as it’s inflatable, simply use the included pump to pitch.
The technical polycotton fabric offers premium durability and also keeps humidity under control under hot conditions, ideal for warmer climates or camping in the British summer. It is also perfect for cooler conditions too and much more durable than polyester. Darkened bedrooms also offer a better night’s sleep on light mornings and evenings.
Bundles including carpet and footprint at reduced cost also available.
Vango Anantara III TC 650xl Tent – Save £445
Price: £1,699.99 (RRP £2,145)
Available at this price from Outdoor World Direct now until Wednesday 5th December
This versatile premium family tent offers plenty of space while the technical polycotton fabric offers versatility and reliability in changing weather conditions. Robust yet breathable, it offers protection from the rain while also offering reduced humidity. It also has thicker airbeams than is standard for Vango’s inflatable tents, offering greater stability. The beams can also be inflated individually or from one single point depending on your needs.
Sleeping up to six people, the darkened yet breathable bedroom can be used as one large bedroom or divided for more privacy. The tent is standing height throughout, including bedrooms, ideal for thicker air mattresses and camp beds.
This tent also comes with an intuitive packing system which includes the smart roll carry bag, complete with wheels for easy transportation.
As well as deals with various retailers (including Argos, Currys and more), Groov-e also has plenty of deals running on direct purchases via its website, groov-e.co.uk. Discounts are as follows. These deals are live now until 16th December, so plenty of time to bag a gadget bargain for under the Christmas tree.
Groov-e Soundbar 20 – save £10
Price: £19.99 (reduced from £19.99)
Available from now until 16th December from Groov-e
With two built-in 5W drivers, the Soundbar 20 with Super Bass produces high quality sound when you are listening to music or watching a movie, and is great for video or voice calls. Connect to your PC, laptop, smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth and enjoy the colour changing LED lights which will make it the perfect addition to any party. An integrated stand pops out to hold your smartphone or tablet making it perfect for those who want to watch a movie or the latest Netflix series. Lightweight and portable, it can be taken anywhere and offers 10+ hours of playback on a single charge.
Groov-e SportsBuds – save £15
Price: £24.99 (reduced from £39.99)
Available from now until 16th December from Groov-e
The perfect running or gym partner, the Groov-e SportsBuds keep users completely free from wires while working out. The True Wireless Stereo (TWS) technology gives a fantastic audio experience at an affordable price.
Delivering crystal clear sound and a powerful bass the SportBuds will keep you motivated whether you’re trail running or enjoying a beach workout. Providing a secure and comfortable fit with an ear hook design and rated IPX4 sweat resistant, the SportsBuds were built to endure the toughest workouts.
Groov-e JazzBuds – save £15
Price: £14.99 (reduced from £29.99)
Available from now until 16th December from Groov-e
Enjoy up to 25 hours of playback with these true wireless headphones from Groov-e. With touch controls and voice assistant, they’re ideal for listening to music or for work calls. The included charge case means you can recharge on the go too.
Available in blue or pink, the Groov-e Kidz wireless Bluetooth headphones are a great gift for older children. They can be connected wirelessly to their favourite devices by Bluetooth or using the included 3.5mm cable. Even better, they have a built-in audio sharing port so siblings/friends can watch/listen/game together.
Enjoy fantastic sound and stylish headphones at a bargain price. Available in black or rose gold, they offer 35 hours wireless playback and also come with an audio cable, so they’re compatible with older devices too. Super Bass ensures crystal clear playback while the soft ear pads offer comfort for extended listening.
Enjoy crystal clear audio from your favourite DAB radio stations with the Groov-e Berlin. Featuring a compact design and modern colour screen which is easy to use. It also has Bluetooth functionality so you can use it as a portable speaker too.
The Groov-e Zeus has everything you need from a traditional clock radio with additional innovative features. They can enjoy their favourite DAB stations with crystal clear audio thanks to the built-in 6 watt speaker.
It also has Bluetooth connectivity and therefore can be used as a wireless speaker, while the aux-in port means it can also be used as a wired speaker, ideal for older media such as turntables and cassette players.
While enjoying its audio capabilities, users can also use the wireless charging pad to charge any wireless charging compatible devices.
The large LED display makes it easy to control and to see the time, while the display dimmer and alarm functionality makes it the perfect bedside companion.
Enjoy a better sleep with the Groo-ve Light Curve.The light, which mimics natural daylight, will come on at the selected time, starting off gently and gradually getting brighter until it’s at the optimum level, offering a gentler wake-up that leaves them feeling fresher.
When it’s actually time to get out of bed, a chosen alarm sound or radio station will also be activated to help users wake fully.
For tech lovers across the board, Sony has an array of innovative and exciting products to gift family, friends, and loved ones this festive season. Throughout 2022, Sony has delivered a selection of items perfect for Christmas presents, from TVs to cameras and headphones to smartphones, suitable for every budget – and not a partridge in sight! check out what is on offer form Sony this year below..
A world class pair of noise-cancelling headphones…
Tune into music, film and TV on the go, while tuning out from frantic festivities with the gift of the WH-1000XM5 industry-leading noise-cancelling headphones. These headphones are the latest in Sony’s top-of-the-range 1000X headphone range, with a new design and 30 hours’ battery life. Available in black and silver.
A stylish pair of wireless headphones on the go…
Idealfor those who are constantly on the move, are the small, light and mighty wireless LinkBuds S headphones. These innovative headphones can be worn comfortably around the clock and their high-quality wireless calling and music capabilities makes them the perfect gift for all ages. Available in white, black and ecru.
A speaker worth a party…
Perfect for those who love a party and to ‘Live Life Loud’, the exciting XG300 speaker has powerful sound and ambient illumination housed with a nifty retractable handle for tunes on the go. Available in black and light grey.
A soundbar for movies…
Give the gift of amazing sound for a full home cinema experience with a brand-new soundbar for Christmas this year. For those who want simple, but rich surround sound, the HT-A3000is ideal for watching favourite movies and TV series. Available in black.
A gamer’s delight…
For the avid, or newcomer gamer, the latest in Sony technology is wrapped into the comfy and premium INZONE H7 headset, an excellent choice to keep gamers happy. Game all night with long battery life and a high-quality boom microphone, shaped so it can be brought closer to your mouth, ensuring you’ll always be heard clearly.
INZONE H7 also feature 360 Spatial Sound for Gamingand our proven hardware technology, you can detect where your opponents are and how far away. Hear them before they see you – even players hiding in shadow, or behind walls and obstacles, can’t stay hidden for long. Available in white.
A camera delight for vloggers…
Budding content creator on your present list? Treat them to the best camera for capturing the perfect shot or long-form video with the ZV-E10: with precise auto focus, a shooting grip and interchangeable lenses, it is designed from the ground up for a super-premium vlogging experience. Available in black.
For the budding professional…
With extreme full-frame movie performance including high sensitivity (expanded ISO up to 409600), 15-stop wide dynamic range, 4K 120p, fast and dependable autofocusing, and extra-strong image stabilisation, the α7S III again raises the bar for movie makers.
A blockbuster TV…
The hero BRAVIA A95K Series is the ultimate premium gift to impress, with the best quality picture to watch the best movies this Christmas. Our revolutionary Cognitive Processor XR™ processor on Sony BRAVIA XR™ TVs reproduces content the way humans see and hear for an incredibly lifelike experience. It understands how the human eye focuses, cross analysing images to give real life depth, extraordinary contrast and beautifully vivid colours.
With the countdown to Christmas well and truly on, PayPal’s 2022 Gifting & Giving Study1 reveals how four in five (83%) are worried about items being much more expensive this Christmas and 76 per cent are concerned about keeping track of their spending.
Based on a poll of 1,000 adults across Ireland, this year’s research explores how people in Ireland are managing their budgets in light inflation and runaway energy bills, from savvy spending to splitting the bill for Christmas dinner.
Tis the season to save money
When it comes to gift-buying, a third (29%) of people plan to spend more this year to bring joy to family and friends, while the rest are thinking of cost-effective ways to balance their festive finances. Eight in ten (80%) will look for coupons and discounts.
Almost a third (32%) will buy a big present as a group and split the cost, rather than buying lots of little presents and over half (54%) want to do Secret Santa/Kris Kindle as it’s less expensive. Furthermore, 68 per cent will only buy gifts when they see something the person will like, and a quarter (25%) will order all their presents online.
Alongside all money-saving measures, more than half (59%) will be setting a strict budget and sticking to it this Christmas. Unsurprisingly, the average spend on Christmas presents is estimated to be lower than last year – €647 compared to €7212. Although this is still higher than lockdown Christmas budgets, where the average spend was estimated at €5413.
The research found that people from Kerry are set to be generous this year when it comes to buying Christmas presents (with an estimated average spend of €1,183), followed by Laois (€908) and Offaly (€878).
Adopting a smart and savvy approach is also seeping into festive celebrations, with the survey revealing that for more than half of people (55%), Christmas celebrations this year are changing to save on costs.
Splitting the cost of celebrations is set to be a popular approach with nearly two-thirds (64%) of people happy to contribute to the costs of a friend or family member’s festive party, and 50 per cent agreeing that the cost of hosting Christmas dinner should be split between family members.
Splitting the bill for Christmas celebrations
Each December, the pressure of Christmas can get to all of us. It doesn’t take much for the financial strain to show and it all culminates in the big split. That’s right – splitting the bill.The poll found that two thirds (67%) of people have felt awkward to ask for money they were owed so decided not to mention it.
Furthermore, some 64 per cent of people said they had not been paid back by friends in the past and a third (33%) of those surveyed said they had forgotten to pay a friend back. Taking this one step further, 16 per cent of people admitted to telling someone they had paid them back when they hadn’t. It seems these actions are also causing friction in some instances, with almost a fifth (19%) of those surveyed saying they had fallen out with friends over difficulty when splitting bills or paying people back.
The insights revealed that, on average, people in Ireland pay others back after five days. Gen Z (aged 16-24) were found to be the slowest when paying people back (7.3 days), while Boomers (aged 45-54) were the fastest group for paying people back, taking 1.86 days on average. In terms of a county breakdown, the slowest people to organise payback were from Meath (12.65 days), Sligo (11.21 days) and Limerick (10.57 days).
So how can you ensure a successful bill split? More than three quarters of respondents (79%) agreed that digital payment apps make splitting bills easier, with the most used/popular method for paying people back found to be digital money transfer apps like PayPal (34%). The main benefits of paying people back digitally rather than in cash were found to be that it saves time as its quick (47%), it’s more convenient (43%), and there’s proof of payment (34%).
Speaking about the findings, Maeve Dorman, Senior Vice President, PayPal: “Christmas is always about spreading joy and happiness, whether it’s hosting celebrations or giving gifts. While this year will be no different, it’s clear that people are finding ways to balance the festivities with their finances.
“Sharing the load by splitting the cost is a great option. Using digital wallets like PayPal make it easy, quick, and secure to politely request and sending payments, while still creating group memories and spreading joy.”
To celebrate the launch of the Onyx Prime earbuds, the Studio and Splash 1 speakers, Tronsmart is giving away hundreds of prizes on its website from 23rd – 31st December
Industry-leading audio brand, Tronsmart, is celebrating another great year for its products and the festive season by giving back. Visitors to its official websitewill be in with the chance of winning a blind gift box that includes Bluetooth speakers, wireless earbuds and even gaming headsets. The biggest blind box includes five products, ideal gifts for Christmas or the New Year.
The competition which runs from 23rd to 31st December is also to celebrate the launch of the excellent products below in the fourth quarter of 2021 which will be up for offer as prizes on the website.
Tronsmart ONYX PRIME True Wireless Earbuds with industry leading Hybrid Dual Driver and ‘Play without Delay’ audio – Available to purchase from Tronsmart website for $69.99.
The Tronsmart ONYX PRIME feature a powerful dynamic driver paired with a tuned balanced armature driver, which help to deliver detailed high-end audio with an expansive frequency range (10Hz-25kHz). This ultimately guarantees a natural, resonant bass and mids that integrate with clear melodious treble through precise tuning and a seamless crossover.
With True Wireless Mirroring technology, seamless swapping is possible between the earbud connected to the smartphone and the earbud that mirrors the connection for faster transmission and seamless streaming of music with lag-free audio.
The cutting-edge Qualcomm Chip used in the ONYX PRIME delivers high-resolution audio with acoustic tuning, integrated with premium music and ultra-low-latency gaming mode. This offers a versatile and flexible audio play for either music or gaming. The in-app equalizer compatibility allows the customisation of 8 audio profiles and custom touch controls for the perfect play of personalisation for all audio lovers. The ultra-compact design fast charging case is pocket-sized and perfect for travel, with a maximum total playtime of 40 hours. One single charge can provide up to 7 hours of non-stop music, perfect for everyday life.
Tronsmart Studio 30W SoundPulse® Portable Bluetooth Speaker, with up to 15 hours playtime and unique TuneConn™ pairing technology – available from Tronsmart website for the incredibly affordable price of $69.99
With a compact design, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, Type-C fast charging and one tap voice assistant, the Studio speaker provides users with the ultimate wireless listening experience. The Tronsmart Studio 30W SoundPulse® Portable Bluetooth Speaker boasts impressive and unique TuneConn™ pairing technology, enabling users to pair up to 100 speakers to a single device simultaneously, providing an unimaginable and immersive listening experience. Additionally, the patented SoundPulse® technology provides undistorted output which, paired with the dynamic 2.1 channel sound and hardened aluminium exterior chassis, ensures that audio can be enjoyed with crisp and clear sound. Quad passive radiators and three drivers provide strong, deep bass.
With one-tap voice assistant capability, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and 15 hours of playtime from one 3-3.5 hour charge, Tronsmart is delighted to provide users with the ultimate wireless listening experience, with a free app available to customise and personalise audio effects from their smartphone. The Studio boasts a compact design that is sleek, modern and effective. The black hardened aluminium chassis exterior framework has been exceptionally engineered to ensure that vibrations can be heard from the drivers only, producing high-fidelity sound that is far superior to plastic or wooden designs. The metal chassis minimises distortion, providing a lively and dynamic listening experience that is ideal for enjoying music.
Tronsmart Splash 1 Wireless Portable Bluetooth IPX7 Waterproof Outdoor Shower Mini Speaker with 15W Stereo Sound 24H Playtime True Wireless Stereo Mode with LED Lights – available from Tronsmart website for $29.99.
This portable shower Bluetooth speakers has integrated dual drivers and patented DSP audio technology(SoundPulse), Tronsmart splash 1 Bluetooth speakers delivers 15W stereo sound, realizing tonal balance with shocking punchy bass, rich pure vocal and clear high-pitched treble with less distortion at any volume.
Pair two shower speakers via True Wireless Stereo Technology allows you to enjoy an unparalleled auditory carnival, delivering surrounding stereo sound like a home theatre with less than 1% distortion. Built-in 2200mAh low-consumption lithium battery, Splash 1 outdoor Bluetooth speakers boasts 24 hours of continuous playtime. Besides, gradient diverse color effects create an astonishing atmosphere of light show party. Fire up party with exquisite decoration.
Upgraded from Bluetooth 4.2, Bluetooth 5.0 technology enables Tronsmart wireless speaker to achieve lower power consumption. faster transmission and more stable connection without any lag. Type-C charging that goes from 0 to 100% in just 2 hours.
Fully sealed design with IPX7 waterproof, Splash 1 portable wireless speaker could effectively prevent rain, snow, dust, mud, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Comes with a shrinkable lanyard, it could be carried around while workouts, commutes, hiking. You can also use this Bluetooth speakers in the bathroom, when you take shower
