16 Best Gadgets We Wanted in 2014 (And Still Want in 2015), From FitBits to E-Readers to the Snazzy iPhone 6

I bought this in April, and it was worth every cent. I use it for comic book conventions and on vacations, since I usually get down to a low charge from taking pictures and using social media all day. All you have to do is plug the USB end of your phone charger into the Anker, so it works with iPhone and Android phones.

Anker® 2nd Generation Astro Mini, $19.99, amazon.com

Let’s face it: Apple really came through with the iPhone 6. It has a thinner, sleeker design, brilliant screen resolution, and an expanded app selection, including the cool new Health and Apple Pay features.

Apple iPhone 6, starting at $199, store.apple.com

Seems like there are a lot of TV streaming gadgets out these days, and the Amazon Fire TV is among the top contenders. It’s great for Amazon junkies, and has better support for gamers than Roku. Plus, you saw those Gary Busey commercials, right? Sold.

Amazon Fire TV, $79, amazon.com

My fitness-obsessed sister and my technology-obsessed boyfriend both have the FitBit Charge and love it. It has a sleek design and tracks fitness-related things, like calories burned and steps taken, as well as how well you slept the night before. One of the only downsides is that it has a unique charger, so if you lose it, you’re kind screwed.

FitBit Charge, $129.95, fitbit.com

Beats headphones were probably on every music lover’s wish list in 2014, and for good reason. The Beats Solo 2.0 took everything people went crazy for with the original and made it better — inside and out.

Beats Solo 2.0, $179.95, beatsbydre.com

Not a technological gadget, but a gadget none the less. The AeroPress delighted avid coffee drinkers with its simplicity and functionality, and it is easier on your wallet than other coffee makers. Just add ground coffee beans and water to the cylinder to make one to four cups per serving — 20 seconds later you’ll have a cup of coffee with less acidity and bitterness.

Aerobie AeroPress Coffee & Espresso Press, $25.99, bedbathandbeyond.com

I include the Socialmatic because it was technically supposed to be released in 2014 (now available Jan. 1, 2015), and because it’s so cool. I remember being fascinated by my mom’s Polaroid camera in the ’90s, and now Polaroid is bringing their snap-and-share technology and updating it for the modern world. The Socialmatic still prints out physical pictures, but you can also instantly share the same pictures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more.

Polaroid Socialmatic Camera, $299.99, amazon.com

With its custom interface, beautiful display, and improved camera, even die-hard iPhone users were eyeing the Galaxy S5 this year.

Samsung Galaxy S5, $49.99, bestbuy.com

As a very fair skinned person, I have to be conscious of how much sun I’m exposed to. Now there’s a gadget for that! The June is a lovely, jeweled bracelet that monitors how much sun you are getting, and even suggests sunscreen products you should be using via your smartphone.

June by Netamo, $99, netamo.com

As phones get bigger, USB drives seem to be getting smaller. The SanDisk Cruzer is perfect for protecting and accessing photos, files, and programs on the go, and is so small it basically blends in with your devices.

SanDisk Cruzer Fit USB Flash Drive, staring at $7.74, amazon.com

I mean, we all sing Taylor Swift in the shower, right? The Kinglake speaker is waterproof, Bluetooth enabled, and compatible with both Apple and Android devices. And it comes in five cool colors!

KINGLAKE® Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Shower Speaker, $20.84, amazon.com

With improved rear and front facing cameras, more storage, and a better processor, the Air 2 confirms why the iPad is still the standard for tablets.

Apple iPad Air 2, starting at $499, store.apple.com

I live in California, and we’re going through a nasty drought. So, it’s important to be aware of your own water use — especially all those luxurious showers you’ve been taking. The Waterpebble can help with that. This little gadget measures water use and times your shower, advising you when it’s time to get out. It’ll hopefully help save some water and save you money.

Boa Waterpebble, $12, amazon.com

I’m among the book-loving, e-reader skeptics, but CNET describes the Kindle Voyage as perhaps the best e-reader to date, so it might be worth a look. Though, it is more expensive than other e-readers (including the not-so-far-off Amazon PaperWhite).

Amazon Kindle Voyage, $199, amazon.com

We’re all guilty of leaving our thermostats on every once in a while. Luckily, the Nest Learning Thermostat handles that for you. Not only can you control it remotely, but the Nest also learns your temperature preferences and schedule, and turns itself off when you’re away. Installation is easy, too!

Nest Learning Thermostat, $249, amazon.com