by Jayne Cannon ’Tis the season to be joule-y. Check out these electronic toys for youngsters and teens on your Christmas list. A REAL DOLL Luvabella isn’t just another talking doll. She giggles, learns new words and animal sounds, and even has a heartbeat. Feed her, comfort her and get her to talk to you…. Continue reading.

It can be a big mean world. You want to be careful out there. These tools will help you stay safe and secure. SMART ALARM When the smoke alarm goes off, Nest Protect smoke + CO alarm sends an alert to your phone telling you exactly where the problem is. You can silence the alarm… Continue reading.

JUST BREW IT Start your day off right with the Keurig K15 Coffee Maker in your favorite color. Its compact size fits nicely in cramped quarters. Brews three sizes, with a 10-ounce option to power through sleepy mornings. $100. 866-901-2739; keurig.com BIG MAC Though it weighs only 4 pounds and is just over half an… Continue reading.

By Jane Cannon Just in Case If you must have your mobile in or out of the pool, consider the Lifeproof Nuud + Alpha Glass Bundle. Waterproof cell casing protects front and back, and custom glass shields the screen. $140. 888-533-0735; lifeproof.com Water Wheels You won’t win a race by pedaling the Aquatic Bike in… Continue reading.

By Jayne Cannon Forget the tie and aftershave. Today’s dad deserves tools that make life easier and more fun. TECHNO POP POWER PLAY Dad will be all-powerful with this father of All Portable Chargers. The RAVPower 27,000-milliamp-hour Universal Power Bank weighs less than 2 pounds and can charge an iPhone 6s up to 11 times…. Continue reading.

By Jayne Cannon Whether you love to cook, hate to cook or just have to cook, your life in the kitchen is easier when you find the right tools. RISE ’N’ SHINE HIGH-TECH TOAST Burning your bagel is not a good way to start the day. The Cuisinart Touch to Toast Leverless Toaster lets you… Continue reading.

By Diane Veto Parham Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you have to leave all the comforts of home. Take some with you to make the trip more pleasant. DRIVE TIME Captivating audiences How do you keep peace among the tykes in the backseat during long road trips in primitive vehicles lacking the modern necessity… Continue reading.

By Marc Rapport When spring has sprung and it’s time to spiff up the yard, make the work more fun with innovative, problem-solving products that enhance your outdoor time. LAWN PATROL DOUBLE PLAY With no cord and no gas, the electric-powered WORX String Trimmer and Wheeled Edger gives you the freedom to tackle tall grass… Continue reading.

By Marc Rapport The ideal office environment has a mix of gadgets for productivity, collaboration, comfort and even portability (for when the work goes on the road). OFFICE SPACE GO ERGO Say you really want to personalize your keyboard—which keys go where, what sound they make, how much pressure you use, whether it’s one piece… Continue reading.

By Marc Rapport When temperatures start dipping and nipping at fingers and toes — indoors or out — these gadgets can bring the heat when and where you need it. PERSONAL SPACE OUTDOOR BUDDY Take it fishing, take it camping, take it out to the workshop. Wherever you go, the portable and powerful Mr. Heater… Continue reading.

By Marc Rapport While there will probably always be a place for the traditional electric train set around the Christmas tree, here are some newer digital delights to make your holidays a little more techy for everyone on your gift list. PLAY AND LEARN Baby Talk Baby’s smartphone entertains the littlest device users with colorful… Continue reading.

By Patrick Keegan and Amy Wheeless Now that winter is here, I’d like to make my home more comfortable by keeping cold air out. I’m planning to have a contractor inspect and seal air leaks. However, a neighbor mentioned that I could seal up my home too much and cause ventilation problems. Is this true?… Continue reading.