Native Union Bluetooth POP Handset
$99
Native Union Hello Kitty POP Handset
$79
LOVEBIRDS tend to spend a lot of time on the phone, and an ergonomically contoured handset is more comfortable for yacking for hours than simply holding a mobile phone to your ear. Native Union makes handsets that resemble those from old rotary phones and, while cheap imitations abound, none is as solidly made as the original created by UK-based French designer David Turpin. A wired Hello Kitty POP Handset plugs right into a phone (although some brands may require an adapter that is sold separately; check www.nativeunion.com) and takes the place of a hands-free headset without requiring a fancy set-up. Perfect for the lady who just wants things to work. Guys might want a wireless option, however, and the Bluetooth POP Handset functions identically but does away with the cable (and any need for adapters). With wireless freedom comes the need to pair the handset with your phone (or laptop) and keep track of battery life. The Hello Kitty POP Handset and Bluetooth POP Handset both come in black, white or pink.
Mutewatch
$399
THIS is not your average watch. It doesn't even look like a timepiece because the LED-powered touchscreen is off by default, making the Mutewatch appear as a featureless bracelet. Flick your wrist, however, and the screen comes on, automatically adjusting brightness to match the environment.
Even with this energy-saving touch, the screen still uses more power than your average time piece but the battery should still last three or four days. A two-hour charge via a USB port brings it back to full power. And a week of disuse automatically sends the Mutewatch into an energy-efficient hibernation mode.
A unique feature is its vibrating alarm, which increases in intensity if it detects motion so that you don't miss any appointments. There's a timer too. Simply swipe the screen to switch between the three functions. Visit mutewatch.com for more information.
The Mutewatch is available in poppy red, charcoal grey and pure black, which means both his and hers are available.
Unit Portables Unit 15 Backpack
$168
Unit Portables Unit 16 Tote Bag
$98
ANYONE can chuck a tablet computer, laptop and cables into a bag and call it a gadget case, but only purpose-built bags keep everything from tangling together and sagging under the weight. The problem is that laptop bags are typically too sober to make nice Valentine's Day gifts. Unit Portables, however, excels at making bags that are as cute as they are practical. The Unit 15 Backpack is a convertible wonder that should appeal to both him and her, and could actually be shared by a couple if one-half receives a black one as a gift. It's got a pair of backpack straps, but also has a flap that unfolds to turn it into a good-looking handcarry. It's got a separate laptop sleeve area that can be accessed without opening the main compartment.
Unit 16 will definitely appeal more to the ladies because of its tote bag handles and streamlined single compartment. But its exterior is still banded with the signature Unit Portables canvas strips that you can hook items or additional storage to, just like the Unit 15. The Unit 15 and 16 come in black, Amazon green, cloud grey or rose red.
All the gadgets on this page are available at authorised resellers such as Robinsons and TwoBros.
