The Coolest Tech Gadgets (That You Didn't Know You Wanted)

Yes, it’s a bit pricey at $250, but it may end up saving you more than that over a year. Nest is a “smart” thermostat that can program itself based on your daily patterns and preferences. It can automatically shut off your air or heat if no one’s home, preheat the house before you get back from work, and be controlled remotely with a smartphone or tablet. You’ll also be able to access detailed energy consumption reports to show you how much you’re saving.

Phone and keys – you don’t want to leave the house (or anywhere else) without both. ZOMM makes that much harder to do by setting off an alarm when your phone and keys get separated by more than 30 feet. Additionally, you can trigger the alarm in order to find either object if you misplace one.

The ZOMM key fob also has an “emergency button” that can make your cell phone call 911 if held in for 9 seconds. If that’s a little too fancy, though, there are many similar “leash” items that are more straightforward.

This little device, despite being the size of a smartphone, can store enough power to charge your smartphone up to 5 times. Simply plug it into the phone’s USB port, just as you would a regular charging cable. It’s a great object to bring along on roadtrips or anywhere else you won’t have access to an outlet… or just to keep with you if your phone’s constantly dying. At around $30, it’s pretty affordable too.

Having a hard time using those “bud” headphones? These little soft plastic bits snap onto the earpieces, making it much harder for them to fall out of your ear - even if you’re jogging. At $10 a pair, you can even afford to buy them in multiple colors.

If you prefer taking notes on paper, this is the gadget for you. The Livescribe Smartpen looks and feels like a ballpoint pen. However, it can record and save everything you jot down, allowing you to access and preserve your notes on your computer. It also has a microphone included for recording and syncing audio. While it's an investment at $150, it’s a great tool for students, reporters, or anyone who prefers adding diagrams and doodles to their writing.