Through the years, Brewer Science has been a major innovator in finding ways to improve consumer goods.

Our work in anti-reflective coatings, for example, helped revolutionize the global microelectronics industry by allowing for higher-speed, lighter-weight, ultrapowerful devices. No longer must microprocessors depend on decreasing feature size to increase speed and power in any given product. And these days, our printed electronics research is furthering the incorporation of smart electronics into flexible, curved, thin and/or lightweight surfaces used in labels, antennas, packaging, upholstery, books, skin patches, batteries, clothing and a range of other products.   

“As a company, we have elected to develop our technology from scratch,” founder Dr. Terry Brewer recently explained to the media. “We don’t sell other people’s stuff. When we bring something to the marketplace, it’s never existed before.”

The hard work and innovation shown by Brewer Science and other scientists often results in consumer products that amaze and delight with their capabilities. In that spirit, here’s a list of some of the most fun and/or awe-inspiring technology gifts available on the market for this holiday season, starting at the lowest price points. Many utilize technology developed at Brewer Science.  

1. The Fingerlings Interactive Toy Monkey ($15) offers more than 40 animated fun actions and sound effects aimed at entertaining kids of all ages. Antics include hanging from your finger or falling asleep in your hand.
2. The VicTsing Shower Speaker ($20) wirelessly streams stellar stereo sound via your smartphone most anywhere you’d like to hang it inside or outside, also allowing for hands-free phone calls. It works for six hours before needing recharging.
3. The TrackR Pixel Bluetooth Tracking Device, Key Finder and Wallet Locator ($21) works via Bluetooth technology and can be attached to your purse, phone, keys, remote, etc., for instantaneous tracking when you lose something important. It even lights up.
4. The all-new Fire TV Stick ($40) efficiently connects to your TV's HDMI port so you can employ Alexa to choose from more than 250,000 shows from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, HBO GO or other entertainment sources, plus connect to more than 7,000 apps and games.
5. The fun and efficient Boogie Board 8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablet ($40) is a highly portable, ultra-thin LCD display users of all ages can write on using only their fingertips, avoiding paper waste.
6. The TP-Link Wi-Fi Range Extender ($60) can be a godsend when you need more power. Just plug it in and enjoy a 10,000-square-foot extension of your Wi-Fi range for gaming or other purposes.
7. The Mimo Smart Baby Breathing and Activity Monitor ($74) is a kit that incorporates three smart onesies for babies. These let parents sleep through the night (or make a peaceful daycare drop-off) knowing their little darling’s temperature, breathing, body position and activity level is being constantly tracked and sent to their smartphones. Can you put a price on peace of mind?
8. The Grillbot Automatic Grill Cleaner ($75) automatically scrubs your grill like a Roomba without any elbow grease on your part. Grease, begone.
9. The Oral-B Pro 7000 Series Electric Rechargeable Toothbrush with Bluetooth ($109) provides real-time feedback on how you’re brushing, tracks your dental care habits and offers up helpful tips as it oscillates, rotates and pulsates in six different modes to attack plaque.
10. The top-selling Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker ($149) continually monitors your exercise, sleep quality, texts and calls via an OLED display and only needs charging every seven days.
11. The Echo Show ($230) provides all the voice assistance of Alexa with a visual element that allows for video viewings, flash briefings, live camera footage, etc. Ask Alexa to show who’s ringing your doorbell or how your baby is sleeping, direct her to make instant hands-free video phone calls, etc.
12. The Nest Cam Indoor Security Camera ($160) enables you to remotely view what’s going on in your home day or night via a 130-degree wide-angle lens. When activity is detected, it automatically sends you a phone alert or email with a snapshot. Its voice capacity even allows you to remotely talk to your dog or yell at an intruder.
13. The GoPro HERO5 Black ($399) is waterproof to 33 feet, records for 60 to 90 minutes with a charge and allows for 4K video or 12 MP photos in single, burst or time-lapse modes, letting you preview, play back or trim footage at will.
14. The Apple watch series 3 Aluminum case Sport 42mm GPS ($430) incorporates all-day Siri, app notifications and wireless connection through your Bluetooth. Without need of your phone you can talk, text, use GPS services, track fitness metrics, monitor your blood sugar, etc.  
15. The DJI Phantom 3 Professional 4K Quadcopter Drone with Video Camera ($800) arrives ready to fly so you can capture crystal-clear HD video footage indoors or out. Controls are highly intuitive, and live viewing is enabled through a DJI Pilot app for iOS and Android.
16. The OjO Smart Electric Commuter Scooter for Adults ($2,000) takes you 25 miles on a single charge, letting you cruise the bike lane in style at speeds of up to 20 mph. Features a non-glare interactive display screen and dual-integrated Bluetooth speakers.
17. The Samsung Electronics Curved 75-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart QLED TV ($4,800), a model Samsung calls “our most spectacular TV yet,” offers more than a billion colors and 100 percent color volume thanks to Quantum Dots. Technology called Motion Rate 240 brings sports and fast-moving content to life. Perhaps best of all, its remote does everything — automatically detecting and controlling your satellite, cable, Blu-ray, soundbar, etc. — with no need for manual programming.
18. The Samsung 22-Cu.-Ft. 4-Door Family Hub Counter Depth Refrigerator ($4,994) features three built-in mobile-accessible cameras allowing you to peruse your contents from off-site, while monitors track food expiration dates. Meanwhile, a high-def Wi-Fi-enabled touchscreen on the front plays music, videos and/or TV, displays notes, photos and recipes, and acts as a calendar.