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Christmas tech gift guide: under $1000

With Christmas fast approaching, here are eight gift options for your favourite gadget-obsessed loved one. Presented by Microsoft. Xbox One S now starting at $365.

Gift guide presented by Microsoft. All content and recommendations made by Fairfax Media unless otherwise noted.
The incredibly popular toys-to-life series continues, and in this latest iteration players can create their own Skylander hero to take on an adventure. It works with many of the Skylanders figures you may already have and is available for PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Wii U.
If you want to read in the bath, your best (and practically only) option for an e-reader is a Kobo. With a crisp screen and access to an astoundingly large number of books to buy or lend, this Kobo will also survive a dunk in the tub or the ocean.
Though there are several high-end phones that come in at just under $1000, the Oppo F1s is our choice for the best budget handset of 2016. Long-lasting, reliable and delivering all the performance you need for most tasks, it's a solid pick at a third of a flagship's price.
The latest Xbox home console is 40 per cent smaller than the original, has a great lineup of games including modern blockbusters and Xbox 360 classics, and supports HDR and 4K for media playback. Available with a range of hard drive configurations and in various bundles, there's a One S for just about any budget. This recommendation courtesy of Microsoft.
Though Beats is arguably the more fashionable brand, these will fit the bill if you know a music lover who wants something a bit different. Sony's Bluetooth, noise-cancelling, Hi-Res Audio cans look and sound brilliant. If you're looking to spend less, they come in a non-NC, wired version as well.
This pocketable drone comes at a premium price but can do some amazing things. Capable of taking 4K photos, 1080p video and object tracking, it's a great companion for taking holiday selfies. The smartphone-based control app can take some getting used to, but with some care and discipline you'll be flying high in no time. dobby.net.au
Nikon's entry level DSLR is an amazing value, giving access to the sharp, noise-free images of a high-end camera for a fraction of the cost. The D3400 is capable of taking RAW files if you want to process them yourself, but can also stream images straight to your smartphone via Bluetooth for posting online. It also opens the door to Nikon's vast range of lenses and accessories.
If you have your eye on one of Microsoft's fancy Windows tablets but don't want to put down more than $1000, this is the one you want. It's still plenty powerful with 4GB of RAM and 64GB internal storage, it can take a SIM card for internet on the go and a keyboard or pen can be added later if needed.

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