It’s that time of the year again when the 13th month pay and Christmas bonus start rolling in, and we finally get to treat ourselves after a year-long hustle! Whether you’re a millennial who just moved out, a Gen Z looking for a thoughtful gift for mom, or a busy parent dreaming of a smarter way to clean, the holidays are the perfect time to upgrade your home with tech that actually works for you.

As always, Manila Millennial is here to share what’s on our radar this Christmas season. We’ve been mobile window-shopping for weeks now (yes, scrolling through Next Upgrade while waiting in line or commuting), and we’ve finally narrowed down our top three must-haves that seem suitable for anyone who wants to spend less time on manual labor and more time sipping hot cocoa under festive lights:

1. Hyundai HFC-SC11KPA Spot Cleaner

On top of our list is this compact spot cleaner from Hyundai, designed to help remove deep stains on sofas, carpets, curtains, and even car seats. As someone who has been watching a lot of deep cleaning TikTok videos, this one really hit the spot! According to Next Upgrade, it packs a strong suction power of ≥11 KPa and comes with separate clean and dirty water tanks—1080ml and 850ml respectively. It’s built for long reach and deep cleaning, making it ideal for post-party spills or everyday messes. With a 450W motor and a sleek, portable design, it’s a practical addition to any home that needs quick, efficient cleanups.

2. Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4

On the other hand, if you’re preparing your home for holiday guests or just want to breathe easier while binge-watching Christmas movies, the Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 EU may be worth considering. It’s designed to purify a 20m² room in only around 10 minutes and comes with smart control features. According to the product page, it effectively reduces airborne viruses like H1N1 and helps maintain a healthier indoor environment. It’s sleek, minimal, and fits right into any modern home setup, especially if you’re into fresh air and clean aesthetics.

3. Hyundai HFC-VAC10KPA Rechargeable Vacuum Cleaner

For last-minute cleanups, the cordless and lightweight Hyundai vacuum cleaner might be your ideal partner. It features a high-speed suction power of ≥10 KPa, a removable 2000mAh lithium battery, and a 2-speed control system. With a HEPA filter and brush attachments included, it’s designed to make light work of both carpets and hard floors. The 0.9L capacity and slim build make it easy to store and maneuver, which sounds suitable for small spaces and quick tidy-ups before guests arrive.

Runner-ups on Next Upgrade

Other items that caught my attention include the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum X10+ and Lasco WiFi Electric Fan because who would’ve thought that time would come when our electric fans also require a WiFi connection? Aside from the curated selection of smart home finds, Next Upgrade has been a breeze to shop through, thanks to its multiple categories and per room suggestions. The website is super user-friendly (even for non-techies), and their delivery is fast! It’s something everyone will surely appreciate during the holiday rush.

They only carry authentic, quality brands, so we don’t have to second-guess our purchases. It’s like having a tech-savvy friend who already did the research for you and all you need to do is hit the “Add to Cart” button.

Bonus: Create Your Dream Bundle Like This!

Speaking of creating lists, Next Upgrade is also running a Home Entertainment Contest, where you can create your own dream bundle from their shop. It’s a fun way to explore new products and maybe even win something for your home. I’ve already started building mine—a TV, air purifier, and maybe a smart speaker for good measure. For more details, visit Next Upgrade’s social media pages.

Whether you’re gifting yourself with smart comfort or giving your loved ones the gift of easier household chores, these picks are worth the upgrade. Because let’s be honest: Nothing says “adulting” like a clean, cozy home you actually enjoy spending time in.

Treat yourself. You’ve earned it!

P.S. Since our budget only fits one of the items for now, we’ll be focusing on the Hyundai Spot Cleaner first! We’ll let you know as soon as it’s here so watch out for another unboxing and test video on the page.

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