Every year, it's inevitable that you run into the same problem: What do you get for your friend or relative that already has everything or that you simply don't know very well? Tech gifts under $100 are a great safe option -- after all, most of us could use a new keyboard or pair of headphones, even if our old ones are still working reasonably well.
In crafting the list below, we scoured our favorite retailers to find a variety of great items in a variety of styles and price points. We included plenty of tech gifts under $100 you'll definitely expect, like speakers, earbuds, and lots of gaming gear, but we also threw in some products you might not ever find for yourself, like a smokeless fire pit, or even a blender. The bottom line is this: scroll down below, and you'll be able to find a tech gift under $100 idea for even the most difficult-to-shop-for friend.
The best portable fire pit for dads
Solo Stove - Mesa XL Firepit Stainless Steel
Spice up your loved one's next social gathering with this portable wood-burning mini fire pit that's guaranteed to make a lasting impression. Considerably larger than Solo's other offerings and designed for tabletop use, it's great for roasting marshmallows or simply adding a bit of ambiance to their backyard.
For the gym rat in your life
Nutribullet Full-Size Blender Combo 1200
My wife absolutely loves this blender, and we suspect your giftee will too. It's the perfect tech gift under $100 for a gym rat. Its 1200W motor is powerful enough to whip up smoothies and protein shakes with ease, it's easy to clean, and it never leaks. We recommend the 1200W model over its 900W counterpart, as the extra horsepower is worth a couple of extra dollars.
The best budget gaming keyboard for gamers
Logitech G413 SE Full-Sized Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
I bought this relatively inexpensive keyboard as a stopgap measure after my old fancy one broke, and it's so nice that I used it for more than a year. With its simple black finish and tactile mechanical feedback, it's a perfect tech gift under $100 for the gamer in your life.
The best budget gaming headset for gamers
Logitech G632 Wired Gaming Headset
I've used Logitech gaming headsets for most of my gaming life, and this G432 wired set is one of the best under $100 options out there. Its comfortable over-ear cups and crystal-clear microphone ensure that they'll hear what's going on in any firefight, and the deep Black Friday savings are no joke.
The best Bluetooth earbuds for the music lover
Beats Studio Buds
The Beats brand has a mixed record, but these Beats Studio Buds are a steal at around half-price. With up to eight hours of battery life and far superior sound quality than their budget counterparts, they're the ideal earbuds for your favorite hip-hop head.
The best earbuds for your sleep-deprived partner
Hearprotek Sleep Earbuds
As someone who had to rely on white noise or music to fall asleep due to anxiety, these are by far the best sleep-focused earbuds I've ever used. They're actually comfortable to wear even for side sleepers, and the sound quality is more than acceptable. A great backup option for traveling.
The best portable lantern for night explorers
BioLite Alpenglow 500 Multicolor USB Lantern
A little extra light is always a good thing, and this BioLite Alpenglow 500 rechargeable lantern ensures that they won't get lost in the dark. 500 lumens is plenty of lighting for even total darkness, and it's really portable. This is a steal.
The best budget watch for dads (they'll actually like)
Casio MDV106 Series (Duro)
Give the gift of the accurate timekeeping with the best bang-for-your-buck analog watch out there. Highly respected by watch enthusiasts as a bonafide classic, this Casio MDV106 (called the "Duro" or "Marlin" by fans) will definitely catch some eyes. Perfect for the dad in your life.
The best compact mechanical keyboard for gamers
Keychron K2 75% Layout
If you're looking for a premium keyboard that doesn't take up as much desk real estate as full-sized models, this 75% layout mechanical keyboard from Keychron is a great buy. It offers three different mechanical switches with varying degrees of stiffness and response. If they've never used a mechanical keyboard before, you'll show them exactly what they've been missing out on.
The best tracking device deal for families
Apple AirTag 4-Pack
Keeping track of your devices and loved ones shouldn't be complicated, and that's exactly why we recommend these compact, portable Apple AirTags. Gifting one of these to slip one in their wallet, car, and backpack and give them the peace of mind that they'll never lose them ever again. They also make a great for families.
The best compact GaN charger for small households
Anker GaNPrime 65W USB C
My wife and I are big believers in Anker products, and we've been very happy with this compact 65 W GaN charger. It's significantly faster than our old chargers without taking up too much space in our power strips, and that's enough for a recommendation.
The best multi-device GaN charger for big households
UGREEN 100W GaN Charger
If you're looking for a GaN charger that can juice up two big devices (like laptops) simultaneously, this 100W box from UGREEN is a great choice. It's a bit bulky for some setups, but you can't argue with its performance. Great for big households.
The best portable Bluetooth speaker for everyday life
Anker Soundcore 2
Another winner from Anker, this is by far the best Bluetooth speaker I've ever owned, and I've tried quite a few. With great battery life and sound quality, it's perfect for doing yard work, providing some background noise, or just vibing with friends and family.
The best compact portable Bluetooth speaker for an active lifestyle
Anker Soundcore Motion 300
The Soundcore 2's little brother is the perfect Bluetooth speaker for their on-the-go lifestyle. Whether they're taking it to the beach, on a picnic, or wherever their whims take them, it punches well above its size in sound quality and volume.
The best portable game console under $100 for young gamers
Anbernic RG35XX Handheld
If they yearn for the days of dedicated handheld consoles like the Game Boy, this Anbernic lookalike is a no-brainer purchase. It comes pre-loaded with plenty of games and makes it easy to add more, and it's perfect for your niece or nephew who needs to learn to respect the classics.
The best fitness tracker for everyday life
Fitbit Inspire 3 Health and Fitness Tracker
- Lightweight
- Very comfortable
- Accurate fitness sensors
- Battery lasts over a week without a recharge
- Affordable price point
- Lacks an altimeter
- Charger is tricky to disconnect
This basic fitness tracker from Fitbit includes sleep tracking, wellness scores, activity breakdowns, and more. It also comes with a six-month premium membership to Fitbit's online service, so they'll have every insight they need to improve their health. Great for almost anyone.
The best budget tablet for kids
Amazon Fire HD 10
It's rare to find a good tablet under $100, but that's exactly what you're getting with this deal on the Amazon Fire HD 10. With plenty of speed and screen size, it's a great buy for the little one in your life who's looking for an upgrade over their old model. Also great for kids.
The best gaming mouse for PC gamers
Logitech G502
Ask any PC gamer you know for the best gaming mouse on the market, and they're likely to shout G502 at you. I've used mine for years, and when it wears out, I'll buy another just like it. With tons of buttons, an ergonomic design that suits both claw and palm-style grips, and a large amount of customization options, this is a great buy for anyone who likes video games.
The best premium gaming mouse for high-end gamers
Logitech G502 X Lightspeed
Normally too expensive to make our list, this deeply-discounted upgraded version of our favorite gaming mouse adds a number of fun extras, including mechanical switches, an upgraded DPI-shift button, and a more heavy-duty scroll wheel. A premium option for premium gamers.
The best mobile controller for iPhone gamers
Backbone One Gaming Controller
Playing Fortnite on your phone with the digital buttons can be a drag, so try this portable grip controller that turns your mobile device into a sort of Switch-esque hybrid. It fits most Android phones and iPhone 15s and 16s, so make sure to buy the one that suits your device. Great for serious iPhone gamers.
The best video game controller for console or PC for most gamers
PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller
While some might prefer Xbox pads, the PlayStation DualSense is our pick for the best video game controller you can buy for its fantastic D-pad, its ergonomic design, and its innovative haptic feedback. And don't forget that it works on their PC, too.
The best compact PC speakers for small desk-havers
Creative Pebble X 2.0 USB-C Computer Speakers
If (like me!) they struggle to find desk space for a good pair of PC speakers, these Creative Pebble X speakers are for you. They provide plenty of bounce and bass, and their RGB lighting means that they can make them match their aesthetic, too.
The best premium power bank for vacationers
Anker 26,800 mAh Power Bank
This absurdly spacious power bank from Anker is a great way to ensure that they'll never have to worry about charging their phone on the go again. With enough juice to charge their phone six times or their tablet twice, it's a good option for camping trips or long vacations.
The best ultra-portable power bank for long trips
Anker Nano
This is the power bank I take with me almost everywhere, and it's an easy recommendation for almost anyone. Not only can it recharge their phone in a matter of an hour or two, it also has a color screen that will let them know its charge status.
The best portable massage gun
Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2
This portable and rechargeable massage gun from Hyperice is ideal for workout aftercare or simply melting those knots that come from everyday life. Lightweight and easy to use, its 3 hour battery life means they won't have to remember to charge it every time your loved one uses it. We tested this one firsthand. "I liked how effective the Hypervolt was, comparable and as good as any other I have tried," says Digital Trends' Will Senesac. "I liked that it came with 5 different attachments to target various areas and it even though being large was easy to bring to the gym in my bag without taking up much space."
The best cordless shaver or razor for beard-havers
Wahl Lithium Ion Pro Rechargeable Cordless Hair Clippers
YouTube gurus will try to sell you all sorts of fancy razors and clippers, but take it from a long-term beard-haver--this device is 90% of what you need for a nice shave. With 22 different guards and attachments, this tech gift under $100 will allow them to play the barber in their bathroom without much training. It might take a few tries, however.
The best portable lavalier microphone for influencers
MAXTOP Soundguard AP003 Wireless Lavalier Microphone
If they're a content creator or aspiring videographer that struggles to capture good audio during their various adventures, they should strongly consider the MAXTOP Soundguard. It captures clear audio regardless of conditions and works at a variety of ranges.
The best outdoor home security option for families
Ring Battery Doorbell
- Crisp resolution with support for HDR
- Support for Bird's Eye Zones
- Easily removable battery
- Option to hardwire
- Expensive
- Battery needs frequent recharging
This Ring Battery Doorbell gives you an unparalleled sense of safety and comfort, even when you're not there. With Smart Alerts for package deliveries and people on their porch and an uninterrupted video view from anywhere, it's the doorbell they've always wanted and a little lifesaver that will make a big impact on improving their day-to-day lives.
Less waste, more battery power for all.
Paleblue AA and AAA Sustainability Kit -- Rechargeable USB-C Batteries
One thing you'll almost certainly need for the holidays is new batteries. Whether you're changing out the batteries in your Meta Quest 3S controllers, popping some into a new remote control, or powering up a lantern or any number of small electronics. But before you go buying another pack of disposables, hear me out. Paleblue offers an innovative rechargeable battery kit with AA and AAA sizes. Here's the kicker: They can all be recharged via USB-C. That's right, there's a fast-charging USB-C port on each battery. Moreover, because they can be recharged, each Paleblue battery prevents up to 1,000 single-use batteries from being thrown away. That's a lot less waste.
Normally, it's $110 for the AA and AAA Sustainability Kit, which includes eight AA batteries, eight AAA batteries, 4-to-1 charging cables, and travel cases. But thanks to a sweet deal you can get them for 15% off, and that stacks. Currently on sale for $90, the extra 15% off drops the price down to $76. Make sure you join the mailing list to get that excellent deal.
The best indoor pet and security camera for homeowners
Blink Mini 2
If you're looking to gift a dedicated security camera that works with Alexa, the Blink Mini 2 is a great option. It also includes a weather resistant adapter to give them the option of keeping it in a semi-outdoor space, such as a garage or alley, making it a great tech gift under $100 for homeowners.
The best smart speaker with display for Dad
Amazon Echo Show 5
This deeply discounted device gives you all the AI-powered benefits of Alexa's voice with a display that can show your photos, the song you're listening to, and much more. With a built-in camera and smart home integration, you can even adjust the lights or your thermostat with its help.
The best traditional smart speaker for sensitive decorators
Google Nest Mini (2nd Generation)
If you'd prefer to integrate with a different tech company's smart speaker, this Google Nest offers similar features, albeit without the screen. We personally feel it blends a bit better with typical home decor due to its understated design, too.
The best compact TV streaming device for out-of-towners
Amazon Fire TV Stick
This Amazon Fire TV Stick is a great alternative to their smart TV's built-in browser and streaming apps, especially if they're missing certain channels or options. It's also great to take with them on vacations or to friend's houses if they're uncertain about their TV setup.
The best smart table lamp for bachelors
Lepro TB1 AI Smart Table Lamp
This table lamp will allow your loved one to bring a little bit of color and flair to their living room or bedroom with ease. Its unique design is sure to make a statement wherever its placed, and best of all, its integrated app makes changing the setup a breeze.
The best rope light option for homeowners
Govee Neon Rope Light, 6.5 Ft
- Bright, flexible lights
- Easy smart control through Alexa and Google Assistant
- Strong adhesive and easy mounting
- Thousands of different color configurations
- Installation process could use some work
- Not long enough to spell out longer words
- No way to extend the length
This is another striking decor option with full app integration and customizable colors. You can change the hues down to each segment, and the fluid nature of its design means you can bend it into fun shapes. We tested this one firsthand. "The Govee Neon Rope Light 2 is absolutely mesmerizing! Its glow feels almost surreal, like something from Blade Runner or a video game," says Digital Trends' Leif Iverson.
The best strip light option for sensitive decorators
Philips Hue Indoor 6-Foot Smart LED Light Strip
A slightly more subtle strip lighting option than the above neon rope, these strip lights can be easily modified with an app and can change the vibe of a room in seconds. Those who prefer to equip their house with a variety of Philips lighting will be impressed with the app, which works well in my experience.
The best miniature projector for your young children
Govee Star Light Projector
You're heard of putting stars on your kid's ceiling, but how about projecting a vision of the night sky with the touch of a button? That's exactly what you're getting with this table projector. With more than 50 scene modes, it'll have them immersed for hours on end. We tested this one firsthand. "It's fun! And it quite literally lights up a room!" says Digital Trends' Alexis Spring.
The best digital photo frame for Grandpa
FRAMEO 10.1 Inch 32GB Smart Digital Photo Frame
One of the most versatile gift options for family members, this digital photo frame lets them to show off all their vacation photos in one place without lifting a finger. Thanks to deep savings, you can easily buy two to gift for less than $100 and place them in different rooms for a true gallery effect.
The best mini projector for cinema fans
Voplls 1080p Mini Projector with WiFi/Bluetooth
Set the stage for an intimate date night with this handheld mini projector. Though it's not a substitute for a full-sized model, it can cast video and ease for two or three people in a small room. This more expensive version has both WiFi and Bluetooth for maximum convenience.
The best high-tech slow cooker for the chef in your life
Crock-POt 7-Quart Slow Cooker
I've owned this seven-quart slow cooker for years, and it's safe it say that it really gets the job done. Great for those with limited kitchen space, or if they prefer to wash as few dishes as possible.
The best night vision device for rural living
HEXEUM Night Vision Goggles
Right at the top of our price range is this set of fancy night vision binoculars/goggles with excellent customer reviews. Equipped with photo and video capabilities, it's a good gift for those who enjoy exploring their backyards, particularly if they live in less-populated areas.
