Picking out gifts for everyone can be tough. Even if you know them well, there’s always a chance that your gift is not going to be received well. I know, I know, it’s the thought that counts and while that is true, no one wants to be the bearer of bad or unwanted gifts. It’s even worse if the intended recipient seems to have everything already. The thing about tech, though, is that there are new products all the time, which means there will always be more options for gifts. So, you’re gonna need some help to find the best tech gifts for gadget lovers, at various budget ranges. Rather than make you peruse through the list of the latest tech deals, or even just our updated list of the best deals period, we’ve compiled a handy guide for you right here.
Without further ado, these are some of the best tech gifts that you can buy today, in our humble opinion. You should also check our fancy schmancy Top Tech Gifts for the Holidays page while you’re at it. If you’re looking for gifts to grab during Black Friday specifically, we also have a can’t-miss Black Friday gift guide for every budget.
Best tech gifts under $50
Super Universal Socket — $6, was $10
Okay, hear me out on this one. A couple of years ago my wife bought one of these for me on a whim and at the time I thought it was ridiculous. But this thing has come in super handy at times for working with a variety of bolts, nuts, tools, and beyond. It even works with certain damaged heads or stripped parts. This would be an excellent stocking stuffer.
PlayStation Store Gift Card — $10, $25, $50, more
Gift cards can sometimes seem like a cop-out, but trust me, for those gamers in your life — they’ll love a gift card to their favorite digital store. That allows them to purchase games of their choosing, DLC, or even put it towards re-subscribing to online services. I recommend the $25 gift card because it’s a sweet spot between relatively inexpensive but providing plenty towards the cost of a new game or something else. You can always spring for bigger cards, too, like $50, $100, or more.
Xbox Gift Card — $10, $15, $20, $25, $50, more
An Xbox gift card may be used for games and other content on the Xbox Series X and Xbox One consoles, as well as for Windows PCs. You can purchase the games that you want digitally and even preorder upcoming games so that they can be pre-downloaded ahead of their release date. Sticking with my previous recommendation, I say splurge on the $25 gift card. It’s a great price point for everybody.
Alternative: If you know someone who has a Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite you might consider getting them a instead.
Rocketbook Core Reusable Spiral Notebook — $19, was $37
I know, you’re wondering what a notebook is doing on this list. The Rocketbook is actually a digitized notebook that allows you to write, erase, and re-write an endless amount of times. It’s also app-enabled so you can upload your work to whatever services you use like Google Drive or Dropbox. This is a great choice for all of those artists, sketchers and creatives in your family or friend circle.
Blink Video Doorbell — $30, was $60
There are two places I always recommend starting your smart home, or rather, where I think you should install smart home devices. One of them is your doorbell. It’s a real game-changer to be able to answer your door remotely, even if you’re home. You can send those pesky solicitors running with their tail between their legs and you don’t even have to look them in the eyes. Anyway, the Blink Video Doorbell is a good gift idea because it’s easy to install and works with pretty much any door layout.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max — $33, was $60
Not much elaboration is needed on this one. Slip it into a stocking or wrap the box to give the gift of streaming this holiday season. I don’t recommend sharing your Netflix passwords with anyone, though.
Kasa HS300 Smart Plug Power Strip — $40, was $48
You can never have enough power strips. Even better, you can never have enough power strips with USB ports embedded. That allows you to charge mobile devices, tablets, handheld game consoles, you name it, all without plugging in an adapter. This one is also smart-enabled so you can control it from anywhere using the Kasa Smart app, and whatever is plugged into it. All six outlets are independently controlled and you can even tell Alexa, Google Assistant, or Cortana to turn your outlets on, and off. Laziness for the win!
Rubik’s Connected Cube — $40, was $50
You’ve heard of the Rubik’s Cube puzzle toy? Well, the Rubik’s Connected Cube is an app-enabled version of the popular puzzle, connecting to your phone or tablet to track the cube’s orientation and your moves in real-time. The app, which also tracks your progress, will teach anyone who wants to learn how to solve the Rubik’s Cube. It’s the perfect gift idea for the intuitive mind.
Anker Soundcore P40i Noise Canceling Earbuds — $42, was $70
If you want an affordable pair of wireless earbuds with all the bells and whistles you’d normally find in more expensive options, check out the Soundcore P40i by Anker. They have a 2-in-1 charging case that doubles as a phone stand, offer up to 60 hours of listening time, and have some punchy, delightful bass. They’re also IPX5 resistant so good for use anywhere, including outdoors. Drop these bad boys into a stocking to make some audiophiles real happy this season.
SodaStream Terra Sparkling Water Maker — $50, was $100
If you have never heard of SodaStream, well, the first thing I’d ask is where have you been? They’re basically homemade soda machines where you can make sparkling beverages at the push of a button. The Terra is no exception, and it comes with everything you need to get started. If you know someone who loves sparkling water, club soda, or fizzy drinks this would make them very happy.
My Life In a Book — $79
Talk about the ideal gift, it’s this right here. Gift your friends, family, and loved ones personalized keepsakes that they’re a direct part of. They get to share their experiences, photos, and wisdom and in the end it results in a preserved memory book. There are options for couples, babies, life celebrations and more.
Best tech gifts under $100
Game Console Controller(s) — $30 to $250
I didn’t pick one type of controller for a reason here. Some people have Xbox, some have PlayStation, and others still have a Nintendo Switch. If you’re like me, you have a bunch of consoles including a PC with access to Steam and a Steam Deck, which means you can use any type of controller. The point is, that this entry includes several different controller options so you can find your gamer friends and family the right one. Some have a wide compatibility range, too, like the Elite Series 2 Controller, which you can use to game on the Xbox Series X, Xbox One, or Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs.
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Hidrate Spark PRO Smart Water Bottle — $49, was $70
Look, I’ll be the first to admit that not everything needs the “smart” treatment, and when I first heard about a smart water bottle, I thought it was pretty ridiculous. Until I learned what it can actually do and how that can change your life. The Hidrate Spark PRO tracks your water intake and reports it all via Bluetooth to an app on your mobile. An LED reminder on the bottle will send alerts when it’s time to take a drink. You can fully customize the bottle to match your style, too. And even though we’ve picked out the water bottle with straw here, there are other options like a tumbler. It also keeps your drinks cold for up to 24 hours.
Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Portable Turntable — $50, was $70
Breathe new life into your vinyl records with the Victrola portable Bluetooth turntable, which can also play music on its built-in speakers through a Bluetooth connection with a mobile device or a 3.5mm aux-in. Once you’re done, store the turntable by closing the suitcase, which is durable for added protection. If you know anyone who collects vinyl, old or new, this would make a fantastic gift for them. Wait until you see their eyes light up.
Govee Star Light Projector — $56, was $80
More than a night light, this projector displays a captivating aurora-like scene on the walls and ceilings. There are 52 scene modes for incredible variety, 18 white noise options, and configurable DIY tools to change how it all looks. It’s great for all ages.
PhoneSoap 3 UV Cell Phone Sanitizer — $56, was $80
Think about how disgusting your phone screen must be with all of those germs and nasties. Even when you take a wipe to the screen, you’ll see smears of who knows what. The PhoneSoap 3 uses two germicidal UV-C bulbs to sanitize your phone, killing most bacteria and germs, while also providing USB ports for charging. This helps you stay healthy, as your phone picks up bacteria from your hands and the surfaces it touches. It can also be used to sanitize anything else that fits in the chamber.
Apple AirTag 4-Pack — $73, was $99
For people who keep forgetting where they’ve placed their keys or wallet, you need the Apple AirTag. The tracking device shows you where it is through the Find My app, and it can play a sound if you are looking for the item where it’s attached. With a simple one-tap setup, anybody can use the AirTag. The new model uses precision wayfinding via Ultra Wideband and Bluetooth 5.0 and features an IP67 rating — with waterproofing up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. It also uses a user-replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery. When the battery dies, you just replace it.
Sony PlayStation Class — $80, was $100
Sometimes, a little nostalgia is in order. That’s precisely what you — or the lucky recipient — will get here. It’s a realistic but miniature recreation of the original PlayStation console complete with 20 pre-loaded fan-favorite games and two wired controllers for local multi-player. A virtual memory card allows you to save your game just like the old days. Games include Metal Gear Solid, Oddworld: Abe’s Odyssey, Resident Evil Director’s Cut, Wild Arms, Final Fantasy VII, Tekken 3, Grand Theft Auto, and more. Grab this one for those Millennial gamers you know.
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD — $90, was $130
This tough SanDisk portable solid-state drive has been a staple on our gift guide list for a couple of years now, and for good reason. A portable SSD brings immense value as you have all your essential files with you at all times, and you still benefit from the fast read and write speeds of the technology. But the SanDisk Extreme SSD takes it to another level by providing drop protection and IP55 water and dust resistance. It also comes with a carabiner loop to secure the SSD to your belt or backpack. We picked out the 1 TB version, but storage options go all the way to 8 TB.
MEATER Pro Smart Bluetooth Meat Thermometer — $100, was $130
You can’t have any pudding if you don’t eat your meat. But you won’t want to eat the meat unless it’s cooked right. For that, you’ll need something like the MEATER Pro which is a wireless, smart meat thermometer for the modern age. Gift it to any griller, cook, budding chef, or would-be sear coach. It has a resistance of 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and it’s both deep fryer and air fryer safe. It pairs seamlessly with the app, and even comes with access to a variety of recipes. Get your meat on for the holidays.
Best tech gifts under $200
Linkind LED TV Backlights with HDMI 2.0 Sync Box — $105, was $129
I have these exact lights and they’re installed on my office TV — the very set I use to play games. When I first installed them I had to change some settings on my PS5 to make sure they worked correctly. Pro Tip: My TV kept flickering and the video was turning off, but all I had to do was swap the Video Transfer Rate to -1, or -2, in the Video Output settings. This pretty much applies to all lighting solutions that use a sync box. Either way, I digress. This set would make a great gift for all the gamers out there who want a more immersive lighting experience. They also work well on home theater setups, in your living room, bedroom, or wherever you have an active TV.
Beats Studio Buds+ — $130, was $170
The original Beats Studio Buds are an excellent alternative to the AirPods Pro. The Beats Studio Buds+ retains that vibe while utilizing the Beats’ custom acoustic platform for enhanced audio. You get up to 36 hours of listening time, Active Noise Canceling (ANC) support, a transparency mode to stay aware of your surroundings, and more. They also come in several styles so you can find the perfect match for whoever you’re giving them to.
Clicks Keyboard for iPhone — $139
Tired of using a virtual keyboard to type long emails or messages? Clicks is a unique keyboard for various iPhone models that brings back the QWERTY-style physical keyboard. As the name suggests, it’s satisfyingly clicky. It comes in several colors so you can match it to your recipient’s personality or the iPhone, whichever makes more sense. Either way, typing is back baby.
SimpliSafe The Lighthouse: 7-piece wireless security system — $144, was $480
The Lighthouse is SimpliSafe’s comprehensive home security system with everything you need included in one bundle. You get the base station, three entry sensors for doors and windows, one security keypad, one motion sensor, and one outdoor camera. Complete with the camera it puts you in full control of your home and ensures you’re at the center of every alert. Pair it with SimpliSafe’s Active Guard outdoor protection and agents can deter intruders by speaking to them directly, shining a spotlight, or sounding a siren — all built into the camera.
This Black Friday deal saves you up to 70% when you sign up for professional monitoring. Paid in full it’s $144 for everything instead of the usual $480. Great offer and one of SimpliSafe’s best deals ever.
Philips Hue LED Smart Bulb Starter Kit — $153, was $180
Give your recipient the gift of a smart home this holiday season. Why? Because everything is better when you don’t have to get up off the couch or get out of bed just to turn on some lights. You can easily set up those smart lights around your home with this Philips Hue starter kit. It includes four smart lights that can display from your choice among 16 million colors, and you can schedule them through the Philips Hue app. The starter kit also comes with a Hue Hub, which can control up to 50 smart lights.
Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Handheld Massage Gun — $159, was $199
Sore? Stressed? Massage it all away with the Hypervolt 2, across three speeds of powerful percussion. It features an improved ergonomic design, making it better and more comfortable to hold during use. Best of all, it’s whisper quiet so it won’t wake the kids, or your partner if they’re nearby, and you can rely on step-by-step expert guidance through the Hyperice app. Everyone loves a massage so this would be a great gift idea for pretty much anyone. Bonus points if they’re over the age of 35 because that’s when things start getting real achy.
Ember Travel Mug 2+ with Apple Find My — $160, was $200
Keep your beverage at your desired temperature with the Ember Travel Mug 2 app-controlled mug, which has a capacity of 12 ounces and a battery that can last up to three hours on a single charge. You can change the setting through its touch display or the Ember app on your smartphone. It automatically senses when to turn the heating function on or off, entering a sleep mode when empty or after two hours of inactivity, saving the battery. This one also comes with support for Apple Find My so you can locate the mug on a map using the Find My App on your iPhone or Apple devices. It’s an excellent gift idea for anyone who’s already invested in the Apple ecosystem and loves coffee.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Camera with Instant Film — $160
It’s time to bring back the instant photos that were all the rage back in the day. Experience precisely that and take snapshots of life’s best moments with the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11. The instant camera makes everything easy by automatically selecting the best shutter speed depending on your environment. Your pictures will always look fabulous. It also comes with a selfie mode to make it easy to take pictures of yourself with your loved ones. It’s a fun gift for teens, outdoor explorers, photographers, and everyone in between.
Apple AirPods 4 — $169, was $179
Our resident reviewer and You Asked star Caleb Denison was relatively happy with them when he reviewed the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC. He gave them four stars and praised the effective Active Noise Cancelation, solid sound quality, good voice and call quality and he felt they were more comfortable than some previous models. Of course, the real question is who do you know that would love to receive some of these as a gift?
Nintendo Switch Lite — $200
Gamers on the go should either have the Nintendo Switch, or the Nintendo Switch Lite. The Lite differs because it’s meant to be totally portable — it doesn’t connect to your TV like the standard or OLED Nintendo Switch models. The regular console also features removable controllers known as Joy-Cons, while here the controllers are built into the console and non-removable. It can still play all Nintendo Switch games including physical cards and digital titles purchased on the Nintendo eShop. Players get access to exclusives such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Metroid Dread.
Alternative: If you know someone who already owns a PlayStation 5, you might consider getting them a .
Best tech gifts under $500
Prinker S Temporary Tattoo Device — $263, was $329
Do you like art and tattoos? Would you consider putting some temporary tattoos on your skin? How about someone in your family? I know, it’s unorthodox and maybe even a little uncouth, but the good news is the Prinker S is a temporary tattoo device. Choose from over 12,000 custom and temporary tattoos. They take just three seconds to imprint and all ink is non-toxic and water-resistant. It should last for up to two days, unless you wash it off with soap and water.
Meta Quest 3S (128GB) — $300
The new Meta Quest 3S is the more accessible version of the recent standalone VR headset, and this time around it includes Batman: Arkham Shadow and a three-month trial of Meta Quest+. Normally, you’d have to buy any games or digital experiences separately. Here, you get the Batman game included, which is tons of fun — my kids and I play it often. If you don’t want to spend extra, or you’re worried about the recipient having to spend, there are a lot of free apps and games on the Meta Quest store, as well. It’s a great gift, especially for someone who doesn’t have a VR headset yet.
Ninja SLUSHi Pro Frozen Drink Maker — $300
Want to make the perfect frozen cocktail or virgin slushies in the comfort of your kitchen? Look no further than the Ninja SLUSHi. No ice is needed, how crazy is that? The technology freezes whatever liquid you put inside evenly to make the best-frozen drinks, period. You can put virtually any liquid inside from juice to hard liquor. Our team has had a lot of fun testing this one out, maybe a little too much if you know what I mean. There are five preset settings to make slushies, spiked slushies, frappes, milkshakes, and frozen juice. When it’s all done self-serve with the pour spout and handle right into your favorite glass. Spicy margs anyone?
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Wayfarer — $303, was $379
These aren’t just glasses with an iconic Ray-Ban style, they’re equipped with intelligent solutions empowered by Meta AI. Ask Meta to translate signs and things you see in the world, summarize a food menu, or even remember where you parked your car. At any moment you can use the built-in cameras to capture photos in your first-person perspective or videos. You can also answer calls, send text messages via your voice, and listen to music locally. Privacy controls allow you to fine-tune how your experience plays out, how your data I used, and what features are enabled — you can disable voice commands, for instance. They make for a great gift, especially since the lenses are polarized and optimized.
DJI Mini 3 — $329, was $419
Take to the skies with the DJI Mini 3, a drone that’s equipped with a 12MP camera that can take up to 4K-quality videos. It also has a three-axis motorized gimbal that will help maintain a steady shot, even when it’s up high in the air. The drone is easy to bring along during your travels, for better shots of the scenes that surround you. It’s a top gift idea for photographers, content creators, explorers, and pretty much anyone fascinated with flight.
Reolink Argus 4 Pro + 6-watt Solar Panel and SD Card Bundle (2-Pack) — $330, was $454
Typically, I tend to recommend against getting just one security camera unless you’re buying them piecemeal. That’s because once I set up a camera at my house I immediately wanted more. I regret not buying them in a bundle. You don’t have to make that mistake with the dual-pack bundle. It includes two of Reolink’s excellent Argus 4 Pro cameras, two six-watt solar panels to keep them powered up, plus two SD cards for the cameras and local storage. It’s a lot and it would be an incredible gesture to gift this bundle to the security-conscious folks in your life.
GoPro HERO13 Black — $340, was $400
The GoPro HERO13 is the most recent edition of the action camera offering 5.3K resolution video at 60 frames per second and 27-megapixel still photos. While the premiere use of these cameras is to document high-octane activities, you can also use them just as well to record the mundane. For example, if you want to record anniversaries, birthday parties, get-togethers, barbecues, or even a hike through the woods. There are a ton of accessories available for the GoPro series which means you can mount them to virtually anything and everything. I don’t know a single person who would be upset with receiving one of these as a gift.
TCL RAYNEO Air 2S AR and XR Glasses — $360, was $400
These AR and XR glasses work differently than your average pair of VR goggles or headsets. You have to be plugged directly into the device you want to display via USB-C. For example, you can plug into your Steam Deck, something I do all of the time with my RAYNEO Air 2S. You might be asking, why? Because it basically projects a personal and private 201-inch 120Hz OLED display inside the lenses of the glasses. It’s like watching or playing on a huge TV. The RAYNEO Air 2S works with Android, Mac, iOS and iPhone, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and much more. Gift these to anyone you don’t want to see for a few days because as soon as they get them they’re going to hide away in a cubby and watch, play, and stream to their heart’s content. I use them to play games and still spend time in the living room with everyone.
XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro Portable Projector — $380, was $450
Know a movie buff? Set up movies in the backyard, at the park, and virtually anywhere with the portable projector. The best part is that it features licensed Netflix access so no workarounds. You can stream your favorite service right here on this device. Stream Google TV, Netflix favorites, you name it. It offers a 450 ISO lumens brightness, 90% DCI-P3 color gamut, and full HD 1080P resolution. It comes with a 130-degree built-in stand, too. Dual 5-watt speakers by Harman Kardon mean they sound great and it works with a Type-C 65-watt power bank for portable power. Cinema buffs, photographers, and anyone that loves to watch content or media will enjoy this little projector.
Asus ROG Ally AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (512GB) — $500, was $650
As one of the better competitors to the Steam Deck, the Asus ROG Ally is a fun, capable gaming PC handheld PC. The biggest difference is that it’s running native Windows so you can play PC, console, and mobile games all via one device. Launch Steam, Epic Games, GOG Galaxy, or any other Windows-based app, including Xbox Game Pass. It offers intelligent cooling, great performance, and immersive audio via Dolby Atmos. The biggest gripe I have with the Ally is the battery life, everything else is gold.
Rapsodo Mobile Launch Monitor for Golf — $500
The ultimate gift for golf lovers everywhere, this mobile launch monitor allows you to trace your shot and play anywhere. If it’s cold outside, no problem, then take some shots in your garage or shed. It provides instant replay feedback, info on your launch, active shot, and other elements — like your swing. It’s easy to use and super simple to set up too.
Best tech gifts under $1,000
Arcade1Up NFL Blitz Arcade Cabinet with Rizer and Lit Marquee — $600
There are a ton of different Arcade1Up cabinets each with different games. But one of the better presents to give someone is this NFL Blitz blast from the past arcade cabinet. It also comes with a riser which helps lift it up to an adult-friendly height, plus a lit marquee. This cabinet is WiFi enabled so you can connect to the companion app and join a community of arcade gamers across the country.
Ooni Volt 12 Electric Pizza Oven — $719, was $899
Want delicious, crispy homemade pizza that tastes just like it was cooked in a wood-fired oven? The Ooni Volt 12 is a great option, especially since it’s all-electric. That makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. It has a built-in timer, temperature controls, and a boost mode to crank up the heat. It’s small enough to fit on a kitchen counter but big enough to fit a full-size 13-inch pizza. It’s ready to use out of the box, too. Just unpack it, plug it in, and go. It can be a pricy gift, I know, but anyone who receives one of these is going to be making pizza all the time, it’s worth it.
Apple MacBook Air 13.6-inch with M2 Chip (2022) — $749, was $999
The 2022 MacBook Air is a powerful laptop that’s equipped with Apple’s M2 chip, which is so efficient that the laptop goes completely fanless. It’s also equipped with a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, with a battery life that can last up to 18 hours on a single charge.
CyberPower Gamer Master Gaming PC with AMD Ryzen 5-7600 — $799, was $899
There’s nothing quite like gifting them the best gaming present ever for the holidays, adult or not. This CyberPower PC is ready to rock and roll and take on most games on high or better settings. It’s a desktop too so they can do absolutely everything and everything from media streaming and content creation to watching media, browsing, shopping and more. It’s powered by an AMD Ryzen 5-7600 processor, AMD Radeon RX 7600, 16GB of DDR5 RAM and it comes with a 1TB solid-state drive.
Eureka J15 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop with Self-Emptying Base — $800, was $1,000
Want to really make someone happy for the holidays? Gift them a self-cleaning and maintenance-free smart robot vacuum like the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra. It offers a super impressive 16,200 pascals of suction power. But the real benefit here is that it can handle up to 75 days of hands-free cleaning. That’s thanks to the unique dock which auto washes and dries the mop, self-empties the dustbin, charges the device and more. It’s pretty much set and forget-friendly. What a gift!
