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From Portable Projectors to Pocket Translators, These Are the 35+ Best Tech Gifts for Gadget Lovers
Whether you're looking to upgrade your gear or snag the latest device, here are some solid tech gifts that will impress even the pickiest of recipients.
By
Tim Chan, Nishka Dhawan, Sage Anderson
December 12, 2023
Amazon
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Got a gear-obsessed friend or family member always looking for the latest tech gadgets?
With new tech releasing at lightning speed throughout the year, you may have a hard time choosing the perfect present. Our favorite tech gifts include everything from the highly-rated wireless headphones, to chic and wearable fitness trackers. We curated this list for every budget and every level of techiness on a scale from “googles the website they’re looking for” to “the family IT specialist”.
Our guide is a mix of gadgets that we’ve personally tested ourselves (like the 2nd Gen AirPods Pro), along with top-rated gear with overall positive reviews (the Kindle Paperwhite currently has +39,000 5-star ratings on Amazon). We promise there’s a gadget gift out there for everyone, for every budget.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your own gear or snag the latest device for a loved one, here are some solid tech gifts that will impress even the pickiest of people.
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Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds
Image Credit: Apple
Apple’s latest latest wireless earbuds are one of the hottest tech gifts this year, and a must-have for music lovers. They deliver clear sound, offer up to six hours of music playback per charge, and that’s with ANC on (their charging case provides an additional 24).
The earbuds’ standout feature is the updated active noise cancellation, which uses microphones to block intense outside sounds in real time — like traffic or construction — from interrupting music.
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eufy Clean X8 Pro Robot Vacuum
Image Credit: Amazon
Eufy’s Clean X8 Pro is a no-brainer gift this season. The robot vacuum lasts up to 180 minutes per charge, and automatically adjusts the power of its suction when it detects a lot of dirt. Eufy says Robovac X8 can clean hardwood and carpeted floors, and move between them with ease. The vacuum’s wheels are capable of getting over the lip of a doorframe, so it can clean multiple rooms.
The eufy X8 Pro’s coolest feature is its multi-floor mapping. Once it’s set up, it can build a virtual map of your home in a minute. You can also use voice controls with Alex and Google Assistant to give instructions.
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Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Image Credit: Amazon
A solid turntable is the centerpiece of a good audio system, and Pro-Ject’s Debut Carbon EVO is a great gift for a music lover who wants to rediscover their record collection.
Designed with vibration-absorbing feet, gold-plated RCA outputs, and a handsome-looking deck, this turntable sounds and looks great. Pro-Ject bundles it with durable cables, too. Bottom line? The Debut Carbon is a premium turntable that will last a lifetime.
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Kindle Paperwhite
Image Credit: Amazon
The latest Kindle Paperwhite is the best e-reader we’ve ever tested, and the perfect gift for a bookworm.
This model has a larger, 6.8-inch display, up to 10 weeks of battery life, and enough storage to hold hundreds of books. It’s also waterproof, and has a backlit screen that makes it easier to read in the dark. We recommend pairing the device with a gift subscription to Kindle Unlimited, a reading service that offers free access to a library of over one million books.
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Nest Hub Max
Image Credit: Google
The Nest Hub Max, a smart home hub with a webcam and screen, makes it easier than ever to host video calls with someone if you can’t spend the holidays together.
You can make video and phone calls through Google Duo — make calls hands-free by saying “Hey Google” or by using Google Assistant. The camera automatically focuses on action, so you’ll look clear when you move, and you can even an eye on things at home from your phone with the built-in Nest Cam when you’re out of the house.
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Eight Sleep Pod Cover
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While they can slip into light-as-air silk sheets, or invest in a “cooling” mattress, hot sleepers will really rejoice at the addition of the Eight Sleep Pod Cover to their bed.
The Pod’s high-tech mattress cover uses a “Temperature Autopilot” system to set the perfect temp for your bed throughout the night while you dream away (it ranges from 55 degrees Fahrenheit to 110 degrees). You can also manually adjust the cover’s temperature in the app if you want.
The Pod can also provide them with a hefty amount of biometric tracking, using discreet sensors to monitor a whole slew of metrics including sleep disturbances, heart rate, and respiratory rate — all without wearing a bulky watch to sleep. For anyone looking to completely overhaul their overall sleep quality, the Pod is up to the task.
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Twelve South PowerPic
Image Credit: Twelve South
Twelve South’s PowerPic is a 10W wireless charging stand that doubles as a picture frame.
You can slip any 5 x 7 photo inside, and look at your favorite person, place, or thing when your devices aren’t charging. This is the perfect gift for someone who works at a desk all day and needs a pick-me-up for their devices and themselves.
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Echelon Fitness Mirror Reflect
Image Credit: Echelon
One of the best fitness mirrors also happens to be the ultimate fitness gift of the year.
After all, Echelon’s Reflect Fitness Mirror makes it easy for anyone to choose from over 2,000 workouts, from boxing to dancing, and get guidance from an expert group of trainers in real-time thanks to the Reflect’s front-facing camera and built-in speakers — all through your Echelon membership ($39.99/month). Oh, and when you’re done with your workout, it doubles as a beautiful piece of home decor.
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Cricut Explore 3
Image Credit: Cricut
Cricut’s Explore 3 is one of the most inventive gadgets we’ve tried, and an excellent gift for makers.
The tool allows you to design and cut thousands of unique images on over 100 materials. Cricut made the process of finding and “printing” these images with its Design Space software, which walks you through your first project, and makes creation very simple.
I’ve used the Explore 3, and have been continually surprised by its ease of use as a non-maker. If you know someone who loves to work on DIY projects, we’ve never seen a better gift than this.
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Barsys Smart Coaster System
Image Credit: William Sonoma
Look, we can’t all be Tom Cruise in Bartender, but if you don’t want to gift an expensive mixology class, then Barsys’ Smart Coaster System is an ingenious alternative.
All you have to do is put the mixing glass on the Bluetooth-connected coaster, select your drink, and follow the instructions on the Barsys Coaster app. The coaster will change color to signal when to start and stop pouring each ingredient, so you’ll get foolproof, perfectly-balanced cocktails every time.
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Tempo Studio
Image Credit: Tempo
One of the best fitness systems you can buy is the Tempo Studio bundle.
It’s built with a storage cabinet and everything from weight plates and a barbell to dumbells, a heart rate monitor and even an exercise mat, so you have everything you need to do any workout. What sets Tempo apart from other options is how it can help you adjust your form during exercises with its built-in sensors. It’s like your trainer’s right there with you during your workouts so you’re still getting the advice you need while you’re at home.
Once you activate your Tempo membership, you can choose from both live or recorded strength and HIIT classes, to ones focused on mobility and recovery. Tempo is available in three different models, including the Tempo Starter, Tempo Plus, and Tempo Pro. All of the bundles are up to 40% off (up to $1,000 savings) for the holidays.
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Oura Ring Gen 3
Image Credit: Oura
For someone you know who’s health conscious, but isn’t a fan of bulky fitness watches, the Oura Ring Gen 3 is a sleek, stylish way to keep track of your biometrics.
You can monitor your sleep, activity, recovery, temperature, heart rate, stress, and more — all from your finger. Through the smartphone app, you can even get personalized health insights and recommendations on everything from your sleep to stress levels.
It’s perfect for everyday wear, since its lighter than a conventional ring, and even water resistant up to 100 meters. For someone who wants to better understand their body, the Oura Ring Gen 3 is a great pick.
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Meta Quest 2
Image Credit: Meta
The Meta Quest 2 is one of the best VR headsets around — we’ve tested it — and it’s a must-have gift if your favorite gamer wants to play cutting-edge video games.
The Meta 2 is an independent VR headset, which means it doesn’t need to be plugged into a computer to work. You can connect it to a computer to use the headset to play PC-only VR games.
Setting it up is easy, but requires a Facebook account. You should be up and running in about 10 minutes. The Quest 2 can play any previous-generation Meta Quest game, so the game library has hundreds of titles already.
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Shure MV88+ Video Kit
Image Credit: Amazon
Shure’s MV88+ Video Kit with USB-C microphone is a thoughtful present for any aspiring mobile creator or live streamer.
The mic can be connected directly to an iOS, Android or desktop device and record extremely detailed audio. The microphone’s app (Windows and MacOS) lets you adjust its volume, and switch modes based on how far away it is from your mouth. The kit includes a tripod, phone clamp, mount, as well as all the cables you need.
In our tests the MV88+ produced broadcast quality results, making it a single-cable solution for podcasters, musicians, game streamers, or anyone who wants to make their voice heard online.
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Fitbit Versa 4
Image Credit: Amazon
The Versa 4 is an excellent present if someone you’re shopping for is trying to get into better shape. It comes with two bands, so it’ll fit on anybody’s wrists, and can last up to seven days on a single charge.
The band can track key health metrics like steps and calories burned, plus track your heart rate or sleep. This data is collected into Fitbit’s app, so you can track progress over time. This information can’t make you healthier on its own, but can help guide you to make better choices, which can have positive results.
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Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge
Image Credit: Amazon
Bowers & Wilkins’ Formation Wedge is a luxe wireless speaker that any fan of music would love on their shelf.
It has a unique 120-degree elliptical cabinet with angled drivers for super crisp sound and better transmission. This speaker creates an incredible amount of sound — even at half volume — and a surprisingly good stereo seperation.
The Formation Wedge supports streaming over Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, WiFi, or hands-free using Amazon’s Alexa. If the person you’re shopping for isn’t an audiophile, Bowers & Wilkins’ Formation Wedge will turn them into one.
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BenQ GV30
Image Credit: Amazon
Know a movie buff? Blow their mind by gifting them BenQ’s GV30, a portable HD projector that can create a screen over 100-inches wide.
The projector creates a crisp, vibrant image, and has a 2.1-channel audio system that provides surprisingly rich sound. The GV30 runs on Android, which means you can stream your favorite shows and movies without plugging in a streaming device.
It also has an HDMI input, so you can plug in a game console with no problems. BenQ’s GV30 is a gift nobody expects, but anyone would appreciate.
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Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen
Image Credit: Samsung
Know a movie buff? Blow their mind by gifting them Samsung The Freestyle (2nd Gen), a portable 1080p HD projector that can create a screen 100-inches wide.
The projector creates a crisp, vibrant image, and has a 360-degree audio system that provides surprisingly rich sound. The Freestyle runs on Samsung’s Smart Entertainment, which means you can stream your favorite shows and movies without plugging in a streaming device.
It also has an HDMI input, so you can plug in a game console with no problems. Samsung’s The Freestyle (2nd Gen) is a gift nobody expects, but anyone would appreciate.
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Sony X85K 75-Inch 4K TV
Image Credit: Amazon
Any cinephile or gamer would be overjoyed with Sony’s X85K, a 4K Ultra HD TV that produces the clearest picture and most vibrant colors we’ve ever seen. The ultra-thin set comes in sizes ranging from 43-inches to 85-inches.
We’ve streamed movies, played games, and listened to music on the X85K, and have yet to find a piece of media it can’t handle. If anything, this TV brings out the best in everything we watched or heard. It’s pricy, but Sony’s X85K 4K TV is well worth the splurge.
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Polk MagniFi Mini AX Soundbar
Image Credit: Amazon
Polk’s MagniFi Mini AX soundbar is an audiophile upgrade for any TV. We’ve had hands-on time with it, and it’s delivered rich, cinematic surround sound for its incredibly compact 15-inch size, whether we were watching movies, listening to music, or playing video games.
Hooking the MagniFi Mini AX up to your TV requires one cable, and you can audio to it wirelessly over Bluetooth. It even supports Amazon’s Alexa, so you can control it totally hands-free.
If someone you know complains about how bad their TV sounds, this soundbar will be the best gift a friend or family member receives this year.
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KitchenAid Cordless Mixer
Image Credit: KitchenAid
If you need a gift for a home chef without much counterspace, KitchenAid’s Cordless Hand Mixer will take their baking up to the next level.
It has seven speed settings, and KitchenAid says it can make up to 200 cookies on a single charge. The hand mixer’s “Soft Start” feature gradually increases the speed of the beaters to prevent batter from splattering.
We’ve gotten a chance to check this kitchen gadget out, and it looks, feels, and works really well. This piece is one part of a KitchenAid cordelss collection that also includes a five-cup food chopper and variable speed hand blender.
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Cosori Pro II 5.8-QT Smart Air Fryer
Image Credit: Cosori
Cosori’s advanced air fryer is the ideal tech gift if your giftee wants to try the latest and greatest kitchen gadgets.
You can cook in “stages” by setting different temperatures and cooking times at the touch of a button, but there are also different smart modes: air fry, roast, defrost, bake, reheat, and dehydrate.
Using the integrated app, you can monitor cooking progress, get cooking status notifications and activate voice control with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free cooking. This is the ultimate meal prep tool.
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Kasa Smart Plug
Image Credit: Amazon
If you’re shopping for someone who wants an easy way to make their home “smarter”, TP-Link’s Kasa Smart Plug is a wonderful gift.
The pocket-sized plug is can be scheduled to turn electronics on or off throughout the day, like lamps or fans, or pick up Alexa and Google Home Assistant voice commands to control home appliances hands-free.
We recommend pairing one of the Kasa Smart Plugs with smart light bulbs or home security cameras.
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Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Image Credit: Amazon
You can lower your environmental impact and monthly electricity bill with Nest’s latest smart thermostat.
The gadget gradually learns your routine, so it can turn your HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) on and off when you enter and leave instead of running it all the time. This higher level of efficiency means less fuel or electricity is used.
Google says the Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with 85% of HVAC systems, and doesn’t require any specialized tools to install.
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Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
Image Credit: Ultimate Ears
If your giftee needs a new portable speaker for traveling, get the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3.
This nifty, budget-friendly speaker features IP67 water resistance, meaning it can be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without suffering any damage. Your giftee can take it to the pool or beach without worrying about a few splashes ruining their new speaker.
Sound quality is good too — big bass and stereo sound — and the battery lasts for a total of 14 hours to keep the jam session going.
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eero Pro 6E mesh Wi-Fi Router
Image Credit: Amazon
Giving someone an eero router is like giving them an upgrade to their internet connection. The router is fast, easy to set up, and can be managed entirely through an app (iOS and Android).
With peak speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps eero’s router can cover areas up to 2,000 sq. ft. in consistent Wi-Fi. Most importantly, it supports the new 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi 6E devices, which means faster speeds and lower latency. Built for 8K streaming, this gift is also a gamer or content creator’s dream.
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Cozee Blanket
Image Credit: Amazon
Heated blankets are a popular way to fight the cold during the winter, but this one from Cozee stands out because it’s portable. The blanket runs on a rechargeable battery, so you’re not restricted to home use.
We tested the blanket out and were surprised at how much heat it put out. There are three settings, so you can easily change the temperature any time you’d like. Using a higher temperature drains the battery more quickly (two hours on high, five hours on low).
Cozee’s blanket is an excellent gift if you’re shopping for a tailgater, or generally hates the cold.
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Nixplay Smart Digital Picture Frame
Image Credit: Amazon
Display photos from your lifelong adventures with your giftee by using Nixplay’s digital picture frame.
The 10.1-inch HD touchscreen is able to display photos or videos, and its library can be updated remotely via an app (iOS and Android). The ability to add new content to the frame whenever a new event happens means your family member will never feel left out.
It will need a Wi-Fi connection, since Nixplay’s frame requires internet access to update its library, but won’t need to push any buttons or interact with it in any other capacity. This is a hands-off gift that will help you share your fondest memories with one of the most important people in your life. Purchase:
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Wyze Cam V3
Image Credit: Amazon
The Wyze Cam is a thoughtful gift that can make the inside of your giftee’s home a little safer. The cube-shaped security camera is subtle, but it’ll send you a notification each time its motion sensor is tripped.
It’s impossible to be home all the time, and everyone could use a little more peace of mind.
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NETVUE Birdfy Lite Smart Bird Feeder Camera
Image Credit: Amazon
Your bird-watching buddies can get a close-up view of feathered visitors with NETVUE’s Birdfy Lite smart bird feeder camera.
The smart feeder auto-captures all incoming birds with a crisp 1080p camera, and you can receive real-time notifications via the app. Not only is the feeder itself IP65 weatherproof, the large capacity container can store enough that you won’t need to add bird food so frequently. There is also an extra subscription you can add on that identifies the bird species you’ve captured on camera.
For bird enthusiasts looking to liven up their garden, we can’t think of a better gift.
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Pocketalk Plus
Image Credit: Amazon
International travel can be stressful if you don’t speak the local language, but Pocketalk Plus can eliminate that problem for your favorite wanderlust. The small device can translate both text and speech between 82 languages with shocking accuracy.
The Plus’ interface is extremely easy to navigate, and you can set certain languages as favorites to access them quickly. We couldn’t imagine traveling without one, and we’re sure it’ll blow the mind of anyone you gift it to.
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Car and Driver Intelledash Pro
Image Credit: Amazon
Car and Driver’s Intellidash Pro is an excellent tech gift for anyone who spends a lot of time driving.
The device can fully replace a car’s current media center and act as a GPS when it’s connected to your phone. Its 7-inch touchscreen is far larger than a phone’s display, which makes it easier to read directions.
The Intellidash Pro works with both Android Auto and Apple’s CarPlay, which allows you to access key apps from your phone (music streaming services, your mapping app of choice, etc.) and notifications like texts and calls in a non-obtrusive way.
With the Intellidash Pro, you can get the same features as a media center without picking up a single tool.
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Brava Smart Oven
Image Credit: Brava
Brava’s Smart Oven is nothing short of the ultimate kitchen upgrade. The gadget demystifies cooking for new home chefs, while saving time for more experienced ones.
The Smart Oven walks you through the entire cooking process, from selecting a recipe — including multiple options for those with dietary restrictions — to prep, to cooking. All of this is handled from a large, responsive touchscreen on top of the oven.
Yes, it’s an investment, but think of it this way: If Brava’s Smart Oven can prevent someone from ordering out once per week, it’ll end up saving them a lot of money over time on top of making them a better cook.
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TROVA Go Portable Biometric Safe
Image Credit: Amazon
For the jet-setters in your life, TROVA Go’s portable biometric safe is the best possible way to ensure all your belongings make it from point A to point B.
Forget having to remember the code to your hotel safe — this sleek, discrete box can be unlocked via Bluetooth with your phone’s biometric verification (think FaceID or a fingerprint scan). In case it gets lost or left behind, you can also use your phone’s GPS to find the last location of the smart safe.
Perfect for tossing in your pocket, bag, or carry-on luggage, this ultra-lightweight safe (around one pound), is the ultimate traveler’s companion.
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Ember Smart Mug
Image Credit: Amazon
If they love drinking tea or coffee but hate when it cools down, they need the Ember smart mug.
It’s got an 80-minute battery life and lets your giftee adjust their bevy to the temperature they want — anywhere from 120°F to 145°F. There’s even an auto-shut-off feature that turns the smart mug off when it’s empty or inactive. Just make sure to tell them it’s hand-wash only.
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