Around the holidays, I am frequently inundated with gifting queries in my role as tech reporter for NBC Select. Friends, relatives, and coworkers inquire about what to get their mother, father, brother, sister, uncle, cousin, or best friend. I want to purchase them a fitness tracker, but there’s always a catch, like they already have a ton of Apple devices or they generally detest tech.
Fortunately, over the years, I have evaluated and tested a wide range of computer items. I’ve included a range of tech and tech-related gifts in this guide that will appeal to each member of your list, be it your tech-hating dad or your gamer spouse who believes they have it all.
SKIP AHEAD: Top-rated tech presents | Tech presents for housewives | Tech presents for vacationers | Tech presents for gamers | Tech presents for sportsmen | Why rely on NBC Select?
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Bestselling tech giftAnker 523 PowerCore Slim 10K
$undefined$25.99Amazon
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Best for travelersApple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds
$119.00$129.00Amazon
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Best for gamersNintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle
$undefined$299.99Target
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37+ practical gifts for the person who says, “Don’t get me anything”
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Bestselling tech gifts
Anker 523 PowerCore Slim 10K
Anker 523 PowerCore Slim 10K
One of my closest friends still sends me selfies taken with this portable power bank, which I gave her years ago, all over the world. Because it can charge your phone, tablet, headphones, and earbuds while you’re out of the grid or on the fly, it’s one of our favorite travel items. They can charge practically all of their devices with it because it features USB-A and USB-C ports and includes both kinds of cables in the box.
Apple AirTag
Apple AirTag
It’s likely that they will discover a useful application for an Apple Airtag if you know they own an iPhone. It is a Bluetooth tracker that uses Apple’s FindMy app to display its exact location. These are simple to set up and operate, and I’ve given them as gifts to friends and family. Since it lacks a strap, they can connect it to their backpack or luggage with the aid of a Belkin AirTag holder.
Tile Pro Tracker (2024)
Tile Pro Tracker (2024)
This Tile Bluetooth tracker functions similarly to an AirTag if you know they don’t have an iPhone but have a tendency to lose items. To display the tracker’s location, it makes use of the Tile app, which is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices. It also features an interchangeable coin-shaped CR2023 battery, just like an AirTag.If you want your present box to last longer, think about including extra batteries inside.
Tomtoc 360 Protective Laptop Sleeve
Tomtoc 360 Protective Laptop Sleeve
It’s a fantastic present for students, and I’ve been using this protected laptop bag for years. To shield my laptop from any unintentional drops or bumps, it features a zipper clasp and additional cushioning around the corners. Although it isn’t very deep, the top zipper pocket is convenient for holding additional wires or headphones. It is available in 13-inch, 14-inch, 15-inch, and 16-inch sizes and comes in a variety of colors.
Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
In comparison to other brands, this Bluetooth speaker is compact, lightweight, water-resistant, and reasonably priced. Editor of NBC Select updatesDue to its clear and powerful sound, Mili Godiouses it at picnics and parties.
It includes buttons on top as a backup, but it can also be controlled wirelessly and connects via Bluetooth. This Bluetooth speaker does not have a dust-resistance rating, so if they enjoy the beach, you might want to check out one of our other favorites.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Apple AirPods Pro 2
The AirPods Pro 2 are the greatest wireless earbuds available if you want to give them one and you know they use an iPhone. In my experience, they feature the finest call quality, noise cancellation, and sound of any Apple earphone. They have been utilized by our staff for everything from work calls to working out, traveling, and even falling asleep.
Tech gifts for homebodies
Apple iPad (10th Gen)
Apple iPad (10th Generation)
Anyone who enjoys watching their favorite TV shows around the house or who simply wants a larger screen for video chat would adore an iPad. The two built-in speakers, one on each side, are one of the largest improvements in this 10th generation model, providing a better, stereo-like listening experience. Additionally, it comes in a lot of bolder hues, which will make it stand out inside your gift box.
Amazon Echo Pop
Amazon Echo Pop
They are likely to benefit greatly from an Amazon Echo smart speaker if they frequently ask their voice assistant inquiries. As she prepares for the day in the morning, NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin uses the Echo Pop in her bedroom to control her smart lighting and receive news and weather updates.
Ember Mug 2
Ember Mug 2
At room temperatureA morning can be ruined by coffee. This tragedy is resolved by the Ember Mug, which allows users to remotely manage drink temperatures via the Ember app. Drinks can be kept warm but not hot thanks to the temperature range of 120 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. The mug charges wirelessly on the provided coaster and has a battery life of approximately 1.5 hours.
Canon Ivy 2 Mini Photo Printer
Canon Ivy 2 Mini Photo Printer
You might not think of this printer as high tech, but it’s portable, wirelessly connects to your phone, and doesn’t require large ink cartridges or wires. It prints tiny 2×3-inch pictures with peel-and-stick backs, which make it simple to adorn office cubicles or school supplies. In my opinion, printing pictures may be a fantastic substitute for browsing through the thousands on your phone.
Tech gifts for travelers
Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3)
Apple MacBook Air 13 (M3)
Apple’s MacBook Air M3, one of the greatest laptops available, is currently on sale for $849, its lowest price ever, if they’ve been meaning to upgrade their computer. We have been using MacBook Air computers for years because of their long-lasting batteries (up to 18 hours on this model), travel-friendly design, and exquisitely detailed screen. This model comes in four colors and features Apple’s most recent M3 chip for better performance.
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds
They will probably favor open earbuds like the newest AirPods 4 if they detest the sensation of rubber eartips blocking their eardrums. Since the earbuds don’t have rubber eartips, the ear is largely exposed to the outside world. Even if the recipient already has the earlier, long-stemmed AirPods 2, the AirPods 4 are still an excellent present because of their longer battery life, superior microphone and audio quality, and enhanced water and dust resistance.
Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Great noise cancellation
- No ANC off mode
Our favorite over-ear headphones, particularly for travel, are these. These noise-canceling headphones rapidly reduce airplane, train, and car noise, and even after a five-hour ride, they don’t feel hot or uncomfortable. They feature a durable travel case in the box, a wired connection for seatback entertainment, and they function nicely on a variety of devices.
Hicober 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station
Hicober 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station
Is cable clutter something they detest? Likewise. To avoid having a tangle of wires by my bed, I use this flat wireless charging station in my bedroom. Although the charging pad itself requires a wall outlet, this model can simultaneously charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and compatible wireless earphones.
Topo Designs Accessory Bags
Topo Designs Accessory Bags
Where else does cable clutter stink? bags for travel. To keep chargers and charging wires apart from other items, a basic zipped pouch like this one works well. These accessory bags, which are available in more than ten colors, will be useful to any frequent traveler with an eye for organization.
Beats Studio Buds
Beats Studio Buds
These are excellent all-purpose earbuds that work on both iPhone and Android devices, so even if you don t know what phone they have, this is a safe tech gift. They also have premium earbuds features, including noise-cancelling and transparency modes, sweat resistance and up to eight hours of battery life in the earbuds (24 with the charging case). To help them discover the perfect fit, it comes with eartips in three different sizes.
Kindle Paperwhite
Kindle Paperwhite
They can enjoy all of their favorite books and audiobooks with a Kindle e-reader without inadvertently becoming distracted by phone notifications. They can easily read this Kindle Paperwhite outside in bright sunlight and, unlike a laptop, there s no glare, says NBC Select commerce editorLindsay Schneider. The firm claims that the battery life of this most recent model can last up to 12 weeks.
Tech gifts for gamers
Meta Quest 3s VR Headset
Meta Quest 3s VR Headset
Take it from someone who has experienced it: gaming with a virtual reality headset is entirely different from anything else. The Meta Quest 3s is VR gaming made easy: all they need is what s in the box: no additional cables or wall-mounted cameras. For a first game, I recommendSupernaturala fun exercise game that mixes music and fitness in an exciting and engaging way.
Nintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle
Nintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle
The Nintendo Switch is one of our favoritehandheld gaming consolesand is a great gift for anyone who doesn t already have one. This holiday bundle comes with the console andMario Kart 8 Deluxe, one of thebest Nintendo Switch games. The best parts of the console are its amazing games and its portability they can play it on the TV and switch to handheld mode instantly by taking the console out of the dock.
Tech gifts for the outdoors
JBL Clip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
JBL Clip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
If you asked anyone on the NBC Select team for a speaker recommendation, there s a good chance they will recommend theJBL Clip 5. If your giftee likes to take their music everywhere (and I mean everywhere), this is the speaker to gift. It has a built-in carabiner that lets them attach it to almost anything: we ve tried backpack straps, belt loops, bike handlebars, shower curtain rods, kitchen cabinet handles, the list goes on. It s small, lightweight, loud and weatherproof.
FitBit Charge 6
Fitbit Charge 6
TheFitBit Charge 6is afitness trackerbest for beginners looking to start a new fitness journey or just track basics like steps, heart rate and sleep, in my experience. One of its best traits is its long seven day battery life they won t have to worry about charging it nearly as often as their phone. It connects to theFitBit appon their phone to show all kinds of health, sleep and workout data.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12
We ve used this Fujifilminstant camerafor weddings, parties and office gags it s a fun way to capture memories and share photos as keepsakes instead of photos over text message. It has automatic exposure, built-in flash and a small mirror on the front for framing up selfies. Eachfilm packcan take up to 10 shots.
Tech gifts for athletes
Theragun Relief
Theragun Relief
I ve gifted a massage gun in a group setting everyone wanted a turn to try it out. This model from Theragun is great for loosening stiff and sore muscles. It s also easy to use: it has one button that turns it on, off and changes between three speeds. It comes with three ball-head attachments (wide, standard and narrow).
Shokz OpenRun Headphones
Shokz OpenRun Headphones
If they want to listen to their favorite playlist or audiobook and still hear traffic and pedestrians while they run, bike or skate, get them a pair of open ear headphones. The Shokz OpenRun are one of our favoriteworkout headphonesbecause they do not block your ear at all instead they rest on the side of your head and use vibrations to transmit sounds. NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson and I have used these headphones to stay safe while running and biking in heavily-trafficked areas.
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Why trust NBC Select?
I m a reporter who covers technology and fitness including guides tofitness trackers,wireless earbuds,TV brandsand more. For this article, I curated gifts using my first-hand experience with products, NBC Select staff recommendation, previous coverage and top-rated items from major storefronts like Amazon and Best Buy.
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