With the holidays rapidly approaching, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with finding the best tech gifts for everyone on your list. It’s easy to resign yourself to yet another year of sweaters or socks for your friends and family, but the gifts that people really want are most likely in the tech space.
In these times, tech reigns supreme. And fortunately, choosing the best tech gifts doesn’t have to be a daunting endeavor, despite a constantly evolving proliferation of products geared to the tech-savvy among us. But if you’re still not sure where to begin, we’ve compiled some of the most innovative and exciting tech products on the market. These tech gifts are sure to appeal to a wide variety of interests and hobbies, from household items and personal assistants to gadgets that you may not have even known existed—but won’t be able to live without now that you know they do.
Whether shopping for the best gifts for him, the best gifts for her, or the best gifts for kids and teens, we’ve got you covered with this guide featuring the all-around best tech gifts.
Best for VR Gamers: Meta Quest 2
Best for Kids: 4M KidzRobotix Table Top Robot
Best for Remote Professionals: Lume Cube Broadcast Lighting Kit
Best for Music Lovers: Bose SoundLink Color II
Best for Drawing: Wacom Intuos Graphics Drawing Tablet
Best for the Absent-Minded: Tile Starter Pack
Best for Creatives: 3Doodler Create+ 3D Printing Pen
Best for Fitness Enthusiasts: AfterShokz Aeropex
Best for Hobbyists: DJI Mini 2
Best for Coffee Drinkers: Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
Best for Neatniks: iRobot Roomba j7
Best for Multitaskers: Apple Watch SE
Best for New Year’s Resolutions: RENPHO Smart Scale
Best for Germaphobes: PhoneSoap 3
Best for Self-Care: Theragun Prime
Best Tech Gifts: Reviews and Recommendations
Best for VR Gamers: Meta Quest 2
Key Selling Point: Virtual reality has never looked so real, thanks to a blazing-fast processor and highest-ever resolution display.
Give the gift of next-level gaming with the Meta Quest 2 virtual reality headset and redesigned Meta Touch controllers. Whether you’re new to the Meta vr headset, or just upgrading to the latest version, backward compatibility allows you to explore new titles and old favorites in the expansive content library. And in addition to gaming, this set provides an immersive experience with the best seat in the house to concerts, films, exclusive events, and more.
Take in the virtual sights and make every move count, thanks to a blazing-fast processor and a stunning, high-resolution display that features 50 percent more pixels than the original model. Your ears will also be in for a treat with 3-D cinematic sound quality that allows you to hear in all directions with built-in speakers. It seems so real; you may even get lost if you’re not careful! Not looking to spend as much? You can also get a great deal on a refurbished Meta Quest 2.
Related: The Best VR Headsets
Best for Kids: 4M KidzRobotix Table Top Robot
Key Selling Point: Challenge your child’s imagination by helping them learn about robotics and engineering at a young age.
Inquisitive kids and teens will love this 4M KidzRobotix Table Top Robot kit, which introduces the concept of robotic engineering by helping young scientists construct a real working robot crab. Once assembled and activated, the crab will continue to amuse kids by scuttling around and changing direction when encountering an obstacle—similar to how a robot vacuum works.
In addition to fostering creativity and mechanical skill, the kit also provides a fantastic opportunity to show kids how toys are really assembled and function. But at the same time, this is one of the tech gifts easy enough to use that kids as young as eight should be able to tackle it without too much parental supervision or assistance. Or build it together for the perfect parent-child activity!
Best for Remote Professionals: Lume Cube Broadcast Lighting Kit
Key Selling Point: Get the boost you need when it’s essential to be in your best light!
Tech gifts can also help you look your best. Lume Cube Broadcast Lighting Kit gives you the flexibility to soften your light and enhance your professional glow with a built-in frosted lens and additional white diffuser. Achieve the perfect custom lighting for your setup while complementing your skin tone by adjusting the brightness from 1 percent to 100 percent and color temperature from a warm orange to a cool white. It’s perfect whether simply working from home or attending meetings, virtual classes, video conferences, and so on.
The compact light comes with an included suction-cup computer mount that’s perfect for adhering to laptops, desktops, or any other flat surface. For added versatility, it also comes with an adjustable tripod stand that extends between 12 and 30 inches, so you can truly be in your best light no matter where you’re working.
Best for Music Lovers: Bose SoundLink Color II
Key Selling Point: Innovative technology packs bold sound into a compact, water-resistant speaker.
Take the party anywhere with another one of the best tech gifts, the Bose SoundLink Color II. This rugged, water-resistant speaker is also compact, with a soft silicone exterior that makes it easy to pick up and go. Or, for a real party with the best portable speakers, sync two or more together for stereo mode using the proprietary Bose Connect app. An intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes connecting multiple devices simpler than ever.
Beyond listening to music, you can also use the built-in mic to take crystal-clear personal or conference calls with a wireless range of up to 30 feet. To eliminate guesswork, voice prompts tell you which device you’re paired to, and if you’re using an NFC-enabled device, it’s simple to just pair with a tap. This powerful speaker also won’t leave you high and dry, as the lithium-ion battery provides up to eight hours of playtime on a single charge.
Best for Drawing: Wacom Intuos Graphics Drawing Tablet
Key Selling Point: Explore new ways to get creative with a digital drawing tablet.
Bring your wildest ideas to life with the Wacom Intuos Graphics Drawing Tablet, which boasts a user-friendly design for those new to drawing, writing, or editing photos on their computer or tablet. If you’ve never used a digital tablet before, you’ll be amazed at how realistic it feels, just like a pen and paper.
The battery-free pen, which was designed to suit both left and right-handed users, has over 4,000 levels of pressure sensitivity for ease of use and comfort. In addition, the tablet is small and compact with a large drawing area, making it perfect for those with limited desk space. Another cool feature that helps this make our list of best tech gifts is the customizable ExpressKeys on the tablet and pen, which allow you to program your favorite keyboard shortcuts at the press of a button.
Best for the Absent-Minded: Tile Starter Pack
Key Selling Point: Never lose track of your most essentials ever again!
If you or a loved one always seems to be losing things, this Tile Starter Pack is going to be an absolute game-changer. With two ways to track—a “Mate” for your keys, and a “Slim” that goes into your walle —you’ll always be able to locate your essential items with the simplicity of a free iOS or Android app.
You’ll be able to find your phone even when it’s on silent, when it’s within 200 feet of the Mate or Slim. Or, if you’re out of the Bluetooth range, you can use the Tile app to see the most recent location and even enlist the secure and anonymous help of the Tile Network. Tile also works with most assistants such as Alexa, Google, Xfinity, and Siri for added convenience.
Best for Creatives: 3Doodler Create+ 3D Printing Pen
Key Selling Point: The world will be your canvas with a wide variety of colors right at your fingertips.
Whether looking to make whimsical art, jewelry, or even DIY fixes and solutions around the home, the 3Doodler Create+ 3D Printing Pen can do it all. This versatile tool is the world’s first 3D printing device, now featuring improved power, durability, and reliability for a superior doodling experience. To use, simply plug in the pen, insert 3Doodler Create plastic, wait for it to heat up, and you’ll be doodling in no time.
The pen comes with 15 colors of plastic refill and a comprehensive activity book to get you started. Or, for an interactive experience, the 3Doodler app also includes bonus features such as an easy-to-follow stencil section, step-by-step instructions, and the ability to photograph and share your creations directly on social media. You can even earn badges for completed projects!
Best for Fitness Enthusiasts: AfterShokz Aeropex
Key Selling Point: Experience unmatched comfort with a lightweight design for all-day listening.
If you’re among the crowd who thinks earbuds are overrated, then the next best wireless headphones might just be these AfterShokz Aeropex. With an innovative open-ear design, these headphones use patented bone-conduction technology to deliver premium audio right through the cheekbone. Unlike over-ear headphones, which tend to block out the world around you, the Aeropex were designed to keep you connected and aware of your surroundings.
Additionally, because these headphones are so light and comfortable, they make the perfect companion for working out—not to mention the IP67 waterproof rating that’s no match for even the sweatiest sweat sessions. Enjoy up to eight continuous hours of music or podcasts, or use the dual noise-canceling mics for crystal-clear calls on the go.
Best for Hobbyists: DJI Mini 2
Key Selling Point: Fly farther and see clearer with 4K digital zoom and HD video.
With near-perfect online customer reviews and easy operation, the DJI Mini 2 might just be the best drone for kids and adults alike currently on the market. Weighing in around a half a pound, this compact yet powerful drone is about the size of an apple and can easily fit in the palm of your hand. But it’s still no match for up to Level 5 winds and can take off at a maximum altitude of 4,000 meters.
The 3-axis gimbal ensures consistently smooth, stunning image quality, along with a 4K digital zoom camera that’s safer and more convenient when transitioning between shots, so you can still achieve your dream shot from virtually any distance. Additionally, the DJI Mini 2 supports up to 10 kilometers of HD-video transmission. Finally, it has excellent anti-interference capabilities for perfect footage every time, even when flying along a windy coastline or high above a forest.
Best for Coffee Drinkers: Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
Key Selling Point: Set your preferred drinking temperature to keep drinks perfectly hot.
For that coffee drinker in your life who is always letting their cuppa go cold, the Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug is the perfect solution. The long-lasting battery keeps your drink perfectly hot for up to an hour and a half on a full charge or can go all day on the newly redesigned charging coaster. Not only does the mug intelligently sense when to turn on and off, but it enters sleep mode either when empty or after two hours of inactivity.
You can even control your preferred temperature, between 120 and 145 degrees, by pairing the mug with the Ember smartphone app, allowing you to customize presets, receive notifications, and more. However, the mug is also functional without the app and will remember your last used temperature, similar to how the best smart scales operate. Read the full Ember mug review here.
Best for Neatniks: iRobot Roomba j7
Key Selling Point: The best robot vacuum cleans precisely the way you do, but without the work.
Thoughtfully designed with your specific needs in mind, the iRobot Roomba j7 has capabilities to avoid objects, schedule multiple cleanings a day, and empty its bin all on its own. A combination of Genius Technology and PrecisionVision Navigation allows the robot to recognize and avoid everyday objects in its way, so you don’t even have to pick up before cleaning. The latest model was even designed to deal with pet accidents, preventing the mess from getting worse.
When messes happen in real time, you can simply use the iRobot Home app or your voice assistant of choice to tell the vacuum to clean the area immediately and consider it done. Additional features allow you to create a personalized cleaning experience, such as tidying up more frequently during pet shedding or allergy seasons.
Best for Multitaskers: Apple Watch SE
Key Selling Point: Meet your new personal assistant and ultimate workout partner.
For the best smartwatch and best fitness tracker rolled into one, the Apple Watch SE is an affordable option that does everything you could possibly need and more. Take calls and reply to texts, stream your favorite music, make purchases instantly and securely with Apple Pay, meet your sleep goals, track your daily activities, and see your trends in the iPhone Fitness app—all right from your wrist!
The fitness and health features are where this smartwatch really shines, propelling it to our best tech gifts list. In addition to popular activities like running, cycling, yoga, and swimming, you can now track workouts such as tai chi and pilates. In addition, the built-in compass and real-time elevation readings allow you to hike smarter. In the event of an emergency, the watch can even detect if you’ve taken a fall and automatically call emergency services for you.
Best for New Year’s Resolutions: RENPHO Smart Scale
Key Selling Point: Track your entire body, not just your weight.
The RENPHO Smart Scale offers an unprecedented weight-loss experience compared to traditional bathroom scales by using advanced technology to calculate 13 key body-composition metrics. So not only does the scale give an overview of your body, but it also tracks your daily, weekly, and monthly progress to get you on track and keep you there.
High-sensitivity sensors and electrodes help give you the most precise body measurements, making it one of the best smart-scale options on the market. And as an added convenience, you can sync the data to your favorite fitness apps, including Apple Health, Google Fit, Samsung Health, and Fitbit app.
Best for Germaphobes: PhoneSoap 3
Key Selling Point: Powerful UV-C light is safe for electronics but kills germs and bacteria.
Kill 99.99 percent of all bacteria and germs with the PhoneSoap 3. It features two scientifically proven germicidal UV-C bulbs that completely sanitize your entire phone, with the bonus of USB and USB-C ports for charging. The revolutionary bacteria-zapping technology has been sold to hundreds of thousands of happy customers after being featured on programs such as Shark Tank, Good Morning America, and on QVC and the Discovery Channel.
And that’s because it works. Smartphones gather all the bacteria we come in contact with throughout the day, which then breed and grow when stored in warm and dark places like purses and pockets. However, the UV-C light can even reach microorganisms that hide in crevices where even cleaning wipes can’t touch. And beyond smartphones, you can sanitize anything that fits inside, including keys, smartwatches, headphones, and more!
Best for Self-Care: Theragun Prime
Key Selling Point: Get powerful deep muscle treatments without having to visit a massage therapist.
Ease discomfort, soothe tightness and tension while recovering faster overall with the Theragun Prime massage gun. This simplified yet smart therapy device harnesses the power and effectiveness of deep-muscle treatment, which is why it’s trusted by physical therapists, trainers, chiropractors, athletes, and over 250 professional sports teams worldwide. Every aspect has been thoughtfully designed for maximum ergonomic comfort and durability.
The proprietary QX65 brushless motor delivers powerful deep-muscle treatment that’s quieter than the average massage device, with the ease of multi-grip that provides several ways to hold the device comfortably without straining your hands and arms. Other bells and whistles include an LED screen that monitors your current speed and smart-app integration that Bluetooth connects to the Therabody app to run personalized wellness routines based on your behaviors and preferences.
Related: The Best Nintendo Switch Controllers
The Final Word on the Best Tech Gifts
Technology may evolve, but there seem to be a handful of essential tech products that make it onto holiday guides and shopping lists every year. As such, we scoured the internet not just for the most popular items; but made sure to find the best smartwatch, best wireless headphones, best robot vacuum, and so on, since these models can vary wildly from year to year with new and upgraded features. So, did your favorite product make the list?
This post was created by a non-news editorial team at Recurrent Media, Futurism’s owner. Futurism may receive a portion of sales on products linked within this post.