Impress Gearheads and Gadget Nerds With One of These Tech Gifts for the Holidays

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

When it comes to tech, can be hard to differentiate the good gadgets from the bad. That can often mean spending hours sifting through pages of products and customer reviews, something most of us simply don’t have the time for. And if you have to buy a holiday gift for the tech-obsessed person on your list, the pressure is even greater.

Here at Popular Mechanics, we pride ourselves on finding, testing, and recommending the best gear for anyone who doesn’t have the time to do it themselves, which is why we’ve carefully picked this list of our favorite tech products to ease your gift-getting process. These are the best tech gifts to give this holiday season.

Looking for more holiday gift-gifting inspo? Check out our picks for the best gifts for dads, best gadget gifts, and gifts for movie lovers.

Deluxe S’mores Gift Bundle

As much as we love a good bonfire, they’re not effortless. So when we want true campfire s’mores, we have to decide if that effort is worth it. Well, until now.

With this gift bundle from TerraFlame, we can have s’mores whenever we want without the hassle of getting a bonfire up and going. The bundle includes a stunning roaster bowl that comes in two different colors, as well as three cans of gel fuel, a s’mores recipe book for amping up your culinary prowess, a compartmentalized bamboo tray, and four skewers.

I tested this bundle out myself and can tell you that it makes campfire s’mores about as easy as they can be without any mess (apart from the graham cracker crumbs, but what can you do?). For families and those with a serious sweet tooth, this bundle is an awesomely fun and thoughtful gift.

— Micki Wagner

SolarPuff Lantern

From fun backyard ambience to portable camping light, Solight’s Solarpuff lantern is an attractive and practical lighting option. It’s waterproof, collapsable, portable, solar-powered, and floats on water, making it a great tool to add to your pack for any backcountry adventure.

The multiple light modes, including low, medium, high, blinking, and multicolor, are a great bonus as well. All in all, this tech gift is a slam dunk for the person on your list who loves the outdoors and appreciates good design. For more affordable choices, check out our favorite Amazon gadgets under $50.

Eye Massager with Heat

Give your giftee’s eyes a rest with this top-rated eye massager. Using a combination of air pressure and heat, this goggle-like device gently massages the eyes, brow, and temples to reduce fatigue and the strain of daily screen use. This device is great for use before a night's sleep, or right when your recipient clocks out of work for the day.

Mate GPS Tracker for Keys

There’s nothing worse than losing your keys. Or your wallet. Or your backpack. You get the idea. Gifting Tile’s classic Tile Mate tracker means helping your most forgetful friend find their essentials easily.

The built-in corner punch hole loops easily, and the small size fits into pockets, wallets, and bags without issue. Then, when you lose something, the 250-foot tracking range and very loud buzzer make locating it simple and easy.

ChargeTree Charging Dock

Know someone who has a trio of Apple devices they need to charge up all at once? The ChargeTree can handle juicing up AirPods, an Apple Watch, and iPhone at the same time. This handy device provides a permanent and minimal charging station that can sit on top of a countertop or dresser while hiding a mess of cables.

10.10inch Touch Screen Smart Digital Picture Frame

Here’s an excellent tech gift for the person who takes a ton of photos and has no easy means of displaying them. Nixplay’s smart frame lets them add photos and video clips directly all through an app. With touch screen operation and the ability to display photos via portrait or landscape, this smart frame is an awesome gift that’ll make any photographer giddy.

Bolder LC40 Flashlight

As tested in our best flashlights roundup, Anker’s Bolder LC40 combines a great quality design with USB recharging to create an excellent flashlight for everyone.

Small and durable, the LC40 is IPX5 water-resistant, features an aluminum body, boasts over eight hours of battery life, and is small and light enough for camping or backpacking.

PowerCore Essential 20,000PD

For frequent flyers and commuters, there’s nothing worse than a dead outlet. Thankfully, a quality power bank like Anker’s PowerCore Essential solves that problem, offering mobile power to all your small devices with USB-A and USB-C connectivity.

Able to charge smartphones and headphones multiple times over, this power bank is one of the best gifts for traveling outlet-free.

Connect Smart Grilling Hub

Have a tech pal who fancies themself a grillmaster? Compatible with any grill, the Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub provides a live temperature feed for up to four foods on a large, easily legible LCD screen.

When connected to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, its dedicated app notifies users when it’s time to flip those meats over and monitors food for doneness, making medium-rare steaks and perfectly crisp burgers easier than ever.

PowerPort PD 2 Charging Block

Figuring out which chargers to pack while traveling is a huge pain. That’s why we love Anker’s PowerPort PD 2: it simplifies the packing process.

With USB-A and USB-C charging at up to 20 watts, you can ditch your handful of power bricks and just pack this one for all your tech. Its small size and folding plug make it especially suited to on-the-go charging.

1917 Pocket A6 Dotted Softcover Notebook

Yes, we all have note apps and online documents on our phones, but they are not the same as writing in a real notebook. Leuchtturm makes many high-quality notebooks, but none are as convenient as the 1917 pocket notebook.

Although not exactly a tech gift, it fits in a pocket, opens flat, and features ink-proof paper, a cloth page marker, and an elastic band for keeping it closed. The 1917 is truly a notebook everyone can appreciate.

K2 Mechanical Keyboard

Especially when compared to typing on thin, cramped laptop keyboards, the Keychron K2 is a wonder. Its compact size and wireless connectivity options make it familiar, but its quality mechanical switches and keycaps offer a vastly superior typing experience when compared to any laptop out there.

Anyone who works on a laptop for a living can appreciate the productivity and ergonomic boosts gained from using the Keychron K2.

Switch Lite

The Nintendo Switch is a one-of-a-kind gaming console, and the Nintendo Switch Lite lets you take the console virtually anywhere you'd like.

But the main draw is its stellar game library, featuring must-play titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. A great gift for gamers of all ages.

Watch SE (2nd Gen)

Similar to Apple’s iPhone SE, the Apple Watch SE delivers a high-quality, low-cost version of one of Apple’s best products. Much cheaper than the latest Apple Watch but containing most of the same features, this gift option offers a great smartwatch experience thanks to fast speeds, intuitive software, great battery life, and a comfortable fit.

Wireless Qi Charger

Why plug your devices in when you can just rest them on a wireless charging pad? With more and more mobile tech integrating wireless charging, now is a great time to get onboard through Yootech’s wireless Qi charger.

With a simple design and wide-ranging compatibility, this wireless charger is a great gift for anyone trying the technology for the first time. Just be aware that it doesn’t come with a power adapter.

Insulated Travel Tumbler

If the Hydro Flask and Stanley tumblers are too ubiquitous for someone you know, grab them something a little more sleek: MiiR’s insulated travel tumbler.

Available in over six colors, this tech gift features double-wall vacuum insulation, which eliminates condensation and keeps drinks hot or cold for much longer. The lid locks down to prevent leakage, and, unlike other massive tumblers, it’s slim enough to fit into a car cup holder. Plus, it looks good, too.

Electric Wine Gift Set

This set comes with every essential needed for smart wine drinking. An electric corkscrew extractor helps pop open a fresh bottle, while a vacuum preserver removes air and seals bottles shut with a date-stamped stopper. It also aerates when needed. All of this on a dedicated bar station that’s rechargeable and neatly organized makes for a great tech gift.

Kindle Paperwhite

The Kindle Paperwhite was already the best digital reader around. 2021’s updated model added the one feature it was truly missing: an adjustable warm light for reading in the dark. Add a clear display, great brightness, and a comfortable form factor, and this e-reader is a great gift option for any avid reader.

Smart Bulbs

One of the most popular smart bulbs for a reason, Philips’ Hue smart bulb series is awesome. Its robust LED technology means it lasts for decades and can adjust its color and hue to millions of different settings.

Controllable through the Hue app, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa, you can even program these bulbs with routines like wake-up and bedtime to imitate the sun’s natural cycle. It’s more or less the most practical tech gift you can give anyone.

Non-Window Faraday Bag for Phones

This is a water-resistant, nylon-constructed privacy bag that instantly isolates any tech device placed inside of it, protecting it from hacking, corruption, and tracking. Bluetooth, 5G networks, GPS, RFID, and cell and radio signals are completely impenetrable through it, making that private data tough to compromise. It’s the perfect tech gift for the traveling techie.

AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

Apple’s AirPods are kind of a big deal. They essentially made wireless earbuds mainstream, thanks to a simple design, easy connectivity, great battery life, and a stellar case. Today, even with more premium options available, the simplicity of Apple’s baseline AirPods makes them a great tech gift for any iPhone user carrying wired headphones.

Eight-Outlet Power Strip

As recommended in our best power strips list, Bestek’s eight-outlet power strip is a perfect tech accessory for home offices thanks to its spacious eight outlets and useful four USB ports.

Aside from a clear on-off switch, the Bestek features ample power and surge protection, meaning fewer worries as you plug in all your home office equipment. It’s another affordable and practical tech gift just about anyone can use.

WH-1000XM4 Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Sony’s WH-1000XM4 are some of the best noise cancelling headphones we’ve tested. With industry-leading noise cancelling, an excellent soundstage, great battery life, and comfortable memory-foam padding, it’s no surprise that these headphones are top-rated from basically everyone.

With gesture controls on the right ear cup and physical buttons on the left, the WH-1000XM4s are easy to use and easy to enjoy at home or on the go. If you’re looking for no-fail tech gift, this is it.

USB-C Hub 8-In-1

As recommended in our best USB-C adapters list, Anker’s 8-in-1 USB-C hub turns any middling laptop into a fully compatible workstation.

Aside from the usual suspects like USB-A and HDMI ports, this hub features Ethernet, SD, microSD, and charging passthrough ports, putting it a cut above the competition. It’s perfect for the techie who’s always on the go.

Soundcore Portable Bluetooth Speaker

As recommended in our best bluetooth speakers list, Anker’s Soundcore speaker is one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers around and makes a great tech gift.

Its small form factor, IPX5 water resistance, durable casing, simple controls, and USB recharging make it a great speaker for road trips, barbecues, pool parties, and outdoor adventures. That’s not even mentioning its great price and solid sound.

Men’s Wool Runner Mizzles

Normally we wouldn’t put sneakers on a tech gift list, but Allbird’s Runner Mizzles have such a bevy of unique features that we had to give them a shoutout. They are machine-washable, feature bio-based water-repellent coating, and are made out of reusable materials. On top of it all, they are super comfortable.

Hero 11 Waterproof Action Camera

GoPro has been a must-have camera for action videography for years. Even with advances in camera and smartphone tech, GoPro’s crystal-clear video capture of high-octane activities like skiing and mountain biking cannot be beat.

The GoPro Hero 11, while not the newest model available, consistently ranks high as the best GoPro you can buy. For anyone who always wanted a GoPro but never took the plunge, consider the Hero 11.

Sunrise Alarm Clock

This sunrise alarm clock is an awesome gift for that person on your list who can’t manage to put their smartphone down at night. The sleep machine simulates natural light at dawn and dusk for gentle transition in an out of slumber, plus it doubles as a smart speaker and streaming device with voice command.

Instinct Watch with GPS

The rugged Garmin Instinct is one of our favorite all-around GPS watches and makes an awesome tech gift. It’s designed to meet military standards and perform exceptionally well in nearly any outdoor scenario, plus it has excellent battery life. It’s health and safety features are top-notch, as well.

Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

Do you know someone who’s constantly warming up coffee in the microwave? We implore you to save that person from terrible-tasting joe and gift them Ember's smart mug. It keeps coffee at the ideal temperature all day while set on its coaster or for that two-plus hour in-person meeting.

Reusable Everyday Planner

This planner is reusable for hundreds of lists, journal entries, and appointments—just wipe it down with the included cloth. And don’t worry about losing your old notes, because you can use the app to scan them onto your phone.

If you’re gifting to someone who’s constantly taking notes, this is a great option.

Smart LED Display

One of our reviews editors credits the Tidbyt with helping him curb the impulse to reach for his phone to check the time or read news headlines.

After dark, the display is bright enough to act as an interesting nightlight, but it’s also a conversation piece. It’s such a nifty, cool gadget that’s incredibly giftable and fun. Choose from a walnut or beech wood frame.

Series S Game Console

If you know someone who’s dying for a Xbox, the Series S is the least expensive option we recommend and makes a great tech gift. It doesn’t have a disk port like pricier models, but it delivers impressive speed for the price, plus it’s compact, which is perfect for gamers returning to a dorm room after winter break.

Medium Tech Bag Organizer

The quality of this tech organizer punches well above its price tag, with a supple leather exterior and robust outer zipper with a leather pull. There’s also a wide carry handle and enough pockets and straps inside to hold chargers and wires. In short, it’s the tech case we put on our wishlist this year and your giftee is sure to love it.

Kodak Step Instant Camera

This minimal, pocket-sized Kodak camera prints photos instantly on zero-ink, 2 by 3-inch sticker-backed sheets. Seven picture modes let users adjust settings on the go, and a timer helps with those moments when your tech friend needs an extra hand. And if that tech buddy is a digital hoarder, fret not: This device supports MicroSD, just in case those physicals aren’t enough.

C920S HD Pro Webcam with Privacy Shutter Bundle

For anyone spending a lot of time working from home, the quality of your webcam has gotten very important. For nearly every kind of work-from-home setup, the gift of the Logitech’s C920s webcam delivers a vast improvement to daily Zoom calls and conferences. As recommended in our best gaming webcams list, the C920s provides great video quality at an affordable price.

G305 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse

As much as touch pads have improved, the precision and ergonomics offered by a dedicated mouse cannot be beaten. Anyone looking to take advantage of mouse precision will be pleased to receive Logitech’s G305 Lightspeed mouse as a gift.

Lightweight and comfortable, the G305 connects wireless with a universally compatible USB-A receiver, offering a very responsive feel compared to Bluetooth options. The familiar form factor has everything you need to enjoy the keyboard and mouse life at a low price.

iPhone 15 Pro Max Symmetry Series Clear Case

There’s one clear winner for the best iPhone 15 Pro Max case to show off the smartphone’s new design, and this is it. OtterBox’s rugged yet elegant Symmetry Series translucent case may look like a lightweight but it's far from it.

The case is drop-tested to more than three times the military standard plus it has raised edges to protect the camera lens. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Stir It Up Lux Wireless Turntable

We recently got our hands on this wireless turntable from House of Marley and were seriously impressed by its performance, nevermind its knockout style. It features Bluetooth connectivity and a replaceable stylus, plus a slip mat featuring a Bob Marley-inspired zoetrope design on one side. Anyone who loves spinning vinyl is sure to love this tech gift.

Linen Wireless Phone Charger

Wireless phone chargers are usually sterile, plasticky, and uninspired. Here’s one for the tech enthusiast who has an eye for minimalism and a touch of elegance.

This clutter catcher is actually a Qi-certified power station in disguise covered in 100 percent Belgian linen for added texture and softness. That subtle color may be just what your tech friend needs to match their home and office decor.

Deluxe S’mores Gift Bundle

As much as we love a good bonfire, they’re not effortless. So when we want true campfire s’mores, we have to decide if that effort is worth it. Well, until now.

With this gift bundle from TerraFlame, we can have s’mores whenever we want without the hassle of getting a bonfire up and going. The bundle includes a stunning roaster bowl that comes in two different colors, as well as three cans of gel fuel, a s’mores recipe book for amping up your culinary prowess, a compartmentalized bamboo tray, and four skewers.

I tested this bundle out myself and can tell you that it makes campfire s’mores about as easy as they can be without any mess (apart from the graham cracker crumbs, but what can you do?). For families and those with a serious sweet tooth, this bundle is an awesomely fun and thoughtful gift.

— Micki Wagner

PowerPort PD 2 Charging Block

Figuring out which chargers to pack while traveling is a huge pain. That’s why we love Anker’s PowerPort PD 2: it simplifies the packing process.

With USB-A and USB-C charging at up to 20 watts, you can ditch your handful of power bricks and just pack this one for all your tech. Its small size and folding plug make it especially suited to on-the-go charging.

Drone With 1080P HD Adjustable Camera

We review this Holy Stone drone in our story on the best drones for kids and adults, and it’s our top pick if you want to buy one as a tech gift. For about $100, the foldable quadcopter features an adjustable 1080p camera, storage case, and two batteries, plus it can be controlled with the included remote or via smartphone app.

You Might Also Like

• The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Painter’s Tape

• The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere

• Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?