50 Cool Tech Gifts You’ll Want to Keep for Yourself
Updated: Dec. 18, 2020We found the coolest tech gifts for every age, style, and stage, so you can expect some seriously heartfelt thank-you notes when the unwrapping is done—if these gifts even make it out of your hands, that is.
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The best tech gifts for 2020
With the need to stay connected, safe, and entertained more important than ever before, tech gifts are suddenly the most practical gift items of all. There’s something for every style and budget on our list, including a few unique gifts that are perfect for that person on your list who is impossible to shop for.
When you’re shopping for these inventive technology gifts that promise to make life easier, faster, or simply more fun, go ahead and pick up two of each, otherwise, you just might find yourself keeping them and having nothing to put under the tree come Christmas Day.
Note: Prices listed were accurate as of press time; pricing fluctuations may occur.
For distanced friends and family members: Meural Digital Frame
$299.99
If you’re missing frequent contact with grandma and grandpa, this digital frame is one of the best gifts for grandparents—and friends and other socially-distanced family members, too. The Meural WiFi Photo Frame is powered by Netgear to let you share special moments, memories, and updates on a clear 15.6″ display with just about anyone who has the frame set up with an internet connection. The uploads are safe and secure, can be updated as frequently as you want, and keep loved ones up to date with as little as a few taps on your smartphone.
For the explorer: Canon PowerShot ZOOM Compact Telephoto Monocular
$299.99
This is the gift they’ll never see coming (unless they already have one), because it’s an unbelievably modern take on a classic device: the monocular. The Canon Powershot Zoom compact telephoto monocular lets the user quickly, easily, and clearly see distanced sights wherever they may go. The three-way switchable button automatically adjusts your viewing depth while autofocus helps keep your subjects in clear sight. Capture video, still images, and just about everything else the bird watcher or nature enthusiast could ever dream of. If you love this, check out these other spectacular gifts for men that will make you look like a hero.
For the one always-in-the-kitchen: Amazon Echo Show
$104.99
Get ready for hands-free everything at your already-busy fingertips, because this giant Amazon Alexa comes with a video display that allows you to video call, get information, gather recipes, order things from your shopping list, and more. Better yet, you can operate just about all of it by voice command, which makes it the ideal best friend to have in the kitchen. It’s one of the best hostess gifts for the technologically-inclined, too.
For the budding coder: LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Building Set
$359.99
Inspire young minds to build, code, and play with this new LEGO MINDSTORMS set that includes 1,000+ pieces for kids to build five different remote control robots that play ball, drive around, bang on drums, and more. The set comes with a rechargeable battery, access to the Robot Inventor App, and STEM lessons disguised as fun. Discover the other hottest Christmas toys that are sure to sell out.
For the screen time lover: iRoller Screen Cleaner
$19.95
This affordable little favorite of techies everywhere also makes a great Secret Santa gift under $20 because it’s so universally practical. This easy-to-use screen cleaner works on phones, tablets, and more and is a liquid-free way to remove all the weirdest gunk and grime that tends to end up on our most-used devices. Don’t worry—it’s reusable and easy to stash in just about any desk drawer.
For the RV enthusiast: weBoost Drive X RV Cell Phone Signal Booster
$499.99
This weBoost Drive X RV is an essential cool tech gift for those long road trips where cell phone signals are spotty at best, offering an immediate and hearty boost to cell phone signals from every American carrier. It’s a cinch to install for the slightly-handy and goes a long way in making road trips a million miles better. Yes, it’s already compatible with 5G and FCC-approved. These are more road trip essentials for the frequent traveler.
For the YouTuber: GPX All-in-One Vlogging Kit
$79.99
They’re about to make some truly epic videos because this GPX all-in-one vlogging kit comes complete with a light-enhanced tripod with a secure phone mount. The bright LED lights will keep the vlogger in your life bathed in their best light, and ready for easy-peasy lights, camera, action! Check out these other gifts for boys they’ll be obsessed with.
For just about anyone: TCL 10L Android Smartphone
$249.99
Say hello to the coolest new phone: the TCL 10L Android smartphone. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how affordable it is, especially with an expensive-seeming 6.5-inch FHD and LCD display and rear camera system with four lenses. It’s also loaded with a total of 70 GB of RAM, a long-lasting battery, and thin maneuverability. Download some of the most popular apps, and it works seamlessly with the best smart home devices.
For the one with multiple devices: iOttie Wireless Fast Charging Stand
$49.95
They’ll charge their iPhones, Androids, Airpods, and other must-have tech gifts faster than ever with this Qi-enabled certified charger that’s compatible with a variety of recent iPhone and Android models. It includes a power cable and adapter and comes in an on-trend light gray color that’s perfect on a nightstand or desk. It’s one of the greatest gifts for a wife that values her phone battery and a tidy workspace.
For anyone with a screen: Pixel Computer Glasses
$75.00
By now you’ve probably heard that a lot of our favorite devices emit eye-damaging blue light, but what you may not know is that wearing blue-light-blocking eyeglasses can actually prevent a fair amount of those rays from even making it into the danger zone. These Pixel Computer Glasses are designed to reduce eye strain and dry eyes with non-Rx clear lenses that offer minimal color distortion and coatings that block high energy blue light, glare, and 100 percent of UV rays. Pretty nifty, right? You’ll probably want to grab a pair for yourself as well. Here’s why people with glasses look smart.
For the selfie lover: LITTIL Selfie One
$33.99
This tiny light ring is appropriately named, because the Littil Selfie light is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, attaches to just about any smartphone in a few seconds or less, and adds the perfect natural light-style glow to selfies taken day or night. It also makes for a perfect stocking stuffer.
For the gamer: MOBIUZ Gaming Monitor
$249.99
Buckle up, because this very-cool BenQ Mobiuz Ex2510 Gaming Monitor offers crystal-clear resolution, premium speakers for the best sound quality, and 24.5 inches of pure gaming display joy. It’s also one of the most popular Amazon Prime gifts thanks to literally thousands of glowing reviews from avid gamers.
For anyone with a need for speed: NexusLink Gaming Router Extender
$149.99
With seemingly everyone online all the time, your Wi-Fi may be running a little slower. The NexusLink Gaming Router Extender is the wireless ethernet bridge that’ll handle that problem while getting everyone through their worst gaming fears: lag time, interference, and interruption. It’s the dedicated 5GHz band that helps keep gaming fluid, but is just as useful to people using a wide array of other non-negotiable Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Video conferencing will be more seamless than ever before. Better yet, it’ll penetrate a variety of building materials and rock-solid walls to deliver fast, reliable signal. Phew! Don’t miss the gift cards people actually want.
For the Apple Watch wearer: Goldenerre Hammered Link Watch Band
$98.00
Give their ho-hum Apple Watch band a major fashion upgrade that looks expensive with this decidedly stylish tech accessory. The Goldenerre hammered link bracelet adjusts to your wrist size, is water-resistant, and comes in a variety of trendy metal finishes included gold ion plating and rose gold. It also fits all Apple watch series models through series six—just bring your own watch face.
For anyone with a car: FIXD OBD2 Bluetooth Scan Tool for Car Diagnostics
$59.99
You’ll never be confused by dashboard lights again because the FIXD OBD2 will read and diagnose your check engine light as well as decipher the severity. Heck, it’ll ever clear that light from inside your car, and translates the explanation into simple English so you can make the simple fix to save time, money, and energy. It’ll also offer you expected fix costs so you’ll never get scammed or overcharged by a local garage, and works with a database of over 10,000 manufacturer-specific trouble codes. Once you have the device, you’ll need to download the app to your smartphone and use it on any gas-powered car manufactured after 1996. These are the 15 car detailing secrets only car detailers know.
For the deep breather: Pure Enrichment PureZone Elite 4-in-1 air purifier $149.99
Every breath will be om-worthy with this next-level air purifier thanks to its true HEPA filter, UVC sanitization light, and ability to remove pet hair and smoke in small and large rooms alike. Many air purifiers claim to be great, but in reality are hardly strong enough to work in a large living room or homes with open floor plans, whereas this technologically-advanced model services larger areas in a breeze with a 99.7 prevent purification rate. It’s a fierce enemy of microorganisms and airborne viruses, unlike these coronavirus products that are a waste of money.
For the apartment dweller: Galanz Air Fryer Microwave
$109.00
Upgrade their kitchen gear to clear counter space and enhance their lives with this Galanz Microwave that has a built-in air fryer. That means it can handle all the regular zapping and warming, but also crisp the perfect better-for-you fries, air fried chicken, and hundreds of other creative takes on air frying. It’s also one of the very cool items that ship faster through Walmart+ than Amazon Prime.
For the video conference whiz: Lumecube Broadcast Lighting Kit
$129.95
Whether they’re on work Zooms, hosting a Google Classroom session for loyal students, or creating must-see-TV from their home office, this Lumecube Broadcast Lighting Kit offers professional-level lighting that even a total novice can set up in less than five minutes. The powerful bi-color Panel Go is paired with a telescoping desktop tripod that can rotate a full 360 degrees so you can always find the angle you need with the monitor mount.
For the wise one: Ocushield Anti-Blue Light Filter for Macbook
$56.00
If blue light glasses seem like a complicated chore for the forgetful person on your list to remember, just hook their Macbook Pro or Air up with this genius Ocushield Anti-Blue Light Filter. It comes in a variety of sizes to fit Macbook screens and offers an anti-glare coating that isn’t tinged with yellow or orange hues. You’re going to want one for yourself, too (but get the glasses for all that time you spend on your smartphone).
For safe driving: Cobra Smart Dash Camera
$179.99
They’ll love the feeling of safety even when they’re hitting the road alone because this Cobra Smart Dash Camera for cars offers full HD 1080P video recording, interior camera capabilities, built-in WiFi, embedded GPS, and a 16 GB SD card that’ll make your phone jealous. It comes with a standard 140-degree view, two-inch LED display, and live remote viewing, so you can even keep an eye on your teen or senior drivers. Before your next journey, brush up on these road trip planning tips.
For Bond-level working on the go: Canon Scan-tini Personal Document Scanner
$279.99
Free up desk space or just take your work-show on the road without lugging heavy equipment, because this Canon Scan-tini is one of the few tech gifts that takes ordinarily bulky work equipment and turns them into nearly pocket-sized wonders. The modern plug-and-scan capabilities of this marvel mean you don’t have to run or own any special software, and it can handle scanning documents as thick as driver licenses without hassle. It’s powered by USB and whoever you give it to will wonder how they lived so long without it.
For the time-conscious: Lenovo Smart Clock Essential
$49.99
Take that old, fuddy-duddy round clock off the wall and replace it with this very cool Lenovo Smart Clock Essential. The big, bold display is easily seen and read by people of all ages and offers an “ask Google” feature that plays music, controls smart home devices, will give you weather updates, and more. It also features a built-in nightlight, speaker, and microphones that make it a perfect addition to a child’s bedroom. Try saying, “Hey Google, play white noise sounds and open the night light,” and watch their bedtime routine transform. It turns out white noise may help pets sleep better, too.
For the future-minded: Grouphug Solar Charger
$149.00
The Grouphug Solar Charger is easy to install, harnesses the free and very-clean power of the sun, and boasts a built-in rechargeable battery that is almost as warm and cozy as the product’s name. You’ll be able to power your personal devices like iPhones, Androids, smart waters, bike lights, speakers, and more without much more effort than setting your panel in direct sunlight. What’s even better is that the company is so committed to a better future that they’ll repair their panels well into the distant future just so there’s no additional unnecessary waste, garbage, or litter. Pretty neat, huh?
For the Microsoft-committed: Microsoft 365 Personal software
$69.99/year
Convenient software licensing access is the gift that keeps on giving, and Microsoft 365 Personal Software access is an invaluable tool for adults of all ages and styles. It includes premium Office apps, one TB of cloud storage (that’s a lot, if you’re wondering), and advanced security for all your devices. It also grants access to hundreds of premium templates, photos, icons, fonts, and more in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. One license can be used by up to five devices at a time, so that means their computer, tablet, phones, and more will all have the best of the best.
For even more security: Kangaroo Doorbell Camera and Chime
$24.99
This gift is ideal for tech lovers of all shapes, sizes, genders, and styles thanks to its practical approach to social distancing. It sends real-time photo alerts to your smartphone when your doorbell is pressed or motion is detected, so you’ll never miss the cable guy, an important delivery, or an opportunity to avoid opening the door for a nagging neighbor. It also helps keep your home safe, because pictures of those approaching your door can be invaluable when you’re not home. It rings an indoor chime when it’s pressed, just like a regular doorbell might, and requires absolutely no hard wiring. Just peel, stick, and breathe easy. Here are some of the best holiday gifts under $50.
For the musically-inclined: ONE Music Group 61-Key Portable Keyboard
$299.99
At first glance, this design-forward 61-key portable keyboard from The One Music Group just seems like a pretty cool way to make music, but it’s so much more. It’s the piano teacher everyone’s missing out on this year, because LED lights teach users to play and follow key instructions just like a human teacher might. It pairs with a free app that offers an impressive supply of pro-level lessons, videos, fun games that make learning to play loads of fun, and even sheet music. You may be socially distanced and low on in-person classes this year, but there’s no reason you have to be low on learning.
For the brightest smile in the room: Oral-B iO Series 8 Electric Toothbrush
$249.99
This modern take on an old classic is the ideal technological betterment for anyone obsessed with flashing their pearly whites. It offers perfect pressure every time, signaling when you brush too hard or when the pressure is just right. It also uses display screen motivators to encourage healthy, personalized brushing habits right for your particular set of chompers. Live coaching with a visible timer means you’ll never miss dirt, grime, plaque, and other sticky ickies again.
For the sun-worshiper: Verilux HappyLight
$39.99
This affordable gift may just mean the difference between having a really dark winter and having a UV-free, full-spectrum light-filled winter for the person on your list. It’s as simple to use as pushing a button and delivers the ideal amount of sunlight-style artificial light that keeps moods balanced, smiles bigger, and dark winter days more tolerable. Learn more winter survival tips from folks who live in the coldest parts of the country.
For more good hair days: VIBRAstrait Dual Temperature Oscillating Flat Iron
$85.99
Wrap this tech gift up and stock her stuffing with the best hair masks, and you’re going to be the real holiday season MVP. The VIBRAstraight dual temperature oscillating flat iron does everything their old flat iron does and also offers added benefits like the ability to glide through hair instead of tugging, pulling, or tearing. It cuts down styling time by up to 50 percent and automatically shuts off after 50 minutes to ensure there’s never an emergency OMG-I-left-my-hair-tools-on moment again.
For the one with the world’s best backyard: Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera
$199.99
It’s one part useful floodlight for their patio, backyard, driveway, or pool and one part genius smart camera they’ll wonder how they ever lived without. It offers wire-free 2k video and HDR, color night vision, two-way audio, a six months battery life, and motion activation that helps keep outdoor areas safe, and it may even catch some social media-worthy video of local wildlife. It’s a win-win because no hub is needed, although it works with Alexa smart home systems if that’s your speed. Discover more of the best-reviewed security cameras.
For the little tech lover: Pokemon Pikachu Kids Headphones
$19.99
These adjustable Pikachu headphones are the bright pop of tech fun little Pokemon fans are clamoring for, and one of the most adorably useful gifts for boys in the age of e-learning. They’re wired, tangle-free, offer volume control to protect little ears, and are just as great for remote learning days as they are for long car trips.
For the one with all the ideas: Bulbrite Solana Wifi Edison Filament LED Smart Bulbs
$59.99
These fully dimmable smart bulbs will be the perfect gift for the bright thinker in your life walking around with a constant light bulb above their mind. They pair seamlessly with the free Bulbrite Solana app and with compatible voice assistant programs you may already have in your home and can adjust the color temperatures of any room with truer white light all the way to warm, flowing candlelight tones. They’ll be able to control their bedside lamp, kitchen lights, and more from just about anywhere they have access to the Internet.
For the chef: All-Clad Prep&Cook Cooking Food Processor
$999.95
Watch them whip up the wildest, most advanced dishes after you give them an All-Clad Prep & Cook Cooking Food Processor, because this nearly magical machine cooks, slow-cooks, steams, stir-fries, mixes, stirs, kneads, crushes ice, chops nuts, and does just about anything else you can think of, short of flying you to the moon. This versatile gadget is the perfect gift for moms who love to cook.
For less clutter: LumiCharge LED Smart Adjustable Desk Lamp
$119.00
If you’re shopping for a gift for the person who already has everything, the LumiCharge LED Smart Adjustable Desk Lamp is sure to hit the mark. It’s a sleek, modern-looking desk lamp that also charges wireless phones of all sorts thanks to a built-in charging dock. It also shows the date, time, and temperature and has a motion sensor light, so you’ll never hit the corner of the desk again in the dark.
For the backpacker: SunLight Integrated Solar Panel
$24.95
Leave bulky batteries behind and let them feel good about their footprint with SunLight’s integrated solar panel that creates self-reliant recharging. An easy-to-use kickstand and sundial make it a practical choice. Plus, it’s affordable and charges just about anything via USB.
For the one who needs a new tablet: onn. 10.1″ Android Tablet
$59.00
Tell the loved one on your list to edit their wish list to include this very-affordable onn. 10.1″ Android Tablet for less than you probably think. They’ll answer emails, get work done, catch up on Netflix, and read endless e-books for less than the price of a Christmas sweater.
For the listener: Wicked Audio Shred 2 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
$49.99
These Wicked Audio Shred 2 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds are sweatproof, easy to wear, and deliver excellent sound for the person who loves packing in a few extra sets at the gym. Better yet, they’re compact and can easily be stuffed into a hoodie pocket so that they’re never forgotten.
For the most creative person you know: Monoprice Select Mini 3-D Printer
$219.99
Is this real, or are we only dreaming? It’s real! The Monoprice Select Mini 3-D Printer comes fully assembled with a microSD card preloaded with printable models, and it’s surprisingly affordable. Trust us, this is the coolest machine you never knew you needed. Make sure you recognize these 32 invisible ways stores get you to spend more.
For the chronic sloucher: Upright GO 2 Posture Trainer
$99.99
If they’re always complaining about sore, painful backaches, work in front of computers all day, or are just known for less-than-wonderful posture, the technologically-advanced Upright Go 2 just may change their lives. It’s strapless, discreet, lightweight, and easy to use and pair with the system’s app—making perfect posture easier than ever to achieve.
For the cyclist: Roadwarez Road Tracker Bluetooth-Enabled Cycling Backpack
$249.00
Help the cyclist in your life tote all their belongings and gear in the safest way possible with this Roadwarez Bluetooth-Enabled Cycling Backpack. It offers hands-free automatic signaling, hands-free navigation, and a programmable app they’ll make the most of.
For the growing mind: Sphero SPRK+: App-Enabled Robot Ball
$96.99
The Sphero SPRK+: App-Enabled Robot Ball is a junior coder’s dream gift, offering the chance to build an actual robot from the ground up. Inquisitive junior techies will learn to program the robotic ball to have all sorts of advanced functions, including light and movement.
For the whole family: Netgear Orbi Home Mesh Wi-Fi System
$242.90
If anyone on your list has ever complained about the quality of his or her Wi-Fi connectivity, trust us, that person wants a Netgear Orbi Home Mesh Wi-Fi System. The Orbi Wi-Fi system covers up to 5,000 square feet seamlessly, includes a router satellite, and leverages tri-band Wi-Fi. It’s the tech gift that supports all other tech gifts. Don’t ignore these 4 tech gadgets you should consider buying secondhand—and 3 you shouldn’t.
For the loud music lover: Skullcandy Venue Headphones
$177.99
Imagine how happy the music lover or gaming pro on your list will be when he or she receives Skullcandy Venue Headphones. They offer noise cancellation, Bluetooth connectivity, and up to 24 hours of use on a single charge. Find out 29 ways to get the best deals on anything.
For the wine lover: Coravin Model Two Elite Pro Wine Preservation System
$279.90
The Coravin Model Two Elite Pro Wine Preservation System helps take any wine drinker’s game to the next level by using the most advanced wine preservation technology to keep every sip as fresh and flavorful as ever, longer. It keeps wine of all types safe from oxidation, allowing it to continue to age naturally. Plus, we’re pretty sure you can enjoy this gift together—over, and over again.
For the always-prepared: Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt
$162.33
The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt with Camelot Trim works with Alexa to give you hands-free voice control over your front door, set schedules, and manage codes for the people coming and going from your home (like contractors, babysitters, and other helpers). It’s valuable peace of mind, and one of those tech gifts that will be treasured for years to come. Shamelessly regift with these tips.
For the always-curious: Google Nest Hub Max
$229.99
The Nest Hub Max is the newest smart display powered by the Google Assistant and features a 10″ GB scream, NestCam features, and all the benefits of video calling, messages, voice-activated searches, YouTube videos, and so much more. Imagine popping one of these ultra-useful tech gifts on his or her kitchen counter so they can say, “Hey Google, find me a new chicken recipe” totally hands-free. Find out what Google Home can do that Alexa can’t.
For the beauty queen: PMD Personal Microderm Tool
$199.00
Yes, even beauty has gone high-tech. The PMD Personal Microderm at-home skincare tool delivers in-office level treatment results for less than the cost of a single microdermabrasion service at day spas and medical offices. It helps exfoliate, reduce blemishes, fine lines, and other skin woes in a very high-tech way that’s easy to use. Check out our other holiday gift sets for her this holiday season.
For the BBQ boss: DemerBox Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers
$349.00
Tell him to take a hike with his tunes (literally) with a shiny new DemerBox portable outdoor speaker. Not only is it waterproof and rugged, but it also offers loud sound and truly deep bass, 40 or more hours of battery life, USB charging, and Bluetooth technology. If a hike isn’t his speed, it’s great for camping out, beach days, and the sidelines. Check out these other unique gifts for men.
For the writer: Office Depot TUL Wireless Charging Notebook
$59.99
Office Depot’s exclusive TUL Wireless Charging Notebook makes long-winded work meetings that much easier thanks to built-in wireless charging on its cover. It works with both iPhone and Android models, looks just like a professional leather-bound spiral notebook you’d want anyway, and helps keep you connected to your precious smartphone when things drag on. We think it’s a great boss gift, too.
For the practical driver: Kenu Airbase Wireless Charger
$49.95
Keep your tech-obsessed friend or loved one safe while driving by giving the Kenu Airbase Wireless, a charging mount that rests on the dashboard or windshield for hands-free operation. It switches easily from portrait to landscape viewing mode and won’t overheat. Works with most electronic devices, including Apple, Samsung, Google, and LG.
For the brightest on your list: Panasonic Homehawk Floor Lamp
$249.95
The Panasonic Homehawk Floor Lamp isn’t just any ordinary light fixture—aside from gorgeous ambient light, it features a secret wide-angle camera that helps keep your home safe, detecting motion and movement with color night vision and voice assist. Impress your friends with your knowledge of these 20 techie terms.
For anyone with a smartphone: PhoneSoap 3 UV Phone Sanitizer and Charger
$79.95
People who love each other spread kindness, not germs, which is why a PhoneSoap 3 UV Cell Phone Sanitizer and Dual Universal Cell Phone Charger is one of the coolest tech gifts around town. It literally zaps the nasties living on your phone screen so you can start each day fresh, without the threat of bacteria and viruses. Plus, it’ll charge your phone while the zapping happens, which is a happy bonus. Next, read on for the beautiful holiday gifts that give back.
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