The holiday season is rapidly approaching, and if there’s one thing we learned from last year, it’s that holiday shopping is starting earlier than ever. The online shopping surge, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, has become a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. This year, as shipping backlogs continue to cause delays and prices surge, retailers are advising consumers to act early to ensure their gifts arrive in time for the festivities. Moreover, the newly implemented USPS standards are further extending delivery times, making early shopping a wise choice. So, it’s time to start scouting for Christmas gifts, especially if you have tech enthusiasts in your family.
The past year has witnessed an array of cutting-edge tech products entering the market. This is fantastic news for those seeking to get a head start on Christmas shopping for their tech-savvy family members. To assist in selecting the best tech gifts this year, we’ve delved into our extensive tech coverage to identify highly-rated and gift-worthy options. As a tech expert with years of experience covering the industry, I’ve personally curated this list, taking into account reader interest and the latest offerings in the tech world. From smart home gadgets to classic choices like headphones and computer equipment, and even Apple’s latest iPhone, we’ve got you covered.
Gaming Accessories
The gaming world has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity, with 2020 witnessing a $159.25 billion increase in the PC gaming industry from the previous year. The rise of esports at various colleges and universities has only fueled this growth. If you’re shopping for a gamer, choosing the right equipment is paramount. Here are some top options based on reader interest and previous coverage:
- Steelseries Rival 5 Gaming Mouse: Ideal for gamers who enjoy first-person shooters like Fortnite or crafting games like Minecraft, the Rival 5 is a versatile gaming mouse. With customizable buttons and a 5-button quick action side panel, it caters to every gamer’s preferences. Weighing just 85 grams and boasting over 80 million clicks of durability, it’s a reliable choice with an impressive 4.5-star average rating from more than 3,500 Amazon reviewers.
- Logitech Pro X Gaming Headset: For gamers who rely on sound to secure victory, this Logitech gaming headset is a top choice. With 50-millimeter drivers, customizable sound profiles, and comfortable memory foam padding, it’s designed for long gaming sessions. The Blue Vo!ce technology ensures clear in-game communication. Boasting a 4.4-star average rating from over 4,000 Amazon reviewers, it’s a headset worth considering.
- Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed Gaming Mouse: Another excellent option for everyday gamers, the wireless Razer Basilisk X offers up to 450 hours of battery life, a 16,000 DPI optical sensor, and customizable DPI settings. With a 4.6-star average rating from more than 15,000 Amazon reviewers, it’s a reliable choice for gaming enthusiasts.
- Steelseries Apex 3 TKL: Most PC gamers prefer mechanical keyboards, and this one is designed with affordability and durability in mind. Providing 20 million silent keypresses and IP32 water resistance, it’s suitable for everyday gamers and compatible with various systems, including Windows, Macs, Xbox, and Playstation 4. Over 12,000 Amazon reviewers gave it an impressive 4.8-star average rating.
Headphones & Earbuds
With the podcast listener base continually growing, quality headphones or earbuds have become essential for enjoying audio content. Here are some top options based on size, convenience, and noise-canceling features:
- Apple AirPods, 3rd Generation: These earbuds offer adaptive equalizers, longer battery life, and IPX4 water resistance. Tap controls and wireless charging make them a versatile choice for Apple enthusiasts.
- Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro: Perfect for urban settings, these earbuds feature intelligent noise cancellation, ensuring an immersive audio experience. They also offer multiple sound equalizer options.
- Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones: Affordable and effective, these noise-canceling headphones provide up to 40 hours of playback, three listening modes, and a quick five-minute charge for four hours of listening.
- Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Over-the-Ear Headphones: These high-end headphones boast a 120 Hz refresh rate, five built-in microphones, and a speak-to-chat feature for hands-free calls. They’re compatible with Alexa and Google.
Phones
The smartphone landscape is continually evolving, with new models and upgrades hitting the market regularly. Here are some standout options that blend design and functionality:
- Apple iPhone 13 Pro: Combining the best features of Apple’s phone releases, this model offers a faster A15 processor, improved cameras, and a cinematic mode for video recording.
- Google Pixel 6: Google’s latest flagship smartphone features a new processor, high-level security, and Real Tone technology for photo image equity across all skin tones.
- Samsung Z Flip 3: A foldable phone with a modern design, this Samsung model offers a 120 Hz display refresh rate, impressive camera capabilities, and a sleek form factor.
Smart Home
With more people working from home and seeking secure living spaces, smart home sales are on the rise. Trusted companies like Amazon and Google offer a range of options for enhancing home automation:
- Amazon Echo Show 8: This touchscreen smart home hub features an 8-inch HD screen, making it easy for users to make video calls, stream content, and manage smart devices.
- Google Nest Home Mini: A great option for Google enthusiasts, this compact device works seamlessly with a wide range of smart home systems and devices.
- Google Nest Learning Thermostat: Combining smart technology and sustainability, this thermostat allows users to program temperature schedules and control settings remotely from their smartphones.
E-Readers
For avid readers who are always on the go, e-readers offer a slim and convenient way to carry a library of books. Here are some options to consider:
- Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021): The latest Paperwhite features adjustable warm lighting, a USB-C charging port, and up to ten weeks of battery life. It’s a reader’s dream.
- Kobo Nia: An affordable alternative to the Kindle, the Kobo Nia boasts a glare-free touchscreen, adjustable ComfortLight, and compatibility with the Overdrive ebook lending app.
- Kobo Elipsa: For those who love taking notes while reading, this e-reader offers a touchscreen for note-taking and reading in various formats.
Wearable Tech
Wearables, including earbuds and smartwatches, are becoming increasingly popular. They’re perfect for tracking fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Here are some top picks:
- Samsung Watch 4: With up to 40 hours of battery life, dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity, and a sleek design, this Samsung smartwatch is a great choice for Android users.
- Apple Watch 7 Series: Apple’s latest offering features a thinner bezel, a more robust front glass, and a range of health and fitness monitoring features.
For the Tech Enthusiast Who Has Everything
If you’re struggling to find the perfect gift for a tech-savvy family member who seems to have it all, don’t worry—there are still plenty of options to consider:
- Ember Smart Mug: For those who love their beverages warm, this smart mug maintains the desired temperature for up to 80 minutes.
- Audible Subscription Gift Card: Audiobooks are a fantastic way to enjoy literature, and an Audible gift subscription provides access to a vast library of audiobooks and podcasts.
- Bose Portable Smart Speaker: This portable, water-resistant speaker is perfect for hosting gatherings, offering impressive sound quality and hands-free calling.
The holiday season is a time for spreading joy, and what better way to do that than by selecting the perfect tech gifts for your loved ones? Whether you’re shopping for gamers, audiophiles, smartphone enthusiasts, or those looking to enhance their smart homes, this guide has you covered. Get a head start on your holiday shopping and make this season unforgettable for your tech-savvy family members!