As a technology writer, here’s 11 tech gifts I actually want for Christmas

As a tech enthusiast who’s spent countless hours immersed in digital worlds, I can wholeheartedly vouch for the Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector as the perfect gift for movie lovers like myself. The ability to transform any room into a home cinema is simply magical!

When it comes to technology lovers, buying gifts is never easy.

Based on my observations, it’s typically these tech enthusiasts who tend to purchase items they truly desire, as they often already own a phone, smartwatch, or gaming console. In other words, they usually don’t feel the need for another such device.

In this case, you’re left with the responsibility of addressing any gaps, however, you might observe that many stores often sell similar, outdated technology-related products, and if we’re honest, they’re more like junk.

Instead of choosing wireless chargers, plasma lamps, or an iPhone stand that might end up forgotten at the back of a drawer, consider opting for something more thoughtfully selected as the recipient may not truly value such tech-looking items.

I’ve put together a list of tech gifts that you can rely on. They are all practical, hail from trusted manufacturers, and offer lasting value. Enjoy exploring!

These items are available at various price points, ranging from ‘Here’s something nice I thought you might like’ to ‘This is a special gift that will stand out in your memory’. Moreover, they cater to diverse styles and preferences since technology encompasses a broad spectrum of themes and personalities.

So, without further ado, here are 11 tech items I really want for Christmas.

Here’s an idea! If you’re still searching for some festive inspiration, don’t forget to explore top-notch board games and card games that are sure to bring joy. And if you’re interested in tech deals, learn how to gift a Disney Plus subscription and discover ways to enjoy Premier Sports.

Best tech gifts at a glance

Best gift for work: reMarkable 2 Smart Notebook, £349
Best gift for home: The Ember Smart Mug, ~~£129.95~~ £103 (save £26.95 or 20%)
Best LEGO gift: LEGO Atari 2600 set, £209.99
Best budget gift: Apple AirTag, £28
Best gaming gift: Valve Steam Deck 512GB, £555
Best gaming accessory: Sterling silver PS5 Controller, ~~£69.99~~ £49.99 (save £20 or 28%)
Best last-minute gift: Three months’ free Amazon Music and Audible
Best photography gift: Polaroid Go 2 Instant Camera, ~~£79.99~~ £69.99 (save £10 or 12%)
Best aesthetic gift: Emma Bridgewater vintage radio, ~~£99.99~~ £79.99 (save £20 or 20%)
Best gift for movie lovers: Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector, £219
Best gift for audiophiles: Nothing Ear(a) earbuds, ~~£99.00~~ £69.00
Best gift for bookworms: Remote Control Page Turner for Kindle, £24.99

Best tech gifts for the person who has everything

reMarkable 2 Smart Notebook

Best gift for work

If you know a student, or mobile worker, the reMarkable 2 is a sleek, smart notebook that has the look and feel of paper. Sitting at just 4.7mm thick and coming with a stylus that lets you jot down notes in your own handwriting, it’s perfect for a distraction-free note-taking experience. The reMarkable 2 can also sync-up to files on Google Drive and OneDrive and mark-up PDFs so you can transfer whatever work you need onto the device. Last but not least, it also comes with a range of handy accessories, from fancy leather cases to a stylus that can erase notes as well as it writes them.

The Ember Smart Mug

Best gift for home

Being a passionate (or perhaps even fanatical) tea enthusiast, I’ve been quite open about my strong desire for this mug. The Ember mug is a smart, self-heating vessel that can maintain your drink at the perfect temperature for up to 90 minutes per session. It also includes a heating base that can extend the warmth throughout the day. By using the Ember app, you can select your preferred temperature, and once it’s ready (indicated by the LED light), the mug will heat or cool itself accordingly.

LEGO Atari 2600 set

Best LEGO gift

For gamers who have reached a certain age, reminiscing about the Atari Games console is likely a cherished experience. Now, they have an opportunity to eternally honor this iconic device by obtaining the official LEGO set, launched in celebration of its 50th anniversary. This intricate set, consisting of 2,532 pieces, recreates a life-size Atari console along with its controller, a vintage television, and miniature versions of popular games. As a thoughtful present, consider this item, but be mindful that it will soon become unavailable as LEGO plans to retire it, so act promptly if you wish to secure one.

Apple AirTag

Best budget gift

AirTags by Apple are frequently found in gift suggestions, and I wholeheartedly support this choice. These compact, sleek devices are easy to carry and designed for tracking valuable tech items. If you have a friend who frequently travels or takes great care of their belongings, these AirTags could provide them with much-needed reassurance. What’s more, they’re reasonably priced, making them an excellent choice for thoughtful friend gifts or stocking stuffers during the holiday season.

Valve Steam Deck 512GB

Best gaming gift

Here’s one way of paraphrasing that: “Our Gaming Editor, Rob Leane, will be taking charge of this topic. The Steam Deck is a captivating device as it resembles a computer but has been designed to be portable, allowing you to connect it to Steam – the largest platform for PC games. With this, you can download any game and enjoy playing it on-the-go.

It seems there are two categories of individuals who might find it appealing: those deeply invested in PC games seeking a portable option, and those new to PC gaming who prefer a less expensive and less daunting entry point compared to purchasing an expensive gaming laptop or building their own rig. If you’re intrigued by PC gaming but aren’t keen on laptops or bulky desktop computers, the Steam Deck could well be your ideal choice.

Sterling silver PS5 Controller

Best gaming accessory

This year, Sony’s PlayStation unveiled a line of 30th Anniversary Limited Edition items, featuring a PS5 console and its controller in the classic PlayStation grey. Unfortunately, these items have sold out everywhere, but we offer an alternate option for you.

The Sterling Silver color option for the PS5 Wireless Controller is nearly identical to the sold-out version, and it’s also priced much lower. If that color doesn’t appeal to you, there are also various “Chroma” controllers available, featuring vibrant and metallic shades of blue, green, and purple.

Get three months’ free Amazon Music and Audible

Best last-minute gift

Worried about finding a last-minute gift? Currently, Amazon is offering a three-month free trial of Amazon Music Unlimited. An excellent bonus is that Amazon Music now incorporates Audible, giving you access to over 800,000 audiobooks and 10 million songs at no cost. After the initial three months, it will be £10.99 per month.

Get three months’ free Amazon Music and Audible

Polaroid Go 2 Instant Camera

Best photography gift

Regardless if you’re acquainted with photography enthusiasts or not, Polaroid cameras are consistently popular due to their charming vintage aesthetic and instant photo capability. The allure of these devices lies in their ability to provide tangible images immediately. Among the variety of Polaroid cameras available, we opted for this mid-priced model because it’s compact, stylish, and performs admirably well.

Emma Bridgewater vintage radio

Best aesthetic gift

Old-fashioned DAB radios are making a resurgence, and the Emma Bridgewater version is simply stunning. Featuring designs in Forget-Me-Not and strawberry patterns, it’s an ideal blend of modern technology and attractive home decoration. Moreover, it functions as a Bluetooth speaker that can be paired with your phone as well.

Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector

Best gift for movie lovers

Fancy a movie evening at home? This portable projector is just what you need to enhance your movie-watching time. It can be connected to your phone, computer, or TV using USB or HDMI cables, and it includes a built-in speaker for filling the room with sound, as well as offering 1080PHD picture quality.

Nothing Ear(a) earbuds

Best gift for audiophiles

Other than AirPods, there are other exceptional earbuds worth considering, such as the Nothing Ear(a) buds. These earbuds boast a stylish design and offer great value for money without sacrificing sound quality. They provide up to 42.5 hours of playtime, come with 45dB active noise cancellation, an 11mm driver, and a Bass Enhance algorithm. In essence, they deliver outstanding performance.

Remote Control Page Turner for Kindle

Best gift for book worms

If you have a friend who uses a Kindle, surprise them with a gadget that embodies pure laziness – a remote control page turner! Though it may seem ludicrous given how effortless Kindles already are, there’s something delightful about watching this miniature clicker handle the task of turning pages for you. It’s user-friendly and ideal for reading comfortably in bed.

More of this in the best gifts for book lovers.

2024-12-13 18:38