Owning gadgets in the digital age isn't always easy. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to keep track of which devices need to be charged, which require their own smartphone apps, or how to keep them all working properly together.
But there's good news: The best tech gifts are built to make your life more convenient, and many do a great job at simplifying the tasks that eat up too much of your time. Whether it's the perfect stocking stuffer for the techie in your life or gear to streamline day-to-day life, these are the best tech gift ideas for whoever is on your holiday shopping list.
The best tech gifts for everyone in your life
Amazon's Echo Show 5 is our favorite Alexa-based device, having evaluated its previous generation in the BestReviews Testing Lab. This 2023 model is even better, with twice the bass and clearer sound. It's a nightstand speaker with Amazon's ubiquitous digital assistant built-in, so you can do anything from asking for the weather forecast to getting step-by-step recipes. The included camera and microphone make it easy to make video calls with other compatible devices, but our favorite feature is the alarm clock, which can be coordinated with smart bulbs so you're naturally woken up with light.
You may be familiar with Ring's video doorbells, which are quickly becoming a standard in home security, but Ring also has a full suite of security products. Our favorite is the newest version of the Ring Indoor Cam, released in 2023. This tiny camera plugs into any standard outlet and gives you a real-time video feed on your device. You can set up motion-activated alerts or even use it as a baby monitor (with a two-way-talk built-in intercom). It's one of the best gifts for tech lovers who also want enhanced security.
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360
If you're looking for cool tech gifts, consider a Chromebook. Since these devices are built on Chrome OS's cloud-based model, they're easily the most secure laptops available. Google always keeps them up-to-date, and all of your work is auto-saved to the web. This Samsung Galaxy Chromebook is one of the most popular models available. It's fast enough for work or school. With an ultrathin, compact design, it's flexible enough for anywhere you want to take it. Since it's a 2021 model, it's not overly pricey like newer options.
Smart thermostats are great for making sure the temperature in your home is always perfect, and they're useful for saving money on heating and cooling bills, too. Whether you're looking for the best thermostat on the market or you just need a simple way to set temperature schedules, our favorite is the ecobee3 Lite. If you pick one up, your heating bill will thank you.
ClearMaxv 1-Foot Outlet Extenders
If you know someone with a lot of tech in their house, chances are they've got at least one power strip with a spaghetti of wires overlapping one another and some plugs that are so bulky they cover other outlets. That's where outlet extenders come in handy: one-foot extension cords make it easy to keep track of what's plugged in where and ensures that any bulky plugs won't block any ports.
Belkin USB-C Hub for MacOS and Windows Laptops
If you've got a laptop with a USB-C port (and few others), you'll need a hub or a port replicator. It's important to get a good one, because there are a lot of cheap, barely usable models out there. Belkin's USB-C hubs are reliable and worry-free, plus they're as plug-and-play as they come. It takes one USB-C port and adds traditional USB ports, an SD card reader, a 4K-capable HDMI port, and a gigabit ethernet port for getting an ultra-fast data connection.
Londo Remote Control Organizer
Having a lot of technology in your house means having a lot of remote controls, and keeping track of them can be a headache, so consider a remote control organizer. This one from Londo comes in multiple colors and includes a suede lining to keep your remotes clean and free from scratches. Keep your controllers all in one place and never dig through your couch cushions again!
TP-Link Kasa Smart Power Strip
What's better than getting a bunch of smart plugs? An entire smart power strip. TP-Link's Kasa brand is one of the most popular, and you can add any device you want and control its power individually from the super-simple Kasa app. Whether you want to plug in lamps, Christmas lights, or your coffee maker, you can do it all simultaneously with the Kasa smart power strip.
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