Recharge Your Gift Giving With Fun Tech Gifts

No matter how many gadgets or devices we have, we always seem to want more. And there’s a reason for it. “We live in an age where technology is exciting!” says Kevin Mercuri, who works with consumer tech companies in his role as CEO of Propheta Communications.

“The very nature of technology is to enhance one’s life,” Mercuri says, “so every laptop, every game system and every wireless speaker can spark joy. Which makes tech gifts a particularly desirable gift across ages and demographics.”

Pretty much everyone — from Gen Z to Baby Boomers — relies on tech. However, in tougher economic times, people might delay an upgrade or the tech purchase that will make their lives brighter in some way. If the people in your life are holding back on splurging on items they covet, you can swoop in and be the holiday hero by treating them to new tech.

One thing to keep in mind: Pay attention to what they say they want or already use — or whom it might annoy. Mercuri once bought a friend a PlayStation II without consulting with the friend’s spouse. “The opening of the gift was the tipping point in an already strained marriage and led to marriage counseling.” Mercuri says the three can laugh about it now, but he’s learned, “Some gifts are better left un-gifted.”

As long as you’re on the right track, you don’t have to chase a one-of-a-kind experience or spend a fortune to treat someone you love to something they’ll love. There are exceptional tech products or accessories out there for a variety of interests and price points. Here are a few of our favorites.

This iTouch Air 3 Smartwatch helps keep track of a lot more than just time. You can monitor wellness and set daily steps goals. And you can check if you’re hydrated enough or if your heart rate is at a comfortable pace, and even set a reminder to wash your hands or practice some breathing exercises. There are a variety of color combinations and watch band options to choose from. Depending on the variation you prefer, you can find this cute Apple imitator — at a much lower-than-Apple price — at Amazon, Target, Kohl’s and Macy’s.

With porch pirates and other undesirables hanging around some holiday deliveries, a doorbell video camera is less an indulgence and more of a safety necessity. Of all such doorbells I’ve tested, my favorite is the Arlo Wireless Video Doorbell. You set motion sensors, and use the app to answer the doorbell from your smartphone and download any important video footage — even check in to see who might be visiting your mom or granddad.

I’m a big fan of both the design and functionality of Microsoft Surface laptops. In my experience, they provide the ability to multitask (while already multitasking) without losing steam. The new Surface Laptop 5, which comes in two sizes (13.5-inch or 15-inch), is a thoughtful gift for someone who’ll be working from home for the foreseeable future, but needs something light enough to pack for business trips. And if you’re not great at choosing tech gifts, the Microsoft Store offers the option of shopping with an expert virtually or in-store. Of course, the Apple Store also offers personal shopping service.

All that sitting in one place and tapping at the keyboard can wreak havoc on one’s back. The HON Ignition 2.0 Desk Chair is easy to assemble and the seat height and arms can be adjusted for height and width. But here’s the best part: The stretch mesh back is breathable (yay!) and built for ergonomic support (ooh) and there’s a lumbar support cradle to take the pressure off your spine (well, now!). And while this cool chair resembles the pricey Herman Miller chairs, it’s about half the cost. The least thrilling part is that it comes in just two colors (black or fog).

If the person on your list spends most of their days staring at screens, they could likely use a pair of glasses to protect their peepers. Here’s why: The Sleep Foundation reported that computer screens, tablets and computers all emit high-energy blue light that’s actually similar to the sun. Using digital devices well into the night can cause headaches, blurred vision and sleep disruption. Blue light glasses can filter or block the most harmful rays. Find them at places like GlassesUSA, which has a huge selection of blue light blocking glasses, with or without prescriptions.

If you want to gift someone a way of staying connected while simultaneously disconnecting, treat them to a Tidbyt. It's a wooden-encased display device that shows need-to-know details — such as weather, stock prices, sports scores, subway times, bitcoin values, calendars and more — in a retro-looking box. No need to reach for your phone! The fun part of this device, which appears to be channeling a Lite Bright toy, is that it’s decidedly untechnical-looking. There’s also the option to upload photos (that will look charmingly pixelated) or even build scripts with just a few lines of code. For under $180 you can give the gift of cheesy notifications with a “Stranger Things” vibe. Or you can just upload pictures of your pup and grin like an idiot while on your next Zoom meeting.

The average U.S. child aged 8-12 spends 4-6 hours a day on their screens, and teens average up to 9 daily hours. Teracube Thrive, a new children’s smartphone, comes with a built-in monitoring system that allows parents to set time and activity limits, without invading their child’s privacy. Parents can also set the system so they have the ability to approve or reject any downloads. The smartphone, which is supported by most carriers, also ensures safe searching functionality. It’s an easy way to monitor kids’ safety online without having to configure parental controls.

This is one of the cooler technology related gifts out there, and it doesn’t have a screen or keyboard. And you can wear it. Diamond Nexus’ simulated diamonds look almost exactly like the real thing, but cost much less. My fave is the Toi Et Moi Round and Asscher cut ring (set in 14k gold and available in three colors), which embraces the current trend of two-diamond rings. These lab-created beauties are a conflict-free and eco-friendly way to give someone special something sparkly.