The Hottest Tech Gifts This Season

Hottest Tech Gifts_cover

Cheapism is editorially independent. We may earn a commission if you buy through links on our site.
Hottest Tech Gifts_cover

Gizmos Galore

If you're not sure what to put under the tree, electronics are always a crowd-pleaser. There's something for everyone, from smart-home technology to tech toys for the kids. And if you're worried that tech gifts are always outrageously expensive, don't be: We have recommendations to fit every budget. (If you have a minimalist in your crowd, remember these 20 Gifts for People Who Say, 'Don't Get Me Anything'.)

Prices and availability are subject to change.

Related: 50 Christmas Gifts for $50 or Less

B082X1HRV5
Amazon

Amazon Echo Show 10

$250 from Amazon
Shop Now

This soon-to-be released update of the Echo Show has a 10.1-inch screen that can follow you as you move, making it easier than ever to multitask during calls. As always, Alexa can answer questions and control your smart devices, plus the display can function as a smart picture frame, a home security camera, and an entertainment portal.

Related: Amazon Brand Products That Shoppers Love

B084DCF429
Amazon

BlissLights SkyLite Laser Star Projector

$54 from Amazon
Shop Now

If a sound machine just isn’t cutting it when it comes to relaxation this crazy year, this atmospheric star projector might do the trick. It can turn walls and ceilings into a soothing field of blue stars and drifting clouds. “I swear I’m never leaving my room!” one buyer raves.

Related: 33 Inexpensive Products to Relieve Stress at Home

Bartesian Premium Cocktail and Margarita Machine B07PJ5Q943
Amazon

Bartesian Premium Cocktail and Margarita Machine

$350 from Amazon
Shop Now

The Keurig-like Bartesian makes preparing an expertly mixed cocktail as easy as pushing a button. Users fill the four glass chambers with the booze of their choice, insert a flavor capsule, choose drink strength, and the machine does the rest.

Related: 30 Holiday Gifts to Buy Early

Cowin E7 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones B077YG22Y9
Amazon
B079HD9JWH
Amazon

Nanoleaf Rhythm Edition Starter Kit

$270 from Amazon
Shop Now

Help someone make their space sing by giving them these light-up panels for their walls. They have a rhythm detector that helps them “dance” to any tune and are capable of displaying a staggering 16 million colors.

Related: Cool and Creative Gifts for Music Lovers

Hasbro Clue Game B07YNK36GK
Amazon
B087YR738S
Amazon
Rocketbook Fusion B07RTN4F7D
Amazon

Rocketbook Fusion Smart Reusable Notebook

$37 from Amazon
Shop Now

Even pen-and-paper holdouts can go high-tech with the Rocketbook Fusion, which has pages that can be wiped clean and written on over and over again. They can then send notes or sketches easily to a number of productivity apps and keep them forever. The Fusion has several useful templates, including a planner, calendar, task list, and regular lined pages.

For more great gift guides and shopping tips, please sign up for our free newsletters.

Apple Watch SE B08J5W9QWZ
Amazon

Apple Watch SE

$270 from Amazon
Shop Now

The new Apple Watch SE aims to tempt smartwatch holdouts with an impressive amount of technology for the price. It has a faster processor and more advanced display than the older Series 3, but lacks the always-on display of the new Series 6.

Related: Popular Gifts Likely to Sell Out in 2020

HoMedics B07YX6WCLH
Amazon

HoMedics UV Clean Phone Sanitizer

$60 from Amazon
Shop Now

What would usually be a niche gift for a germaphobe has hit the mainstream for obvious reasons. If you hate wasting all-too-precious wipes on your phone, try this light-powered sanitizer that kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria in one minute. (Check out these tips on How to Disinfect Without Harming Your Stuff.)

Google Nest 6428305
Best Buy

Google Nest Audio

$100 from Best Buy
Shop Now

This brand new smart speaker is meant for audiophiles. Unlike many competing devices, it prioritizes premium sound, but it still has all the smart-speaker functions a smart home needs, including the ability to control Google Assistant-compatible devices.

Lego 71360 B085878WLK
Amazon

Lego Super Mario Adventures Starter Course Kit

$60 from Amazon
Shop Now

Kids will love rebuilding this set again and again to create new levels that Mario can conquer. The set is interactive, and Mario features an LCD screen and speaker that are triggered when he steps on certain bricks. A compatible app also enhances play.

Related: 50 Great Gifts to Buy Your Grandkids

B0868BGJ6K
Amazon

Comper Smart Medical No-Touch Forehead Thermometer

$50 from Amazon
Shop Now

These days, just about everyone can use a fast, accurate thermometer. This one gives readings in just one second and doesn’t need to be flush against the skin. It also syncs with an app to help worried caregivers track trends over time.

Related: These Infrared Thermometers Can Check Temperatures Without Contact

Nintendo Switch ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ Edition B084DDDNRP
Target

Nintendo Switch ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ Edition

$300 from Target
Shop Now

The Switch isn’t the newest console on the block — but good luck getting your hands on a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. Still, last year’s hottest gift hasn’t lost its luster, and this cheerful special edition pays homage to the game that kids have been obsessing over since spring.

Related: Nintendo to Hatchimals: 20 Gifts That Sparked Black Friday Insanity

B07SRW2D38
Amazon

Upright Go 2

$100 from Amazon
Shop Now

Many of us have spent the past year hunched over our laptops in makeshift home offices, and our backs are feeling the strain. This nifty posture trainer vibrates when the user slouches and connects to an app that helps track their progress.

Anker B07NNR1JH5
Amazon

Anker Soundcore Wakey Bluetooth Alarm Clock

$90 from Amazon
Shop Now

Help someone free up valuable space on their nightstand with a clock that does it all. The Wakey is also a wireless phone charger, Bluetooth speaker, and soothing sound machine. Instead of fussing with tiny buttons, customize alarms, brightness, and more with a smartphone app.

Related: 100 Tech Products to Make Your Life Easier

Nixplay Smart B07VGF8S2D
Amazon

Nixplay Smart Digital Photo Frame

$190 and up from Amazon
Shop Now

Who has time to make photo prints anymore? The Nixplay is a genius way to stay connected with long-distance friends and family. Once connected to Wi-Fi, it will automatically display photos that anyone can send to the frame, even if they’re miles away.

Related: 25 Tech Gifts for Seniors

Oculus Quest 2 B08F7PTF53
Amazon
B06ZYJC62Y
Amazon

Native Union Key Cable

$21 from Amazon
Shop Now

Here’s a thoughtful stocking stuffer for any Apple lover in your life: An elegant keychain with a concealed high-speed charging cable for iPhones and iPads. Even better, it’s tested to withstand plenty of bending.

Related: 25 Gift Ideas for Guys Under $25

Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP01 6419670
Best Buy

Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link Purifying Heater and Fan

$500 from Best Buy
Shop Now

Sure, the price is steep, but this combination heater, fan, and air purifier will be useful no matter what the calendar says. The sleek, blade-free design means it’s fine to use around small kids or pets, and it’s easy to control with a smartphone or voice commands.

B07RJ23NTD
Amazon

Hidrate Spark 3 Smart Water Bottle

$63 from Amazon
Shop Now

Let’s face it: We’d all be a little better at drinking enough water if our smartphones hounded us. The Hidrate Spark does exactly that, with a special bottle that syncs up with an app to track aqua intake. The bottle itself also glows as a reminder.

Related: Get Going With These Great Gifts for Runners

Furbo B01FXC7JWQ
Amazon

Furbo Treat Tossing Wi-Fi Pet Camera

$199 from Amazon
Shop Now

Pet parents who can’t be with their furry pals all day can still check in using the Furbo — it comes complete with two-way audio, a wide-angle camera and a treat-tossing mechanism. Set-up is as easy as plugging it in, downloading the app, and connecting to Wi-Fi.

Related: Gifts for Dog-Obsessed Humans

Blink Mini B07X6C9RMF
Amazon

Blink Mini Smart Security Camera

$35 from Amazon
Shop Now

The old saying is true: Good things come in small packages. The Alexa-compatible Blink Mini is a compact way for anyone to keep tabs on things, but it still has the most important features, including high-definition video, motion detection, two-way audio, and smartphone alerts.

Muse 2 B07HL2S9JQ
Amazon

Muse 2 Brain-Sensing Headband

$250 from Amazon
Shop Now

Just about everyone could benefit from some meditation right now. Start them on their journey with this smart headband, which connects to their phone and provides real-time feedback on focus. Soundscapes react to brain activity, heart rate, and other indicators to help guide users.

Tile Sticker 4-pack B07W4XYTPY
Amazon

Tile Sticker

$60 from Amazon (4 ct.)
Shop Now

If they're always tearing up their house in search of their keys, purse, or other items, give them a set of Tile Stickers. They can cling unobtrusively to important items, and will ring within 150 feet of a smartphone with the Tile app. Out of range? The app gives the last detected location.

Osmo B085NN5678
Amazon
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug B07NQRM6ML
Amazon
Eero B07WMLPSRL
Amazon
B07Y8SRYL3
Amazon

Flyby F1Pro Deep Tissue Massager

$70 from Amazon
Shop Now

Want to relieve someone’s aches and pains, but without spending hundreds on a Hypervolt or Theragun? The F1Pro gets enthusiastic reviews, and it has a convertible head with six attachments that are each suited for a common pain point. A rechargeable battery offers up to four hours of use.

Related: 21 Inexpensive Products to Relieve Sore Muscles

Canon Ivy Cliq+ 2 6424499
Amazon

Canon Ivy Cliq+ 2

$100 from Best Buy
Shop Now

Shutterbugs can instantly print peel-and-stick photos with this all-in-one camera and printer. Selfie lovers can rest easy, as a selfie mirror and built-in ring light can help them get great shots without wasting film.

Related: The Best Gifts for Photographers

Filled Christmas Stockings
istockphoto/lentus25