The Best Tech Gifts to Buy (Before They Sell Out)

The Switch 2, which came out eight years after the original, is a home run. Its processor has been upgraded so it can play more graphics-intensive games, the Joy-Cons can act like a computer mouse now, and it finally has an adjustable kickstand.

The newest version of our favorite handheld console (that’s not the Switch) is snappy enough to play games like Elden Ring, and it’s light enough to drop in a bag.

Known for its upgraded versions of classic gaming consoles, Analogue has come out with its first console that is fully compatible with the original version’s entire game library (in this case, the Nintendo 64’s). Now they can play Super Mario 64 in 4K; no more fuzzy pixels.

Backbone’s latest mobile controller — which turns their phone into a Switch-style device — has clickier buttons than the original, plus the ability to pair with any Bluetooth-capable gaming device, like an iPad or PS5.

The latest AirPods Pro have better sound quality and noise cancellation than previous models, a higher IP rating for better protection against the elements, and a new design that’s supposed to fit more ear shapes.

If they have an Android phone, these are some of the best earbuds they can get. They even come in a fun purple color.

Like the AirPods Pro, Apple’s best Beats earbuds got an upgrade this year. They have a better transparency mode than their predecessors, plus built-in heart-rate tracking so your recipient can use them on runs and bike rides.

These earbuds are comfortable and barely noticeable in the ear. And thanks to their built-in clip, they won’t have to worry about these earbuds falling out during their next set of burpees.

Like the original, this turns any device with a headphone jack, like an in-flight TV, into a Bluetooth receiver they can pair headphones or earbuds with. This model has improved Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, support for higher-fidelity audio, and will even let them connect two pairs of headphones.

If they have a pair of bookshelf speakers they’re always blasting at home, this tiny puck will allow them to stream music from services like Spotify or Tidal straight from their speakers.

JBL’s newest speaker is about the size of a Red Bull can and loud enough to entertain a small group of guests.

Sony’s latest version of its noise-canceling headphones are considered the best-sounding for the price by many, including us. This is the pair I reach for whenever I’m working or going for a walk.

For the jet-setter in your life, no other headphone I’ve tested has better noise cancellation.

If they are really discerning listeners, they will appreciate Bowers & Wilkins’s new flagship noise-canceling headphones. They’re pricey, but besides the great sound you get, you can really feel the difference in build quality compared to other popular headphones that cost a couple hundred less.

This is my favorite soundbar. Its design would look just as at home on a concert stage as it does on a TV stand, and its sound is just as good playing music as it is with movies like Interstellar and Mad Max: Fury Road.

Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo says this music player is so good she’s telling all her friends with kids to get one. It uses insertable cards to play music, and they can get cards with anything from the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack to the Beatles or Frog and Toad stories.

Although the Apple Watch Series 11 is just a slightly upgraded version of the Series 10 — faster processor, bigger battery, more scratch-resistant display — that means it’s still the best smartwatch to get for anyone in your life with an iPhone.

For those who don’t need all the bells and whistles, Apple’s more affordable Watch got an update this year, too. It has a much faster chip than its predecessor, an always-on display, and more robust health-tracking features that are close to what the Series 11 offers. When Strategist contributor Youngna Park talked to families about kids’ smartwatches, this was the one parents and kids said was the most versatile and adaptable.

If they want the best Android-friendly smartwatch, Google’s new Pixel Watch 4 has all the latest specs, and it’s more repairable than previous models, so even if they’re clumsy, they’ll still be covered.

This year, Samsung brought back my favorite version of its flagship smartwatch: the one with a dial around the display. Your recipient will love fiddling with it when they’ve got some free time; it’s also better for navigating through menus.

Garmin just released the Pro version of this watch, but Strategist contributor Brent Rose prefers the original, as the upgrades will only be helpful for things like trail running and kayaking. He calls the Fenix 8 “​​Garmin’s do-everything multisport watch” since it can track more workout types than most smartwatches. It has a bright, vibrant AMOLED display that’ll look great even in direct sunlight.

This wearable doesn’t have a screen, but its tracking is still quite robust. In addition to heart-rate and sleep tracking, it can monitor your blood pressure, menstrual cycle, and stress levels.

If they want to track all their health metrics without slapping a screen on their wrist, Oura’s Ring 4 is a far more subtle tracker that still covers all the basics like heart rate, movement, sleep, and even period tracking. And even if you do wear a smartwatch or fitness tracker, I’ve found that the Oura ring is especially useful in scenarios where you wouldn’t want something on your wrist, like kickboxing.

Meta’s new smart glasses have a built-in display that can do things they’d usually need to pull out their phone for — web searches and music playback — so they can keep their eyes on their surroundings. Do note, though, that you can’t purchase these glasses without scheduling a demo first, so you’ll have to let your recipient know about their gift ahead of time.

If their iPhone’s starting to lag whenever they open Instagram, it’s time for a new one. The iPhone 17 features a much improved display, a fresh set of colors, and an upgraded camera that’ll help them capture every moment.

Thin phones are in this year. They’ll wonder how they ever carried anything heavier.

Last year, I wrote about how the Pixel 9 Pro Fold almost got me to ditch my iPhone. This year’s model is thinner and more durable, and it still strikes a fun balance between smartphone and tablet.

This minimalist phone feels as thoughtfully designed as an iPhone, but it’s meant to keep screen time to a minimum. There are only a few apps, including navigation, music, and podcasts, and they won’t be able to install any apps that suck up hours of their time like TikTok or Reddit.

For the kiddo in your life — or the parent who’s not ready to get their kid a smartphone — the Tin Can phone leans into the aesthetics of old-school landline phones and works roughly the same, with one major improvement: It only receives calls from approved numbers, so they won’t get any pesky spam or other unwanted calls.

Thanks to iPadOS 26 and its new macOS-like features, this is the year they can finally go all in on an iPad. Just make sure to get them a keyboard case to go along with it.

My favorite e-reader, which is about the size of an iPhone 17 Pro Max, got a major upgrade this year. It has a color e-ink screen, stylus support, and cellular capabilities (data only, no phone calls), making it great for the person in your life who’s trying to get off their phone.

If they want to live a paperless life, get them this digital notebook. It has an e-ink screen that will make their handwriting pop, and they can sync all their notes to their computer.

The maker of some of our favorite digital picture frames released its first e-ink frame this year. Because its display uses real ink, photos look more like they’re from a newspaper than a magazine, but it’s a nice analog touch for those who don’t want another screen blasting light back at them.

Philips Hue just announced a slew of new releases, the most newsworthy of which is the Bridge Pro, the first update to the Bridge since the last version came out a decade ago. Not only is it more responsive and can control many more lights and accessories, but the Bridge Pro can also work in tandem with Hue lights as a motion detector to trigger events like powering lights on and off or sending phone notifications when someone enters or leaves a room.

If they’re constantly scrubbing their floors, give them the gift of relief. Our favorite robot vacuum and mop for pets does a better job of picking up pet hair than any other vacuum I’ve tested, and its mopping function will ensure their floors are always nice and tidy.

Alongside the iPhone Air, which has a notably shorter battery life than the iPhone 17 or 17 Pro, Apple released this slim MagSafe charger that Strategist senior writer Michael Zhao says is the best portable charger for the Air.

Anker also has a similar charger with a higher capacity battery for phones other than the Air.

While this charger doesn’t have MagSafe capabilities, it does have a built-in USB-C cable that doubles as a loop they can grab or attach to something. It’s my favorite charger to keep in my bag when I have multiple devices, like my phone, e-reader, and earbuds, that might need to be charged throughout the day.

This charming tribute to Nintendo’s iconic handheld, the original Game Boy, can’t play games like the actual console, but it has a couple “screens” they can insert to show stills from old games.

If they spend most of their day working on a computer, they deserve a mouse that’s comfortable enough to rest their hands on for a long workday.

This screen-free camera takes digital photos, but it feels like you’re shooting on film.