As we approach the holiday season, finding the perfect tech gift can seem like a daunting task. Whether you’re shopping for the tech-obsessed relative or someone who’s hesitant to even try a smartphone, the right gadget can make all the difference. This year, we’ve rounded up a variety of innovative and budget-friendly options that cater to all types of recipients—from audio enthusiasts to fitness lovers. Here are some of the best tech gifts for 2024 that will make you the hero of holiday gift-giving.
1. Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones: $199 (originally $349)
When it comes to noise-canceling headphones, Bose remains a leader in the market. The QuietComfort 45 offers top-tier sound quality and unparalleled noise cancellation, making them ideal for long commutes, workouts, or just tuning out distractions. These headphones come in a range of colors and are designed for comfort during extended listening sessions, offering up to 24 hours of battery life.
BigBoxBlog’s Take: If you’re looking to impress the audiophile in your life, this is an excellent gift. The fact that it’s currently $150 off makes it an even better deal. However, if your recipient isn’t a hardcore audiophile, they may not fully appreciate the premium features. Competitors like Sony and Sennheiser also offer similar sound quality at a lower price point, making Bose a bit more of a luxury item.
2. Glocusent Book Light: $17.99 at Amazon
This compact, flexible book light is perfect for the avid reader or night owl who doesn’t want to disturb others. The Glocusent Book Light features multiple brightness levels and a flexible neck to position the light just where it’s needed. Plus, it’s rechargeable and portable, so it’s a great option for anyone who likes to read on the go.
BigBoxBlog’s Take: For just under $20, this is a functional and thoughtful gift. It’s not as flashy as some other tech gifts, but for the right person—like a book lover or someone who enjoys reading at night—it’s an ideal choice. Our only concern is that many people are now opting for e-readers, which means this may not appeal to everyone.
3. Amazon Smart Plug: $24.99 at Amazon
The Amazon Smart Plug offers a simple and affordable way to introduce someone to the world of home automation. Whether it’s controlling the lights, coffee maker, or fans, this plug works seamlessly with Alexa for hands-free control. It’s an easy entry point into smart home technology for beginners.
BigBoxBlog’s Take: This is a solid gift for anyone new to smart home devices, and its simplicity makes it ideal for older adults or those who are tech-adverse. However, it’s worth noting that this plug works exclusively with Alexa, meaning it may not be as useful for people who prefer Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit.
4. 3-in-1 Apple Device Charging Station: $29.99 at Amazon
For those in the Apple ecosystem, this 3-in-1 charging station can wirelessly charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once. It helps eliminate cord clutter, making it an excellent addition to any desk or bedside table. Its sleek design comes in multiple colors, allowing it to blend seamlessly with any décor.
BigBoxBlog’s Take: This is an excellent practical gift, especially for people who already have multiple Apple products. It’s affordable and sleek, but the downside is that wireless charging can be slower than wired charging. Also, people who don’t own Apple products might not find it useful, so this is best for those deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem.
5. Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker: $89.95 at Amazon
Bluetooth speakers have become ubiquitous, but this particular one stands out due to its combination of portability, waterproofing, and sound quality. With 12 hours of battery life and a rugged design, it’s perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking, beach trips, or just hanging out by the pool.
BigBoxBlog’s Take: This Bluetooth speaker offers great value for the price. While more well-known brands like JBL may offer better sound quality, this speaker still provides impressive audio for its price range. The waterproof design and versatility make it a great choice for anyone who loves to take their music with them outdoors, although those who prioritize premium sound may lean toward more expensive options.
6. Roku Streambar: $133 at Amazon
Streaming is an essential part of modern entertainment, and the Roku Streambar takes it to the next level. It combines a streaming media player and soundbar in one compact device. It also boasts features like voice clarity and night listening mode, which helps reduce loud commercials and improve sound clarity for quieter audio in movies.
BigBoxBlog’s Take: The Roku Streambar is a solid gift for anyone looking to improve their home entertainment setup without breaking the bank. While it won’t rival high-end soundbars in terms of sound quality, it offers a great balance between price and performance. For casual viewers and those who don’t want multiple devices cluttering their entertainment area, this is a smart, affordable solution.
7. Mini Photo Printer: $79 at Amazon
For those who love instant gratification, a mini photo printer that works with a smartphone is a fun and thoughtful gift. This printer uses zero-ink technology to print photos on special paper, which eliminates the need for expensive ink cartridges. It’s perfect for scrapbooking, gift-giving, or simply printing out memories to display around the house.
BigBoxBlog’s Take: This mini printer is a great gift for anyone who enjoys printing photos on the go. It offers an easy, affordable solution for anyone who misses the days of instant film, and it’s a fun novelty gift. However, the small size of the prints may be a turn-off for those who prefer larger, high-quality prints from professional services.
8. Portable Ring Light: $21.98 at Amazon
Whether it’s for Zoom meetings, TikTok videos, or just better selfies, a portable ring light is an essential tool for many people today. This affordable clip-on light offers five different brightness levels and color temperatures, so it’s perfect for those who want to improve their lighting for video calls or content creation.
BigBoxBlog’s Take: With remote work and online content creation on the rise, this is a practical gift for anyone who needs better lighting for their virtual meetings or videos. It’s a low-cost, high-impact gift that will likely get a lot of use, especially by younger people. The downside is that it’s a bit more niche, and those who don’t use video conferencing or create content may not find it as useful.
9. Self-Cleaning Water Bottle: $99 at Amazon
If you’re looking for a unique gift, the self-cleaning water bottle might be just the thing. Using UV-C light, this bottle sterilizes itself between uses, ensuring it stays free from bacteria and odor. It’s a great gift for those who are health-conscious or simply want to keep their hydration routine as hygienic as possible.
BigBoxBlog’s Take: While the self-cleaning bottle is a novel concept, we think the price point might be a little high for some. At $99, it’s a bit of a splurge for a water bottle, and it may not be as universally appreciated as other tech gifts. That said, it’s a great choice for fitness enthusiasts or anyone who appreciates convenience and cleanliness.
10. TheraGun Mini Massager: $199 at Amazon
For anyone dealing with muscle tension or simply looking for a relaxing massage at home, the TheraGun Mini Massager provides targeted relief in a portable, compact package. It comes with three attachments for different muscle groups and is small enough to fit in a gym bag or carry-on.
BigBoxBlog’s Take: TheraGun’s mini version is a great option for anyone who needs muscle relief on the go. While it’s not as powerful as the larger models, it still provides effective massage therapy. The downside is the price tag—it’s an investment for anyone who’s serious about muscle recovery. However, for those who frequently suffer from sore muscles or want a better at-home massage experience, it’s worth considering.
Conclusion: Tech Gifts for Every Type of Person
From cutting-edge headphones to portable speakers, this year’s tech gift list offers something for everyone, no matter their interests or lifestyle. The key to choosing the right gift is understanding what your recipient values—whether it’s comfort, convenience, or entertainment. As experts in the retail space, we know that the right gadget can elevate anyone’s day-to-day routine. However, it’s important to choose products that meet your recipient’s needs without overwhelming them with unnecessary complexity or expense.
This year, tech gifts are all about balance—affordable, functional, and unique. With so many options available, there’s no reason you can’t find something that’s both thoughtful and practical. Happy gifting!