Our picks include earbuds that play white noise while you sleep. Another is a phone attachment with suction cups to hang your device on mirrors for selfies and video calls. There’s a digital picture frame that lets you share photos with loved ones.
You’ll find wallet-friendly stocking stuffers and splurge-worthy spends here. While we listed the original prices, many have (or will have) holiday discounts. Shop around before adding to your cart.
Stuff for entertainment
Datafy Page Turner – $20
There’s nothing quite like getting cozy under the covers with a good ebook…until you have to stick your hand out in the cold air to turn the page. Yes, the Datafy page-turner remote solves a problem you didn’t know you had. Clip the page turner near the top of your newer Kindle, and then use the accompanying remote to click to the next page. (Note: it’s compatible with models going back to 2019’s 10th-gen Kindle.) No more cold hands—at least until you inevitably have to get out of bed.
Saiji Tablet Holder – $80
If you’re ready to take your e-reader coziness even further, consider a stand. Some tablet cases have kickstands to prop up the device, but those can be floppy on soft surfaces like a bed or lap. The Saiji tablet holder combines a pillow and a stand to hold up an e-reader, phone or tablet. The neck is adjustable so you can tilt your device without moving the pillow.
Google TV Streamer – $100
Google’s new TV streamer can make a dumb or outdated TV much smarter, just in time for family movie nights. It comes with Google’s simple interface and delivers video from your streaming services (e.g. Netflix or Apple TV) in high-resolution 4K HDR. You can control compatible smart-home devices from your TV, too. And it has one killer feature: a button on the back that can ring the companion remote if you lose it.
GoPro Hero 4K Camera – $200
Sure, your phone can take some pretty good shots, but don’t try dunking it underwater or using it in extreme temps. A GoPro camera is a much better adventure buddy, and the new Hero camera is super simple. There are just two buttons, for the shutter and power, and three capture modes: 4K video, slo-mo video and photos. New battery technology means it can continuously record for an hour. There’s no zoom, though, so if you want a close-up, you’ll need to zoom with your feet.
Aura Walden Smart Photo Frame – $299
If you’re looking for an easy gift for grandparents, consider the Aura smart frame. It’s a fantastic way to free your best moments from a tiny phone screen and send them to a beautiful, high-resolution display. The new 15-inch Walden feels so big it’s almost a TV. You can upload an unlimited number of photos via the free Aura app, and all the recipient has to do is plug it in and connect it to Wi-Fi. A software update uses artificial intelligence to identify frame-worthy images from your camera roll, and you can invite an unlimited number of members to contribute to your slideshow. Original Post>
Remarkable Paper Pro Tablet – $579
If you love taking notes by hand but are terrified of losing them, consider “digital paper.” Remarkable’s new Paper Pro model is its first with a color display. Plus, it has an adjustable backlight for jotting down middle-of-the-night ideas. Your notes are backed up to the cloud (Google, Dropbox or Remarkable’s own), so you can access them on any device. It has a larger screen and more storage than previous models, while maintaining a two-week battery life.
Stuff to wear
Moft Phone Lanyard – $30
Can your phone also be a fashion accessory? This lanyard lets you wear it across your body. No more digging through your bag as you’re racing through an airport, or tucking it in a back pocket where it’s ripe for pilfering. Moft’s version is unique, with its tab for one-handed length adjustment and clips to easily get into, and out of, lanyard mode. Its strong adhesive can stick onto metal or plastic cases for any phone. Moft’s companion Movas iPhone case has a special bottom cutout to hide the lanyard attachment within.
Stuff to keep you fit
Garmin HRM-Fit Heart Rate Monitor – $150
Real-time heart-rate data is essential for athletes, and a chest strap is the most accurate tracker. But for women, the combination of sports bras and chest straps can get annoying. Garmin’s clever solution: The HRM-Fit clips directly to the bottom of the bra, no extra straps needed. A supportive, tightfitting bra works best with the device, which is best for runs and rides anyway. The strap can connect via Bluetooth to Peloton bikes and other exercise machines, plus Garmin watches, Apple Watches and other fitness trackers.
Oura 4 Smart Ring – Starting at $349
The best health gadget is the one you don’t take off. That’s why the Oura has such a cult following. This tiny, comfortable tracker sits on your finger and captures vitals, such as sleep quality and heart rate. This year’s Ring 4 comes with longer eight-day battery life, more accurate sensors and a wider range of sizes than the previous generation. The app got an overhaul too, offering insights into your long-term health, as well as your stress levels throughout the day.
Stuff for the home
WiiM Pro Plus Streamer – $219
All that fun old audio equipment doesn’t have to get dumped in the dumpster. This little, relatively affordable streamer will make record players more compatible with AirPlay 2 and Google Cast, so you can beam your tunes wirelessly to soundbars, speakers or amplifiers around the house. It has a remote control, but you can also add Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant voice control. Before buying, double check WiiM’s website to make sure Pro Plus has the right ports for your needs.
Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor – $299
There are baby monitors. And there are baby monitors with computer vision that can detect breathing and measure your little one’s growth. Cry detection, new with a software update this year, can distinguish between grunts and wailing. You can also get notifications when your baby stands or when your toddler gets out of bed. There are plenty of other clever features, such as the ability to grant access to a caretaker only when they’re connected to your Wi-Fi network. You can toggle features on and off as needed—anything for peace of mind during those crazy first months.
ChargePoint Home Flex – Starting at $549
An EV home charger as a gift? Sure, and next year we’ll recommend a really cool water heater. But trust us—there’s no better way to spark excitement for the new EV driver in your life. Available with separate connectors for Teslas and most other EVs, the Home Flex has compatibility covered. We’re also fans of the app for monitoring energy usage and charge times. Just note: If there’s no heavy-duty NEMA outlet in your loved one’s garage, you may need to throw in an IOU for the electrician visit.
Stuff to keep track of your other stuff
ESR Geo Wallet – $40
Are there MagSafe wallets that magnetically attach to the back of an iPhone? Absolutely. Do iPhones have built-in Find My to locate the device if it gets lost? Absolutely. But what if the wallet falls off the phone? The MagSafe Geo wallet integrates with Apple’s Find My app so you can sound an alarm and track it down. Plus, it’s a good wallet. It securely holds three cards and has a stand so you can prop up your phone on your desk.
TwelveSouth PlugBug – Starting at $70
Chargers are also too easy to leave behind…at the coffee shop…at an airport gate…sorry if this triggers painful memories. The PlugBug works with Apple’s Find My network and takes a battery to provide location when unplugged. It isn’t as precise as AirTags, but it will trigger a notification when you get separated. And if you can’t spot it, you can get it to play a sound. The charger comes in 50-watt and 120-watt models, and there are world travel versions with changeable prongs.
Enjoyed this article? Sign up for our newsletter to receive regular insights and stay connected.