With Christmas just around the corner and the biggest sales of the year imminent, we count down the most sought-after devices of the year and the most wanted tech gifts that you might want to buy for yourself or for the person who has everything.
With 2025 Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales just about two weeks away, it is opportune to decide on what tech purchases you might want to make for yourself or for others, to take advantage of the deep discounts that tend to be available at this time of year.
Although many of the major tech companies have released new products in the past few weeks, with Christmas gift-giving in mind or to eat into your year-end bonus, they are already receiving a lot of attention. We have thus sought to highlight a tight but curated set of products: from high-end splurges and smart surprises to new-and-improved oldies but goodies. This countdown of our tech gifts is based on the latest expert reviews and market trends to help you decide what is truly worth investing in.
1. VR headset
Virtual reality (VR) and VR headsets were all the rage a few years ago, and as happens in the tech space, they seemed to have been overshadowed by other products and technologies that captured our collective imagination. However, VR headset quality and technology have been improving; they are becoming more affordable and are enjoying a broader range of use beyond gaming, such as for virtual meetings, training simulations and virtual events.
Though the Apple Vision Pro is generally considered among the very best on the market, its price, nearly USD 3,500.00, can give one cause for pause. However, the new Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S, which both retail for less than USD 500.00, have been making waves in the VR space as high-quality but more accessible headsets.
2. Bluetooth trackers
Although we might overlook the feature when setting up portable computing devices such as a laptop, tablet computer or smartphone, the device tracking feature can be invaluable when they have been misplaced or potentially stolen. The same can be said for other everyday items that tend to get lost, such as keys, bags or luggage.
Investing in Bluetooth trackers that are compatible with your smartphone can be an easier way to achieve greater peace of mind. Several brands are available on the market, including the Apple AirTag, the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2, Tile, Chipolo and Pebblebee, to name a few, tend to range in price between USD 15.00 and USD 35.00.
3. Bluetooth speakers
As we all continue to “Netflix and chill” and experience the world through our personal digital devices, improving the sound experience ought to be a priority. This is where Bluetooth speakers come in, as they are the easiest, most affordable way to spread music and podcasts across a room or backyard or for a pool or house party.
Bluetooth speakers come in a variety of designs, sizes, features and price points. Regarding price, they tend to range between USD 25.00 and under USD 300.00. It is thus important to have some idea of what you want, or if considering it as a gift for someone else, the likely ways in which the speaker will be used to help narrow down the options.
4. Power bank
Around seven years ago, if you relied heavily on your smartphone, you were likely to have at least one power bank that you carried once you were away from base. These days, power banks do not appear to be as popular, though phone battery life sometimes seems to be getting shorter.
Further, for those of us who live in countries, towns or cities that are susceptible to adverse weather or other disruptions, a power bank can be invaluable to ensure your devices remain available and functioning when they might be needed most. Prices tend to range from USD 15.00 to USD 100.00, though there is a sizeable selection under USD 50.00.
5. Smart mug
Are you one of those who takes forever to drink tea or coffee and end up having to reheat it or just drink it cold? Smart mugs, which essentially are self-heating, temperature-controlled mugs, keep your beverage of choice hot and enjoyable, from the first sip to the last.
As expected, several options are available on the market at a variety of price points—typically from USD 40.00 to USD 200.00. Selecting the best smart mug for you would depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, some factors to consider when buying a smart cup as a gift include heating consistency, heating control, cup design, cup size, battery life and ease of use.
Images creditL Freepik; Amazon (for all product images)
