Tech gifts: these are the best smart buys this Christmas

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published 17 December 2019

Looking for tech gifts for the smart home tech lover in your life? If you're really not into technology, are only loosely acquainted with Alexa and can't recall which iPhone model we're on now (is it 5, 9, X, 9X, who really knows?) ,shopping for the techie in your life may seem like something of a daunting activity. But, it doesn't have to be.

Today's technology is pretty inspirational and – you'll be pleased to know – doesn't have to cost a fortune. So, we've rounded up some of the best (and most gift-worthy) tech to make the process of gift giving as simple and straightforward as possible this Christmas. Shop our top picks below and expect a pretty happy giftee.

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1. Pick up the super popular Amazon Echo Dot with clock

A bestseller this Black Friday, the Amazon Echo Dot with clock would make a perfect gift for those keen to expand a smart home system (aka most tech lovers).

As well as boasting all of Alexa's basic skills – setting reminders, providing updates on the weather, public transport, sports fixtures and more and playing music – this stylish smart speaker also features a simple, LED clock which makes it perfect for use as an alarm clock.

2. Gift the super stylish Ted Baker ConnecTed wireless chargers

You don’t think fashion or style when it comes to phone chargers usually, but this partnership between Ted Baker and mobile phone accessory maker Proporta changes all that.

Finished to the brand’s luxury standard, the Ted Baker Wireless Charger lets you charge your phone simply by placing it on to the wireless dock, no plugged-in cables necessary. And, unlike your usual charger, it’ll look mighty stylish left on your desktop surface.

Shop the Ted Baker Wireless Charger in the UK

3. Help them upgrade their Alexa with Amazon's Echo Show 5

An upgrade from its older sibling – the Echo Show 2nd Generation – the Echo Show 5 is a super handy addition to a smart home set-up for those with security systems, as well as those of us who enjoy step-by-step tutorials and more. It comes complete with all of Alexa's usual functions, as well as some handy new skills, a super stylish design and more.

We also love the idea of gifting the Echo Show 5 to a partner, friend, or family member, who live far away as it make video calling super easy. Read our full review of the Amazon Echo Show 5 for more information.

4. Or the Best Hub Max if they're a Google devotee

If you're thinking of gifting a smart device, you really need to know whether your giftee is team Amazon Alexa or team Google Assistant. If the former, shop the above. If the latter, this is the one for you. Not sure? Drop them a text, feigning an interest in investing in a set up yourself. Simples.

If your giftee is a Google devotee, it really doesn't get much better than the Nest Hub Max. Released earlier this year, this model boasts an impressive 10 inch HD screen, plus a 6.5 MP camera which makes it super easy to video call friends and family.

5. AirPods

It took a while, but we've finally reached a point where people wearing AirPods aren't ruthlessly mocked by their friends, family and the whole of Twitter. And now that we're there, they make a pretty cracking Christmas present.

Not something that people would necessarily buy for themselves, AirPods are the perfect gift the Apple user in your life. And there are two options available to you. The classic AirPods – which come complete with a charging case – or if you're feeling super generous, the newly released AirPods Pro.

6. And a case to keep them in

If the techie in your life already has a pair of AirPods – or you're looking for something a little more budget friendly – why not buy them a super cute case to house their headphones in?

We love this Marble AirPods Case from Skinny Dip. They're stylish, yet understated and certainly don't cost a fortune.

7. Sky Now TV Smart Box

Love Sky TV programmes, but don’t want to commit to a costly satellite subscription? The Sky Now TV Smart Box is an affordable way of getting pay-as-you-view access to loads of Sky TV content away from any lengthy contracts, with individual monthly passes sold to all the best TV and movie content that Sky has to offer.

This latest version of the Sky Now TV Smart Box is jammed full of techy features too, including 4K high resolution visuals and the ability to search for the show or movie of your choice using your voice alone.

For more inspiration, check out our guide to the best streaming devices.

Shop the Sky Now TV Box in the UK

8. Samsung HW-MS650 soundbar

What’s a great TV without some great audio to support it? If you want to hear with supreme clarity the dulcet tones of the Queen’s speech this Christmas, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-MS650 to do it with.

It may be over a year old (making it more affordable than at launch, too, and perhaps a Black Friday steal this year, too) but it remains the superior soundbar on the market, with physics-defying bass handling, incredibly powerful and punchy sound, support for lots of input sources and a massive array of streaming services including Spotify, Deezer, Tidal and more.

The MS650’s one-body design offers a 3.0-channel (left, right, centre) mix powered a superb combination of six woofers and three tweeters - all powered by their own individual 20W amps. Though it’s not capable of delivering fancy overhead Dolby Atmos sounds, it’s otherwise about as good as soundbars get.

Not sure this is the model you want to gift? Browse our guide to the best sound bars.

9. Subscriptions to Spotify, Xbox Live, PlayStation Plus, Netflix or Amazon Prime

Looking for a useful, simple stocking filler? Or a gift for the person who has everything? We'd recommend picking up a subscription to an online service. They’re the sort of essential that’s a costly chore to maintain, but well appreciated as a gift – and easy to pick up last-minute, if you’d forgotten that special someone’s special preference.

You’re looking at an average of £10 a month for most of the following services, though premium and entry-level accounts for some services are also available.

10. Parrot Anafi Drone

Played around with drones before and looking for the next step up and away into the skies? The Parrot Anafi is the drone for you.

Ultra compact thanks to its folding frame design, it shoots pro-quality 4K HDR video and can capture crystal clear 21MP photos. And that’s before flying the thing, with beginner-friendly controls letting you make high-speed, daring stunts way above your head.

11. Botvac D4 Connected

Next up, a piece of home tech that even the least techie amongst us are guaranteed to appreciate. Yep, that's right, a robot vacuum cleaner. And a good one at that.

While the best robot vacuum cleaner won't replace their regular current vacuum cleaner entirely, what it will do is make keeping up with daily chores easier and more efficient. Especially this Botvac D4 Connected Robot Vacuum Cleaner, which boasts an impressive runtime – particularly when compared with competitor products – and makes use of lasers to ensure a more effective clean.

12. GPO Brooklyn Boombox

Want to bring some retro cool to your next party? The GPO Brooklyn Boombox is the only way to be playing Run DMC’s Christmas in Hollis this festive season.

Aesthetically a dead-ringer for the 80s classic boombox, it’s got all the mod cons you could ask for from a contemporary music player, from Bluetooth connectivity to USB playback. It’s even got a CD player and a tape deck, as well as an FM radio, with a microphone input allowing for karaoke sessions too. It’s the office Christmas party on your shoulder.

Looking for more gift inspiration?

The best eco-friendly and ethical gifts to give this Christmas

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Gerald is Home Tech Editor for the UK's largest tech site, TechRadar. When he isn't writing about the latest tech he is living it and can often be found gaming (but only on a 4K HDR screen with 7.1 surround sound of course...)