20 Cool Gadget Gift Ideas For Techies: 2023 Holiday Gift Guide
The iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO, the SupeRun Under Desk Treadmill and the Vaydeer Dual Turntable Mouse Mover are among our choices.
A robot vacuum. A treadmill that fits under a desk. And a device to make the boss think a worker is still at their laptop.
The holiday season is upon us, and for the techies in your life, CRN has searched the internet far and wide for cool gadget gift ideas to make an impression.
[RELATED: 10 Last-Minute Tech Gifts For Dad: Father’s Day Gift Guide]
2023 Holiday Gift Guide
Some of the items included in this list are:
*The iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO
*The SupeRun Under Desk Treadmill
*The Vaydeer Dual Turntable Mouse Mover
Read on for more holiday present inspiration for your tech-savvy friends and family.
SupeRun Under Desk Treadmill
Price at Publication: $199.99
Where to Buy: Amazon
This long into work-from-home’s ubiquity, remote workers might be thinking about how to add more activity to their day from within the office/guest room. Especially if it’s too cold out for a jog.
Consider the SupeRun under desk treadmill and walking pad. The alloy steel treadmill bills its 2.5 horsepower motor as quiet but powerful, according to a listing. It holds a maximum load of 300 pounds and has a 39.4 by 15.4 inch running area. The treadmill itself is about 46 pounds.
The digital display shows speed, time, distance and calories. The treadmill goes between .6 mph and 3.8 mph. It fits under desks, beds, sofas and other furniture.
Vivo Stand Up Desk Converter
Price at Publication: $199.99
Where to Buy: Amazon
Work-from-home warriors might be tired of sitting all day, so get them on their feet with a stand up desk converter.
This converter from Vivo has a 36-by-22-inch surface for single and dual monitor and laptop setups, according to a listing. The 25-by-10.5-inch lower tray for keyboards, tablets and phones rises in sync with the top surface.
The converter adjusts from 6.5 inches to 17 inches with a height-locking mechanism.The converter holds 33 pounds, according to the listing.
Logitech M720 Triathlon Wireless Mouse
Price at Publication: $33.99
Where to Buy: Walmart
Wirecutter has called Logitech’s M720 Triathlon Multi-Device its top wireless mouse since 2016 for its size, shape, six customizable buttons and scroll wheel that can be switched between smooth and ratcheted scrolling.
According to an online listing, the mouse pairs with three computers and switches between them by touching a button positioned under the thumb. Three illuminated numbers tell you the current selected device.
The mouse weighs .4 pounds and measures 8-by-5 by-3.5 inches.
PowerUp Smartphone-Controlled Paper Airplane
Price at Publication: $60+
Where to Buy: Uncommon Goods
Forget drones. Younger gift receivers and hobbyist ones can take to the skies in a smartphone-controlled paper airplane from PowerUp.
Users control the crash-proof carbon fiber “paper” in this version of the offering with a Bluetooth-enabled attachment and use a phone application for iOS and Android to launch the plane.
The plane has auto-stabilization powered by an onboard computer so that “wildly folded” prototypes can still fly and downed aircraft get a second chance, according to the listing.
Planes measure at 6-by-2-by-9.4 inches and are meant for users 14 and older. The plane flies for about 10 minutes, charges for about 30 minutes and flies up to 25 mph over 230 feet.
The plane can carry cargo under 20 grams and has four design templates.
Meta Quest 3 Bundle
Price at Publication: $499.99
Where to Buy: Target
Facebook parent Meta’s Quest 3 mixed reality headset debuted in October for users 10 and older.
The Quest 3 already has more than 500 applications available, according to an online listing. Apps let users play games, work out, watch shows, interact with friends and more.
This Quest 3 bundle from Target for the 128 gigabyte (GB) headset includes the game “Asgard’s Wrath 2,” valued at $59.99.
The headset has the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, which doubles the graphics processing power of Quest 2. Quest 3 has two displays with 2064 by 2208 resolution per eye plus Meta’s “Infinite Display” optical stack.
Compared to Quest 2, Quest 3 has 40 percent louder audio range and redesigned Touch Plus controllers. The headset weighs 1.83 pounds and measures at 7.7-by-5-by-10.2 inches. The battery lasts four hours.
Multiple tech review websites also say that if you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Quest 2 is still supported by Meta for now.
Vaydeer Dual Turntable Mouse Mover
Price at Publication: $29.99
Where to Buy: Amazon
Maybe you know a work-from-home-er who thinks they work too hard.
Help them get away from the desk without alerting the brass with a mouse jiggler. The Vaydeer Dual Turntable Mouse Mover is one offering that promises a 100 percent undetectable portable mouse mover that simulates mouse movement so that computers don’t enter sleep mode and lock up while users are away.
An online listing promises that the mover is compatible with almost all wireless and wired optical mice. The mover is 5.12-by-3.15-by-.98 inches and weighs 1.76 ounces. It works with Mac and Linux machines thanks to a USB-C interface and has protruding edges to keep the mouse from falling off the turntable.
The mover promises a quiet micro-motor and silicone-pad base to keep noise low. Users can set an interval timer for 10 seconds, 30 seconds, three minutes and a random auto-start time between 1 and 60 seconds. And the maker promises no high temperatures from long use, according to the listing.
Ohom Ui Self-Heating Mug Set
Price at Publication: $88
Where to Buy: Amazon
Good Housekeeping deemed this device from Ohom the best overall mug warmer in October for its USB-charging platform for wall or laptop plug in and the cordless charging option for laptop or wireless earbuds.
The set features a cupcake pink ceramic mug with lid that keeps drinks at 130 degrees Fahrenheit with electromagnetic energy and metallic particles in the base, according to an online listing.
The device measures 3-by-3-by-4 inches. No battery is required and the mug is dishwasher safe.
Perytong Sleep Headbands
Price at Publication: $19.99
Where to Buy: Amazon
If you know someone who has trouble falling asleep, or someone whose partner keeps them up with white noise and other sleep aids, solve two problems at once with a pair of sleep headbands.
This brand of sleep headband from Perytong has two flat, felt-covered earpieces for sleepers that aren’t painful like sleeping on earbuds, according to an online listing. The Bluetooth-enabled headband plays audio from phones or tablets and is made of stretchy, sweat-absorbing fabric.
The headband lasts 10-plus hours from a two-hour charge. The headband has no warning beeps to prevent sleep interruption. And built-in microphone and volume control buttons allow for hands-free phone calls and changing songs.
Colors include blue, black, clear, pink and green. The headband weighs 3.2 ounces and measures 5.67 inches by 4.29 inches by 1.26 inches, according to the listing.
Shokz OpenRun
Price at Publication: $129.95
Where to Buy: Amazon
For gift recipients sensitive about buds in the ears during the daytime, the Shokz OpenRun are considered the best overall open-ear and bone-conduction headphones by Runner’s World.
The publication praised the OpenRun – whose bone-conduction design means it sends sound waves through a user’s skull instead of the ear – for safety, sound quality and comfort.
An online listing for OpenRun boasts of eight hours of audio play and a 10-minute quick charge for 1.5 hours of battery life. The headphones are sweatproof, waterproof and have moisture detection alerts for safe charging.
The headphones weigh .92 ounces and measure 9.45-inches-by-27.17-inches-by-.98 inches.
OXO Sweep & Swipe Laptop Cleaner
Price at Publication: $11.99
Where to Buy: Macy’s
Playing games, making calls and scrolling on our mobile devices leaves plenty of oils, smudges and fingerprints on the screen. Consider a screen cleaning gadget for someone with kids or who could stand to wash their hands more often.
Popular Mechanics called this device from OXO the best overall screen cleaner back in July because of the microfiber pad that works smudges and the retractable brush that removes crumbs and dust.
An online listing for the cleaner said that a storage cover for the pad helps to protect both ends of the device.
Eufy Pet Camera
Price at Publication: $139.99
Where to Buy: Walmart
That person you know with wanderlust who can’t bear to be away from their dog or cat might enjoy a pet camera for keeping an eye on their furry companion.
This camera from Eufy was ranked the best overall pet camera by Travel+Leisure in October, scoring points for easy setup and the quality of its video and audio.
The device has a 1080p wide-angle lens with 2.5 times zoom, according to an online listing. It has night vision, two-way audio communication and three-distance remote treat tossing.
The camera has pet detection powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and 270-degree rotation motion tracking. The device stores 16 gigabytes and can send barking and activity alerts. Users can also record up to three customized commands to play when a treat launches.
The device is 6.83 pounds and 59.05 inches by 6.29 inches by 10.62 inches, according to the listing.
Ororo Heated Jacket
Price at Publication: $159.99
Where to Buy: Walmart
Winter is coming, and what better way to stay comfortable than with a heated jacket.
This jacket from heated-apparel specialist Ororo received the accolade of best overall heated jacket from People. The review noted that the jacket only took 54 seconds to heat up, and it had straightforward instructions and a single button for power on, power off and heat setting cycling.
The jacket has three heating zones in the left chest, right chest and mid back, according to an online listing. Users can chart phones and other mobile devices with a USB port on the jacket.
Walmart offers the jacket in purple and black. The exterior is soft-shell fabric with soft lining. It has a detachable hood and is resistant to water and wind, according to the listing. The jacket is machine washable.
Therabody Massage Gun
Price at Publication: $299.99
Where to Buy: Therabody
Techies interested in a device to relieve aches and pains might enjoy the Therabody Theragun Sense massage gun.
Wired praised the Sense for less noise and a lighter, smaller design compared to the Pro Plus.
A built-on biometric sensor has on-device heart rate readings, according to an online listing. The gun works with a Therabody application to save visually guided routines for users. The gun also has five speeds managed through its digital screen.
The gun comes in white or black and has a USB-C charging cable plus four massage attachments.
Westcott Ring Light Kit
Price at Publication: $179.90
Where to Buy: Walmart
Whether glowing up for a work call or the next viral TikTok, a ring light is likely to be a big seller this holiday season.
Tom’s Guide called this ring light from Westcott the best overall for its design, controls and quality.
The 18-inch bi-color ring light has adjustable color temperature, flicker-free output for slow-motion capture and allows for the attachment of mobile phones and cameras up to 10 pounds, according to an online listing.
The light stand is 6.5 feet, and the device can plug into an outlet and work for up to 70 minutes off two lithium-ion batteries, according to an online listing.
iOttie Car Slot Mount
Price at Publication: $24.95
Where to Buy: Amazon
For the gift receiver constantly fumbling with a phone in the car, consider this slot mount from iOttie.
iOttie’s CD slot mount fits phones and cases between 2.3 inches and 3.5 inches in width, according to an online listing.
A magnetic tab near the bottom foot promises to keep charging cables organized. And a rotating ball allows users to mount devices in landscape or portrait mode and adjust the angle for better viewing, according to the listing.
USA Today calls this the best overall car holder and mount of 2023 for quick use, easy security and a sturdy, adjustable design.
Oral-B iO Series 9 Electric Toothbrush
Price at Publication: $249.94
Where to Buy: Amazon
It’s the season for family photos and greeting cards, so help someone take their teeth cleaning to the next level with a smart toothbrush.
Oral-B’s iO Series 9 electric toothbrush promises more plaque removal than a manual brush, according to a listing. AI-powered position detection technology tracks the user’s brush placement across all three teeth surfaces. This Amazon listing also includes three replacement brush heads.
The brush has seven clean modes and an interactive display for tracking brush time. The brush is rechargeable with full charge in about three hours. And it has a red light to show if the user brushes too hard.
The brush measures 7.01 inches by 3.94 inches by 9.96 inches and weighs 1.39 pounds.
CNN awarded this toothbrush the title of best smart electric toothbrush in October for the number of features, modes and its 60-day guarantee.
iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO
Price at Publication: $449.99
Where to Buy: Amazon
Amazon continues to pursue its $1.4 billion acquisition of Roomba parent iRobot first announced more than a year ago – but you and your loved ones can get one of the company’s robot vacuums much sooner for much cheaper.
One option is the iRobot Roomba i3+ Evo, which can empty itself for up to 60 days, according to one listing. Its bags capture and track 99 percent of pollen and mold, and users control the vacuum with the iRobot Home application or a voice assistant such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant.
The vacuum has a three-stage cleaning system, power-lifting suction and maps users’ homes with floor tracking sensors that work on hardwood and carpet. Reactive sensors help the vacuum know where it can reach and where it can’t to avoid getting stuck.
The Evo measures 13.34 inches by 13.26 inches by 3.63 inches and can hold 13.5 ounces of trash, according to the listing. The device itself is about 15 pounds. Its battery lasts about 75 minutes.
Kodak Step Slim Instant Mobile Photo Printer
Price at Publication: $79.99
Where to Buy: Amazon
Print photos have a different emotional weight than scrolling through digital images on a phone. For the budding photographer in your life, the Kodak Step Slim instant mobile color photo printer might be a picture-perfect gift.
This portable printer, only 8.4 ounces, works with Android and iOS operating systems to print images in less than a minute, according to a listing. The device has no wiring or computer connection needed.
The printer connects to Kodal’s Step Prints phone application for image editing, frames, stickers and more. Users can print 2 inch by 3 inch pictures on ink-free paper. Sticky backing allows for photo placement on walls, lockers, laptops and other surfaces.
The printer measures .9 inches by 3.25 inches by 4.9 inches.
Ocoopa Rechargeable Hand Warmer
Price at Publication: $27.99
Where to Buy: Amazon
Great for an outdoorsy friend this winter – or someone you know who is just always cold – this Ocoopa’s rechargeable hand warmer is considered the best rechargeable hand warmer by Field & Stream for its one-button design and three heat settings.
This hand warmer can reach up to 131 degrees Fahrenheit and charges its lithium battery with a USB-C charging port, according to an online listing.
The warmer lasts up to eight hours and charges for about three. It measures 3.94 inches by 1.18 inches by 1.18 inches and weighs about .3 pounds.
Rise Gardens Personal Rise Garden
Price at Publication: $349
Where to Buy: Rise Gardens
A snowy winter doesn’t have to dampen green thumbs’ gardening endeavors.
The Personal Rise Garden from Rise Gardens allows users to grow up to 12 plants – including fruits, vegetables, herbs and microgreens – in their house in less than 30 days, according to an online listing.
The kit comes with a starter plant variety pack, an eight-pod tray, eight net cups, a nursery and a pH balance, according to the listing. The kit measures 18 inches by 11 inches by 16 inches. And users can control the kit with Amazon Alexa.
The Personal Rise Garden is NBC News’ best smart pick for indoor garden kits and systems for its app’s capabilities and self-watering system. The app is available in Apple and Google’s app stores.