Gifts for tech lovers: headphones, tablets, chargers and more

Buying for someone who reads spec sheets for fun is tricky. They often own the obvious things already, and the wrong phone or the wrong port can turn a great gadget into a return. This guide groups gifts by how the person actually uses their tech: on the move, around an iPhone, on the sofa, at a desk, or in front of a big screen.

These are research-based picks drawn from maker specifications and our buying checklists. We have not used or tested them ourselves.

For the commuter and frequent flyer

Noise cancelling makes a strong gift for anyone who spends hours on planes, trains or in open offices. They will feel the difference on the first trip. The main choice is the form factor. Over-ear headphones suit long flights. Earbuds suit pockets and workouts.

We keep this section short on purpose. For a full side-by-side of noise-cancelling models, see our noise-cancelling headphones picks. Here are two gift-friendly options, one of each style.

• Sony WH-1000XM6: suits frequent flyers and remote workers who take a lot of calls. It runs up to 30 hours with ANC on and folds into a magnetic-closure case. It supports LDAC, LE Audio and two-device multipoint. Skip it if they care more about light weight, since it is about 254 g.
• Apple AirPods Pro 3 (iPhone only for most features): suits iPhone owners who want one pair for commuting, calls and the gym. They offer heart-rate sensing for workouts and an IP57 rating. Battery life is up to 8 hours with ANC, or 24 hours in total with the case. On Android they work only as basic Bluetooth earbuds.

For the iPhone owner with a crowded nightstand

If they live in Apple's world, the best gifts are the ones that work with the iPhone they already carry. The Watch is iPhone-only, and the Belkin dock is built for an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods setup. Confirm the phone before you buy.

• Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40 mm) (requires iPhone 11 or later with iOS 27 or later): suits a first smartwatch, or a parent or teen who would benefit from fall and crash detection. It has an Always-On display, sleep score and up to 18 hours of battery, so it needs charging most days. Skip it if they want an ECG app.
• Belkin UltraCharge Pro 3-in-1 Qi2 25W (for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods): suits anyone juggling three chargers on a nightstand or desk. It charges all three devices at once and includes a 45 W power supply and a braided cable. Full 25 W speed needs a Qi2 25W phone, and an iPhone 16 needs iOS 26. Other Qi2 phones charge at 15 W.

For the student or the family sofa

A good tablet gift handles the everyday basics without fuss. That means notes, reading, homework, video calls and films. Storage matters more than people expect, because apps and downloads fill a small tablet quickly.

Unlike the Apple Watch, the iPad works on its own. The recipient does not need an iPhone.

• Apple iPad 11-inch (A16), 128 GB, Wi-Fi: suits students, first-time iPad buyers and families sharing one tablet. It has an 11-inch 500-nit Liquid Retina display and up to 10 hours of battery. Its landscape 12 MP Center Stage front camera is well placed for video calls. Skip it if they want Apple Intelligence, which this model does not support. Also note it works with the USB-C Apple Pencil, not Apple Pencil Pro.

For the desk worker and the laptop traveler

People who work at a computer all day appreciate tools that remove small daily annoyances, such as a cramped mouse or a dying laptop battery in a café. These two suit the same person at home and on the road.

• Logitech MX Master 4: suits writers, analysts and editors who scroll and use shortcuts constantly. Its MagSpeed wheel scrolls up to 1,000 lines a second. It switches between three devices and lasts up to 70 days per charge. The haptic panel and Actions Ring need Logi Options+ on Windows or macOS. At 150 g, it is not a gaming mouse.
• Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000 mAh, 165 W: suits USB-C laptop users who work from trains, planes and cafés. It delivers up to 100 W per USB-C output, has two built-in USB-C cables and is rated 90 Wh, under the 100 Wh carry-on limit. At 595 g, it belongs in a bag rather than a pocket. Skip it if their laptop needs more than 100 W.

If you are unsure what capacity or wattage they need, our guide to power banks explained covers the basics.

The big splurge: for the movie and gaming fan

A TV is a shared, every-night gift. It works best for a household or a partner who watches films in the evening or plays on a console or PC. Before going big, measure the space and check what they currently watch and play.

• LG 55" OLED evo C5 (OLED55C5PUA): suits movie lovers in dim rooms and gamers who want 4K 120 Hz. It has self-lit OLED pixels for perfect blacks and up to 144 Hz with G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium. All four HDMI inputs support 4K 120 Hz, VRR and ALLM. Skip it if they watch a lot of HDR10+ content, which it does not support, or if they want the most screen for the money.

For what to look for in any TV, see what specs matter in a 4K TV.

How to pick the right gift

• Ask for a gift receipt. Tech gifts are the easiest to duplicate, so make exchanges painless.
• Check what they already own. Find out whether they use an iPhone or Android, whether they already have an Apple Watch, and whether noise-cancelling headphones are already in their bag.
• Confirm compatibility. Check iPhone model and iOS version for the Watch and the Belkin dock. Check USB-A versus USB-C ports for the Logitech receiver, and laptop wattage for the power bank.
• Measure for size. Check wall or stand space before buying a 55-inch TV.
• Think about voltage and plugs if you are shipping a gift abroad. Check the maker's page for the included power supply.
• Consider weight and portability for travelers. Over-ear headphones and a laptop power bank both add bulk to a carry-on.

FAQ

Will AirPods Pro 3 or the Apple Watch SE 3 work with an Android phone?

The Apple Watch SE 3 requires an iPhone 11 or later, so it will not work with Android. AirPods Pro 3 connect to Android only as basic Bluetooth earbuds, and many features need an iPhone. For an Android user, the Sony WH-1000XM6 is the safer headphone gift.

Which gift suits someone who travels with a laptop?

The Anker 25,000 mAh power bank is built for that. It provides up to 100 W per USB-C output, has built-in cables and is rated 90 Wh, under the 100 Wh carry-on limit. Pair it with over-ear noise cancelling for long flights. Our gifts for travelers page has more ideas.

Is the LG C5 still a good gift now that a newer model is out?

A newer LG OLED evo model has since launched, so skip the C5 if the recipient wants the newest model. The C5 still offers OLED contrast, 144 Hz gaming, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.

Should I wait for Black Friday to buy?

Prices move during Black Friday (27 November) and the holiday sales, so check the current price on the store page before you buy. Whenever you buy, ask for a gift receipt and check the return window, since some holiday purchases are opened weeks later.

Prices change often — especially around Black Friday and holiday sales — so we don't show them here. Follow the store links to see the current price and availability.