Tech gifts are not limited to phones and laptops. Of course, you know that, and that is why you are here looking for tech gifts to give your loved ones this Christmas.
When the person you want to gift doesn’t know what they want for Christmas, you can’t go wrong if you aim for a tech gadget that can either bring them enjoyment, boost their productivity, or support their physical and mental health. Whether the person you want to buy a Christmas gift for is a hardcore techie or a tech novice, this article has one or two perfect last-minute ideas for them. Our list of 10 Christmas tech gifts ranges from splurges to necessities that many people might not think of or find time to buy themselves.
Here they are:
1. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
If your loved one is someone who enjoys going out and creating memories, Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 11 will be a great gift. It costs less than $100 and is one of the popular polaroid cameras on the market right now. The simple instant camera which comes with a built-in printer takes good-quality shots quickly and easily and even offers a built-in selfie mode. You get your photos printed out as soon as you take them.
While the official company doesn’t ship to any African countries outside South Africa, you can find it on Amazon or Jumia. If you’re in Nigeria, Instagram vendors like camerajoint will deliver within 24 hours.
2. Amazon Kindle
If your loved one enjoys reading, then there’s no better gift than the Amazon Kindle. They are regarded as the best e-readers on the market because they are portable and enable users to store a large library of books in a single compact device, complete with a paper-like screen and adjustable reading settings. Even more, the new Kindle Scribe comes with a pen and gives readers the ability to annotate, take notes, and make lists on the screen. There are different types of Kindle e-readers and their prices range from $100-$300.
3. Gift cards
Gift cards are low-effort, but they get the job done, especially when you are not sure what the receiver would prefer. Gift cards are cards that have monetary value and can be used to purchase goods at physical stores or online. A ten-dollar gift card can be used to make a $10 purchase. You can get $20, $50, $100 gift cards and more. You can purchase gift cards from stores like Jumia, Paxful, Kuda. There are even stores like Suregifts that sell solely gift cards. Gift cards can also be used to purchase services and pay for subscriptions. A Netflix gift card, for example, can be used to pay for Netflix subscriptions and an Apple gift card can be used to pay for Apple services.
4. Noise-cancelling headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones make a great gift for audiophiles, but they can also be appreciated by gamers or anyone who makes phone calls. They are designed to block out background noise and deliver the sound of voice so that callers can hear you clearly even when you’re in noisy environments. The Apple AirPods Pro is a great option if you use an iPhone; it has a new H2 chip that provides excellent noise cancellation. You can order them last minute in Nigeria from Instagram stores like OgaBassey and iplugng. For other phones, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 or the Oraimo FreePods Pro ANC are great options, but there is a variety to choose from. They can cost as little as $38 or as much as $300.
5. Karaoke machine
Music is a universal gift that can be given to anyone, regardless of age or gender, which is why a karaoke machine can make an excellent present. It is a source of entertainment, and anyone you buy it for can have fun with it on their own or with other people. This gift can also have health benefits, as singing is a good way to reduce stress. There are a variety of karaoke machines; many are portable, some are wireless, and some come with screens for reading out the song lyrics. The device is also affordable. A karaoke machine can cost anywhere from $15 to $200.
6. Foldable laptop stand
If they don’t already have it, this gift is perfect for that workaholic friend who is constantly on their laptop. Adjustable laptop mounts protect the laptop from overheating and the user from suffering heat- and posture-related discomfort. You wouldn’t just be giving them an ergonomic tool; you would be giving them a healthier work experience. The cost of a laptop mount can range from $18 and above.
7. Virtual reality headset
Virtual reality (VR) headsets can significantly improve both gaming and movie viewing. A decent VR headset is also a good primer for anyone interested in immersive virtual worlds in the metaverse. There are a few models to select from, including the Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive Pro 2, and HP Reverb G2 Virtual Reality Headset, with costs ranging from $400 to over $1,000.
8. Portable projector
A mini multimedia projector can turn any room into a cinema or gaming room, and all you have to do is plug in a phone, gaming system, streaming stick, or laptop. A good portable projector also comes with in-built, powerful Bluetooth speakers. It is a gift that can be enjoyed alone or used for communal enjoyment. Portable projectors cost $85 and above.
9. Smart glasses
If you are looking to gift a techie this Christmas, smart glasses might be the way to go. They are both practical and futuristic, as they double as fashion items and electronic gadgets. Smart glasses come with speakers and microphones for listening to music and making calls, and sometimes 3D cameras. Many smart glasses come with interchangeable lenses, so you can switch between standard, polarized, and blue light filtering options. Some even allow you to adjust your lens tint levels. A popular example is the Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses, but there are others with prices starting at $178.
10. 5G router
There is nothing a tech-savvy person hates more than slow internet, and 5G internet is a solution to that problem. The 5G router is 10x faster than 4G internet and can connect to multiple devices (up to 32 different devices) without compromising on quality. This gift will make any anyone happy and guarantee them a better experience working, gaming, streaming etc. The MTN mifi in Nigeria costs ₦50,000. To order one, visit the MTN portal here.