The age-old question of what to buy for someone who seems to have everything becomes further complicated when that someone is into the latest tech. You want wonderful gifts for the special people on your list, and you want them to be enjoyed, valued, and unexpected. Something they wouldn’t buy for themselves, and maybe even a total surprise. That takes a bit of research.
We did some of the work for you, and we present a list of ideas we hope will be helpful. Some are practical, such as the travel adapters, an on-the-go phone charger that sanitizes your phone, and noise-cancelling headphones. Others make for a perfect hobby accessory, like a top-of-the-line golf rangefinder, GoPro, and the latest Nikon camera.
Related: Nikon Just Launched the Ultimate Kit for Wanderlust Travelers
Toys for all ages include the Nintendo Switch and Oculus VR headset, and for the audiophile, we suggest a high-quality portable speaker, a brand-new record player, and even a comfortable neck speaker. The latest iPhone and iPad are there as welcome upgrades for those who haven’t taken that step yet. Fitness fans will appreciate the Peloton Tread for a home gym and the new Fitbit watch. The Furbo Dog Nanny will make it easier for pet parents to leave their dogs at home alone. And, of course, tech-optimized home goods, from robot-vacuums to UV-C-enhanced water pitchers and air purifiers, are a great gift for the parents that could use a break.
As you browse this guide, we hope you’ll find something that fits the style of the tech-forward loved ones on your gift list. Here, 34 cutting-edge luxury gifts for the tech-savvy consumer.
Loft, Wrensilva
Wrensilva, specializing in HiFi stereos, incorporates their state-of-the-art sound systems into design-forward consoles. The Loft, by Wrensilva, utilizes walnut and oak to create a gorgeous, more compact console, with storage room for 60 vinyl albums and an integrated sound system.
To buy: From $4,000, new 2020 models coming soon
Wing Electric Bike
Electric bikes are a classic confluence of tech and fitness, and this innovation just keeps moving forward. The Wing electric bikes are outfitted with an alarm system and a torque-enhanced pedal assist.
To buy: $1,298, Wingbikes.com
Geneinno Underwater Sea Scooter
Remember the days where nothing motor-powered worked underwater? Well, in 2020, that’s no longer a hurdle. Geneinno has developed an easily portable sea scooter, such that you can speed up as you snorkel; it goes up to 2.7 miles per hour. With two gear speeds and a built-in camera dock, you can attach your GoPro and glide through the water capturing footage.
To buy: $399, Geneinno.com
Electric Jetboard
On the underwater electronics theme, the Electric Jetboard is perfect for the high-tech adventure traveler in your life. It’s a game-changing motorized surfboard, quite literally harnessing the power of water jets to propel your smart jetboard through the surf. It’s Bali surf dreams meets cutting-edge SF innovation.
To buy: From $8,400, Radinn.com
iPhone 12, Apple
For someone who always keeps up with the latest, the new iPhone is officially here, just in time for the holidays. The iPhone 12, which comes in two sizes, has the most impressive laundry list of features to date, including “an edge-to-edge OLED display,” a “ceramic shield with four times better drop performance,” and a night mode camera.
To buy: From $699, Apple.com
GoPro Hero 9
Create super smooth 5K videos with image stabilization and gorgeous still shots with the new GoPro Hero 9. It’s also waterproof down to a depth of 33 feet for great underwater shots. GoPro responds to voice commands or records tags and can stream to Facebook Live, YouTube, or share with friends as you record. Get creative with LiveBurst, which captures the second and a half before and after the photo for improved photo selection.
To buy: $350, GoPro.com
Nikon Z7 II Mirrorless Camera
This is the top of the line in Nikon’s “future of imaging” Z Series, building off the Z7 with lightweight mirrorless design, full-frame lens mount, and advanced 493-point autofocus capabilities. Electronic viewfinder, deep grip for handling, comfortable ergonomic button placement, WiFi, Bluetooth, and intuitive touch screen make picture taking and sharing easy. EXPEED 6, advanced Nikon image processing, provides exceptional image quality, even in low-light. Enjoy full-frame 4K HD videos, time lapse, or slow motion effects.
To buy: From $3,000, NikonUSA.com
CARRY by Courant
Courant makes high-end chargers for professionals on the go. What makes them high-end? Well, the Italian leather coverings don’t hurt. CARRY is Courant’s wireless phone charger; it can give your phone power by just sitting on top of it. The Tuscan leather-covered chargers are sleek and minimalist, perfect for a loved one that’s constantly traveling on business.
To buy: $75 (originally $150), Courant.com
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo Turntable
For the audiophile in your life, a high-end record player that elevates a nostalgic hobby with top tech is the way to go. New to Pro-Ject’s Debut Carbon line, the Evo turntable comes with a Sumiko Rainier MM phono cartridge and an electric speed changer and stabilizer. Choose from an array of vibrant colors (yellow, olive green, red, or blue), or go classic with a satin walnut and black turntable.
To buy: $499, Pro-ject.com
ZIIP GX
Upscale beauty tech is perfect for your loved ones looking to take their skin care regimen to the next level. ZIIP GX is a compact, electric facial using “nanocurrents and microcurrents to communicate with your skin cells, increasing their effectiveness, prompting them to heal, and encouraging them to make an abundance of collagen and elastin.” Harnessing the power of this patented beauty tech is especially poignant in 2020, when going to spa for routine facials is less of an option—bring the experience home, instead, with this gift.
To buy: $495, ZIIPBeauty.com
LARQ Pitcher
From the company that put out the world’s first UV technology-enhanced self-cleaning water bottle comes the brand-new LARQ Pitcher. The pitcher uses LARQ’s PureVis UV-C LED technology that goes well beyond a traditional method of filtration to provide remarkably clean water. Its water-cleaning technology removes more than 90% of lead, chlorine, mercury, cadmium, copper, zinc, VOCs, Radon, and bio-contaminants in your water.
To buy: $135, Livelarq.com (LARQ pre-order, ships Dec. 1)
AirFly Pro
The AirFly Pro is the textbook definition of tech solving a frustrating day-to-day problem. It’s an adapter that allows you to connect wireless headphones to an in-flight TV screen. In a travel era where AirPods reign supreme, Twelve South created a tiny adapter that ensures your wireless headphones aren’t obsolete when you board a plane. It’s a perfect gift for the traveler in your life—or for yourself if you’re flying to see family for the holidays this year.
To buy: $55, Twelvesouth.com
Arlo Video Doorbell
Top tech has really raised the bar on home security. And one of the best examples of this is the Arlo Video Doorbell—which is exactly what it sounds like, a smart doorbell with video capability. With HD video, two-way audio, motion detectors, and night vision, this is the perfect gift for tech-savvy parents.
To buy: $126, Amazon.com
Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer
This Fujifilm gadget basically turns your smartphone into a Polaroid camera—if it’s not at the top of your gift list for the 24-year-old hipster in your life, what is? The Fujifilm Instax Mini has a print speed of 12 seconds and allows the user to print photos from their phone using the Fujifilm app. Through the app, you can add frames and filters, or even print stills from a video—then print instantly on this handheld photo printer.
To buy: $100, Amazon.com
Philips SmartSleep Light Therapy
For the insomniac in your life—or the Silicon Valley cousin that’s always trying to optimize their sleep schedule—Philips SmartSleep Light Therapy is the obvious gift-giving solution. The morning alarm illuminates the device with sunrise light that’s “clinically proven to improve your energy, sleep, and well-being.” When it’s time to wind down, the light therapy SmartSleep device has a “SunSet fading night light” and breath work functionality.
To buy: $155, Amazon.com
Ceptics World Travel Adapter Plug Kit
Travelers will appreciate having an electrical plug adapter for every country without having to research and buy a separate one for each trip. This kit contains interchangeable adapters that snap easily into the unit with two U.S. standard two- or three-prong outlets, two USB ports, and one micro USB cable, creating a convenient charging center. With built-in surge protection, it’s compatible with dual voltage devices including iPad, iPhone, and laptop chargers. (It is not a voltage converter.)
To buy: $45, Ceptics.com
UV Phone Sanitizer & Charger, PhoneSoap
You don’t have to be a germaphobe to think about the bacteria and viruses our phones gather all day. The PhoneSoap 3 uses UV-C technology to kill germs while charging. An extra USB port allows you to charge an additional device at the same time. PhoneSoap 3 comes in a range of attractive colors, and a rechargeable battery-powered version, PhoneSoap Go, is available for travel. It also serves as a power bank for device charging on the go.
To buy: $80, PhoneSoap.com
Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Bang & Olufsen
The beautifully designed lunchbox-shaped Beolit 17 is made of anodized aluminum with a full-grain leather handle and rubber coating on top and bottom for great looks and durability. It delivers clean, authentic sound with 240 watts of power and 360-degree sound dispersion with up to 24 hours of wireless play. Weighing in at around six pounds, the speaker comes in natural, pink, or stone gray. For great sound quality and easy setup with the Bang & Olufsen app, this portable speaker is a hit.
To buy: $500, Bang-olufsen.com
Peloton Tread Plus
Yes, it’s a machine designed for exercise, but it’s on the tech gift list because it’s not your average treadmill. There’s a 32” 1080 pixel HD touchscreen, a 20-watt soundbar with digital signal processing, USB charging for wireless headphones, WiFi connectivity, and Bluetooth audio ready for external devices. Users can participate in live walking, running, cardio, and strength training classes as well as track their performance with in-depth metrics for motivation.
To buy: $4,295, OnePeloton.com
Kindle Oasis by Amazon
Sure, we know that holding an actual book is a tactile pleasure and an honorable tradition, but for traveling or reading in bed, a lightweight e-reader with adjustable text sizing and backlighting is a major convenience. This luxury model is even waterproof for safe reading in a bathtub or pool, and you can’t say that about a book. The new Kindle Oasis is especially thin—yet still offers up to 32 GB of storage—and is the only Kindle model that comes with “adjustable warm light.” Pair with an Audible book and either read or listen as you seamlessly switch back and forth.
To buy: $250, Amazon.com
Furbo Dog Nanny
The newest addition to the Furbo line of dog cameras adds 24-hour event based cloud recording, “doggie diary,” and additional alerts to the features of the basic Furbo Dog Camera. Listen to and speak to your pup, toss treats, and watch via the 160-degree wide HD camera with night vision via WiFi and convenient smartphone app. Owners get alerts when the dog is barking, an opportunity to control the behavior and a plus for home security.
To buy: $200 (originally $250), Furbo.com
77” OLED Master Series Smart TV by Sony
Surprise someone with the latest in smart TVs. OLED is one of the newest technologies in the ever-evolving world of televisions, offering lifelike colors, brightness, sharp detail, and absolute black. Sony’s powerful video processor creates natural looking pictures, and its unique Acoustic Surface Audio ensures precise, clear sound. Log in to Google for access to apps, games, content, and Google Assistant. Use Apple AirPlay to stream wirelessly from your phone, iPad, or Mac to the big screen.
To buy: $3,498 (originally $4,498), Crutchfield.com
Approach Z80 Golf Rangefinder by Garmin
If a golf enthusiast is on your gift list, be sure to consider this accurate laser rangefinder with full-color 2-D CourseView mapping. Image stabilization reduces shakiness, and the Green View feature shows the front and back distance. PlaysLike Distance feature makes adjustments based on uphill or downhill slope. It’s pre-loaded with more than 41,000 courses worldwide and weighs only eight ounces. It has a 15-hour battery life and recharges via USB cable.
To buy: $600, Garmin.com
Fitbit Versa 2, Health & Fitness Smartwatch
This new addition to the Fitbit line includes Amazon Alexa, 24/7 heart rate tracking, Sleep Score, guided breathing sessions, and over 15 exercise modes, in addition to tracking steps, distance, calories burned, floors climbed, active minutes, and more. Receive call, text, and calendar notifications when your smartphone is nearby. It’s swimproof for pool workouts, and its screen is bright and durable.
To buy: $180, Fitbit.com
Nintendo Switch
This game console is for players who want to take it with them—it’s completely portable, transforming from home console to portable system. Its three modes make it flexible, with TV mode for at home, tabletop for a multiplayer game, or handheld, with its controllers attached. Use it with one controller or two, vertical or horizontal, controllers attached or detached. Choose Switch games from a huge and growing collection.
To buy: $300, Nintendo.com
iPad Pro 11-inch
Surprise an Apple product fan with the newest iPad featuring a larger 11-inch display, touted by Apple as “the world’s most advanced Retina display.” Use the onscreen keyboard or full-size Magic Keyboard and have fun with Apple Pencil for writing, drawing, signing, and more. With its A 12 Z Bionic chip, edit 4K video or play graphics-intensive games. Its built-in FaceTime HD camera and 8 MP back camera provide great photos, videos, document scanning, and AR experiences.
To buy: $799, Apple.com
UltraSharp 32” 4K USB Monitor by Dell
For someone who sits at a desktop computer most of the day, a new monitor would be a great treat. This one provides realistic colors, sharp images, and clear details with reduced blue light emissions for eye comfort. With borderless display, this monitor swivels, pivots, tilts, and adjusts easily to the desired height. Picture in Picture (PIP) and Picture by Picture (PBP) make it easy to view input from two sources for convenient multitasking.
To buy: $840 (originally $1,050), Dell.com
Nikon Z50
The Nikon Z50 is a travel photographer's dream, but is just as perfect for a neophyte photog looking to get into adventure photography. The latest from Nikon brings all the futuristic tech in a compact and lightweight body with image stabilization, which will make even the bumpiest safari footage look like smooth sailing. The camera also features a flip-down screen, which is ideal for selfies or bloggers looking to become YouTube's next big hit.
To buy: $1,197, Amazon.com
Bose Noise-Cancelling Headphones 700
At this point, it’s not news that Bose noise-cancelling headphones are some of the best on the market. But because of the price point, not everyone’s ready to splurge, which is why they’re a perfect gift. Now with a new, more minimalist-chic design, these smart headphones block out anything with controllable noise cancellation and state-of-the-art sound and voice capabilities.
To buy: $300, Bose.com
Rectangular Sensor Can
The smart trash can is a sleeper hit of the tech world—or at least, a sleeper hit of the clean-up world. It’s one of the tech products you didn’t know you needed, but as soon as you receive this as a gift, you can’t imagine your kitchen without it. The concept is simple: a touchless trash can that automatically opens for you and has compartments for trash and recycling. It’s a game-changing gift for whoever is hosting the big holiday meal this year.
To buy: $200, Simplehuman.com
Sonos One
Sonos speakers are the hot at-home listening ticket right now because of their smart-enhanced connectivity and their ability to create surround sound. Not only can you connect multiple Sonos speakers through every room of the house, you can also outfit one room with two speakers for a stereo-quality listening experience, or opt for two speakers and a soundbar for full-fledged surround sound.
To buy: $199, Sonos.com
Dyson Pure Cool Link
The crossover between high tech gadgets and home goods is more common than you might think. Ultimately, leading tech aims to solve everyday problems, and for many, that means cleaner air in their home. Dyson is a leader in the airspace, from high-end blow dryers to fans, and this air treatment system “intelligently purifies and cools” with a HEPA and activated carbon filter.
To buy: $500, Dyson.com
Roborock Vacuum
Another product that’s a testament to the successful intersection of house chores and technology: the robot-vacuum. From Roombas to Roborocks, there’s no denying the value of a vacuum that cleans for you at the touch of a button. The Roborock Vacuum boasts multi-floor mapping technology, “no-go zones,” and voice control software.
To buy: $600, Amazon.com
Blue Yeti USB Microphone
For the podcaster in your life—and let’s be honest, it’s 2020, we all have a podcaster in our life—you can’t do better than the Blue Yeti Microphone. This mic captures sound of exceptional quality and is compatible with Macs and PCs. Contrary to what the name may have you believe, it comes in an array of colors, not just in blue.
To buy: $130, Amazon.com
