Gifts For Tech Lovers In 2022

The Amazon Echo Dot is an entry-level Alexa speaker that forms part of the smart home products designed by Amazon. It looks and sounds great, with a speaker system that easily beats out other home speakers within its price range. It’s also much smaller than the older Amazon Echo, and louder too. Amazon retained the 3.5 mm jack for connection to more powerful speakers, and the Echo Dot also allows for seamless music streaming across various services like Spotify, Apple Music, SiriusXM, and others.

Setup and installation on this Amazon Echo device are more straightforward than other home assistants. Amazon was able to improve on the calling quality of the old Amazon Echo. However, the Echo Dot has some way to go before being better than products like the Google Home or the Google Home mini. For one, the product’s sound quality isn’t quite there yet, and Alexa could still have trouble hearing you when you give instructions. The Echo Dot also doesn’t come with an aux cord, so you will need to get that elsewhere.

Another product from Amazon, the Kindle Paperwhite, provides an excellent reading experience for tech lovers who would like to have all of their favorite titles with them on the go. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is the latest version of the Amazon Kindle. While the original ebook-reader got many props from reviewers over its core product, Amazon released the Paperwhite as a means of improving on it.

How did they do? Quite well. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is about 10% lighter than the previous model, with 8.18 mm and 6.4 ounces (182 g) in thickness and weight dimensions, respectively. Its 6-inch, 300-PPI touchscreen E-Ink display is sharp and can be easily seen even in direct sunlight.

Storage is available in 8 GB and 32 GB variants. Then, there’s the waterproof feature, something that more and more devices are incorporating lately.

MSRP for the new Kindle Paperwhite is $129.99 with ad-support and $149.99 without ads. For such a high-quality reading experience, however, that price seems more than reasonable.

The Amazon Fire streaming device has shot up to become one of the top-selling media streaming sticks in the world. Like a lot of Amazon’s products, however, Amazon chose to make some significant upgrades and brought us the 2019 Amazon Fire TV Stick Media Player last year.

Voice control is still the best in the league, and Amazon has added a new feature that will allow Amazon Echo owners to control the stick using Alexa. Use the Fire TV Stick to switch on your TV, soundbar, and receiver.

You’ll be amazed by what the Neo Smartpen N2 Bluetooth Digital Pen can do. For students, artists, architects, journalists, and a slew of other tech-savvy people who still require some form of penmanship or the other to get their job done, this Smartpen is an excellent purchase. It’s easy to hold, comfortable in your hands, and uses a refillable D1 ink cartridge that’s available just about anywhere.

There’s a USB charging device at the base of the pen, close to the silver button that will activate its Bluetooth functionality. It’s also got a 120-fps camera above its tip that captures what you’re writing.  The pen includes a dual-core ARM 9 system-on-a-chip that captures data and transfers it to your tablet or smartphone.

If you’ve got someone keen on smart-home technology, then the simplehuman Stainless Steel Touch-Free Rectangular Kitchen Sensor Trash Can is one gift that they will undoubtedly appreciate. It has all the functionality of a high-quality kitchen trash can but features smart voice control. Command it to open, and it does. The lid itself has a precision motor and planetary gear system, which ensures smooth opening and closure. This smart trash can is sturdy enough to prevent spills and leakages due to the Code Q Custom Fit Liners. You have a liner rim for easy access, while a liner pocket keeps liners where you need them and allows for easy dispatch.

Drones are amazing. So, it’s only right that we include one of the best drones on the market in our list of best gifts for tech lovers. Say hello to the Tello Quadcopter Drone, an entry-level drone that boasts advanced features.

The Tello Quadcopter Drone comes with parts and components designed by DJI, one of the best drone manufacturers in the world. It’s compatible with VR headsets, which significantly improve user experience. The manufacturers provided onboarding manuals and guides to beginners who would like to learn more about drone flight. The drone also has a 5-megapixel camera. While this isn’t the sharpest camera resolution available for drones, it’s a solid choice for beginners and entry-level hobbyists.

Even before Facebook acquired Oculus in 2014, the company had carved a niche for itself in the virtual reality space. Since then, VR has become a prominent aspect of entertainment tech. The Oculus Go Standalone Virtual Reality Headset is one of the most impressive products in our list of best gifts for tech lovers.

The Oculus GO VR headset is a self-contained, standalone device that doesn’t need a PC or phone to operate. The design and feel are very comfortable. It comes with a wide array of advanced options, including built-in speakers with spatial audio and a sharp display.  

It’s worth noting that the two-hour battery life is surprisingly short compared to competitors, and the Go could benefit from a room tracking update and an option to expand its storage. 

That said, tech lovers will love the compatibility with both Android and iOS, as well as the fact that it connects with Go, Gear VR, and Oculus Rift owners for social chats.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones 700 ranks as one of the best Bluetooth headphones right now. These noise-canceling headphones come with an astounding 11 levels of noise cancellation, and they’re programmable to fit your surroundings.

The standout feature on these headphones has to be their compatibility with Amazon’s Alexa and the Google Assistant. Charging the headphones is a breeze. When fully charged, you can expect a 20 hours battery life. You also get a fast charge option that gives you 3.5 hours of use on just 15 minutes of charging.

Mesh WiFi systems have grown more popular over the past few years, as they support higher levels of connectivity. Another reason for their popularity is that they are more expandable than traditional WiFi networks. Amazon jumped into this space with its latest offering, the Amazon eero Pro Mesh WiFi System.

It’s much smaller as well, and it offers two 1GB-capacity ethernet ports.

The eero Pro provides 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks under the same name, with two 2×2 MIMO antennas providing frequency for both. There’s also a 5GHz band that improves linkage between nodes.

Some customers have complained that Alexa-integration isn’t seamless, but the eero Pro is less expensive and easier to use than its 2016 predecessor. Coupled with its many impressive features, we think it’s a winner.

If you’re looking for a speaker that has music as the focal point of its operation, then you should check out the Sonos Move – Battery-powered Smart Speaker. Designed by California-based audio and sound company Sonos, this smart speaker provides bang for your buck in more ways than one. Its setup is easy, and you can control it with vocal commands, via Apple’s AirPlay, and through the Sonos app.

The speakers also have Alexa integration built-in, so you can play music, check out the news, set alarms, and conduct several other functions completely hands-free while on WiFi. The speaker’s battery lasts up to 10 hours on a full charge.

For the tech lovers who want the latest in entertainment, the Nintendo Switch Lite – Turquoise makes for an excellent gift. Similar to other brands on our list, Nintendo has made its name in after decades of delivering premium products to its customers. The Switch will go down as one of its most iconic products.

The Switch is a combination of a handheld game (like the PlayStation Portable) and a console (like the regular PlayStation or Xbox systems). The device combines everything you need for gaming, starting with a hybrid build. The Switch Lite allows you to seamlessly move between gaming at home and on the go, merging some of our favorite gaming titles with new classics like Fortnite.

The presence of an analog stick makes the device a tad cramped on the right side, but for all of its power and functionality, we think it’s a device very worthy of consideration.

Say hello to the SHARPER IMAGE Light Up Electronic Word Clock. The clock that tells the time but puts a twist on the usual wall clock. It doubles as a wall clock and an accent piece, with a beautiful finish and a clever design that makes use of letters in place of traditional numbers. The clock tracks time in 5-minute intervals, although some users have mentioned that it’s occasionally inexact. It’s got a USB power cable too, so you might want to use it at the office, where you’ll be able to connect it to something and let it run.

Overall, we think it’s an excellent gift for techy people who enjoy oddities.

How about a gift for tech lovers that helps them document some of their happiest, most memorable moments? That’s what a photo printer does, and the Polaroid ZIP Wireless Mobile Photo Mini Printer is one of the very best in the industry.

This pocket-sized photo printer is only slightly larger than a deck of cards, weighing 6.6 ounces (186 g), and it with less than an inch in thickness. It features a lone power button and a single USB port for charging. However, its battery can only last for about 25 prints, so it may not be ideal for capturing your big vacation or an event like a wedding.

The printer also makes use of Polaroid’s Zink zero-ink printing technology. The print quality is impressive for a product of its caliber, and we think it’s an excellent option for casual, on-the-fly moments.

For the nostalgic tech lover in your life, consider the Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard.

This clever wireless keyboard is compatible with all Apple devices and Windows. It measures just a quarter-inch in thickness. The foldable design tucks away easily when not in use, and it’s wireless, so all you need to do to connect it to your device is unfold it and press the power button.

And here’s a unique bonus: the design incorporates a water-repellent keyset and a fabric that protects against spills.

What’s better than an everyday portable Bluetooth speaker? One that you can use in the shower, too. If your giftee has a passion for singing, whether taking a bath or lounging around a pool, the iFox iF012 Bluetooth Shower Speaker makes the perfect gift.

It’s worth noting that the waterproof design only works for depths up to 3 feet. 

This speaker comes with Bluetooth v4.1, which connects to your device in less than 10 seconds and has a range of 33 feet. And with 10 hours of playtime on a full charge, we think this little gadget’s a winning gift.

Now that tech has crept into every aspect of our lives, why not let it help us sleep better, too? Designed to eradicate insomnia, the Voerou Sleep Headphones provide the perfect companion for anyone that struggles with regular sleep. The product is low-profile compared to its competitors, yet boasts premium sound quality, and a fully-charged battery can run for 9 hours. Whether it’s relaxation, sleep, or meditation, these headphones will come to the rescue.

For more sleep-solutions, look into these earplugs for sleeping.

Charging docks are something every tech lover needs, and the Apple compatible Bestand 3-in-1 Charger Dock stands apart from its competitors. It allows users to charge three Apple devices simultaneously. The product material is an aluminum alloy, with a slip-resistant base that ensures stability wherever you place it.

And while it’s not compatible with non-Apple products, those with Apple devices will attest to its quality and convenience.

You may also consider checking out these quality Apple watch chargers.

Founded by Carnegie Mellon roboticists, Anki is a toymaker that first gained popularity with its automated miniature race cars. The Anki Vector Home Robot is a second-generation robot meant to provide companionship to its users. 

The Vector comprises reliable internal components and it doesn’t require internet connectivity. Thanks to voice activation, you can play blackjack with the robot while also performing other tasks like weather forecasts. You could even get the robot to dance to music playing on your phone.

If your tech lover friend’s interests extend to robotics, then this gadget might be a great gift for him or her.

When it’s time to travel, your tech buddy will need storage for all his devices. One solution is the Travel Laptop Backpack.

Designed by Tzowla, this laptop backpack is the perfect storage companion for tech lovers. It’s water-resistant, thanks to high-quality polyester material. A padded shoulder strap maximizes comfort and reduces neck and shoulder strain. The backpack also comes with a USB and headset ports. Its durable metal zippers and a fixed password lock, which helps protect your valuable items. The bag’s dimensions measure 19.29 x 11.8 x 5.43 inches, and you get divider pockets which, amongst other things, can hold a 15.6-inch laptop, water bottle, tablet, phone, and books.

Another great companion for traveling, the ICEWATER 3-in-1 Smart Stainless Steel Water Bottle is a refreshing bottle to carry around. It’s made of double-wall vacuum insulated stainless steel, which will keep your giftee’s drinks cold for 24 hours. The design is also leak-proof and certified food-safe.

Surprisingly, this insulated water bottle features a Bluetooth speaker as well. The speaker has 360-degree sound, a built-in 600 mAh battery, and is water-resistant. Thanks to the unique resonance design, the speaker’s sound shines when placed on a wooden table.