If you haven’t bought gifts for the holidays yet, you might be cutting it just a little bit close but considering we have had some of the best tech gadgets released this year, the final decision does not have to be too hard. 2023 has some of the most useful tech gifts for men and women and if your budget allows it, then your loved ones will be beyond grateful to open their present to tech gadgets they’d been hesitating to invest in for themselves. Let’s take a moment to review the best tech gifts you could invest in this holiday season.
Best Tech Gadgets and Gifts to Close the Year With
Considering the full range of tech gadgets that were released in 2023, there is something out there for everyone whether they’re a casual tech enthusiast or a serious one. From mobiles to gaming consoles, the range of devices can present a dizzying array of choices but you only need to keep two things in mind—your budget and the preferences of the person you’re buying the gift for.
1. Motorola Razr 40 Ultra
Image – Motorolla Razr 40 Ultra (Peach Fuzz)
Released: 5 June 2023
Price: $999
The folding phone trend in 2023 has been quite an exciting time for the revival of flip phones but the prices of these devices can definitely make you hesitate. The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra is one of the best tech gifts to consider for those who have been hoping to get their hands on a flip phone. The Motorola offering is, quite genuinely, a very well-thought-out device and brings back a lot of the nostalgia for the Motorola phones we have used in the past. The large screen even when the phone is in its closed state is its real selling point, and much better than the Google or Samsung flip phones that are currently available. For those who want a cheaper alternative, the Motorola Razr 2023 brings the price even lower to $699, but the large screen is replaced by a smaller bar in this one. The unique range of colors for the Razr 40 Ultra such as the Peach fuzz and Viva magenta, add another layer of appeal to these devices if you’re shopping for someone that loves color.
While the camera isn’t at the peak of what is available on the market and the gaming experience isn’t top-notch either, if you’re buying this phone for someone who isn’t going to really be gaming on the device, then it is still among the top tech gifts for both men and women. If you want more alternatives to this folding phone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and the OnePlus Open are some options to consider.
2. iPhone 15 Pro
Image – The iPhone 15 Pro Line
Released: 22 September 2023
Price: $999
This one makes a noteworthy appearance on the list of tech gifts because there are quite a few people out there who would love to get their hands on the device, but it’s an understandably more exclusive investment for the nearest and dearest of folk. The iPhone 15 Pro was one of the most awaited phone releases of 2023 and while it had some hiccups regarding its durability and problems with overheating, the problem seems to have been ironed out through software upgrades.
The iPhone 15 Pro with the A17 chips makes it a good investment for those who want a fast, responsive phone, and the camera, efficient as always, makes it a good alternative for those who want to use it for photography and filming. Tech gadget enthusiasts who are looking forward to the Apple Vision Pro release next year will truly appreciate this tech gift because of its compatibility with the upcoming device. 3D spatial videos captured on the iPhone 15 Pro can be viewed best through the Vision Pro headset, making it a gift they’ll continue using for a while.
3. Nomad Stand One
The Nomad Stand One in carbide and silver
Released: March 2023
Price: $110
If the iPhone feels a little outside of the budget, then iPhone accessories are something to consider and can make pretty thoughtful tech gifts for your family and friends. Nomad, a company known for its Apple-centric accessories, released the Stand One this year, a wireless charging device designed for MagSafe iPhones. A very simple but stylish addition to homes, the charger, available in silver and carbide, is an interesting variant of the wireless charger that holds the phone straight up instead of lying flat on the base. It is among the best tech gadgets to consider when looking for accessories to gift this year.
The charger allows you to have easy access to the phone and with the Always-On display, it is a nice little convenience to have around. The MagSafe charging puck ensures it provides the same 15W charging speed as Apple’s own technology so there is no compromising on the experience. The only annoyance with the Nomad devices is that the 20W power adapter needs to be purchased separately which should add an additional $19 to the expense, so don’t forget to throw that in as well if you’re considering this among the tech gadgets to gift this year. If you want to take the charging station gift one step further to a more premium level, the $180 Nomad Stand One Max is one to consider for a hard-core Apple enthusiast as it allows 3-in-1 charging, with space for an Apple Watch and AirPods also available beside the iPhone charging spot.
4. Alan Wake 2
Image – Still from the Alan Wake 2 trailer
Released: 27 October 2023
Price: $47.99 ( $79.99 for the Deluxe edition)
A game that was 13 years in the making, Alan Wake 2, a survival horror detective game, is one of the most noteworthy game releases this year. If the multiple wins for best game of the year from platforms like the Times Magazine, Washington Post, Game Awards, etc. are any indication, the game has made a real impact and could be among the best tech gifts for those on a limited budget. From an amazing storyline to crazy graphics and the most unsettling music they could have opted for, the game is one that will keep you hooked for hours. Remedy Entertainment left no stone unturned with the gameplay and it will probably be a long time before we see another game release of this quality.
Many gamers unfamiliar with the original Alan Wake may have skipped on purchasing this one in favor of other top releases this year such as Baldur’s Gate, Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Diablo IV, Super Mario Bro, Starfield, Redfall, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, which are all great options to consider if the person you intend to gift hasn’t made the purchase yet. This has been a great year for gaming and considering the number of heavy hitters launched this time around, any of the top games would make great tech-centric gifts for the people in your life.
5. FiiO KB3
Image – The FiiO KB3
Released: 17 November 2023
Price: $149 fully assembled
The KB3 by FiiO is a very unique keyboard and one of the most interesting tech gadgets to consider investing in, especially for someone who spends a lot of time on their PC. The RGB lighting and the swappable keys the keyboard showcases are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the appeal of the keyboard. Supporting functioning for both Mac and Windows, the most interesting aspect of the FiiO KB3 is the headphone jack that it comes with, which allows you to plug your headphones directly into it.
Made by an audio brand and designed for a good listening experience, it is quite a fascinating concept and not just a gimmick either. The keyboard is equipped with dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DACs and supports up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256 audio according to The Verge, comparing the audio specs to FiiO’s KA13 headphone amp that is priced at $80. Multipurpose devices are always fascinating to try out and while we are often hesitant to invest in such gadgets for ourselves, they do make the best tech gifts. Alternate keyboards to consider are the Logitech G Pro X TKL Lightspeed gaming keyboard for efficiency or the 2022 Logitech Pop Keys wireless keyboard which does the most phenomenal job reflecting the user’s personality.
6. Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds
Image – The Sony WF-1000XM5 in black
Released: 24 July 2023
Price: $299.99
Sony knows its way around audio devices better than most and the Sony headsets have been long known for both their durability and sound quality. The 2023 WF-1000XM5 Earbuds are no different and guarantee a great listening experience for users. The V2 and QN2e chips built into the device provide quick processing and support HD noise canceling on the device. The adaptive sound control is an important feature of the device, which adjusts the listening experience based on your environment and your movement, making it a great option for both casual listening and for your daily runs as well.
The touch controls on the Sony WF-1000XM5 make it easy to use and the auto pause and play feature when you remove the device from your ears is hard to ignore. The copper accented device comes in white and black and with the multiple tips available to fit it to your ears, it is one of the best tech gadgets to gift this year, one that the receiver can comfortably adapt to their needs. For more earbud options, consider the Jabra Elite 10 Wireless Earbuds or the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro which could make good tech gifts as well.
We definitely think these are some of the best tech gadgets to consider gifting this year and they are all options that will add value to the lives of the people in your circle. Whether considering tech gifts for both men and women, explore what will make the biggest difference to their lives and daily routines and consider their interests carefully and you should easily find something that fits your budget.
