Useful gadgets they’ll use every day, from e-readers to speakers to fast storage.
Heads up: we earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Commissions never decide what makes the list. Ratings are from Amazon.com and were checked on Oct 27, 2026.
For Yoto ownersIllustrative imageWhy we picked it: Blank cards you can load with your own stories, songs or voice recordings for a Yoto player.
Simple to use, highly customisable, sturdy for little hands and good value.
Only useful if they already have a Yoto player.
Best for: Families who already own a Yoto player.
STEMIllustrative imageWhy we picked it: Real circuits that snap together, with 100+ projects and no soldering.
Engaging and educational, clear instructions and keeps kids interested.
No repeated complaint stood out in the review summary when we checked.
Best for: Curious kids 8+ (younger with help).
SplurgeIllustrative imageWhy we picked it: Fifteen programmable keys that turn streaming, editing or work shortcuts into one tap.
Easy setup, deeply customisable keys and a real boost to workflow, especially for streamers.
Some feel it costs a lot for what it does.
Best for: Streamers, video editors and shortcut lovers.
Under $50Illustrative imageWhy we picked it: A palm-sized, waterproof speaker that sounds bigger than it looks.
Great sound for its size, very portable, easy Bluetooth pairing and surprisingly loud.
Battery life gets mixed reviews; some wish it lasted longer.
Best for: Teens, beach days and the shower.
SplurgeIllustrative imageWhy we picked it: A rugged outdoor speaker with clear sound that reviewers say lasts.
Clear sound, very portable, seamless Bluetooth and holds up over time.
Volume and battery life are mixed; some expected louder or longer.
Best for: Campers, porch-sitters and backyard hosts.
PracticalIllustrative imageWhy we picked it: A card-sized drive for backups, photos and game libraries, far faster than a USB stick.
Reliable, fast transfers and tiny dimensions.
It can get warm under heavy load, and a few devices have compatibility quirks.
Best for: Photographers, students and anyone without a backup.
Smart homeIllustrative imageWhy we picked it: The starter kit for colour smart lighting you can schedule or control by voice.
Good quality, easy setup, bright bulbs and flexible schedules and colours.
A few had trouble getting the bridge onto Wi-Fi.
Best for: Smart-home beginners who want it done properly.
Under $50Illustrative imageWhy we picked it: Voice-controllable colour bulbs with no hub needed.
Vibrant colours, good value and easy Alexa and Google Assistant setup.
Brightness and app connectivity get mixed reviews.
Best for: Teen bedrooms and first smart-home setups.
Top pickIllustrative imageWhy we picked it: A glare-free e-reader that's light enough for hours and lasts weeks per charge.
Excellent battery life, fast page turns, comfortable to hold and easy to carry everywhere.
No repeated complaint stood out in the review summary when we checked.
Best for: Readers, commuters and anyone who reads in bed.
Room glow-upIllustrative imageWhy we picked it: A colour light bar for behind the TV or monitor; it's the go-to gamer room upgrade.
Vibrant colours, adjustable brightness and easy setup in the Hue app.
Some think it's overpriced.
Best for: Gamers and movie-night hosts who already have (or want) Hue.
Big giftIllustrative imageWhy we picked it: A standalone VR headset with no PC or console needed.
Easy to use, very entertaining and kids love it.
Some report blurry visuals.
Best for: Families and gamers trying VR for the first time.
SplurgeIllustrative imageWhy we picked it: A bright AMOLED running watch with accurate tracking and suggested workouts.
Accurate tracking, bright readable display, multi-day battery and useful workout suggestions.
A few report phone connection issues.
Best for: Runners and step-counters who want more than a basic band.
Best valueIllustrative imageWhy we picked it: Noise cancelling and long battery life for a fraction of premium prices.
Good sound and ANC for the money, very long battery life and easy multi-device pairing.
Some find the fit loose on their head.
Best for: Students, commuters and first-time ANC buyers.
CleverIllustrative imageWhy we picked it: Write by hand, scan to the cloud with the app, then wipe the pages clean and reuse.
Great paper feel, handwriting scans well and it holds up.
Some coloured pens stain the pages, and wiping clean is mixed.
Best for: Students and list-makers who want paper and digital.
Desk upgradeIllustrative imageWhy we picked it: A quiet, compact Bluetooth keyboard that hops between tablet, phone and laptop.
Quality feel, quiet keys and a travel-friendly size.
Bluetooth pairing is hit or miss for some users.
Best for: Tablet typists and shared-office workers.
