Best In Tech Holiday Shopping Guide

The holidays are almost here, and it’s never been a better time to snag the perfect gift for those that mean the most to you.

Whether you’re scoping out the best presents for friends, family members, co-workers (or yourself!), SideTrak has the ultimate gift guide sure to impress the tech enthusiasts on your list this season.

Check out our best-in-tech favorites of 2022.

1. Smartwatch Fitness Tracker

Ideal for anyone who’s looking to reach their fitness goals or gain deeper insights into their health, Smartwatches make the perfect tech gift.

We recommend the Apple Watch Series 8 for its seamless compatibility with all Apple products, robust workout app with performance insights, and the ability to call, text, and receive notifications from anywhere.

Plus, it offers a huge upgrade in features over the Apple Watch Series 7, including enhanced motion tracking, a skin temperature sensor for improved sleep and fertility tracking, and a low power mode that extends the watch’s battery life up to 36 hours. With a variety of styles and colors to choose from, this ultimate tech companion is so much more than just a fitness tracker, making it well worth the high price tag.

2. Wireless Earbuds

For the loved one that’s always on-the-go, consider gifting them a pair of wireless earbuds.

While there’s a ton of options on the market, each has their own unique selling point to consider based on who you’re buying for - from noise cancellation for music lovers to built-in sweat resistance for your fitness-minded friends.

For the best overall wireless earbuds, we recommend the Sony WF-1000XM4. Though more on the expensive side, they feature an impressive battery life - offering eight hours of continuous listening with noise cancellation turned on. With superior sound quality and Sony’s unique Precise Voice Pickup Technology, these earbuds offer the best listening quality for music and calls alike. Combined with an ultra-fast charge time and a sleek matte finish, the Sony WF-1000XM4 is sure to impress.

Looking for wireless earbuds that won’t break the bank? The Jabra Elite 3 earbuds get our pick for the perfect blend of functionality and affordability, sporting comfortable all-day wear and up to seven hours of battery life, all for under $100. Where you’ll notice the most difference between these earbuds and their more expensive competitors is the lack of noise cancellation and wireless charging. But, considering the price, it’s a great value for your money.

3. Attachable Portable Monitor   

Today, hybrid and remote work is more common than ever, but for those constantly transitioning between different workspaces, a single laptop just doesn’t cut it. For friends and family looking to maximize their productivity from anywhere, consider gifting them an attachable portable monitor.

We recommend the Swivel HD to instantly double any screen setup. The lightweight monitor securely attaches to the back of your laptop with a sleek metal plate, allowing it to be added or removed in seconds (without the fear of it accidentally falling off).

Boasting a more versatile display than its attachable monitor counterparts, the Swivel HD rotates 270° & swivels 360° for the perfect viewing experience, from anywhere. Available in 12.5” and 14” screen sizes and compatible with Windows, Chrome, and Mac, the Swivel HD features an easy connection with nearly all laptops.

4. Smart Pet Camera

For your favorite pet owners and their furry friends, consider gifting a smart pet camera. Not only do they provide peace of mind by allowing users to keep an eye on their home and pets while away, but the best pet cameras also offer motion detection and allow treats to be dispensed remotely.

We recommend the Furbo 360° Dog Camera for its high-quality HD camera with in-color night vision, rotating 360° viewing, and advanced two-way audio. An innovative sensor notifies you when your dog is barking, so you can talk to them to calm them down or toss them a treat through the camera’s smartphone app. Plus, the Furbo 360° Dog Camera is compatible with Alexa for superior voice control functionality.

5. Electronic Reading Device

Electronic reading devices (or e-readers) make the perfect gift for the booklover in your life, especially if their bookshelf is already filled to the brim. More lightweight than a paperback or hardcover, electronic reading devices won’t weigh down your luggage, making them the perfect travel companion.

We recommend Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite for its new extra-large 6.8” display and ultra-thin edges. These design enhancements, combined with a faster, more efficient charge for up to 10 weeks of battery life make the Kindle Paperwhite a major upgrade compared to its previous model (as well as most competitors). Avid readers will also appreciate the waterproof design and adjustable warm light settings for easy screen viewing from anywhere – even in direct sunlight.

6. Freestanding Portable Monitor

Though they might look similar to e-readers, freestanding portable monitors are designed to expand the screen real estate of laptops, desktop monitors, or gaming systems – all while on-the-go.

Ideal for the freelance workers or travelers in your life, freestanding portable monitors are available in a variety of sizes and offer both touchscreen and non-touchscreen features to best fit the needs of their users.

We recommend the Forbes-vetted Solo 4K 15.6” portable monitor for its stunning LED display and ultra-sleek, lightweight frame. The anti-glare screen offers easy viewing at any light level, while the blue light filter offers convenient eye protection. With its built-in kickstand, this second screen sets up quickly and easily, without needing to attach to the back of a laptop.

7. Smart Plug

This simple tech gift is ideal for anyone looking to save the time and energy that comes with needing to switch devices on and off throughout the day. After all, who wouldn’t want to be more efficient with their power consumption? Smart plugs allow you to control devices from your smartphone, from power-consuming appliances to lamps or even your Christmas lights!  

Available in convenient 2-packs and 4-packs, we recommend the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini for its compact design, budget-friendly price tag, and ability to sync seamlessly with other Kasa smart devices. This handy outlet is also compatible with both Google Assistant and Alexa, allowing it to operate with voice commands when you don’t have your phone on you.

8. Laptop Docking Station

For those on your list with a multi-monitor setup, or who often take their laptop on the road, consider gifting them a docking station this holiday season. Docking stations are “meant to bridge the gap between portability and having a stationary place to work and play” and USB docking stations can turn a laptop into a desktop powerhouse, with full connectivity to monitors, LAN, the internet, printers, and more.

We recommend the 4K Docking Station 13-In-1 for its sleek, portable design and non-skid surface. This USB docking station features a 13-port capacity for easy connection to monitors, peripheral devices, Ethernet, and audio – all at once. The 4k, 60Hz DisplayPort ensures quality graphics while offering convenient compatibility with Mac, Chrome, and Windows operating systems.

9. Portable Bluetooth Speaker

With their convenient wireless connectivity, Bluetooth speakers give users the freedom to listen to music from virtually anywhere, all while being controlled from a smartphone. The best portable Bluetooth speakers are compact, lightweight, and offer a long-lasting battery life for hours of uninterrupted listening.

For a hardy speaker that’s also wallet-friendly, we recommend the JBL Flip 6. Known for its easy Bluetooth pairing and water-resistant design, this portable speaker offers solid sound quality and up to 12 hours of battery life - making it perfect for taking on day trips. Plus, it’s available in a variety of color options, making it easy to customize to the loved ones on your list.

Image Credits

• Image by Apple via Apple.com
• Image by Sony via Sony.com
• Image by Furbo via Amazon.com
• Image by Amazon via Amazon.com
• Image by Kasa Smart via Amazon.com
• Image by JBL via Amazon.com