Looking for the best tech gifts under $100 for the holidays in 2021? Here are some of our favorites!
- A smartwatch. Smartwatches are a great gift for anyone, and they’re especially popular this time of year because they can be used as both a fashion accessory and a tool for tracking health and fitness data. There are a lot of great options available, so it’s hard to go wrong with any model.
- A drone. Drones have become increasingly popular over the past few years, and there are now dozens of models to choose from that range in price from around $50 to well over $1,000. Whether you’re looking for an introductory drone or something more advanced, there’s sure to be a model that fits your needs and budget.
- An Amazon Echo or Google Home device. These voice-activated devices allow you to control your home electronics using voice commands, making them perfect gifts for anyone who loves technology but doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on it. They also make great additions to any home because they can be used to control everything from lights to music playback without ever having to touch the devices themselves.
- A gaming console or laptop computer . Gaming consoles like the Xbox One or PlayStation 4 offer amazing graphics and gameplay that can keep even the most hardcore gamers entertained for hours on end, while laptops offer portability and power that can let them do whatever they want with their computer - including playing games - anywhere they go. Both options make great gifts for anyone who loves spending time in front of a screen (or keyboard/mouse). ..
The Best Tech Gifts Under $100
When buying a gift, it’s the thought that counts. With a little research, you can find a lot of thoughtful tech gifts that your recipient has probably never even heard of! This guide lists our favorite fun (or just plain useful) tech gifts under $100.
We’ve cast a wide net here to find a little something for everyone, so you’ll be able to pick the perfect gift no matter who you’re buying for. Whether you’re looking for toys, fitness gadgets, coffee mugs, or just cool smart home additions, we’ve got you covered.
Tamagotchi Pix: A Pet With No Mess
Looking after a pet can be a lot of work. While the companionship is nice, the time required to look after a pet properly really adds up, and you should never buy someone a surprise pet as a gift.
On the other hand, you can definitely buy someone the Tamagotchi Pix because a digital pet doesn’t need as much attention. Tamagotchis have been a part of tech gifts for decades now, and the latest models include color screens, the ability to take selfies with their pet, and even plenty of games to play too.
This toy should make kids, or adults who remember Tamagotchis fondly, really happy.
Mario Kart Live: Augmented Reality Kart Racing
An important note when it comes to this gift: Whoever you’re looking to buy for will need a Nintendo Switch to use it. Mario Kart Live is not a standalone game!
Mario Kart Live brings the fantastic cart racer into the real world. It sounds utterly absurd, but it works surprisingly well. The player gets to control a real Mario Kart around a course they build in their own home using special gates. Then, the track can be played in real-time via augmented reality using the Switch.
The AR game can even be played in multiplayer, although each player will need their own copy of the game and Switch. If that sounds a little too expensive, you can also go with buying them a copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for a more accessible multiplayer.
PlayStation Classic: Tiny Nostalgia
This one’s a gift for the older gamer. It’s for those who miss the days when game graphics were sharp and pointy. It can also be an excellent gift for younger gamers if they’re interested in the retro scene.
The PlayStation Classic is a neat little device that houses twenty classic games from the original PlayStation. That means it brings with it powerhouses like Final Fantasy 7 and Ridge Racer Type 4. It also comes with two controllers so more people can enjoy the multiplayer titles.
Sony’s replica console is notably smaller than the original console, which is adorable and a space saver.
Fitbit Inspire 2: Fitness First
People who are into fitness come in two flavors. There are those who’ve been doing it for ages and those who are just starting and looking for some guidance. Whichever group your giftee falls under, the Fitbit Inspire 2 is a great choice.
This Fitbit offers an easy-to-use heart rate monitor, a tracker for your active minutes, and a pedometer. If you buy but the Inspire 2 from Fitbit directly, you’ll also get access to a whole year of Fitbit Premium, which can help your giftee with extra guidance.
After all, the first step in one’s fitness journey is often the hardest, and the Inspire 2 works to make it easier.
Fujifilm Instant Film Camera: Pictures on the Move
Have you got someone in your life that adores taking pictures? If that’s the case, you should consider getting them the Instax Mini 11 Instant Film Camera.
This cute little physical camera automatically selects the correct exposure level for whatever environment it’s used in—something generally reserved for smartphone cameras. It also comes with a selfie mode, making it easier to take pictures of everyone, no matter the setting.
On top of that, it’s small, easy to use, and instantly prints physical photos from the top of the camera. Many people miss the novelty of physical photographs and having one printed immediately after a shot is sure to please.
The Instax Mini will not replace a more expensive camera, but it’s quirky and a lot easier to carry around. You can buy some extra film as an added gift too.
Ember Smart Mug: Keep that Coffee Hot
Many people love a good cup of coffee, but they also get distracted after making it, and the coffee gets cold. There’s not a lot of people out there that enjoy cold coffee.
If you know someone like this, then the Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2 is the perfect gift for them. This 10 oz black mug is an app-controlled heating device. The smart mug allows your giftee to control the exact temperature of their drink. It’ll never be too hot or too cold in the Ember mug.
Used on its own, the smart mug has a 1.5-hour battery life. But, on the charging coaster, it can last as long as is needed. The Ember Smart Mug might seem like an extraneous gift, but it’s very practical, and we think there’s a good chance your recipient will use and love it.
One of these devices, or both of them together, can help bring them into the smart home future.
Nest Devices: Google’s Smart Devices
There are different smart home ecosystems available, and which items and apps are compatible depends on the hub someone has. If your giftee enjoys Google devices, then you’ll want to buy them Nest smart home products.
Nest Audio is Google’s version of the smart speaker. It can be controlled via voice, has an impressive speaker, and can also be used to control lights, TVs, and anything else that’s compatible too. The Nest Audio can also be used as a hub to control other smart home devices.
The Nest Hub can be used to watch videos, make video calls, and even as a way to wake up in the morning. Both the Hub and Audio devices can communicate with one another too, which means the owner can listen to music or podcasts as they move through their house.
