Hottest tech of 2021: Top gadgets and cool gift ideas

In a flash, we went from enjoying the pumpkin spice to enjoying our first gingerbread latte. While this is great news for fans of nutmeg and cinnamon, it can be stressful for anyone with a long holiday shopping list.

Luckily, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best tech giveaways, including many of the most popular, sought-after items of the season. And we’ve even come up with some shopping tips as well as some worthy alternatives for any sold-out items.

So relax, pour yourself a festive drink and get ready to make your list, double-check it, and maybe even score one of those coveted gaming consoles ( we said possible).

We won’t sugarcoat it: You’ll have a better chance of beating Sonic the Hedgehog than finding a PlayStation 5 lying around on a retail shelf. With an impressive lineup of first-party games and a controller that really delivers on next-gen promise, the PS5’s popularity is justifiable. But with a little diligence, a little luck, and a lot of persistence, you can knock this gaming holy grail off your list.

First, check out our guide to PS5 recovery. You’ll then want to confirm that you have an account and credit card on file with the retailer of your choice. The only thing stronger than the thrill of scoring a PS5 is the crushing defeat you’ll feel when it disappears from your cart while trying to enter your Amex card’s security code.

You can also switch to Twitter, where a old technology magazine spent his professional life hunting for hard-to-find consoles. In the end, it wouldn’t hurt to confront Sony Direct, where you can sign up for a chance to grab a PS5 straight from the source.

Like Sony’s system, the Xbox Series X equivalent is almost as hard to keep track of today as it was last holiday season. While the same tips given above on how to protect PS5 also apply to your search for Xbox Series X, we also recommend looking for Xbox Series S. Yes, it’s less powerful, lacking a drive. of its big brother and supports lower resolutions (1440p versus the X’s 4K), but it still delivers next-gen gaming goods. This is especially true when paired with an Xbox Game Pass subscription, which includes access to premium namesake Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5. Plus, the Series S is $200 cheaper and easier to find.

Featuring a larger, brighter OLED display, Nintendo’s latest take on its popular Switch platform, it’s no surprise that another highly sought-after game system won’t fall into your hands on Black Friday. That said, while it’s the newest and greatest Switch, its upgrades and enhancements aren’t so significant as to render previous versions obsolete.

In fact, if you’re shopping for someone who wants to get lost in Animal Crossing: New Horizonisland simulation paradise or tackle Samus Aran’s latest sci-fi adventure in Metroid Dread, neither the standard Switch nor the portable Switch Lite have them. Plus, these earlier versions are much easier to find – and easier in the wallet.

A great gift for the gamer or tech geek on your list, Oculus Quest 2 offers an affordable, accessible introduction to immersive virtual reality. With a diverse library of apps, games, entertainment platforms, and even some surprisingly productive fitness experiences, true wireless headphones have something for everyone.

It’s also available, offers a wide selection of games for serious players and casuals alike, and packs in an amazing element that will likely drop more jaws than any other next-gen system, what This also makes it a viable gift alternative to the always elusive PS5 and Xbox Series X.

iPhone users with a knack for losing keys, wallets, or even stray pets will love this intuitive tracking tool. Once paired with an Apple device, the AirTag is capable of tracking anything you can attach it to.

But this superpower isn’t exclusive to Apple-branded devices; The Chipolo One Spot offers similar functionality, not to mention a handy ring hole for easy attachment (AirTag requires an accessory sold separately for this feature). Chipolo is also offering some great deal on its tracker, allowing you to score lots of gifts at a suitable discount.

Choosing the right AirPods – between second and third-generation options as well as Pro and Max versions – can be a daunting task. However, for the average user, you can count on AirPods 3 or AirPods Pro to provide an above-average audio experience. NS AirPods 3 builds on the solid foundation established by the second generation with the addition of spatial sound and a new open-ear design, while AirPods Pro offer an upgrade to features like active noise cancellation and transparency mode. Both have around six hours of battery life and are water and sweat resistant for the more active Apple users on your list.

If you’re shopping for someone who doesn’t like the AirPods design, the Beats Fit Pro offers most of the same features as the AirPods Pro but for $50 less. In addition to including both ANC and Transparency modes, these buds feature a secure fit and sweat resistance, making them the perfect gift for the active people in your life. All that and they’re available in a bunch of fun colors – you won’t find a pair of AirPods in Stone Purple!

With Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday coming up, you can bet more shoppers will be looking to score the best deals on popular Apple smartwatches. Like AirPods, however, finding the right Apple Watch – at the right price – can be a chore.

The busiest shopping day of the season will host some great deals on older models – like Walmart’s $109 GPS Series 3 deal – but it’s best not to rely entirely on the great prices. guide to your purchase. Even though the Series 3 debuted just 4 years ago, it’s a long history on Apple’s timeline. You’re better off moving a few generations, in terms of technology and features, to the Apple Watch SE. A great entry-level, all-rounder model that won’t break the bank, it starts at $280, but Amazon has it from $220 right now.

Whether shopping for a foodie who appreciates the convenience of scrolling recipes in the kitchen or a proficient Minecraft builder, the Apple iPad is supposed to be the versatile gift of technology. as much as you can give. And while no one on your list will be disappointed unboxing Apple’s multitasking tablet, and with so many different choices available, you still want to make sure you’re coming up with one. matching table.

We recommend Apple’s reasonably priced ninth-generation entry-level iPad, which has a screen large enough to enjoy your favorite streaming video series while supporting an extensive library of games. And of course, it also lets you do the basics, like write and check email, scroll through social networking apps, and even FaceTime.

You can’t go wrong giving a close friend or family member the latest, greatest, and yes, most beautiful iPhone. Apple’s latest take on its popular smartphone is arguably its best ever, featuring a lightning-fast processor, increased battery life, and enough camera upgrades to make a great photo. Professional photography gets noticed. All that said, you’ll want to do your research. Whether you are leaning towards the standard iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Minior are considering buying the more expensive, feature-rich Pro or Pro Max versions, you’ll want to make sure to check which carriers and plans are offering the best deals.

Apple’s latest smartphones won’t be in short supply when it comes to Black Friday or Cyber ​​Monday, and they don’t mind selling at a bargain price, but you’ll need to consider all the factors, from What are the proposed exchange and contract requirements for your trustee’s current cellular service obligation, prior to activation. Get over those hurdles and you’re good to go with one of the year’s coolest tech toys.