The tech gifts that get used are the ones that fit a device and a habit the person already has: a 2 m USB-C cable for the phone they charge in bed, a pocket power bank for someone who travels, an item tracker for the colleague who keeps losing their keys. Gadgets that need a new habit, a new app or a different plug usually end up in a drawer by February.
Three checks before you buy
- Which phone do they have? It decides the cable and the tracker. iPhones from the iPhone 15 onwards use USB-C; older ones use Lightning. New phones sold in the EU have had to use USB-C since the end of 2024, but plenty of people still carry an older model.
- Does it charge with a cable they already own? A gadget with micro-USB or its own special charger stays flat the first time that cable goes missing. Pick USB-C.
- Does it work without a new account? Smart plugs, smart bulbs and some trackers need an app and a login before they do anything. That's fine for someone who already runs a smart home and a chore for everyone else.
Picks by where they'll use it
In the bag
- A 10,000 mAh power bank with USB-C in and out. It fits a jacket pocket, and at about 37 Wh it's well under the 100 Wh limit airlines allow in hand luggage. Power banks aren't allowed in checked bags.
- An item tracker that matches their phone. AirTags work only with Apple devices, and cheaper trackers made for Apple's Find My network do the same job. For Android, choose a tracker made for Google's Find Hub network (called Find My Device until 2025). Most trackers work with only one of the two networks, so check the box.
- A short braided USB-C cable, 20–30 cm long, for charging from a power bank or laptop without a loop of cable hanging out of the bag.
At the desk
- A metal phone stand with a tilting hinge, so they can read notifications or take a video call hands-free. Light plastic stands tip over when the cable pulls on them.
- A compact two-port USB-C charger, 30 W or more. One plug charges a phone and a tablet at the same time, or a small laptop on its own. Look for "GaN" on the box: these chargers use gallium nitride parts and are noticeably smaller than older chargers with the same output.
- A small clip-on LED light for video calls, for someone who is on camera a lot and sits with a window behind them.
At home
- A 2 or 3 m USB-C cable for the bedside or the sofa. The cable in the phone box is usually 1 m long, and the socket is rarely right next to the bed.
- A rechargeable hand warmer for someone who cycles, walks the dog early or waits at a cold tram stop. Some models also work as a small power bank.
- A digital instant-read thermometer for the person who roasts meat or bakes bread. It gives a reading in a few seconds and needs no app.
- A smart plug, but only if they already use Google Home, Alexa or Apple Home. Look for one that supports Matter, a standard that works with all three.
What usually ends up in the drawer
- Budget wireless earbuds. Anyone who wants earbuds has usually picked a pair for fit and sound already, and a cheaper pair is a downgrade.
- Bluetooth speakers, for the same reason: they probably have one, and a budget model sounds worse.
- Novelty USB gadgets like mini fans, cup warmers or plasma balls. They get a laugh on the day and then sit unplugged.
- Clip-on phone lenses and selfie sticks. Most recent phones already have an ultra-wide camera, and a selfie stick is one more thing to carry.
- Phone cases and smartwatch straps, unless you know the exact model. Sizes change between models, sometimes between neighbouring generations.
Find out their phone without asking
Your private link shows their wishlist, their interests and gift ideas in the budget. If the wishlist mentions their phone, you're set. If not:
- Look at their desk. The cable they charge their phone with at work shows the connector, and you can usually tell an iPhone from an Android phone at a glance.
- Ask to borrow their charger for ten minutes. The plug on the end answers the question.
If you're organizing, ask everyone to add their phone model to their wishlist in the generator. One line like "iPhone 13" or "Pixel 8" is enough.
FAQ
Is a power bank a good Secret Santa gift?
Yes, for anyone who travels, has a long commute or uses their phone heavily. A 10,000 mAh model gives most phones one to two full charges, depending on the phone's battery size.
What tech gift works with both iPhone and Android?
A USB-C charger, a power bank, a hand warmer or a kitchen thermometer work whatever phone they have. A USB-C cable fits the iPhone 15 and newer and almost every recent Android phone; older iPhones need Lightning. Trackers are the exception, because most work with only one system.
More ideas for this budget are on our page.