by Dylan Connors, IT Services

As we wrap up this semester and are in the final stretch towards winter break, we are in full holiday mode. If you’re struggling to find the perfect gift for a techie in your life this year, check out our list of the best and newest tech gifts! 

1. SteelSeries Apex Pro Gaming Keyboard

Whether you are working or gaming, this keyboard was one of the best gaming keyboards tested this year. For the pro typist and/or pro gamer in your life, this keyboard has all sorts of cool features. It is fully customizable and fast, with secondary and tertiary functions. It has 2-in-1 action keys and a rapid-trigger effect. Check it out now!

2. Logitech Brio Webcam

For anyone looking to improve their work-from-home setup, this webcam makes the perfect gift. With 4k HD resolution, you are sure to look your best in any setting. It includes an adjustable field of view option, so you can appear as close or as far away as you’d like, as well as amazing sound quality, with the ability to mute background noise so you sound clear no matter where you are. 

3. Twelve South’s HiRise 3 Deluxe Charger

For the Apple lover in your life, this charger is the perfect product with phone, watch, and Airpod charging stations. It allows you to adjust your phone into portrait or landscape mode, allowing you to see notifications or turn your phone into a bedside clock with StandBy Mode. With this charger, you can keep all your gadgets together so you are sure to not forget them, while saving space on your nightstand. 

4. Amazon Echo Dot with Clock

This year’s newest generation of Amazon’s Echo has been made to enhance your smart home experience. Its LED display can show you the weather, song titles, and more just by asking it a question. It also has a temperature sensor to make sure your home stays warm this holiday season. 

Get it here on Amazon!

5. Ember Smart Mug

Our coffee and tea is what gets us through the day, and there is nothing worse than when it gets cold. Well fear cold coffee no more with the Ember Smart Mug! Pair your mug with the Ember app to control your drink’s temperature to whatever is perfect for you. Even without the app, the mug keeps your drink to your preference, remembering the last temperature you set it at. 

6. “The Commuter” Backpack

I know what you are thinking: “What is a backpack doing on a list of tech gifts?” However any techie can tell you about the importance of keeping your gadgets safe and secure. And that is what Stubble&Co’s “The Commuter” Backpack does for you! This backpack is not only built to provide comfort in your daily commute, but is also designed to efficiently transport your laptop and other devices. With a water resistant canvas and tons of pockets (including easy access to your laptop or other devices) it is perfect for any traveling techie in your life. 

7. Portable Power Station 

A power station is always great to have on hand for outdoor activities or unexpected blackouts. The Anker 521 Power Station is perfect with six different ports and it is powered via solar energy. You’ll never have to worry about being left without a way to connect to your devices.

8. Samsung T7 Portable SSD

Like we said last year, it is super important to back up your files and devices. Having an external hard drive saves you the stress of losing all your data and important files. This year, the Samsung T7 Portable SSD is the best one to have. Available in 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB options, all your information can be backed up into this convenient little device.

9. Sony Wireless Earbuds

Despite all that the Airpod Pros provide, they might be kicked out of their league this year with the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds. With an AI based noise cancellation and sound quality, these earbuds come with a built-in Alexa and are perfect for taking calls and listening to your favorite music (or calling in to Zoom meetings!). 

Take a look here on Amazon!