3. Charging pad

If your friend is a real techie, then they probably have the latest version of their preferred smartphone. Most of the latest smartphones now offer a wireless pad for charging, which means they also probably already have this newer option. But if you have a friend with an older phone, this could be a great gift.

4. Smartwatch

Tech lovers are the prime targets for smartwatches, since the devices are both functional and fashionable. While the gadgets are now popular with non-techies, the trend began when the true tech fans jumped onboard the wearable train. So save your money, and skip the smartwatch.

5. Snapchat Spectacles

Snapchat Spectacles are sunglasses that let you take photos, which are then uploaded to your smartphone. As is, the Spectacles were not a big hit with consumers, mainly because of a sloppy rollout, but they also likely wouldn’t be a big hit with tech fanatics. Techies tend to like functional tech–items they would actually use. While Snapchat may be popular with teens and younger adults, business professionals don’t have as much of an interest in the platform, let alone an expensive pair of glasses that act as the app’s extension.

6. Ember warming mug

This mug is very popular, making most “top 10 gifts for tech pros” list, which means your techie definitely already has one or two. The mug is neat for tech professionals, keeping their coffee warm nearly all day. However, you don’t really need more than one. So either buy one for yourself, or keep searching.

7. Streaming device

The past couple years, many people have opted to “cut the cord” on cable, replacing their cable box with streaming devices. Between Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and more, streaming devices and services have become the more economical option. These services all the rage for non-techies, which means techies definitely have one for their TV already. Don’t bother.

8. Polaroid camera

Another fad with younger demographics, Polaroid cameras are a trend…again. Most older tech professionals would probably laugh at the fact that Polaroids are popular on the market, so avoid getting your tech friend a gadget that will probably end up in their closet. It all comes back to practicality and functionality.

9. E-reader

Most tech fanatics have some sort of tablet or other device they use to surf the web on the go. Nearly all tablets have bookstores built into the platform now, rendering e-readers pointless if you are a regular tablet user. And chances are, your techie friend is.

10. Portable phone charger

Another big hit on most “top 10 tech gifts” lists is a portable phone charger. An easy, and useful gift, these little gadgets aren’t too expensive, and are great for tech professionals on-the-go. However, a portable charger is probably everyone’s go-to gift for your tech friend, meaning they probably already have a drawer full of them.

Also see

• Dark Web: A cheat sheet for professionals (TechRepublic)
• How to manage job stress: An IT leader’s guide (TechRepublic download)
• IT Training Policy (Tech Pro Research)
• Remote working 101: Professional’s guide to the tools of the trade (ZDNet)
• 5 best standing desk converters for 2018 (CNET)
• The 10 most important iPhone apps of all time (Download.com)
• Tech history: Check out our coverage (TechRepublic on Flipboard)