Odds are your tech friend bought a voice assistant the minute it came on the market, and they probably have a few in their home. Especially with the number of options out there, you don’t want to end up getting a brand the techie in your life doesn’t like.
SEE: Mobile device security: A guide for business leaders (Tech Pro Research)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Macy Bayern is a former Associate Staff Writer for TechRepublic. She is a graduate from the University of Texas at Austin's Liberal Arts Honors Program.
