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Tag: Gift Guide 2023

  • The best tech gifts under $50 to consider in 2023 | TechCrunch

    The best tech gifts under $50 to consider in 2023 | TechCrunch

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    Tech gifts that loved ones will put to use don’t have to come with a hefty price tag

    If you’re looking for a gift for someone but don’t want to break the bank, there are a number of great gadgets you can choose from. This list includes a selection of budget-friendly gift ideas, ranging from Bluetooth trackers and wireless earbuds, to smart home accessories. I personally use most of the items on this list, especially my AirTag, and have even gifted some of the products to my own family members (my brother loves his Govee Smart LED Strip Lights).

    You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get someone a cool tech gift, and since all of these products are easy to use, they would be great gifts for anyone, regardless of their age.

    This article contains links to affiliate partners where available. When you buy through these links, TechCrunch may earn an affiliate commission.

    AirTag

    Price: $24 on Amazon for one, or $80 as a four-pack 

    Image Credits: Apple

    An AirTag is a great and useful gift for the person in your life who often misplaces their belongings. AirTags help you find lost items through Apple’s “Find My” app. The small tracking devices can be attached to personal items, like purses, bags or keys. An AirTag is also useful for the friend or family member who travels often, as they can use it to track their luggage.

    Tile Pro

    Price: $24.99 on Amazon

    An image of a black Tile Pro

    Image Credits: Tile

    The Tile Pro is a great gift for both Android and iOS users. It essentially functions the same as an AirTag, as it helps you locate lost items. If you don’t know which phone the person you’re looking to get a gift for has, the Tile Pro is a good bet.

    JBL Vibe Beam

    Price: $29.95 on Amazon

    An image of black JBL Vibe Beam earbuds

    Image Credits: JBL

    These wireless earbuds come with eight hours of playback, and 24 more from the charging case. They are quite comfortable and feature a deep bass sound. Although these earbuds don’t have fancy features like wireless charging or noise-canceling, they are water-resistant, which makes them great for workouts.

    Govee Smart LED Strip Lights

    Price: $20 on Amazon

    A box of Govee smart strip lights pictures next to a phone with the controls

    Image Credits: Govee

    These LED strip lights are a great way to bring color to anyone’s home. They can be used to accent the edges of a room, to brighten up a TV setup or to illuminate any other part of a home. You can use the Govee Home app to control the lights and change the color of the strip or turn them on or off.

    Anker 313 Wireless Charger Stand

    Price: $19 on Amazon

    A phone resting horizontally on an Anker Wireless charger

    Image Credits: Anker

    This wireless charger stand is great for anyone who doesn’t already have one. What’s cool about a wireless charger stand as opposed to a wireless charging pad is that the stand lets you see your notifications easily. The stand also lets you charge your phone vertically or horizontally, so you can do things like watch a movie or FaceTime while charging.

    Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)

    Price: $23 on Amazon

    An image of a black Amazon Echo Dot

    Image Credits: Amazon

    This smart hub is the perfect gift for the person in your life who has yet to embrace the world of smart home technology. The Echo Dot lets you do things like play music, check the weather, set an alarm and control other smart home devices. The fifth-generation model comes with better sound and faster response times.

    Logitech M720 Triathlon

    Price: $34 on Amazon

    An image of a black Logitech M730 mouse

    Image Credits: Logitech

    This wireless mouse is comfortable and is designed to be a good fit for people with all hand sizes. It comes with a battery life of 24 months and is compatible with computers, laptops and tablets, Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, Linux and iPadOS. You can use it with up to three computers and customize six buttons for a personalized experience.

    Amazfit Band 7

    Price: $45 on Amazon

    An image of a black Amazfit Band 7

    Image Credits: Amazfit

    You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to gift someone a quality fitness tracker. The budget-friendly Amazfit Band 7 can track several basic health metrics. It can warn you about abnormal heart rates, monitor your stress levels and track your sleep quality. The watch boasts 18 days of battery life with a typical usage, and up to 28 days with a battery saver mode.

    Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light Therapy Alarm Clock

    Price: $49.95 on Amazon

    Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light Therapy Alarm Clock

    Credit: Phillips

    The Philips SmartSleep Alarm Clock is a nice gift for anyone regardless of age. Its simulated sunrise prepares your body to wake up while you’re still sleeping and can improve your mood in the morning. You can choose from 10 different brightness levels and even use it as a bedside lamp.

    PhoneSoap Basic Cell Phone UV Light Sanitizer Box

    Price: $19 on Amazon

    PhoneSoap Basic Cell Phone UV Light Sanitizer Box

    Image Credit: PhoneSoap

    A UV phone sanitizer is a great gift for anyone with a phone. Considering how dirty our phones can get after putting them on things like restaurant tables, it’s good to have a layer of protection against viruses and other harmful bacteria. There are some pricey ones out there, but the PhoneSoap Basic is pretty great and can disinfect more than just your phone, as you can add your keys, glasses, wallet and more.

    Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

    Price: $39.99 on Amazon

    Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

    Image Credits: Anker

    The Anker Soundcore 2 wireless bluetooth speaker is a great gift for people who like listening to music or podcasts without headphones while hanging out at home, their background, the beach or while camping. The speaker safeguards against rain, dust, snow and spills, which means you can use it pretty much anywhere. The speaker can play for up to 24 hours on a single charge, so don’t have to constantly worry about batter life.

    Suprus Electric Lighter

    Price: $9.99 on Amazon

    SUPRUS Electric Lighter Arc

    Image Credits: Suprus

    This Suprus electric lighter is a nice gift for the person in your life who is obsessed with candles. It’s also a nice tool for the friend or family member who loves to barbecue or go camping. The lighter is designed with child safety safeguards, as you have to push the safety lock switch first, then press the ignition switch.

    This post originally published November 13 and has been updated to include some more gift recommendations and deals.

    Check out some of our other 2023 gift guides:

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    Aisha Malik

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  • 26 Last-Minute Gifts From Nordstrom That Are Cute, Thoughtful, & Ship Quickly

    26 Last-Minute Gifts From Nordstrom That Are Cute, Thoughtful, & Ship Quickly

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    All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

    Like clockwork, the winter holidays are approaching and gift-giving season has begun. If you sort of forgot to start shopping for presents in September, October, or even November (oops), you’ve still got time to figure it out. In fact, even if you procrastinate a bit longer (though not recommended), you’ll be able to get tons of last-minute gifts from Nordstrom, no matter your budget or your deadline.

    Whether the person you’re holiday shopping for is into traveling, cooking, or keeping warm, Nordstrom is the go-to destination. Besides the obvious Kate Spade New York and UGG items that you already knew to be available at the retailer, we’ve also included brands like Le Creuset and Béis. You’ll might even be tempted to pick up a few pieces for yourself, too.

    Below, find 17 of the best gifts to shop from Nordstrom now up until the last very second.

    Photo: UGG

    UGG Scuffette Slippers

    UGGs are the hot commodity once again, and although the options are endless (people are loving those platforms!), you can’t go wrong with a cozy pair of slippers. This pair rings up at less than $100 and would make the perfect cozy present for multiple people on your list, from your bestie to your mom.

    Courtesy of Nordstrom

    This fluffy blanket is a fan favorite every year, probably because it’s super soft, warm enough for the winter months, and Kardashian-approved. especially during the colder months, and this pick happens to be a Kardashian favorite. We’re partial to this soft gray shade, but you’ll be able to choose from multiple colorways, including a white pearl and slate blue.

    Courtesy of Nordstrom

    Riki Love Riki 10X Skinny Lighted Mirror

    This bright LED vanity mirror comes with an attachment for your phone, so the TikToker in your life will always be able to find their light (even when the sun sets at 4:30pm).

    Courtesy of Nordstrom

    Coach Bucket Bag

    If someone on your list loves to keep up with current fashion trends (same), a Coach bucket bag will for sure make them smile. This shape is among the top bag trends for 2024, and although it’s small in size, this pick holds a lot of stuff!

    ASOS Fleece Jacket

    Give the guy in your life an updated alternative to his favorite hoodie. This ASOS fleece jacket is super soft and just as warm, and he’s bound to get compliments on that eye-catching graphic everytme he wears it.

    Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne

    There’s no panic like realizing you (accidentally!) left someone off your gift list. Instead of trying to guess if they’d prefer a Starbucks or Dunkin’ gift card, add this fragrance to your cart now as a “just in case.” The clean, woody scent is unisex and a small bottle is less than $30. Plus, Jo Malone is beloved by so many celebrities and influencers, they’ll likely feel pretty fancy every time they look at the bottle.

    Courtesy of Nordstrom

    Moonlight Eco Pajamas

    Not only are these pajamas incredibly soft, there are plenty of patterns and colors to choose from. Get a set for yourself and the person you’re buying for, then plan a cute night in to rock your coordinated outfits.

    Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado
    Courtesy of Nordstrom.

    Kiehl’s Creamy Avocado Eye Treatment

    Everyone and their mother knows this eye cream stands out among the rest. Not only is it hydrating and soothing, thanks to that bit of avocado oil, it actually improves the look of fine lines and smoothes any texture. Add it to your cart while its on sale for a limited time.

    Le Creuset Set of 2 Heritage Square Baking Dishes Nordstrom
    Courtesy of Nordstrom

    Le Creuset Heritage Square Baking Dishes Set

    For the amateur chef in your life, this set of baking dishes from cookware brand Le Creuset is bound to get some good use, especially during the holiday season. They can break it out as they whip up some delicious meals — which, hopefully, you’ll get to taste, too.

    Courtesy of Nordstrom

    Lancôme Holiday Beauty Box

    Whether your friend is a longtime Lancôme fan or is simply curious about the products (hey, those Zendaya and Amanda Seyfried campaigns are pretty convincing), now’s the time to make their dream come true. The brand’s limited-edition holiday beauty box comes with its bestselling mascara, makeup remover, lipstick, and other must-have items, and while it’s technically $588 in value, it rings up for just $79. The one catch is that you’ll have to make another Lancôme purchase, so perhaps you can pick up some lipstick for yoruself, too (the shades are so dreamy).

    Stanley The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate™ 40 oz. Tumbler

    By now, you probably know that this tumbler is more than just a water bottle. It’s become a sort of status symbol (all the cool kids have one) and we recently learned that even after being engulfed in flames, it’ll still keep your drink cold.

    Courtesy of Nordstrom

    Kate Spade Brilliant Statements Pavé Mini Huggie Hoop Earrings

    If you’re looking for a gift that feels both special and versatile, give your person a pair of Kate Spade huggies. These tiny hoops will add sparkle and shine to their outfits but at the same time, won’t feel too extravagant for everyday wear.

    Courtesy of Pura

    Pura x Capri Blue Volcano & Tinsel & Spice Pura 4 Smart Diffuser & Fragrance Set

    Know someone who is constantly buying and burning through candles? Save them a few bucks in the long run with Pura’s diffuser, which will allow them to switch between two different scents and can be controlled with their phone (they will even be able to alter the intensity level).

    Courtesy of Norstrom

    Vinglacé Wine & Champagne Chiller

    A wine and champagne bottle chiller is exactly the kind of gift they’d never go out of the way to buy for themselves. Get this gift for the friend who knows way too much about alcoholic beverages so that they can keep their favorite bottle of bubbly chilled for hours on end.

    Men’s Nike Travis Kelce Red Kansas City Chiefs T-Shirt

    Sure, you could get this tee for the sports lover in your life (as long as they’re a Kansas City Chiefs and/or Travis Kelce fan). But we have a feeling your favorite Swiftie will appreciate it more.

    The Old Money, Quiet Luxury aesthetic doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, which in turn means that the ballet flats trend will become even more popular. Unless they’re adamant about leaving this shoe in the past (they might have had their fill in the early ’00s), they’ll appreciate this adorable pair from Steve Madden. They may even slip them on in place of some fancy (but uncomfortable) holiday heels.

    Courtesy of Nordstrom

    Nori Handheld Steamer and Iron

    At first, a steamer may seem like it’s in the same realm of buying someone a washing machine (frowned upon). But for anyone who has ever panicked about wrinkled clothes, this gift will be much appreciated. Reviewers say this product — which is also half iron, complete with non-stick plates — practically works miracles, giving them smooth shirts and pants in minutes.

    Béis The Carry-On Roller

    If anyone knows how to make quality luggage, it’s a celebrity who jetsets around the world for a living. Shay Mitchell launched her luggage brand in 2018 and since then, it’s only risen in popularity. This carry-on is perfect for the person who is always on the go. Aside from being lightweight, easy to roll, and including pouches for products and dirty laundry, it also has a weight-limit indicator on the side handle.

    Courtesy of Nordstrom

    Ember Mug 2 Temperature Control Mug & Warmer

    Anyone who works from home regularly knows the drill: you make coffee, get distracted by Slack/emails/doing your job, and soon enough, your coffee is cold. This mug and warmer set allows you to skip the step of reheating your drink in the microwave, keeping the temperature between 120ºF and 145ºF for as long as you need.

    Courtesy of Nordstrom

    SKIMS Soft Lounge Long Sleeve Dress

    Even if the person you’re buying for isn’t the biggest Kim Kardashian fan, they’ve likely seen that her brand, SKIMS, continues to get rave reviews. While this dress — which ranges from size XXS to 4X — is labeled as loungewear, it’s simple and sexy enough to wear out on the town, too. Reviewers say it supports them in all the right places, giving them some extra va-va-voom.

    Adidas Gender Inclusive Samba OG Sneaker

    Some “It” items might cost you thousands of dollars, but the Adidas Samba is still a reasonable $100 — kind of suprising, considering Olivia Rodrigo, Jennie Kim, Jennifer Lawrence, and Kaia Gerber are all big fans (and that’s just naming a few stars who love the shoe). Aside from being spotted on celebrities, the sneaker is a classic one and is also gender inclusive. If you really wanted to, you could buy a pair for your whole family and have a cute matching moment.

    Courtesy of Nordstrom

    Native Union Snap 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger

    There’s always someone on our list who seems impossible to buy for, but chances are that person also owns a cell phone and maybe some earbuds, too. This magnetic wireless charger works on three different Apple products — an iPhone, AirPods, and an Apple Watch — and can fit right on their nightstand or desk, reminding them to keep those batteries full.

    Diptyque Baies/Berries Candle Nordstrom
    Courtesy of Nordstrom

    Diptyque Baies (Berries) Scented Candle

    When all else fails, go with a cozy candle. Diptyque’s products are so special and elevated, and while this fruity, floral scent is one they’ll surely enjoy, it’s also frequently used as decor due to its clear, clean design.

    vitamin c serum
    Courtesy of Nordstrom

    Vitabrid C12 Dual Drop Serum

    You really can’t put a price on glowing skin, but this lightweight $62 serum will give you just that. Filled with antioxdients, it’s meant to brighten, firm, and reduce fine lines, and since it works for all skin types, you can gift it to anyone who loves (or could use) a good skincare routine.

    Courtesy of Nordstrom

    Fjällräven Kånken Water Resistant Backpack

    This is the perfect sized backpack for just about any situation, whether you’re spending the night at a friend’s house or spending the day on a hike — and it makes for the perfect gift under $100. This backpack is an ideal gift for someone you don’t know very well or someone who’s usually impossible to shop for.

    Courtesy of Nordstrom

    Nordstrom Gift Card

    If you’re truly a last-minute shopper (as in, the day before you’re meant to give that person their present), a gift card is definitely the way to go. Nordstrom has the brilliant option of sending an e-gift card — which means you can buy it as soon as you remember that you didn’t get anything for your 15-year-old cousin. It’ll show up in their inbox within minutes.

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    Samantha Sutton

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  • 8 Holiday Gifts For The Home To Surprise Everyone On Your List This Year

    8 Holiday Gifts For The Home To Surprise Everyone On Your List This Year

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    Another holiday season, another gift. It’s hard to keep things interesting. Even gifts for the home can get a little repetitive. Your mom probably has enough picture frames to last for several generations and your sister already has four blenders. This year, aim to give something fun and unique. From family and friends to coworker and corporate gifts—here’s what will surprise everyone on your list.

    Petite Keep Trunks

    If you’re looking for a gift that’s just as wonderful to give as it is to receive—a Petite Keep trunk is it. These metal trunk boxes are ideal for everyone on your list. From newlyweds to new parents and even kids and teens—everyone loves a Petite Keep. A practical place to store keepsakes, these trunks are available with a choice of different fabrics and custom embroidery options. The brand recently launched a Christmas trunk perfect for storing ornaments and other holiday decor.

    Cartier Les Écrins Parfumés Candle

    Is a Love Bracelet not quite in your budget? The Cartier Neige candle might be the next best thing to jewelry. The fragrant candle is housed in a reusable ceramic case that functions as a chic object once the candle has burned out. It easily compliments any decor scheme. Made in France, it features a light musky scent inspired by mountains. This gift is ideal for anyone who appreciates the brand, but also for corporate gifts or even to give someone you might not know too well. A big dose of luxe in a little package—prepare for jaws to drop.

    How To Redecorate By Joa Studholme And Charlotte Cosby

    The founders of Farrow & Ball recently published a sequel to their highly lauded book How To Decorate, called How To Redecorate. While this colorful book just pops on top of a coffee table, it’s also packed with lots of useful information, inspiration, and swoon-worthy photography. Give it to your friend who’s renovating or currently househunting.

    Wonka X Kurt Geiger London Stripe Martini Glasses

    Oh what fun! Kurt Geiger might be best known for fabulous shoes and bags, but the brand’s recent foray into the home space will also make your list this year, especially the chocolate-inspired collaboration with Wonka. This rhinestone-encrusted martini glass set truly stands out, instantly elevating any cocktail. Sold exclusively at Bloomingdales online as well as in-stores, it’s an ideal present for your most glamorous friend.

    Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set

    Who doesn’t want new bedding? It’s hard to go wrong with a set of Cozy Earth sheets. Made from viscose from bamboo, this set has topped Oprah’s favorites list. With a simple, versatile aesthetic—these sheets are cloud-like to say the very least. Available in a range of colors including Navy, Olive, and Light Grey, the white hue is the best choice for gifting. Give this sheet set to your favorite insomniac—it might be life-changing. But it also works for just about everyone.

    Gee’s Bend Throw Pillow From The Philadephia Museum Of Art

    Sustainably made in Illinois by Cloth & Company, this pillow series from the Philadelphia Museum Of Art is just as much about social impact as it is about style. These pillows were inspired by quilts designed by Gee’s Bend artists including Mary Lee Bendolph, Delia Bennett, Annie E. Pettway, Loretta Pettway, and Magdalene Wilson. These women were considered integral to the historical identity of African-American communities in the South. The quilted patterns add a pop of color to an accent chair or sofa while allowing the legacy of these incredibly talented female artists to live on.

    Bouquet Box

    Looking for the perfect gift to give the DIYer or flower lover in your life? A Bouquet Box will make that person smile every month. Created by Courtney Sixx—each box comes with fresh, seasonal flowers from famed florist Mark’s Garden along with instructions to arrange a bouquet. Every subscription includes a starter kit with a trendy acrylic vase, floral shears, and other tools. It’s just as thoughtful as it is unique.

    L’Avant Collective Blushed Bergamot Luxury Home Essentials Bundle

    Are you trying to find a gift for someone who recently moved or just loves to clean and organize? The Blushed Bergamot Luxury Home Essentials Bundle lives up to its name. This set includes a lucite tray and scrub brush, along with high-performing dish soap, hand soap, and a multipurpose cleaner. Housed in beautiful bottles, these products instantly elevate the fragrance in any room. Your eco-friendly friends will also be surprised, especially when they learn these non-toxic products are also refillable. Take it to the next level and gift a subscription.

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    Amanda Lauren, Contributor

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  • The best tech gifts under $50 to consider in 2023 | TechCrunch

    The best tech gifts under $50 to consider in 2023 | TechCrunch

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    If you’re looking for a gift for someone but don’t want to break the bank, there are a number of great gadgets you can choose from. This list includes a selection of budget-friendly gift ideas, ranging from Bluetooth trackers and wireless earbuds, to smart home accessories. I personally use most of the items on this list, especially my AirTag, and have even gifted some of the products to my own family members (my brother loves his Govee Smart LED Strip Lights).

    You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get someone a cool tech gift, and since all of these products are easy to use, they would be great gifts for anyone, regardless of their age.

    This article contains links to affiliate partners where available. When you buy through these links, TechCrunch may earn an affiliate commission.

    AirTag

    Price: $29 on Apple

    Image Credits: Apple

    An AirTag is a great and useful gift for the person in your life who often misplaces their belongings. AirTags help you find lost items through Apple’s “Find My” app. The small tracking devices can be attached to personal items, like purses, bags or keys. An AirTag is also useful for the friend or family member who travels often, as they can use it to track their luggage.

    Tile Pro

    Price: $34.99 on Amazon

    An image of a black Tile Pro

    Image Credits: Tile

    The Tile Pro is a great gift for both Android and iOS users. It essentially functions the same as an AirTag, as it helps you locate lost items. If you don’t know which phone the person you’re looking to get a gift for has, the Tile Pro is a good bet.

    JBL Vibe Beam

    Price: $49.95 on Amazon

    An image of black JBL Vibe Beam earbuds

    Image Credits: JBL

    These wireless earbuds come with eight hours of playback, and 24 more from the charging case. They are quite comfortable and feature a deep bass sound. Although these earbuds don’t have fancy features like wireless charging or noise-canceling, they are water-resistant, which makes them great for workouts.

    Govee Smart LED Strip Lights

    Price: $25 on Amazon

    A box of Govee smart strip lights pictures next to a phone with the controls

    Image Credits: Govee

    These LED strip lights are a great way to bring color to anyone’s home. They can be used to accent the edges of a room, to brighten up a TV setup or to illuminate any other part of a home. You can use the Govee Home app to control the lights and change the color of the strip or turn them on or off.

    Anker 313 Wireless Charger Stand

    Price: $20 on Amazon

    A phone resting horizontally on an Anker Wireless charger

    Image Credits: Anker

    This wireless charger stand is great for anyone who doesn’t already have one. What’s cool about a wireless charger stand as opposed to a wireless charging pad is that the stand lets you see your notifications easily. The stand also lets you charge your phone vertically or horizontally, so you can do things like watch a movie or FaceTime while charging.

    Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)

    Price: $49.99 on Amazon

    An image of a black Amazon Echo Dot

    Image Credits: Amazon

    This smart hub is the perfect gift for the person in your life who has yet to embrace the world of smart home technology. The Echo Dot lets you do things like play music, check the weather, set an alarm and control other smart home devices. The fifth-generation model comes with better sound and faster response times.

    Logitech M720 Triathlon

    Price: $40 on Amazon

    An image of a black Logitech M730 mouse

    Image Credits: Logitech

    This wireless mouse is comfortable and is designed to be a good fit for people with all hand sizes. It comes with a battery life of 24 months and is compatible with computers, laptops and tablets, Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, Linux and iPadOS. You can use it with up to three computers and customize six buttons for a personalized experience.

    Amazfit Band 7

    Price: $49.99 on Amazon

    An image of a black Amazfit Band 7

    Image Credits: Amazfit

    You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to gift someone a quality fitness tracker. The budget-friendly Amazfit Band 7 can track several basic health metrics. It can warn you about abnormal heart rates, monitor your stress levels and track your sleep quality. The watch boasts 18 days of battery life with a typical usage, and up to 28 days with a battery saver mode.

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    Aisha Malik

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  • 10 editor-tested travel gifts for frequent fliers in 2023 | TechCrunch

    10 editor-tested travel gifts for frequent fliers in 2023 | TechCrunch

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    I don’t know about you, but I’ve been traveling a lot this year. In fact, I’ve been back to my 2019 levels of travel, which has been a breath of fresh air after being pandemic-grounded for a couple of years.

    I like to return to this list every time TechCrunch does a gift guide. It’s a good opportunity for me to assess whether I’m packing as efficiently as I could be. I would like to think I’ve got this thing down to a science, but the beauty of being a hardware editor is that there’s always new stuff to try out.

    If you’ve got a frequent flier in your life, here’s a list of travel gifts running the gamut from less than $20 to more than $1,000. There’s something on here for every kind of tech-obsessed travel.

    This article contains links to affiliate partners where available. When you buy through these links, TechCrunch may earn an affiliate commission.

    Tom Bihn Synik 30 Backpack

    Price: $330 at Tom Bihn

    Image Credits: Tom Bihn

    If you’ve seen me in the past several years, odds are my Timbuk2 backpack was close by. I still love the thing (the ability to expand its internal volume is indispensable), but this seemed like a good time to shake things up and try something new.

    Tom Bihn is one of those companies I’ve heard about over the years, but whose products I’d never actually tried. The 51-year-old firm seems to have cultivated a similarly devoted following as fellow Seattle brand Filson (if you ever see Devin Coldewey in person, ask him his thoughts on waxed canvas). Neither are exactly a household name outside the PNW, but those who know them seem to love them.

    When I told CEO Cindy Guan that I was working on a travel roundup, she recommended the Synik 30, and I think that’s the right call for my needs. For starters, it can fit laptops up to 16 inches — ideal for the 15-inch MacBook Air that’s been my travel companion for the past couple of years.

    Beyond that, it’s just an all-around well-considered and good-looking product (digging the deep Wilderness Ballistic green color) with ample space, a ton of pockets and removable/customizable elements. It’s not cheap, though. The company offers some more affordable options, but the Synik is plenty durable and suitable for both travel and daily commutes, so you’ll get plenty of mileage out of the bag. It’s easily one of the best backpacks I’ve ever tested.

    Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe

    Price: $150 at Anker

    Image Credits: Anker

    Anker products are generally a safe bet. They’re high quality, without the same premium tax as a company like Mophie. The brand has also been innovating form factors quite a bit. This 3-in-1 charger is wildly compact and well suited for suitcases. It ships as a cube that folds out to charge a MagSafe compatible iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods all at the same time.

    The system supports 15 watt fast charging, while the MagSafe pad features an adjustable angle, so it can double duty in standby mode. No need to rely on the hotel alarm clock with this sitting next to your bedside.

    At $150, it’s a good deal more than just buying a USB cable and wall adapter, but you’re effectively getting three chargers in one portable form factor that will free up a lot of travel space.

    Apple MacBook Air 15-inch

    Price: $1,299 at Amazon

    Apple 15-inch M2 MacBook Air

    Image Credits: Brian Heater

    The M1 and M2 chips have been such massive gamechangers for travel. When I’m feeling particularly nostalgic for my older struggles, I’ll recall my days liveblogging for Engadget, when I had to bring along a massive power bank to make sure my laptop would survive the whole thing.

    These days, however, I fly cross country without regard for charging up my Air. Let’s be honest, the outlets below the seats on Delta are a real crapshoot anyway. This is the laptop we always wanted the Air to be, but constraints on processing power and battery life always fell short.

    As gifts go, it’s an expensive one. But more so than any other item on this list, this is an investment. If you’re not able to sleep on planes, at least you can finally get some real work done.

    Ozlo Sleepbuds

    Price: $229 at Indiegogo

    COO Brian Mulcahey models Ozlo's Sleepbuds

    Image Credits: Brian Heater

    I’m going to do a thing I don’t usually do and recommend a product I’ve not had the chance to try yet. I’ve got some faith in the team behind the Ozlo Sleepbuds, given their pedigrees that played a critical role in the creation of Bose’s version. The company is also determined to fix some of the original ‘buds biggest issues, including their inability to stream music.

    I always felt like Bose’s two swings at the product fell just short of greatness. That’s a bummer, as I’m a historically terrible sleeper and I really wanted to like the things. Attempting to sleep in regular earbuds and over-ear headphones is a bit of a nightmare scenario, so I’m really pulling for the product to be as good as it sounds.

    We’ll keep you updated on the inevitable review. Meantime, you can preorder a pair over on Indiegogo for $229 — that’s $20 less than the Bose Sleepbuds II. How much are you willing to pay for a better night’s sleep?

    Nintendo Switch Lite

    Price: $199 at Amazon

    Nintendo Switch Lite

    Image Credits: Brian Heater

    Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild probably saved me from losing my mind during the early months of the pandemic. Tears of the Kingdom had a similar effect on me earlier this year. The Switch Lite is a great little portable system that’s ideal for long plane rides and during downtime at the hotel.

    The biggest differences between the Lite and normal Switch are size, weight and a lack of TV connectivity. Because of the latter, the Joycons aren’t removable. If you anticipate the console spending a lot of time on the road, those sacrifices are more than worth it — not to mention the lower price point.

    The Switch is getting a bit long in the tooth, six years after its release, but Nintendo has built a fantastic library of games in that time — not to mention access to older content through Switch Online. My biggest complaint remains the battery life, so definitely remember to pack that USB-C cable and turn on Airplane mode when able.

    Apple AirTags 4-Pack

    Price: $99 at Amazon

    Image Credits: Apple

    My advice? Buy the four-pack. I regret not doing that initially. I’ve since added AirTags to my keychain, wallet and luggage tag. As an almost comically absent-minded person with a lot of anxiety (great combination!), these things are worth the price for the peace of mind alone. Heck, I used the alert sound to find my keys inside my messy apartment about an hour ago.

    If you’re an Android user, there are also some great alternatives out there from Tile, Chipolo and Samsung. They’re all great, relatively low-cost gifts that nearly anyone can find a use for — frequent travelers, in particular.

    Amazon Kindle Scribe

    Price: $340 at Amazon

    Image Credits: Brian Heater

    The original Kindle DX was a bit of a dud. I suspect tying a product’s successes to people’s desire to read newspapers in their original format via slow-loading e ink didn’t capture the public’s imagination as Amazon had hoped. Since then, there’s been very little in the way of deviation from the standard six-inch screen.

    The 10.2-inch display was reason enough to make me check out the Scribe. I really like the larger format, and the big Kindle has been a constant fixture in my backpack ever since. The whole experience has opened up quite a bit with the arrival of Send-to-Kindle, a browser-based feature that let’s you drag and drop content that will be sent to your device the next time you fire it up.

    Of course, the real selling point — as the name implies — is the ability to scrawl notes on the device. It’s the first Kindle to sport that functionality. I’ve been reminded the hard way that my typing is much smoother than my script, but the on-device handwriting detection is mercifully forgiving.

    A year of Clear

    Price: $189

    Long lines at the United Airlines ticket counter at Denver International Airport in 2015

    Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images

    Turns out air travel can actually be pretty nice — if you’re willing to pay. If you find yourself in several airports a year, this is one upgrade that can definitely justify the cost. A Clear pass will help you avoid the often hellish security lines at airports. It even gives you a leg up on folks with TSA Pre-Check.

    It’s a great gift idea because it’s the kind of thing a lot of people would never think to buy for themselves. Once you’ve got it, however, it’s hard to know how you lived that long without it.

    Beshon Flat Plug Power Strip

    Price: $18 at Amazon

    Image Credits: Beshon

    Several years ago, I started packing a miniature power strip, and it’s been a game changer. While it’s true that more and more hotels are including in-room ports, you never know what you’re going to find until you open that door. Save yourself the grief of swapping plugs all night with one of these.

    There are a ton of options out there — mostly at pretty good prices. I like this one, because it’s nice and compact, while packing in three outlets, a pair of USB-C ports and one USB-A, because you never know. It’s also a bonus for international travel, because you only need a single adapter.

    Belkin iPhone Camera Mount

    Price: $30 at Amazon

    Apple Belkin Continuity Camera

    Apple Belkin Continuity Camera macOS. Image Credits: Brian Heater

    My newest addition to the list has been another gamechanger for me. While it’s true that Apple improved its laptop cameras a couple of years back, the video quality still leaves much to be desired. If you have a Mac and an iPhone, the Continuity Camera feature breaks the game wide open.

    I’ve been using the iPhone 15 Pro Max for work calls on the road, and nothing short of hooking up a DSLR to your computer comes close. This MagSafe accessory is a cheap addition to the arsenal that you can keep in your backpack and forget until you need it.

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    Brian Heater

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