The holiday season is the best time to stock up on new tech gadgets you’ll need in the new year. Every Christmas, I always have at least two new trending tech products on my wish list, however most years
I’m left disappointed I even asked for them.
After years of testing new products from headphones to smart alarm clocks and everything in between, I finally narrowed down the best tech gifts that people will actually use.
If you’re not sure what’s actually worth it versus what’s just a fad, I’ve got you covered. Here are the gadgets that will help make your life easier this holiday season and beyond.
The best tech gifts to buy for Christmas 2026
Bark Phone
Bark phones are a great gift for parents looking to slowly introduce phones into their child’s life. Families can start on Bark’s Starter plan, which is talk and text only, plus the phone includes the Bark parental controls app, which families can add to other devices in the household. The best part is that the phone grows with the child: parents can add data and internet access at any time by moving to a different plan.
USA TODAY readers can take $30 off the Bark Watch or Bark Phone with code JOY30 from 11/6-12/25.
Shop Bark Phones
Bose Noise Canceling Wired Headphones
Bose’s Noise Canceling Wired Headphones have truly changed my life. I love having a pair of wired headphones in my pocket for when my AirPods inevitably die and these are the best of both worlds. The headphones use a miniscule amount of power from your phone to power them. While the noise canceling isn’t nearly as good as over-ear headphones or AirPods, it’s good enough for wired headphones.
Buy Bose headphones at Best Buy
JBL Tour One M3 Smart TX
If you’re shopping for a frequent flyer who is in need of a new pair of headphones, then you need to buy them the JBL Tour One M3 Smart TX. These over-ear headphones are excellent and include a transmitter to connect your in-flight entertainment system to your headphones.
Shop JBL headphones at Amazon
Twelve South Airfly Pro 2 Translucent
If you want a Bluetooth transmitter under $100, then the AirFly is the way to go. The AirFly is an easy device to store in your bag or your pocket and plug in to the in-flight entertainment system.
Shop the AirFly at Amazon
Hatch Restore 3
I don’t think I can say enough great things about my Hatch Restore 3 alarm clock. The alarm clock allows you to set an unwind routine, where calming noises soothe you to sleep and you’re awakened by a serene sunrise and any alarm sound of your choice. It’s been a gamechanger for getting me off my phone before bed and will help any struggling phone addicts out there.
Buy the Hatch Restore 3
Ray Ban Meta Audio Only Glasses
I own a pair of the original Ray Ban Meta glasses, so when the audio only version came out I was super intrigued. Bars and establishments across the country are restricting the use of Ray Bans with video cameras, so the audio only is the perfect solution. You still have the perks of Meta AI without being restricted by having a video camera.
Shop the Audio Only glasses
Therabody Smart Goggles
While I haven’t personally tested the Therabody Smart Goggles, I’ve heard rave reviews from my friends and family. One of my friends even said: “If you don’t include this on your list, you’ll be doing people a disservice.” And after researching it, it definitely seems worth the hype.
The Smart Goggles use a science-backed combination of compression massage, heat and vibration on the forehead, eyebrows and temples to help you relax, reduce stress, relieve tension headaches, ease eye strain and prepare for better sleep in 15 minutes or less.
Shop Therabody Smart Goggles
Insta360 Luna Ultra 8K Dual Lens Gimbal
This gift is perfect for any aspiring content creator in your life. Insta360’s latest release is a pocket sized camera built into a gimbal that makes it easier than ever to record on the go. The gimbal allows users to shoot footage with 8K resolution at 30 fps.
Buy the Insta360 Luna Ultra 8K Dual Lens Gimbal
DJI Osmo Mobile 8 Phone Gimbal
Don’t need a camera and just want a gimbal for your phone? The DJI Osmo Mobile 8 Phone Gimbal is a great choice for stabilizing your phone as you record. I use the phone gimbal to record content while traveling and its made filming so much easier.
Buy the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 Phone Gimbal
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: I test trending tech for a living. These 9 are actually worth gifting
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