Gadget lovers usually own the obvious things already, which makes buying for them intimidating. The safest approach is to think about extras and upgrades: the small accessory that makes a device better, or the upgrade to something they use every day.
The ideas below run from pocket-money items to proper splurges, grouped by how much you want to spend. Most work with any phone, but it is worth checking compatibility before you buy, especially for anything that charges or connects wirelessly.
We may earn a small commission if you buy through the shop links on this page. It never changes the price you pay or the ideas we choose.
Our three favourites
Small and clever
Low-cost items that are easy to wrap and easy to love.
A Bluetooth keyring tracker
A small tag clipped to keys, a wallet or a bag lets a phone app show where it was last seen. Buy the version that matches their phone, as some trackers only work with Apple or with Android.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
A cable organiser pouch
A zipped pouch with elastic loops keeps chargers and adaptors from tangling in a bag. Check the size against the number of cables they carry.
Expect to pay Under £10 in most UK shops.
A flexible phone tripod
A small tripod with bendable legs holds a phone steady for video calls, group photos or time-lapses. Look for one with a universal clamp that fits cases.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
Everyday upgrades
Things they will use daily without thinking about it.
For commutes and workoutsWireless earbuds
Good earbuds are one of the most-used gadgets, and a modest pair can sound very good. Check the battery life and, if you can, that they come with ear tips in several sizes.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
A slim power bank
A thin power bank that fits in a pocket can top up a phone once or twice on the move. Check that it comes with a cable and has an output that suits their phone.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For a tidy bedside tableA three-in-one wireless charging stand
A stand that charges a phone, earbuds and a watch at the same time replaces a tangle of cables. Check that it works with their particular devices before you buy.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
Smart home
Easy wins for people who like to automate.
For the automation fanA set of smart plugs
Smart plugs let a lamp or a kettle be switched on from a phone or by voice. Check that they work with the smart assistant the person already uses.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the kitchen or hallwayA compact smart speaker
A small speaker with a voice assistant plays music, sets timers and controls smart devices. Check which assistant they prefer, so it fits the devices they already have.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
For the mood-lighting fanA smart LED light strip
A colour-changing strip adds a glow behind a television or desk and can be controlled from a phone. Measure the space first, and check it comes with a controller.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
Worth saving up for
For a bigger occasion or a joint present.
For the step counterA fitness tracker
A band that counts steps, tracks sleep and shows notifications suits people who like data about their day. Check the battery life and that the app works with their phone.
Expect to pay £50–£100 in most UK shops.
A mechanical keyboard
A good mechanical keyboard feels satisfying to type on and lasts for years. Check the layout (UK keyboards differ from US ones) and the switch type, as the sound varies a lot.
Expect to pay £50–£100 in most UK shops.
For the focus seekerNoise-cancelling headphones
Over-ear headphones with noise cancelling make trains, offices and flights far calmer. Check the comfort for long wear and the battery life before you commit.
Expect to pay £100+ in most UK shops.
Good to know
Chargers and batteries
Buy chargers, power banks and anything with a rechargeable battery from a reputable seller and look for the UKCA or CE mark. Very cheap unbranded versions are best avoided.
FAQ: questions people ask
What do you buy a gadget lover who has everything?
Think accessories and consumables, or a smarter version of something they use daily. A better cable, a tracker, a stand or a quality case rarely duplicates what they own.
What are good cheap tech gifts?
A cable organiser, a phone tripod, a tracker, a power bank or a smart plug all sit comfortably under £25. They are practical, easy to wrap and useful from the first day.
Is it risky to buy tech as a gift?
It can be if it needs to match their other devices. Check compatibility, keep the receipt, and choose something from a retailer with a clear returns policy in case it needs swapping.
What are good tech gifts for older relatives?
Simple and reliable items such as a digital photo frame, a tablet stand or a big-button phone can help. Choose something that needs minimal setup, and offer to set it up for them.
What tech gift suits a teenager?
Earbuds, a phone stand, a portable speaker or a gaming accessory usually go down well. Check what they already have and which games or platforms they use.
