Holiday celebrations bring joy through festive lights, warm drinks, and cozy reading sessions with e-readers. However, crowded retail centers can spoil the experience. That's why online purchasing remains a preferred option. For this season, enthusiasts might consider including personal tech interests in their gift selections.
As someone passionate about electronics and video games—along with close ones sharing similar tastes—curating a selection of ideal items from various web sources proved worthwhile. These choices emphasize affordability and high user ratings, drawn from expertise in spotting daily bargains to highlight reliable options.
Portable versions of the classic Pac-Man game allow fans to enjoy this enduring arcade title on the go. Iconic for generations, it involves navigating mazes, consuming pellets, and evading pursuing enemies—a staple of childhood entertainment for many.
This device operates on four AA batteries or via USB-C connection. Beyond Pac-Man, similar products offer Street Fighter, Space Invaders, Ms. Pac-Man, Mega Man, and Galaga. An Atari edition includes 100 distinct titles. Prices remain budget-friendly, topping out at $40, with the Pac-Man model at $30.
This striking timepiece combines vintage aesthetics with modern functionality, displaying hours in standard black-and-white or vibrant RGB hues. Multiple display options ensure variety in customization.
Resembling traditional Nixie tube clocks but using LEDs for cost efficiency—avoiding the $300 import price from abroad—it connects to home Wi-Fi for precise timekeeping. Alarm settings and 12/24-hour toggles add practicality. The ClocTeck version costs $70 currently, without promotions.
Avid readers drawn to literary decor will appreciate the Criolpo Book Nook kit. Already captivated by this miniature shelf trend, one builder has started assembly and anticipates displaying it amid larger volumes with illumination.
This wooden 3D puzzle requires hands-on construction to form a tiny scene, enhancing home ambiance. The featured design sells for $34 on discount; cyberpunk alternatives are also available.
A compact foosball table serves as an engaging holiday activity, suitable for players of varying ages and including dual cup holders for beverages. It supports solo versus or team matches, promising lively gatherings.
Available in various finishes to complement decor, it's priced at $120 following a 25% reduction.
Role-playing game fans can't overlook quality dice collections. Options abound, from illuminated rechargeable sets appealing to younger users to durable metal ones with storage cases for convenient rolling. Choices cater to diverse preferences in tabletop gaming accessories.
Collectible vinyl figures like the Darth Vader Funko Pop make straightforward yet exciting gifts for sci-fi supporters. Covering vast franchises including Star Wars, Stranger Things, Pokemon, Marvel, and beyond, these items start at $10, with the Vader edition matching that price.
Though designed for younger audiences, the Epic Circuits Science Kit from National Geographic delivers educational value for all ages through over 120 experiments on electricity and circuitry. Users can produce tunes or dazzling visuals, fostering creativity regardless of age. It's available for $44.
LEGO sets universally appeal as presents, particularly the Boost Creative Toolbox, which enables building five configurations—from robots to animals or instruments—controlled via tablet for interactive motions and sounds. Despite the higher cost, its longevity justifies investment, suitable for family enjoyment.
Tech tinkerers will benefit from a 70-in-1 electronic screwdriver set, featuring a robust motor for quick fastener handling, 64 magnetic attachments to prevent loss, adjustable torque settings, and manual operation option. USB-C charging adds convenience, all for $50.
Raspberry Pi projects offer boundless potential, and the compact RasTech kit provides essentials: a Pi 5 with 8GB RAM, 64GB storage, readers, cooling, enclosure, adapter, cables, and a mini tool—pairable with the aforementioned screwdriver for assembly.
Ideal for smart TV upgrades or retro gaming setups, this package enables diverse applications. Explore further Pi-based ideas for inspiration.
Nostalgic arcade cabinets inspire this $20 Retro Mini Arcade handheld, supporting joystick controls for titles like Pac-Man, Tetris, and others. Compact and accessible, it suits casual play across demographics.
The Numskull Gaming Accessory Locker, modeled after Minecraft's Creeper in green, organizes controllers on its sides, headphones atop, and holds ten discs internally plus cables in a base drawer. Position it near gaming stations for easy access. Variants include Harry Potter, Fortnite, and Sonic themes, around $30 each.
A 3D printer like the Bambu Lab A1 suits creative endeavors, praised for its manageable size, reasonable cost, low noise, and multi-color capabilities by reviewers.
The DJI Mini Drone excels at aerial 4K footage over scenic areas, stabilized by a three-axis gimbal for smooth results. Under 249 grams and palm-sized, it's perfect for travel videography.
Smartphones accumulate bacteria from constant handling and placement. This UV-C portable sanitizer eliminates germs in 10 minutes, powered by a rechargeable battery via USB-A or USB-C. At $68, it's a practical, portable hygiene tool for personal or gifting purposes.
Gabriela has dedicated 12 years to technology journalism, authoring articles on developments, evaluations, purchase advice, promotions, and related topics. Her work appears in outlets such as PCWorld, Macworld, PCMag, IGN, MakeUseOf, XDA, Android Police, and Pocket-lint.