Gadgets

The Popular Science Holiday Gift Guide

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

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It’s hard to believe, but the holiday season is almost over. Just because it’s the week before Christmas doesn’t mean you can’t get gift inspiration, however. And we’ve got you covered by collecting the absolute best gifts for everybody in your life, regardless of their interests or your budget. Need a quick idea for the lapsed gamer in your life? Or the person always complaining about their old earbuds conking out at the worst possible time? You’ll find what you’re looking for below.

Nintendo Switch $299

The Nintendo Switch is still the best handheld gaming machine running.

The Nintendo Switch is still the gift we recommend for the gamer in your life. Nintendo—and plenty of third-party developers—have continued to stack the system’s library with impressive games year after year. There’s arguably never been a better time to pick up the Switch, thanks to the deep bench of titles. The Switch’s biggest feature, however, is that it’s a hybrid console. The person you gift it to can take it with them on the go and play their game library on the Switch’s 7-inch HD screen, then pop it onto a dock to continue playing on a TV. The switch (get it?) between handheld and home gaming is seamless, and the console comes with a pair of Joy-Con controllers, which can be used simultaneously by one person or individually to play multiplayer games.

The option to play multiplayer games with someone at the drop of the hat when you’re outside your home is compelling, especially because of the Switch’s built-in kickstand, which allows you to angle it upward without using another accessory. The Nintendo Switch is still the easiest current-generation console to recommend, and if the gamer you’re shopping for already has one, we recommend checking out our guide to the system’s best games. (Looking for a more vivid experience and willing to spend a little more money? Check out the $350 Switch OLED.)

Kaleidescape Strato V $3,995

Black rectangular Keleidescape Stravo V movie server sitting on top of a Roon music server and a Cambridge Audio EVO 150 integrated streaming amp — Tony Ware

Know someone who is a major cinephile? The Kaleidescape Strato V media player is a low-profile, high-bandwidth upgrade to delight anyone resolute about resolution. Stratospheres above streaming and even better than Blu-ray, films from the Kaleidescape Movie Store offer access to elevated video and audio with reduced artifacts. And while you can definitely pick out the finer details of film when you add the Strato V to a flagship 4K HDR10/Dolby Vision-equipped TV or projector, it’s the soundtracks that are truly breathtaking. As unassuming as the actual box is, what it produces is arresting and evocative. You haven’t actually experienced your home theater—whether soundbars or separates—until you’ve fed it lossless, buffer-free Dolby Atmos. You will realize how much you’ve been cranking the volume to convince yourself scenes are powerful rather than experiencing actual dynamics. Of course, those massive bit rates require space, and the Strato V can only hold about 10 movies at a time. But with the ability to queue downloads remotely and add scalable server storage, you can always be sure something is ready to watch when you are. The Strato V is a minimalist component for compression-free consumption and the perfect way to say goodbye to physical media without saying goodbye to performance.

Safari Pedals Everything Bundle

Screen capture of Safari Pedals VST effects stompboxes — Alex Liggett

The year 2024 was a big one for the shoegaze revival. However, this charmingly scruffy genre—named for its followers’ tendency to stare down at effects pedals strung along the stage—is notoriously not ergonomic. And we want to look out for every creative bone in your body, including your spine. Enter the Safari Pedals Everything Bundle—a great gift for the only-so-flexible tone bender in your life. This collection of 15 virtual pedal plug-ins lets someone twist knobs without the threat of pulling anything (besides guitar strings). It’s a perfect download for someone who doesn’t have a pedalboard and/or audio interface but still wants to get freq-y in their DAW (AAX, VST3, AU supported). There’s a range of distortion options, from fuzz to overdrives. The reverbs and delays have a great deal of customization Make sure the recipient has sufficient hard drive space, processing power, RAM (at least 8GB, ideally 16GB), and time because they’ll be modulating until the early morning.

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation $169

White AirPods 4 earbuds with noise cancellation and an AirPods 4 case sitting on a blue flannel shirt — Stan Horaczek

Apple’s latest earbuds are a great gift for anyone who needs active noise cancellation to concentrate but feels uncomfortable keeping gummy-tipped earbuds in their ears. The AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation have an all-new design, so they’ll fit comfortably in even more ears. They have a hard-shell design, which means they don’t create a tight seal around the ear, which can bother some people. However, they do support active noise cancellation and can significantly reduce certain sounds like airplane engine noise or idling cars, which makes traveling and exercising outside more comfortable. These design changes and feature improvements were welcome, but Apple also improved the audio hardware, so music, podcasts, and audiobooks sounded uniformly excellent. You can read our full review for more in-depth information, but the latest AirPods are the best earbuds to gift this year.

Ultimate Ears EVERBOOM $249

Ultimate Ears Everboom at the edge of a pool. — Tony Ware / Popular Science

Ultimate Ears’ EVERBOOM is one of the best Bluetooth speakers we’ve tested this year, and it’s a great gift for the music lover in your life. Even though it’s smaller than the $299 EPICBOOM, it still provides ample bass without reducing the quality of midrange and high frequencies, so songs sound just right. Ultimate Ears’ Boom app—available on iOS and Android—allows you to use your smartphone’s microphone to speak over the music like a DJ. One of the EVERBOOM’s most travel-friendly features is its IP67 durability rating, meaning it can survive being dunked underwater for several minutes or used in a dusty environment without being damaged. Gigantic volume buttons on the speaker’s face make it easy to turn the tunes up or down when necessary without a second thought. The EVERBOOM is a great gift for people who host, spend lots of time at the beach and pool, or want to take a great-sounding speaker with them on the go. (Got a friend who is an avid cyclist or hiker? Consider the easily attachable $79 UE MINIROLL for them to take along on adventures.)

Kindle Paperwhite $159

All-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite on a plain white background. — Amazon

Shopping for a reader who’s on the fence about e-books? Amazon’s latest Kindle Paperwhite was just released, and it’s our go-to eReader recommendation. The device has a 7-inch high-resolution display, so text will look crisp and almost paperlike while reading. Amazon has upgraded the processor, which means pages turn more quickly, making it easier to move through books more seamlessly. The biggest benefit readers will find when using a Kindle is the ability to move an entire library around with them. The Paperwhite can hold thousands of books, and its battery is designed to last for weeks between charges. Amazon says the Kindle store has over 15 million titles available, so they can pick up the latest titles as they’re released while catching up on classics, too. The new Kindle Paperwhite is even equipped with backlights that will automatically adjust itself based on the amount of ambient light in the room, so reading sessions that move from day to night won’t get interrupted.

Ninja SLUSHi $299

The Ninja SLUSHi is one of the most innovative appliances we’ve seen in quite some time and is a great gift for people who love to host. Your giftee can use the SLUSHi to make milkshakes, margaritas, and other frozen treats in as little as fifteen minutes with very few ingredients. In fact, some recipes only require a single ingredient, which is especially helpful in a pinch. We’ve tested the SLUSHi, and can confirm it makes a surprisingly good vanilla milkshake and frozen soda drink with basically the push of a button. It was also remarkably easy to clean. Many of the SLUSHi’s pieces are removable, and the appliance itself has a “clean” function that allows you to run warm water through its tank to clean some fixed pieces.

Looking for a gift for that friend who already has everything for their kitchen? Look no further than the Rumpl Back Country Puffy Blanket for $150. This super-packable blanket is perfect for outdoor adventures or just casual trips. It weighs under 1.5 pounds and rolls up neatly into an included bag. The Nanoloft insulation allows it to fit into any space, and the water-resistant layer keeps it dry on wet surfaces. Plus, it’s machine-washable and comes in a variety of stylish colors.

If you want to truly change someone’s life with a gift, consider the Tushy Wave Non-Electric Bidet for $189. This model connects directly to the water supply and offers a dual-flow spout for comprehensive cleaning. It’s easy to install, with a simple knob to control water pressure and a quick-release button for cleaning. Choose from a round or elongated model, depending on your toilet type.

For a drone gift that won’t break the bank, check out the DJI Neo Drone for $199. This drone offers a stabilized 4K camera and the ability to track moving subjects. It’s easy to launch and land, making it perfect for beginners or casual flyers. With one battery providing 17 minutes of flight time, it’s a great option for capturing aerial footage.

Looking for a practical gift? The Levoit Core 300 Air Purifier for $99 is a great choice. This compact device cleans the air in a room, running quietly with three fan modes. The filter only needs changing every six months, making it low maintenance and perfect for pet owners or cooks.

Finally, the Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs for $25 are a versatile gift for anyone. With an NRR rating of 31, they offer powerful protection for noisy environments. Simply mold them to your ears for a comfortable and customized fit. Whether for sleeping, concerts, or working with power tools, these earplugs will come in handy. If you mess up, just begin again.

Kanto ORA4 Powered Reference Speakers $399.99

Kanto Ora4 speakers on a stand on top of a desk. — Brandt Ranj / Popular Science

Kanto’s ORA4 Powered Reference Speakers make for a great gift for music lovers and hybrid workers. These compact dual-driver speakers deliver deep, detailed sound and come packed with features like a USB-C port, Bluetooth, RCA inputs, and Bluetooth 5.0 for versatile connectivity. The ORA4s have been tested extensively and have shown to perform exceptionally well, providing quality sound whether you’re listening to The Beatles, Olivia Rodrigo, The Flaming Lips, The Roots, or anything in between. While the speakers offer ample bass, they also come with a subwoofer output for those who want a little extra kick. Overall, the Kanto ORA4s are an impressive set of speakers that will be cherished for years to come.

Razer Kishi Ultra Gaming Controller $149.99

For gamers who enjoy mobile gaming, the Razer Kishi Ultra is a top-notch controller that enhances the gaming experience on smartphones and tablets. With premium buttons and triggers, comfortable ergonomics, and compatibility with Android devices, iPhones, and even iPad mini, the Kishi Ultra stands out. The controller comes with different-sized spacers for a custom fit and significantly improves gameplay on the go. Whether you’re into games like “Genshin Impact,” “Sayonara Wild Hearts,” or classic titles such as “Chrono Trigger” and “Final Fantasy IV,” the Kishi Ultra will elevate your gaming sessions.

Meta Quest 3 (512GB), $499.99

Meta Quest 3 on a plain white background. — Meta

The Meta Quest 3 is the perfect gift for those looking to dive into VR gaming. This standalone headset offers an immersive VR experience without the need for a PC connection. With access to a wide range of games and entertainment options, the Quest 3 is a versatile device. The bundle includes a copy of “Batman: Arkham Shadow” and a three-month Meta Quest+ subscription, providing unlimited access to a library of games. Virtual reality gaming has never been more engaging, and the Meta Quest 3 is the ideal headset to experience it.

Anker Prime Power Bank $89.99

Anker Prime Power Bank on a plain white background. — Anker

When it comes to keeping devices charged on the go, the Anker Prime Power Bank is a lifesaver. With two USB-C ports, 65W power output, and a 9,600mAh capacity, this battery pack can fully recharge a smartphone multiple times. The built-in plug makes it convenient to charge the power bank directly from an outlet. Anker includes a USB-C to USB-C cable and travel pouch with the Prime Power Bank, ensuring that the recipient has everything they need to stay powered up while on the move. For quick top-ups, the Anker MagGo Power Bank is a portable 10,000mAh charger that you can rely on during travels.

PAKA Crew Socks (3-Pack) $55

Giving socks as a holiday gift is a trope, but PAKA’s Crew Socks are a comfortable, practical choice that’ll be a big upgrade over whatever they’re wearing now. The socks are made out of alpaca wool, which is durable, more breathable, and odor-resistant. While you may not be familiar with alpaca wool clothing (yet), it is machine washable. We’ve been able to get our feet on these socks ourselves, and they’ve become the first pairs we put on after the laundry is done. We like how they’re high-topped, which keeps the bottom of our legs extra insulated when it’s cold out, and they feel very comfortable to wear all day. The best part about this three-pack is you can gift the entire set to one person or break it up as a stocking stuffer for three folks.

Columbia Sportswear Arctic Crest Sherpa Full Zip Fleece Jacket $120

Grey and black Columbia Sportswear Arctic Crest Sherpa Fleeces on green and red lichen in Iceland — Mark Going/Columbia

In late September, I spent a week in Iceland (the land shown above), where shoulder season means the only constant is inconsistency. Some days, it rained, shined, poured, then clouds parted—and that was just before noon. This meant that my daypack had all manner of apparel in it. But the piece I wore the most—from glaciers to black sand beaches—was this soft but durable Columbia Titanium jacket, featuring Omni-Heat Arctic solar-capture insulation. Inspired by polar bears, the layer closest to the body collects and retains warmth from the sun. This sealed-in heat, combined with DWR-treated panels on the shoulders/hood, meant I had no issue through fog, drizzle, sea spray, etc.—only really needing a shell or puffer when going behind a raging waterfall or during particularly blustery low-output periods. If you’ve got an adventurous soul in the family that could use some accessorizing, this is the perfect piece for the outdoorsy. It’s available in both men’s and women’s sizes, as well as two colorways.

Sony PULSE Explore Wireless Earbuds $199

In their quest to provide everything PlayStation for everyone with a PlayStation, Sony released the PULSE Explore wireless gaming earbuds for folks who want one less wire but fully immersive sound in their setup. Promising “3-D” reproduction of game soundtracks and spatial cues, the earbuds really deliver. And deliver without lag. Latency is very low when playing on PlayStation 5 with the included USB receiver. Bluetooth connections are possible with other devices (or PS5), but a higher level of latency is likely, which matters a lot in games. The sound quality is the other main draw. The planar-magnetic drivers, surprising for name-brand earbuds at this price point, bring incredibly detailed, rich sound. The integration with game audio is stunning, with precisely placed directional signals that actually make playing 3-D games easier by cluing you into the locations of enemies. It really was surprising how good these buds sound. The form factor takes a bit of getting used to. The key is to place the PS logos “right side up,” with the white “wings” at about a 45-degree angle. But the buds are surprisingly light. Just don’t plan for a ridiculously long gaming sesh; battery life is a bit short at 5 hours (though the USB charging case includes two additional charges for a total of 15). Still, the PULSE Explore is an excellent choice if you’re looking for exhilarating bursts of high-quality sound, specifically during PlayStation 5 games (either through the console or the Playstation Portal).