As a product tester at the Good Housekeeping Institute, I absolutely love a good gadget—especially one that makes my life easier, more fun, or more convenient. From smart-home upgrades to clever accessories I didn’t know I needed, there’s no such thing as too much tech in my life, or in my home.

Our top picks:

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Tech & Engineering Lab, our product analysts and experts continuously test all types of giftable gadgets, from the hottest headphones to the most practical everyday products we can’t live without. Whether you’re searching for a buzzy device they may not already own or one they’re guaranteed to love, we’ve gathered our favorite, top-tested gadgets from 2026 for the tech enthusiast in your life.

Stop wasting paper with this super smart reusable notebook. Unlike other notebooks, this one lets you wipe away your doodles, scribbles, and more when you’re done with some water and a cloth. You can even snap a photo of your notes to digitize them and store them in your preferred Cloud platform.

I’ve seen this portable monitor in local coffee shops, and I think it’s a brilliant solution for anyone who needs more screen space but doesn’t want to be stuck in their office all day. Not only is it super easy to fit in a backpack, but it’s just as easy to attach to most laptops via USB-C or USB-A, so you can work off two screens.

Never hear her say her battery’s died again. This Anker portable charger is in my backpack at all times. It’s super compact, comes in 5 colors, and has a built-in cable so you’re never scrambling to find one when you need to power your device on the go.

Bring this small but mighty speaker with you to the beach, pool, or anywhere you go. According to our pros, it gets outrageously loud for its size and offers a true audiophile-grade listening experience. Other perks: It’s waterproof and comes in 12 fun colors, with the option to order a customized version.

RELATED: 6 Best Bluetooth Speakers, According to Audio Experts

Best Alarm Clock

Amazon Echo Time

Echo Time
Best Alarm Clock

Amazon Echo Time

Amazon just announced its new smart alarm clock, and it’s one of the cutest I’ve ever seen. Designed with Alexa+, it can help you wake up more naturally, set bedtime routines, and control your room’s lighting or temperature. There’s a kid’s version, too, which features fun animations and stories to help littles wind down and wake up.

Help mom stay on top of busy schedules with this easy-to-use digital calendar. Featuring a 15.6” display that can be mounted, it syncs with Google, Apple, Outlook, and other calendars so you can display schedules alongside to-do lists, chores, and meal plans. Kids can earn points for completing chores, and the built-in voice agent makes it easy to add events hands-free.

RELATED: I’m a Tech Editor, Here’s Why I’m Obsessed With This Smart Calendar for Staying on Task

If she spends a lot of time behind the wheel, consider this tiny little camera that can be discreetly mounted on the windshield. It records 1080p video with a 140-degree field of view, while voice control lets drivers save footage without taking their hands off the wheel. Even better, it monitors your vehicle while it’s parked.

RELATED: 10 Best Dash Cams, According to Auto Experts

Skip trips to CVS or Staples and print your own photos at home with this small HP photo printer (no ink required!). It connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, and you can add filters, frames, and emojis to your photos via the HP app to add some flair to your next scrapbooking project.

Retro audio is everywhere, and you can’t go wrong with these wired Apple earbuds. At under $20, they’re a fantastic stocking stuffer or office party white elephant gift. Bonus: They work with USB-C ports, which you’ll find on Androids and newer iPhones.

RELATED: The Best Cheap Headphones and Earbuds, Tested by Audio Experts

For anyone who is always low on battery but likes to spend time outdoors, this compact power bank is a handy gift. It has a 10,000mAh capacity, 20W USB-C fast charging, and wireless charging, plus two built-in flashlights and a compass carabiner. It also features a solar panel for emergency backup when there’s no outlet in sight.

Say no to doomscrolling with the help of the Brick, which lets you block apps on your phone. The concept is simple: Tap your phone on the Brick, and you won’t be able to access apps you’ve restricted, whether that’s TikTok, Instagram, or other social media.

You don’t have to be an athlete to appreciate this massage gun. I’ve used it for years now, and love having it on hand when I need to soothe a tense muscle or pain. It’s more powerful than you’d expect from a relatively lightweight, portable device, and the battery life seems to last forever (though it's technically three hours).

RELATED: I'm a Certified Personal Trainer—These Are the 6 Best Massage Guns for Sore Muscles

You can stay connected and keep tabs on your health with the Apple Watch SE 3. It tracks everything from workouts to sleep and heart health, all while keeping calls, messages, and notifications right on your wrist. Our pros love that it’s one of the more affordable Apple watches, but it offers a lot of the same features you’d find on pricier models.

RELATED: 7 Best Smart Watches for Women, Tested by Experts

Snapping family photos or selfies couldn’t be easier thanks to this pocket-sized CamKid remote. Pair it with your phone via Bluetooth, prop up your phone (up to 30 feet away, according to the brand), and say cheese. No more blurry shots!

My very first Kindle was a gift, and it’s one that I’m still grateful for. Not only are Kindles easy to commute or travel with, but they also offer incredible battery life and a quick and easy way to download books. The e-ink is gentle on the eyes, while the waterproof design means it’s bathtub and pool-friendly. The Paperwhite is my personal favorite for its sleek yet lightweight aluminum design, adjustable warm light, and fast performance.

RELATED: 7 Best E-Readers of 2026, According to a Bookworm and Tech Expert

Our pros love the new screenless Fitbit Air, which is more comfortable to sleep in than a bulky smartwatch, yet stylish enough for all-day wear. It gathers your health metrics in the Google Health app, including activity, sleep, heart rate, blood oxygen, skin temperature, and more. Though using the FitBit Air is free, a Google Health Premium subscription gives you access to Google Health Coach and more personalized AI guidance to help you reach your health and fitness goals.

Gone are the days of having to turn your Kindle e-reader’s pages yourself. With the Kindle Click, you can prop up your device and turn pages without having to life a finger, as well as adjust the screen brightness. Battery life should last for weeks and is rechargeable via USB-C.

The Instax Mini is a must-have at parties, weddings, holidays, or any occasion when you want to print out mini photos ASAP and share them with friends. The camera is super cute and easy to use, and it even has a selfie mirror to help you get the perfect angle when capturing memories.

RELATED: Why the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Is Our Favorite Wedding Season Must-Have

These aren’t just some of the coolest-looking headphones on the market, they’re also a favorite among our experts. According to our Lab evaluations, this pair had sound quality that delivered at a level that competed with far more expensive models—offering top tier-sound at a mid-tier budget, plus impressively long 35-hour battery life with ANC on.

RELATED: The 7 Best Headphones of 2026

Best Wearable

Oura Ring 5 Silver

Silver

With the latest Oura Ring 5, she’ll be able to track everything from her sleep to her cycle. Not only does it feature Oura’s slimmest (and most jewelry-like) design yet, but it also offers longer battery life. I’ve been wearing my Oura for several years now, and it’s the only wearable I don’t leave the house without.

RELATED: After Four Years With Oura, This Is the Ring I'd Actually Buy

Skip the spa and purchase this foot massager instead. You can use it while relaxing on the couch, or even at your office desk. GH Institute product experts loved the impressive kneading experience and powerful air compression that helps soothe tired, achy feet.

RELATED: Soothe Achy Feet With These Top-Tested Foot Massagers

Time for a new smartphone? Considering gifting the iPhone Duo, which is probably the most buzzy new device this year. Apple’s first foldable smartphone, it opens up to a 7.6” display that makes reading and streaming content an absolute joy.

Spoil her with a new TV, but not just any ordinary TV. The Samsung Frame Pro combines art with entertainment, all without sacrificing picture quality. It doubles up as a gorgeous photo frame displaying artwork thanks to a glare-free matte display, slim design, and access to Samsung’s vast Art Store. I also recommend the Samsung Frame TV, but find that the Pro version delivers a brighter, more vibrant picture.

RELATED: Our Honest Review of the Samsung Frame Pro

Best Subscription

ClassPass Gift Card

Gift Card
Best Subscription

ClassPass Gift Card

The ClassPass subscription service isn’t just for working out, though it can be if that’s what she wants! Let her decide how to use her free time by choosing among the hundreds of services available on the app, from massages to pedicures, yoga classes, and so much more.

It’s hard not to love the Nintendo Switch 2, which has dozens of fan-favorite and kid-friendly games to choose from, including Mario Kart, Pokémon, and more. It’s super easy to use (even for non-gamers), and I personally love how easy it is to bring with you on the go or set up with your TV at home.

RELATED: I Test Video Game Consoles for a Living—Here’s What I Think of the Nintendo Switch 2 One Year Later

Headshot of Olivia Lipski
Olivia Lipski
Senior Reviews Writer & Analyst

Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests and writes about tech, home, travel, fitness, parenting and health products. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.