Every year, I get countless questions from friends and loved ones about what gadgets to gift the people in their lives. Typically, their focus tends to be on finding something neat, affordable, and long-lasting. I still look out for all those things, but this year, I’ve also been thinking about tech gifts for those who aren’t particularly interested in tech, or maybe who are into tech but don’t want to spend hours tinkering with settings. This could be anything from a digital picture frame you can load with pictures before they even open the box, to handheld consoles with QR-code-based setups, to even a simple wireless charger to plop their gizmos onto.
To help you find a gift they’ll love — and can jump straight to using it — I rounded up my favorite simple gadgets of the year. And if you’re looking for other gift ideas, we have plenty of various gift guides for all the people in your life.
Update on December 10, 2024: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
Apple’s latest wireless earbuds — which now feature noise-cancellation — are dead simple to set up. All your recipient has to do is open the case near their iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and the AirPods will pair instantly.
While the Pro version of the AirPods didn’t receive a hardware upgrade this year, they did just get an update to work as legit hearing aids, and they’re just as easy to set up as the standard model.
These are Samsung’s equivalent to Apple’s AirPods Pro: They pair instantly with Samsung devices and sound excellent.
Aura’s digital picture frames are my favorite thanks to their elegant designs and straightforward setup that can be totally hands-off for your recipient. Before they even open the box, you can load the frame with pictures and a gift message, and all they have to do is type in a code once the frame is plugged in.
Like the AirPods, this handy tracker can pair with an iPhone in seconds, and you can get them one for every essential they’re prone to losing.
They can also slip their AirTag into this sleek leather case that lets them attach it to anything with a keyring.
If they’re not in the Apple ecosystem, Tile’s trackers are almost as easy to set up, and they come in more form factors, so they’re easier to use for tracking a variety of items.
While I like robot vacuums that have app-based controls, this one works without any log-ins or apps necessary: It’s all run from a remote control.
This retro-looking handheld console comes loaded with games, so they don’t have to install or download anything to revisit their favorite classics.
This handheld console, which can play tons of PC games from Steam’s library, is impressively easy to set up. They do need a Steam account (which you can create for them), and then all they have to do is scan a QR code and log in via a browser to get right to gaming.
With this nifty iPhone case, they can get the tactility of an old Blackberry keyboard without needing to do any pairing.
Beats headphones are iconic for their stylish design, and these over-ear headphones have the same chip as all Apple’s AirPods, so pairing is just as seamless.
This turntable from a company known for their audio equipment pairs easily with Bluetooth speakers.
A tiny Bluetooth speaker loud enough to fill a room, and all they have to do is hit the pairing button to get things started.
This eye-catching Bluetooth speaker has just a few simple, intuitive dials for controls and can also play AM/FM radio.
A portable charger that can charge up to five devices at once, including a laptop. They’ll never have to worry about hitting zero percent again.
A charger that has cables built into it, so they don’t have to keep track of those, either.
This smart speaker will let them control all their smart-home gear, play music, and even add tasks to their to-do list hands-free. All they have to do is plug it in while their iPhone is nearby and it’ll be connected in no time.
Once they plug this in, their coffee (or tea) will never go cold again.
Twelve South’s three-in-one charger is slim enough to fit on even a cramped desk, and it can charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all from one outlet.
Since I picked up this foldable phone stand, it hasn’t left my bag. It’s great for watching videos on the go or turning a phone into a mobile workstation with a portable keyboard.
A portable SSD is a great way to expand the storage of a computer without needing to actually upgrade the parts (or buy a new one altogether). This one has tons of storage, and its shell is more rugged than most drives, so it’s great for traveling with.
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
