It may come as a bit of a surprise to some, but not everyone out there is as in love with technology as we techies. But that doesn’t mean non-techies won’t find tech gifts useful. And, who knows, next year they too may be converted into a stalwart tech-head!
Here is a selection of tried and tested gadgets that are not only super useful but also not overwhelming for the non-techie.
Never lose keys again!
Never lose your keys again! Yes, it’s really that simple. Pop a Tile Pro tag on your keys and you can use your smartphone to find them when you’ve put them down in that safe place and forgotten where they are.
The Tile Pro features replaceable batteries, so they are kinder to the planet than the type you toss away when done. It tracks up to 400 feet of range and is water-resistant in case you ever leave your keys in the rain.
Emergency power without the gasoline generator
This is the perfect way to get emergency power without needing a smelly, noisy gasoline generator! Not only is the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 small, not smelly, and silent in use, it doesn’t need maintenance and can’t burst into flames if you spill gasoline around it!
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 perfect for keeping laptops, mini-cooler, drone, and other outdoor electronics charged up and ready for action. It features a single AC outlet (110V 200W 400W Peak), twin USB-A ports, and a DC car port.
Need total off-grid power? The unit can be recharged using a separate Jackery Solar Saga 60W/100W solar panel array (sold separately).
Also: ZDNet’s Greg Nichols reviews the Jackery Explorer 1500
Because car batteries do fail!
Dead batteries still happen, and when they do, the NOCO Boost HD GB70 is the perfect tool to have to hand. This compact 2000-amp portable lithium car battery jump starter pack can deliver up to 40 jump starts on a single charge and can start gasoline engines up to 8 liters and diesel engines up to 6 liters.
It’s also very safe in use, and even if you do hook it up incorrectly, there won’t be any sparks or engine damage, which is always good!
But there’s more to this pact than a jump starter. The NOCO Boost HD GB70 is also a portable power bank, LED flashlight, and 12-volt portable power.
And since this is going to live in the trunk of a car and outdoors, it has been designed to the rugged and water-resistant enclosure rated at IP65.
Also: Best portable jump starters: Top picks that will make a pop
Need more gift ideas?
Check out our ZDNet Recommends directory or Holiday Gifts hub for some more inspiration.
