Tech and gadgets

A useful nudge to move, hydrate, and reset.

Avoid anything that needs a paid app to be useful.

Portable nostalgia without a complicated setup.

Check screen quality, battery life, and whether games are legally included.

A whole library that fits in a coat pocket.

Check ecosystem preference and storage size before choosing a model.

Silence on demand for travel, focus, and music.

Comfort and battery life matter more than the longest spec sheet.

A wall map that records where they have been.

Choose a clean design they would actually hang.

A flight of small-batch heat for adventurous meals.

Look for a range of heat levels rather than only novelty-hot sauces.

Fresh basil and mint on the counter.

A self-watering or beginner-friendly kit lowers the failure rate.

A living, low-maintenance windowsill companion.

Pick a hardy plant and a planter with drainage.

Paint pans and paper for getting back into making things.

A compact set with decent paper is better than many low-quality colors.

A small-batch tasting box that feels indulgent.

A tasting assortment feels more special than one large box.

A ceramic dripper, filters, and a slow-morning ritual.

Look for a set that includes filters and a sturdy ceramic dripper.

A handsome edition of a story worth keeping.

Choose a title they love or a beautiful edition in a genre they already read.