Tech Gift Guide 2025

Here’s a quick gift guide if you’re stuck for last minute ideas. My list is simplified around three categories: home, productivity and travel. All gadgets meant to affordable and easily accessible.

HOME GADGETS

• Dahan Smart LED strip lights. These are great for a living room, gaming room or kids bedrooms. You can change the colours from a smartphone app and even set a schedule for when you to have them light up. It can sync with your music and the lights change with the beat. It also has a remote control. You can pick them up on Takealot from R200 upwards.
  
• Xiaomi Smart Speaker: It has Google built in, so you can ask it anything, since searching with voice is much easier than typing. It also has Bluetooth and Chromecast built-in if you want to play music as it’s a powerful 12W speaker. You can also control other smart devices with it using voice, and do things like alarms and reminders. Its costs R1100.
  
• MeacoFan 650 Air Circulator: It’s low powered so can be connected to power banks through a USB-C cable or power outlet. It operates quietly, so perfect for summer at night or as a home office desk fan. It has a remote control that magnetically fits on it so you won’t lose it. Price: R2499.
  
• JBL Go 3: This small eco waterproof speaker is made from recycled materials plus it has an integrated loop so you can hook it in the bathroom for the kids or take it outside by the pool. It offers 5 hours of music playback and lets you pair devices over Bluetooth. You can get it for R699.
  
• ThermoPro Digital Thermometer: You can braai this holiday season with accuracy using a digital thermometer, which claims to be accurate up to 1-degree. It’s perfect for home cooked meals, ensuring you are never under or over cooking your meat. It also doubles up as a bottle opener and it’s also waterproof. Price: R549
  

PRODUCTIVITY GADGETS

• Brother Label Maker: This handheld label maker simplifies making labels with a choice of font selection, borders, and other graphic options at the press of a button. Whether you’re organising your office or kitchen, this nifty little tool helps with keeping things tidy. Price: R999
  
• Logitech Keyboard and Mouse Combo: The MK470 Slim Combo set offers a keyboard that quiet to type on, and features an ultra-thin design if you want a clean desktop space. The keyboard offers customisable shortcuts while the slim profile mouse also promises to be near silent. Price: R1058.
  
• Asus ZenScreen USB-C Portable Monitor: This 15.6-inch portable screen is great for pairing to a laptop or desktop. It’s plug and play, with a USB-C connection. It can be used horizontally or vertically, plus has a kickstand. Price: R1999.
  
• GaN 660W Fast Charging Docking Station: This fast charging docking station features 8 ports, which are 6 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports to fast charge multiple devices at once. GaN Technology means it will be efficient and won’t overheat. Price: R799.
  
• Xiaomi Electric Screwdriver Set: The Xiaomi electric precision screwdriver set has 24 magnetic bits covering a range of types and sizes. It features a strong magnetic motor with two speed settings. It is also rust-proof and its magnetic design means it won’t fall out of the box. Price: R949.
  

Traveller/On-the-go Gadgets

• Kodak Charmera: Kodak recently launched its viral digital keychain camera called the Charmera in South Africa. It’s cute and nostalgic but also comes in a blind box, so you don’t know what you’re getting. Price: R999.
  
• Philips Wireless in-ear earbuds: The Philips wireless in-ear earbuds promises up to 6 hours of play time and a total of 12 hours with the charging case. It has smart touch controls and it is water- and sweat-resistant. Price: R399.
  
• Portable Travel Steamer: This portable USB travel steamer makes for a great gift because you never know which hotels provide an iron or if they do, how long it may take to request one if it’s not in your room. A portable one does not take up much space. Price: R313.
  
• Belkin BoostCharge: This Belkin power bank with 10000mAh capacity has a built in 20W USB-C cable to fast charge devices on the go. It is compatible with Samsung and Apple for fast charging. It can charge up to 50% in less than 30 minutes. Price: R599.
  
• Digital Luggage Scale: To make sure you’re never going over the airline weigh restrictions, it’s best to carry a small digital luggage scale. This solution weighs bags up to 50kgs and easily fits into your hand luggage as it’s 85g. Price: R500.
  

Hope this helps with your last minute shopping.