Gift guide
Tech Gift Guide: The Best Gifts Under $100, $200, $400 and Up
Real tech gifts that don't cost new-phone money, grouped by budget, with who each one is for and why it works.
The best tech gift is the thing they'd buy themselves but won't: a newer phone, a console, a tablet or a smartwatch. Buying refurbished gets you a much better gift for the same budget, with a 1-year warranty and 30-day returns. Here are our picks by budget.
How this list works
Prices shown are live "from" prices in our store, so they're always current. Higher storage or better grades cost a bit more.
Under $100
- Nintendo Switch Lite (from $76.99): why it's a good gift: instant fun, huge game library, tough enough for kids. Handheld only, no TV.
- Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (from $84.99): fitness tracking, notifications and crash detection for anyone with an iPhone.
- Galaxy Tab A9+ (from $73.99): a big-screen streaming and video-call tablet for kids or grandparents.
- Galaxy A16 5G (from $80.99): a first phone that gets six years of updates.
Under $200
- Nintendo Switch OLED (from $169.99): the best way to play Switch: bigger, brighter screen and plays on the TV.
- iPad (10th gen) (from $143.99): for school, drawing, recipes and Netflix. USB-C and a modern design.
- PlayStation 5 (from $177.99): the gift that wins Christmas morning. Read PS5 vs Xbox first.
- Apple Watch Series 9 (from $161.99): always-on display and fast charging for the fitness person.
Under $400
- iPhone 13 (from $286.99): a real upgrade for a teen or a parent on an old phone.
- Steam Deck OLED (from $308.99): their whole PC game library in their hands.
- Nintendo Switch 2 (from $304.99): the newest Nintendo, plays most Switch games too.
- iPad Air 11-inch (M2) (from $274.99): laptop-level power for students and creatives.
$400 and up
- iPhone 15 Pro (from $556.99): titanium, 120Hz, Apple Intelligence support, and a lot less than a new Pro.
- PS5 Pro (from $433.99): for the gamer with a big 4K TV.
- iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) (from $458.99): the best tablet you can buy, for artists and pros.
- Galaxy S25 (from $387.99): compact flagship with updates into 2032.
By person
- Teen: iPhone 13 or Galaxy S24, plus a case. Or a Switch OLED.
- Student: iPad (10th gen) or iPad Air. See iPad vs Galaxy Tab for students.
- Gamer: PS5, Xbox Series X or Steam Deck OLED.
- Parent or grandparent: a tablet for video calls, or an Apple Watch for fall detection.
- Kid (under 12): Switch Lite or a Galaxy Tab A9+ with parental controls.
By occasion
- Holidays: consoles and tablets. Order early, and remember our 30-day returns cover gifts too.
- Back to school: iPads and a reliable phone.
- Graduation: a phone upgrade they'll use every day for years.
- Birthday on a budget: Apple Watch SE or Switch Lite.
Gift tips
- Refurbished isn't "used-looking". Our grades describe looks only, and every grade works like new.
- Giving a phone? Check it works with their carrier. All our phones are unlocked.
- Upgrading someone's phone? Help them move their data with our transfer guide.
Skip the new-phone price
Get the Nintendo Switch Lite pre-owned from $76.99, tested by real technicians with a 1-year warranty and 30-day returns.