The Tech Lover’s Christmas Gift Guide 2025
- Vingt Sept
- 2 days ago
- 10 min read
Updated: 23 hours ago
The future has arrived, and this year it is sleeker, smarter and more useful than ever. From kitchen heroes reinventing the everyday brew to devices that soothe the nervous system or amplify your beauty rituals, these are the gifts we have genuinely used, tested and lived with at HQ. Consider this your guide to winning Christmas with presents that feel thoughtful, personal and unapologetically forward thinking.
FOR THE MUSIC LOVER WHO BRINGS THE VIBE EVERYWHERE
For the friend or loved one who always curates the perfect playlist, hosts spontaneous gatherings, or turns every road trip into a cinematic soundtrack, the Bose SoundLink Max is the gift that truly keeps the music going. This is Bose’s most powerful portable speaker yet, combining rugged durability with a sleek, premium design that looks as good as it sounds.
It delivers deep, resonant bass, crisp highs and rich, immersive sound that can effortlessly elevate any space, whether it’s a living room party, a picnic in the park, or an evening on the balcony. Rugged and IP67-rated, it is built to survive spills, dust, and outdoor adventures, making it the ultimate companion for anyone who brings their music everywhere.
With twenty hours of battery life, the soundtrack lasts all day and night, and a built-in USB-C port lets you charge your phone while the music plays, keeping the party alive and your devices powered. The tactile buttons are subtly recessed and intuitive, offering satisfying control that makes every interaction feel deliberate and effortless.
Give this to:
The playlist curator who lives for the perfect mix, the road trip DJ who sets the tone wherever they go, or any loved one who believes that audio excellence is not just a luxury but a lifestyle. It's a gift that combines performance, style and portability for music lovers who demand the very best.
FOR THE PERSON WHO CRAVES A HOME SPA BUT NEVER HAS THE TIME
ThermoLab Pro Portable Home Steam Sauna
Say goodbye to cramped gyms and overpriced spa visits. The ThermoLab Pro is a portable sauna that combines steam therapy with infrared light to create a cocooning wellness experience at home. Its dual-action technology boosts circulation, aids muscle recovery, promotes deep sleep, supports detoxification and melts away stress, making it the ultimate recovery tool for fitness enthusiasts and anyone with a busy lifestyle.
Patented 4.8mm insulation retains heat far more effectively than typical PVC saunas, while its 2.6L steamer heats in just five minutes; you can even add essential oils for a more meditative experience. The integrated infrared light amplifies relaxation, enhances skin clarity and energises the body, delivering the benefits of a high-end spa in a compact, easy-to-use design. It folds flat for storage and sets up quickly, making it perfect for city apartments, small homes or anyone without access to a garden or dedicated wellness space.
Give this to:
The friend with perpetual muscle tension, the gym goer who needs faster recovery, or the loved one who always says they deserve a spa day. It's a gift that combines luxury, wellness and convenience in one transformative experience.
FOR THE AUDIO LOVER WITH IMPECCABLE TASTE
Marshall Monitor III A.N.C.
For the person who lives life to a soundtrack, the Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. headphones deliver a powerful blend of heritage design and modern engineering. These over-ears combine Marshall’s iconic rock-and-roll silhouette with cutting-edge Active Noise Cancellation, creating an immersive listening experience whether they’re commuting, travelling, or simply escaping into music at home. Expect deep bass, clean mids and crisp detail, the signature Marshall sound that audiophiles swear by.
Engineered for comfort, the Monitor III features a lightweight, foldable build that fits seamlessly into a busy lifestyle. The intuitive controls, long-lasting battery, and customisable sound settings make them equally suited to work sessions, workouts, and winding down after a long day. It’s high performance disguised as effortless style.
Wrapped in the distinctive Marshall look, brass accents, textured black vinyl and all, the Monitor III A.N.C. feels like a little piece of music history.
Give this to:
The music obsessive with impeccable taste, the stylish commuter who hates poor audio quality, or the friend who wants premium noise cancellation without sacrificing design.
FOR THE HOME BARISTA WITH STANDARDS
Swan Digital One Touch Espresso Machine with Automatic Milk Frother
Two years ago, we reviewed Swan’s retro coffee machine. Cute, nostalgic and loved by milk frother obsessives, but this is the upgrade your caffeine devotee truly deserves.
The new Digital One Touch is barista craftsmanship without the performance pressure. A premium touchscreen with seven presets, a mighty 20 bar extraction that produces richer, bolder flavour, and a hands-free automatic milk frother that sends silky foam straight into the cup. It cleans itself with a one-touch function, and the single and double filters mean you can pull back-to-back shots for you and your partner with ease.
Give this to:
The early riser who refuses to entertain mediocre coffee or the loved one whose personality is their hometown café.
FOR THE LOVED ONE CELEBRATING THEIR SENSUALITY
The Poet by Smile Makers
For the friend or partner embracing their confidence, pleasure and self-expression, The Poet is the ultimate celebration of female sexuality. We were inspired by the spirit of empowerment in Lily Allen’s return album, West End Girl and tracks like P** Palace* to seek the perfect companion. The Poet is an award-winning air pulse technology sex toy that lets users take control of their own pleasure with unprecedented precision.
The Poet features three interchangeable attachments, allowing it to be clitorally inclusive and adjustable to every preference. It is one of the first devices to respond to squeeze alone, creating a truly intuitive experience, and delivering passionate, pulse-quickening sensations that are powerful and deeply satisfying. Every element is thoughtfully designed; from the elegant round box and neatly organised attachments to the satin storage bag and charging cable, making it a gift that feels luxurious from unboxing to use.
Founded in 2013 by Smile Makers, a company with a mission to normalise female sexuality and provide high-quality, body-positive products, The Poet has evolved into a flagship item in their lust-have line, combining stronger vibrations, enhanced designs and heightened pleasure.
Give this to:
The solo single reclaiming their power, the couple looking to explore new levels of intimacy, or the friend who celebrates their body and sensuality without shame. It's a gift that combines innovation, empowerment and pleasure in one beautifully crafted experience.
FOR THE FAMILY FEEDER OR MULTI-TASKING HOST
Tower Vortx 11L Dual Layer Air Fryer
An air fryer, but evolved. Tower’s vertically stacked 11L Vortx machine is a space-saving powerhouse that cooks four different foods at once. Ideal for families, entertainers or anyone juggling dietary preferences.
The dual 5.5L baskets can each fit an entire chicken. The 30 per cent faster Vortx airflow technology produces crispiness with little to no oil. Match Cook and Smart Finish functions sync both baskets, so everything lands on the table at the same time.
It also cuts energy usage by up to 70 per cent, making it the rare kitchen gadget that feels indulgent and economical.
Give this to:
The friend who hosts Sunday roasts, impromptu gatherings or always cooks “for ten just in case.”
FOR THE LOUNGER WHO NEVER LEAVES THE SOFA AND SHOULDN’T HAVE TO
Krafted Couch Matcha Wireless Charger
A quiet luxury solution for modern slothfulness. Krafted’s Couch charger drapes over the sofa arm, offering fast MagSafe-compatible wireless charging exactly where you unwind.
The anti-slip silicone ridge keeps it secure, it looks stylish rather than gimmicky, and the long cable means no awkward stretching for sockets. In the Matcha shade, it is surprisingly beautiful.
Give this to:
The homebody. The comfort connoisseur. The WFH buddy. The partner who always asks for their charger.
FOR THE MINIMALIST WHO WANTS BIG SOUND IN A SMALL PACKAGE
Marshall Minor IV
Perfect for the person who prefers their tech small, sleek and clever, the Marshall Minor IV earbuds deliver impressive acoustic punch in a tiny, minimalist design. Ergonomically shaped for lasting comfort, these earbuds offer tuned, vibrant sound with a surprisingly rich bass, ideal for podcasts, playlists, and everything in between.
With more than 30 hours of total playtime, quick-charge capability, and reliable touch controls, the Minor IV is built for those always on the move.
Whether they’re darting between meetings, smashing gym sessions, or working from a sunlit café corner, these earbuds keep up without compromise.
Their understated design still carries the unmistakable Marshall personality, making them feel more luxe than their size suggests. As a stocking filler or a standalone gesture, they offer everyday practicality wrapped in pure audio charm.
Give this to:
The traveller who never stops, the minimalist who hates bulky tech, or the friend who wants great sound in the simplest, most stylish form.
FOR THE HEALTH PURIST OR WATER SNOB
The Watery by Milky Plant
Say goodbye to bottled water. From the founders of Milky Plant, who set out to create healthier, fresher, and waste-free alternatives to store-bought drinks, comes The Watery. This minimalist countertop system uses advanced 4-stage reverse osmosis to deliver purified water at the tap of a screen.
It removes impurities down to 0.001 microns, including hormones found in tap water that can affect skin health, reduce radiance, and contribute to breakouts, with reductions often reported at 95 to 99 per cent. The system monitors water quality in real time, dispenses instant hot water, and auto-fills a pitcher so there is always clean water ready. No plastics, no bottles, no filter changes every month, no more guilt.
The Watery is as stylish as it is functional. Its sleek, modern design sits effortlessly on any kitchen counter, elevating the space while providing water that tastes better than bottled. Hot drinks, including baby formula, are ready in seconds with one touch, making it the perfect gift for wellness-conscious loved ones who value both design and purity.
Give this to:
The wellness enthusiast, the environmentally conscious, the skincare obsessive or the person who claims they can taste minerals in tap water.
FOR THE BEAUTY PERFECTIONIST OR HAIR OBSESSED CREATIVE
GHD Chronos
The Chronos is ghd’s most awarded straightener for good reason. In a single stroke, it delivers high-definition styling, 3 times faster performance, 2 times less frizz and up to 85 per cent more shine. Its HD motion-responsive technology reads your movements, adjusting the heat with precision to protect hair while achieving flawless, salon-quality results in minutes.
Whether you crave sleek, glossy strands, soft S-waves or sculpted ribbons, the Chronos transforms hair with effortless grace, making professional styles achievable at home. The re-engineered hinge ensures plates stay perfectly aligned for complete control, while the optimum heat maintains hair strength, reduces breakage and leaves every strand radiant, touchably soft and full of life. For those who value speed without compromising on style or hair health, the Chronos is the ultimate styling companion.
Give this to:
The beauty lover who treats their hair like a personality trait. The creatively inclined friend who changes their hair texture as often as their mood.
FOR THE SKINCARE DEVOTEE WHO LOVES A FUTURE-FACING GLOW
ThermoLab Aura Pro LED Mask
Say goodbye to breakouts, dull skin and fine lines. We have discovered the solution. The Aura Pro by ThermoLab is a wireless silicone LED mask that delivers targeted light therapy without the weight or discomfort of traditional devices. Red and near-infrared wavelengths help smooth fine lines, restore elasticity and boost skin vitality, while blue and yellow lights calm redness, reduce irritation and even out tone for a more luminous, healthy-looking complexion.
Designed by UK-based founder Tod Key, who is passionate about making professional skincare accessible at home, the Aura Pro is lightweight, fully cordless and fits seamlessly into a ten-minute daily ritual. With adjustable intensity and intuitive controls, it provides a spa-quality treatment for those devoted to self-care, anti-ageing, and maintaining their glow between dermatology appointments or regular aesthetic treatments. Beautifully crafted and supported in the UK, the Aura Pro transforms your skincare routine, leaving skin visibly brighter, firmer and radiant. It is the perfect gift for anyone who wants professional-level results without appointments or fuss.
Give this to:
The skincare maximalist. The friend who reads ingredient lists for recreation. Anyone who prefers high-tech beauty over harsh actives.
FOR THE HIGH PERFORMANCE THINKER, FOUNDER OR ATHLETE
The Braindriver (tDCS Device)
For the loved one who thrives on peak performance, whether in the office, at the gym, or mastering a new skill, The Braindriver is the ultimate tool to support focus, learning, and emotional balance. Created by Alex Heredia following a biking accident, this sleek, wearable tDCS device harnesses over a century of neuromodulation research to deliver gentle electrical currents that help modulate brain activity, enhancing concentration, clarity and cognitive performance.
Especially during the darker winter months, when seasonal affective disorder can affect mood and energy levels, the Braindriver offers a modern wellness solution. In many European countries, tDCS is approved for the treatment of depression, making it a thoughtful gift for anyone seeking to lift their spirits, sharpen their mind, and maintain balance when daylight is limited.
Compact, wearable and easy to use, the Braindriver fits seamlessly into a daily routine for those who prioritise wellness, personal growth, and high-performance living. It's perfect for professionals, students, athletes, or anyone who values tools that boost focus, accelerate learning, and support emotional well-being, especially when the winter blues strike.
Give this to:
The high-achiever who always seeks clarity and mental edge, the wellness fanatic committed to self-optimisation, or the friend who could use a little lift during the darker months. It's a gift that combines cutting-edge science, practicality, and wellness in one sleek, wearable device.
FOR THE DESIGN DEVOTEE WHO VALUES PURE QUIET LUXURY
LOEWE TECHNOLOGY Leo Over-Ear ANC Wireless Headphones
For the aesthete who demands as much from design as from performance, Loewe Leo headphones are the ultimate expression of quiet luxury. As Loewe’s first-ever headphones, crafted by a German heritage brand with over 100 years of design mastery, the Leo marks a new benchmark in high-end audio. Finished in anodised aluminium, wrapped in supple leather, and available in refined Midnight Blue or Moonlight Beige, these headphones whisper sophistication rather than shout it.
Beyond the aesthetics, Leo delivers studio-quality sound from precision 50mm drivers, supported by Adaptive Noise Cancellation, a high-end DAC and intelligent onboard AI. The experience is rich, dimensional and meticulously balanced, perfect for the listener who appreciates nuance. With up to 65 hours of battery life and Mimi Sound Personalisation via the Loewe app, the Leo is tailored for long listening sessions, travel, and focused work alike.
Give this to:
The design purist, the tech-forward creative, or the quiet-luxury enthusiast who already owns everything, except these.
FOR THE ATHLETE, DESK WORKER OR ANYONE WHO LOVES RECOVERY
Pulsio TENS Pod
For the loved one who’s always on the go, whether they're training hard, sitting at a desk all day, or simply juggling a life that never slows down, the Pulsio TENS Pod is the ultimate compact recovery tool. This clever, pocket-sized device uses Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) to relieve tension, soothe sore muscles, and deliver targeted pain management without the need for bulky machines or cords. It’s modern recovery made effortless.
With multiple modes and adjustable intensity levels, the Pulsio TENS Pod adapts to whatever the day demands: a post-leg-day cooldown, relief from lower back pain, or easing shoulder stiffness from hours hunched over a laptop. Its discreet wireless design means it can be worn under clothing while working, commuting, or relaxing at home, making it a genuinely useful gift that fits into any lifestyle.
Rechargeable, travel-friendly, and intuitive to use, the Pulsio TENS Pod turns everyday self-care into a high-tech ritual. For anyone who prioritises wellbeing, whether through fitness, mindfulness, or simply staying pain-free, it offers both comfort and control at the touch of a button.
Give this to:
The gym lover who never skips leg day, the office worker constantly battling tension, or the wellness-focused friend who swears by elevated self-care tools. It’s a thoughtful, practical gift that supports recovery, performance, and resilience.
Words by Jheanelle Feanny
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