41 Gadget Gifts You’ll Agree Are Worth The Splurge

Aura is a small business! My husband and I have one of these in our home and have also gifted it to his grandparents and both of our parents. We're diehards for this digital frame, to say the least. Instead of sending everyone updated photos of the grandkids (my kids) directly, I was able to create one album that automatically updates on their frames. Everyone feels in the loop and is constantly commenting about how much they love being able to see the kids daily. You can also invite other people to upload their photos/videos to the Aura app — and there is unlimited storage on each frame!

Promising review: "I had been looking for years for something just like this! Not only is this a very clear picture frame, but the app it uses is exactly what I wanted for my parents. Somewhere that the whole family could leave pictures and notes to each other privately. It’s like a personal Instagram for only my family. The initial setup was rather difficult, but not a single issue after that. We have been using this frame and app for nearly one year, and it has worked flawlessly. I was worried about spending so much money on a digital frame and it not being what I wanted. But this is a true piece of quality and worth every penny." — Nicole

This lovely lil' gadget has seven different light settings, calming "wake up" noises, and can be set to gradually get brighter at 30, 20, or 10 minutes.

Promising review: "I got this recommendation from TikTok and it really has helped especially with Oregon winters where the sun is not out by the time the alarm rings. It has several peaceful alarm settings and even has night music to put you to sleep. The sunrise with the alarm piano is what I play to wake me up every morning and it is a way better way than to wake up to an annoying phone alarm." — Amazon Customer

I got the Beats Solo 4 headphones for Christmas in 2024 and was so excited that 1. they were pink and 2. to really try out my first pair of over-the-ear headphones. The sound quality was fabulous compared to the earbuds I've always used, but I was a little displeased with how the ear cups felt over my ears. I felt like I couldn't wear them for long periods of time or that I needed to take my earrings off to feel more comfortable. Then I was offered the chance to test out the Beats Studio Pro headphones (the ones Kim Kardashian helped design) and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to compare the two styles. Right off the bat I prefer the Studio Pros, solely because the ear cups are a bit larger and cushier — they are so comfy I can easily wear them for hours and nearly forget they're on my head. They charge quickly and stay charged for what feels like forever. It took me two seconds to connect them to both my computer and my phone and it's extremely easy to swap between the two. I'm an immediate fan and, honestly, can't see myself using another set of headphones possibly ever.

Promising review: "10/10 absolutely love them, they’re super comfortable, the control buttons are very easy to use, they connect super well, and I love the noise cancellation. This is my second pair of Beats, so the quality is amazing (the other pair was stolen). I’m not sure about the waterproof part, but they do still fit comfortably after I had facial surgery and my face was swollen!" — Asher

Check out an unboxing TikTok from @thatkawaiigrl!

BuzzFeed editor Jenae Sitzes loves hers! You can read more on why it's one of her favorite pieces of desk decor here.

Promising reviews: "I actually impulsively purchased this because I saw it on TikTok. I have had it for a little over a month now, and it is actually the best item I have purchased in a while. I admit, there is a slight learning curve when setting it up because there is not a clear-cut instructions guide for all of the features, but once you figure it out, it’s so worth it. It is really multifunctional and you can customize it to your liking. I really love the mini games feature on here, like Tetris and Snake, because they all bring back childhood memories for me. My favorite part is the fact that it works as a speaker and when I play music, I can have little videos sync to the music. Who knew a tiny little speaker could bring me so much joy. It is a bit pricy though, but it is just so cute. If you’re looking for a sign to buy this, here’s your sign." — Khuyen Nguyen

Kids, teens, and adults alike will be in awe of after they see how freakin' cool it is to make their own drawings come to life. 3Doodler is a small business!

Promising review: "This pen is great. My kids love it because it is easy to use and easy to maneuver. The pen is easy to control and allows them to make adjustments in order to make their ideas come to life. It fits their hands nicely and produces quality designs." — Megan Sexton

It comes with shaping discs for spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, pappardelle, tagliatelle, angel hair, and lasagna. Plus, there's an included recipe book for meal inspiration.

Promising review: "I was just as skeptical as you are. I, too, have been doing the old school — make the dough, roll it out, run it through a pasta machine, etc. — method. It's a production, all for AMAZING pasta. With this, you put the ingredients in, push a button, and watch for AMAZING pasta to be extruded. I had hoped I'd be able to multitask a bit more, but it extrudes so fast there isn't much time for other tasks between cutting it. But I think that seems reasonable. The other thing to consider is that you have to be VERY exact with the measurements of the ingredients. I've found weighing them works best. The recipes in the included book work great." — Conversio

It's reminiscent of a high-end crystal chandelier you'd likely see in the middle of a ballroom on Bridgerton. More importantly, they won't need to keep a stash of matches on hand and their fave candle will last basically forever since it won't actually be burning down when they pair it with this gadget.

Promising review: "I loved this candle warmer! I love that it has different functions, even a timer to set how long you want it on. The lights are super cool, too, and you don’t get that smoky smell when you blow out a candle. Definitely obsessed!" — Laura

This robo vac can easily move between hard floors and low- to medium-pile carpets/rugs and can pick up all the accumulated dust, dirt, and hair while you go about your day. It has an infrared sensor to avoid knocking into obstacles (like furniture and walls) and drop-sensing tech so it won't fall down stairs and off ledges. And if it starts to run low on battery, it'll just return to its base for a recharge! Reviewer do recommend keeping stray items like socks and cords off the floor before running this.

Promising review: "This robot vacuum is incredible! I have three dogs and a cat; this vacuum is a time saver. I run it each day and it has done an incredible job of keeping pet hair, dirt and debris picked up in my home. Works well on carpet, hardwood, and tile floors. Wish I had purchased it sooner!" — t. hampton

The number one item I simply could not live without is the Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced. Literally I would happily spend my last penny on this product because it has made that much of a difference in my life.

It’s essentially a Keurig for baby bottles. It has the capability of mixing formula with the proper amount of water and dispensing it at the perfect temperature for baby. It has a button on it so I can easily choose how many ounces I want for my son’s bottle, depending on how recently he’s eaten sometimes we needed only need 2 ounces instead of 4 ounces, etc. The bottle settings stayedin place so when my baby was screaming (he used to get very hangry!) I just had to place a bottle under the dispenser and hit the “start” button. It was so easy I was literally able to do it with one hand while holding him.

The spout has to be cleaned every four bottles, which I used to do with hot water and a paper towel, and the water needed to be refilled once a day (like a Keurig). Other than that, all I had to do was ensure the formula container is filled. My husband set it up like a baby bar cart in the nursery so we didn't have to stumble down our stairs to the kitchen while bleary-eyed and half asleep in the middle of the night. It really is a godsend and I don’t know what I would have done without it!

I switched to the Nanit monitoring system when my daughter was born in 2024 because the app has an incredible split-screen option that lets me watch both kiddos at once — it's been a game changer. It's super easy to set up, and once you've done so, there's nothing more to do but the occasional software update. The app itself is simple: it shows you a view of your kiddo's crib, notes how long they've been asleep, if they're crying, or if they're standing. The audio and picture is so clear (including the night mode) and the camera itself is unobtrusive to my kids' rooms' decor. I also love that even if I'm out (rarely) I can check in on my sleeping babies for some peace of mind.

Promising review: "The Nanit monitor is a must-have for new parents! The feature that allows for the baby’s breathing to be monitored is unparalleled in this market. I was able to sleep because I always knew my baby was breathing. Now that we are pregnant with our second child, we will continue to use the monitor for our toddler and the newborn, as the split-screen feature in their app is a great option to simultaneously view both children’s rooms. Nanit is a no-brainer!" — Colleen Kerbaugh

I've been lucky enough to test this baby out since it was first released in June 2025, but hadn't been able to write up a review because it was CONSTANTLY out of stock EVERYWHERE! Finally, it appears to be available (phew), so you can also get your hands on it and join me in my daily gaming fun. You can easily link your old account to your new system, so no need to fret about the games you've already been happily playing for years. Your eyeballs will be so pleased with the new, bigger, brighter screen, and you're going to LOVE being able to play the new Mario Kart World virtually with your friends and family. I'll report back with more details as more new games become available, but so far it has definitely felt like a worthy investment. My husband and I have been arguing over who gets to play Donkey Kong Bananza after the kids go to bed... we might need to buy a second one come the holidays.

Promising review: "This is my first time getting a Nintendo Switch, and I have honestly been using it non-stop since I got it. It’s so much fun and definitely worth the investment — I can tell it’s built to last for years of gaming. The battery life has been great; I haven’t had any issues at all, and a full charge lasts me several days of casual to moderate gameplay. I also love how versatile it is — it can be used in handheld mode, docked, or on a tabletop — it really adapts to how I want to play. Overall, it’s an amazing console that’s perfect for both gaming at home and on the go." — Ashanttii Studio

Also available with a Mario Kart World bundle or a Donkey Kong Bananza bundle.

My husband and I (he more than myself) would consider ourselves to be rather avid gamers. Growing up PlayStation was always my console of choice, so I was super excited to get my hands on a newer model as an adult. It's honestly all it's hyped up to be! There are so many games to play now it's overwhelming to even try to choose. That being said, our first foray into the PS5 was through Baldur's Gate 3 (which was 2023's Game of the Year winner). The experience was out of this world, honestly. The picture was so clear and the gameplay was seamless — even while playing alongside one of our friends. We always tend to get a lot more use out of it when the weather gets colder (and, ideally, our kids sleep all night).

Promising review: "The PlayStation 5 Pro takes gaming to the next level with ultra-sharp 4K visuals, smoother frame rates and stunning ray tracing. The PSSR AI enhancement makes games look incredible, and the 2TB SSD provides ample storage. It’s sleek, quiet, and feels premium. Delivery was quick and packaging was perfect." — Uzzam Soomro

My husband, a coffee connoisseur, has assured me in the "coffee community" that this machine is regarded as one (if not THE) best drip coffee machines on the market. I mean, it does boast the ability to brew between a half and a full carafe, a brew basket that automatically stops the flow of coffee when removing the carafe (no mess!), and a hotplate with an independent heating element to keep coffee at the perfect temperature. But for me? It's the color options. There are SO many to choose from — there's no doubt in my mind anyone would be able to find an option that would look great in their home. I actually do own one in my home (it's fabulous) and it does all that it says it will. It's certainly lived up to our expectations — and we drink a lot of coffee as parents of two little ones under the age of 3.5.

My dad is particularly loyal to his at-home coffee pot (he's even packed it a few times for the 12-hour drive he makes to visit me in New York), but even he has admitted he enjoys this coffee maker!

Promising review: "AWWW, I LOVE 💝 it... I opened it and it was the prettiest thing I've ever seen. I thought I had some nice coffee makers before, BUT this thing is so dang solid and pretty, and I love how it bubbles and brews, and the taste of the coffee is amazing. I don't think I will ever go back to any other coffee machine." — Tina Jensen

Check out this TikTok to see it in action.

BuzzFeed editor Melanie Aman says, "My partner and I had been on the fence about upgrading our coffee setup to include an espresso machine, but were always a bit leery about the price. Would we use it enough to make it worth it? Would it be a hassle to use? Would it take up a good chunk of our kitchen counters?

Let me say that we are kicking ourselves for not getting one sooner! While this was a very thoughtful gift for my partner's birthday from his family, it is truly worth the price tag and is something I would totally repurchase with my own money if I ever needed to. We've used it pretty much every day since we got it, which means that the amount we've saved on espresso drinks at NYC coffee shops has pretty much covered the price of the machine. TBH, I don't even want to go get coffee elsewhere unless it's a super fancy, seasonal latte that I can't make at home.

Using the machine is incredibly easy: It turns on with the push of a button and is ready to use in seconds — no waiting 20 minutes for the machine to warm up! The touchscreen, which I didn't think I needed initially, is a huge reason that I would recommend splurging on this model over its cheaper cousin, the Breville Barista Express (which is also on sale and a fan favorite, so still a solid option!). It's nice to toggle through the menu to select the drink you want. And the touchscreen walks you through each step, so the process doesn't seem so intimidating. You can even save custom drinks once you find the settings you like. We haven't had the machine long enough to have to descale it, but given how easy every other part of using and cleaning this machine is, I'm not super concerned.

This has been a truly delightful addition to my kitchen, and if you're on the fence like I was, do it, do it, do it! You will not regret it!

I have a Kindle and surprisingly have become a big fan of it — especially when traveling. While I absolutely prefer a hardcover book, it's nearly impossible to put more than two (which is a stretch in itself) in my suitcase along with my clothes, shoes, toiletries, etc. I read most of my books these days through the Libby app (all you need is a library card for access) which can be used via your phone or Kindle. No need to spend tons of money on novels when I simply am not someone who rereads them! I like that I can use this one near water without fear of it getting destroyed (yikes).

You may also want to consider a Kindle Unlimited subscription, which provides unlimited access to books, audiobooks, and magazines for $11.99 per month.

Promising review: "Love the new Kindle! It's a perfect carry and go size, it is so easy to use and set up took less than five minutes! The screen is clear and it is easy to switch between light and dark mode. The matcha color is also a huge plus! I am so pleased with this new purchase!" — Amazon Customer

My mother-in-law absolutely loves her Cricut — it's one of her favorite gadgets. She loves using it to craft cards for all of the family, accents for holiday meals, and to personalize gifts. It's a fun and easy way to unwind while also feeling like you've been productive with your downtime.

Promising review: "I’m not a typical craft gal, but this machine is so nice to have! Been using it for wedding-related things, and let me tell you, it takes some time to learn the more intricate things like embossing and stuff, but it’s got everything you need. And man, does it feel like good quality!!! So not cheap at all, but totally worth it, and once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty easy to use." — Anhely

So they won't have to wait for their Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey Ice Cream to soften before literally digging in. Not a moment to waste!!! Check out a TikTok of the heated ice cream scoop in action.

The scoop can go up to 158 degrees!

Promising review: "This electric scoop is spectacular. It's easy to use and comes with a cord and everything else. It's very practical and made of good material. It doesn't need anything; it just knows when to heat it up so that it turns out a spectacular scoop of ice cream." — Lisney

That'll help make even the sunniest of days into cozy ones fit for movie marathons — all they'll have to do is click the remote or ask Alexa or Google to lower them!

Promising review: "While a bit spendy, these blinds are great! The customer service is impeccable, and they are very responsive and were able to work with my poor measuring skills to get me sorted with a new set that only required a motor swap! After doing it twice because I put the reset button the wrong way, I'm back installed, and they work great!!!! Thank you!!" — Johnny X.

BuzzFeed Home and Garden editor Sally Elshorafa is a huge fan. She said, "When I say I'm obsessed...I think it's actually an understatement. I get GIDDY when I get to use my heated mattress pad — it's that good! I'm a person who is always a little cold, and I actually become more alert when I get into a bed that's cold. Not great if it's late and you just want to sleep! This mattress pad has changed my life. I get so excited about 10 minutes before bedtime because I get to turn it on. It feels very similar to lying down on a massage table that's been warmed up. Pure luxury! I don't know how I slept comfortably before I started using this one.

I really like the timer (it goes from 1–12 hours) because as the night goes on, I do get a little warm to the point where it can be uncomfortable. With the timer, the heater shuts off automatically, so I don't wake up at 4 a.m. in a hot sweat. There are 12 levels of heat, so you can customize it to your liking. Oh, and the queen and king sizes have two independent controls, so you and your sleeping partner can pick your own levels of warmth. J'adore."

BuzzFeed editor Elizabeth Lilly loves hers! She said:

"I've used about every kind of hair styling tool on the planet and had given up on curling irons with clamps. I was fully a curling wand girlie because I'm adept at heat styling and it gave me covetable mermaid waves I wanted. Then I tried a Beachwaver and haven't looked back since. I have them in two barrel sizes and now can zone out while I do my hair. The directional buttons for the tool are easy to use and if I accidentally press the button for the opposite way of which I'd like the barrel to spin, it's a quick and easy correction. I try all sorts of products for my job but this has quickly become one that I talk about all the time."

Promising review: "This is my first rotating curling iron. It makes curling my hair so easy, much easier than the flat iron I used to use before. It heats up pretty fast, has a long, convenient cord, and holds the hair really well as it curls. It too me a couple times to get the hang of it and to get the curl pattern that I liked. I found videos on YouTube that really helped." — sheeshoo

I've had the pleasure of testing out the Dyson Airstrait and, OMG, what an incredible piece of technology. Yes, I called this "tech" instead of a beauty tool. While it is both of these things, I was amazed by the gadget-ness of it right off the bat. I literally had to select on an LCD screen what language MY STRAIGHTENER should be set to...wild. Anyways! The Airstrait has the ability to straighten both wet and dry hair — and does so without the use of damaging hot plates. It uses directional airflow to smooth and straighten hair, and, honestly, it is a pretty magical experience.

The biggest learning curve for me was realizing the copper pieces (where the fan lives) need to face outward so you're not blowing your hair all over the place. The fan increases when you clamp the Airstrait around your hair (HOW DOES IT KNOW!?) and pauses entirely when you set it down (seen in the GIF to the left). Additionally, I have two toddlers and am very limited on time. With this gadget I was able to take my hair from directly-from-the-shower wet to natural-looking straight hair in only TEN MINUTES. This is going to be such a game-changer for my life!!! It's definitely worth the splurge. Add this to your holiday wish list or, you know, get it now.

Promising review: "It irons the hair in the air and leaves a soft and loose effect. What I loved most was that it reached my roots, which is what I needed. You can use it as a hair dryer with the help of a brush because it has the function to throw air like a blower, love it." — Danilisa

Promising review: "This gives me a professional blowout style in 10 minutes! I have the Dyson hair dryer, and it dries hair quickly, and it’s great; however, getting the drying attachment for the Airwrap kind of makes the hair dryer obsolete for me now. The noise level is less than the Dyson hair dryer for sure, since it is a smaller unit. The airflow is surprising, like I mentioned, I dried and styled my mid-back length hair in ten minutes. Love how sleek and shiny and sooo soft the Airwrap leaves my hair feeling! Expensive but it’s a quality product that will last." — Sam

Any and every beauty product fanatic is going to want to see under their tree this year — and why wouldn't they? This one is the brand's lightest and smallest dryer yet, plus, it helps reduce frizz and has an array of "intelligent" attachments with RFID chips built in to remember your previous temperature and airflow settings. The wow-factors just keep COMINNNNN'.

Promising reviews: "I had the old Supersonic and I loved that, but this is next level. My drying time is even less with the R. I also love how lightweight it is." — Andrea

"I really like this updated Dyson Dryer. It's so light compared to the original. Similar attachments to the original. The new design and light weight of it make drying hair easy, and your arms don't get tired. It's lighter than the Airwrap, too!!! I love my OG Dryer, and I hope to love this new one just as much. I love the option to use no heat as well as the three different heat options and speed options." — Thin Hair maintenance

I have one of these bad boys and can validate that it is SO easy to use. I pop my phone into it when I get in the shower and click the lil' button on the front to start the cleaning process. You can also charge your phone while it's inside the machine. Fellow germaphobes — you can thank me later. Additionally, PhoneSoap is a small business!

Promising review: "Bought this along with a set of agar plates to test it for ourselves. We swabbed my daughter's and my husband's phones before and after use. It does work. We are very happy with the product." — Ginger

I've personally tested one of these out and it is so cool. I have a full-size pizza oven (which I adore), but I know that sometimes using it can be an ordeal. This Ninja Woodfire 8-in-1 oven was great for making pizza in despite its small footprint — it has five different pizza settings (Neapolitan, Thin Crust, Pan, New York, and Frozen) and the set comes with a pizza stone. We tested it out at a friend's house with our kids and, shockingly, didn't feel overwhelmed while simultaneously chasing toddlers! It also comes with a pan, roast rack, a pellet scoop, and a starter pack of Ninja Woodfire pellets."

Promising review: "Want to feed a crowd? Once it's heated, a pizza is ready to go every six minutes. Want to smoke enough BBQ for a small group? Easily handles enough for four people with a chicken or a couple of racks of ribs with the right accessories. Great for searing sous vide steaks or just cooking them from scratch. Portable enough to take on trips, versatile enough to find a use at any gathering." — Nathan

I recently had the chance to test out this smoker/grill, well, my husband did because I don't know how to make a damn thing. He was blown away by just how easy it was to use, as was my dad, who was in town and excited to play with our "new toy." In addition to functioning as a grill, it can also smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ! We have two toddlers, so the "set-it and forget-it" concept was certainly a game-changer for my family. My husband decided to smoke two spatchcock chickens as his first foray into cooking with wood pellets — and it was SO easy to do so! He literally just followed all the directions, monitored the temperature on the app, and let the grill do its thing. Since then, he's also made ribs, which came out deliciously, and cooked three chickens at a time for other households. He's even using it to cook our Thanksgiving turkey!

Promising review: "Amazing product and huge upgrade from my last BBQ. Really happy I purchased it. It made things so much easier and I'm having a smooth experience." — Mehdi G

Note: you can read more about the benefits of massage, including how it may help with temporary pain relief, at Cleveland Clinic and also learn more about how heat may help with muscle knots, muscle relaxation, and improved range of motion here. AND (!!!) be sure to talk to your doctor before diving right in with any massage products.

My husband and I have been testing out this massage table for the last couple of months, and now that I've really put it to good use, I can let you know it is worth every last penny. We both work from home and sit at our desks all day. When we're not doing that, we're carrying around our toddlers, bending to pick up toys, taking them on long, hilly walks, arching over the bathtub to scrub behind their ears...well, you get the point. Our backs are not in great shape, to say the least. The first time I had lain down on this table, I genuinely wasn't sure I'd ever be able to get up. I was able to turn on the heat settings and use the remote to adjust the rollers to the exact spot on my back that always felt knotted. It works so incredibly well that my husband and I have incorporated it into our nightly routines. You only need five minutes to feel a difference, but you'll want to lie there much longer. My sister has scoliosis and gave it a try during a recent visit — she also is obsessed and loved it!

Promising review: "This table is really massaging my back and shoulders like I never would have imagined. In fact, when it arrived, I said to myself, 'I must be out of sorts to have spent $600 on another portable massage table; it's going back!' But once I tried it, I was blown away, and there's no way I'll part with it now." — William L