What makes a gadget stand out? With my experience of reviewing hundreds or even thousands of devices each year, I can tell you. The best gadgets usually address a common need, are simple to set up and use, and don’t require any special technical skills.

While we all appreciate a good bargain, what we truly seek is value for our money. Excellent tech products are like trusty friends: reliable, do what they promise, and fit seamlessly into our hectic routines. Plus, they often bring us joy.

Here’s a selection of gadgets I showcased on “The Today Show,” along with a few that are also on my personal holiday shopping list this year.

Gadgets Under $100

Do you ever take photos on your smartphone but never look at them again? We can all agree that physical photos have a special charm. Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Link 3 brings your favorite digital shots to life—in a fun way. Priced at around $100, this compact, portable Bluetooth photo printer pairs with the Instax Link app, offering creative features like collages, stickers, and captions.

Have you noticed how noisy everything is these days? From music blaring on public transport to loud phone conversations on the street, it sometimes feels overwhelming. When I need to block out the noise—particularly when working from places like planes or coffee shops—Loop’s Switch 2 adjustable earplugs are a fantastic solution. They are discreet, adjustable for volume, come with various tips for a secure fit, and are perfect for quick naps, deep sleep, or just enjoying some peace. Available in four colors for around $60.

We all know a young person who loves to tinker and create with technology. Instead of another video game, why not let them build their own? The Create Your Own Video Game Set by Uncommon Goods allows kids as young as eight to create retro-style arcade games. This $85 DIY kit connects to web-based software that simplifies coding languages like Python and Java, enabling them to design their own space shooters or 2D platformers.

If handheld gaming is their thing but you want to offer something to relieve sore joints, consider the LifePro Legra hand massager, available for $53. It uses pressure, vibration, and heat to alleviate tired hands, fingers, and wrists. The company claims it’s beneficial for easing arthritis or carpal tunnel symptoms, making it a great gift after a long day of wrapping presents or writing cards.

A dry-erase board might not be the first gift that comes to mind for a tech enthusiast, but this $17 light-up board is a hit for leaving love notes or quick reminders. It comes with a white dry-erase marker and features a see-through screen illuminated by 16 different LED colors. I use mine for family schedules, shopping lists, daily reminders, and even notes.

The $100 HMD Barbie Phone by Tracfone is a gadget that never fails to bring joy. It’s a real phone that supports voice and text communication, features a camera for photos and videos, and has 4G hotspot capabilities. It also comes with basic apps like WhatsApp—designed to minimize screen time while maximizing fun and pride.

Another gadget I find delightful is Nintendo’s Alarmo bedside clock, priced at $100 (currently exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers). It wakes you up with voice-acted scenes and musical themes from franchises like Mario, Zelda, Pikmin, and Splatoon. is quite popular among both children and their guardians.

Unexpected Gadget Gifts

The new Harbor baby monitor addresses several common issues parents face. It can function with or without WiFi, ensures your personal data is secure, and offers end-to-end encryption to keep intruders at bay. It comes with Apple Watch features for customized alerts, allowing one parent to wake up while the other gets to sleep peacefully. Plus, there’s an option to have an actual “Night Nanny” who can supervise the child throughout the night. It’s priced at $336 for the first year, which covers the hardware and service (the nanny service is an added cost of $20 per night), but you can snag it for $200 off if you have an eligible older monitor to trade in.

As kids grow older, they no longer need baby monitors, but they still require a method to contact their parents. While it might be tempting to give them a smartphone, a better option could be the new kids’ Bark Watch, which they can wear on their wrist. This watch has no apps or internet access, so they can focus more on their surroundings while still being able to take selfies, communicate with friends, and call home with just a button press. I view it as a gadget-based form of “training wheels” to help children learn about safe technology use. At $170 (with an additional $15 monthly for service), it’s comparable in cost to a basic smartphone.

I am currently enamored with ROLI’s Piano M. I have always wanted to take piano lessons, but traditional methods have felt rather tedious and pricey. Currently, during a holiday deal, you can get this vibrant keyboard set for $200. It connects with an app on your smartphone or tablet, lighting up the keys to guide you in learning songs, making the experience much more game-like rather than just a boring lesson. While you can certainly deviate and try your own things, your family might not appreciate that as much.