# TechCrunch’s Top Tech Picks: Holiday Gift Favorites
TechCrunch's editors have curated a standout list of favorite tech gadgets and apps for 2025, perfect for holiday gifting to tech enthusiasts, productivity seekers, and gadget lovers alike. From innovative neck fans to AI-powered wearables and focus-boosting apps, these picks highlight the year's most practical and buzzworthy items that impressed even the pickiest reviewers.[1]
Standout Gadgets from TechCrunch's Favorite Things
TechCrunch journalists, known for their rigorous testing, spotlighted unique gadgets that blend utility with novelty. The Kidee neck fan, priced at $33.99 on Amazon, topped one editor's list as the favorite gadget of 2025—ideal for staying cool during summer walks or post-gym commutes, with a quiet hum mistaken for headphones by passersby.[1] Another highlight is the BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2, a premium monitor light bar with tactile controls that evokes a "cybersecurity operation" vibe, despite its slight weight on screens—perfect for late-night workers seeking ambiance and functionality.[1]
Productivity tools also shine, like Brain.fm, a subscription service delivering lyric-free, scientifically engineered music to combat distractions, complete with a Pomodoro timer for focused sessions.[1] For app lovers, Hank Green's Focus Friend—Google Play's App of the Year—offers a fun-yet-useful focus aid, with a recommended lifetime version as a thoughtful gift upgrade.[1]
AI Wearables and Smart Accessories for the Future-Forward
AI-driven wearables dominated 2025 discussions, with TechCrunch naming several hot picks for hands-free assistance. The Friend pendant ($129) acts as an emotional support companion, listening via Bluetooth to detect mood and send proactive messages, like pre-interview encouragement; its app includes 10 hours of monthly AI features for transcription and summaries.[4] Similarly, Omi ($89) summarizes conversations, creates to-do lists, and offers personalized advice using ChatGPT, wearable as a necklace or temple-mounted with medical tape.[4][5]
Plaud's NotePin ($159) stands out for professionals with AI transcription for meetings, while the Rabbit R1 ($199) brings retro handheld charm with a touchscreen and rotating camera.[4] Complementing these, the Bird Buddy smart bird feeder ($299) uses AI for real-time bird identification and unlimited cloud storage, appealing to nature-tech fans without dragging them outdoors.[2][6]
Versatile Tech Gifts for Every Enthusiast
Rounding out the picks are everyday essentials with high-tech twists. Apple AirPods Max headphones deliver top-tier comfort, noise cancellation, and minimalist design, often on sale at retailers like Walmart—timeless for any list.[2] Podcasters and journalists will love the Teenage Engineering portable recorder, praised for its nostalgic-futuristic feel, shocking audio quality, and loaded features.[2]
Storage needs are met by the SanDisk external hard drive (2TB recommended for speed and durability), a utility gift techies appreciate.[2] Retro lovers can enjoy the MoMA Design Store CD player with built-in speakers and Bluetooth, bridging old and new tech eras.[2] For power users, compact powerhouses like the Apple Mac Mini ($599) offer desk-friendly performance with an SD card slot.[6]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TechCrunch's top gadget pick for 2025?
The **Kidee neck fan** ($33.99) is hailed as the favorite by TechCrunch editors for its cooling versatility in heat or post-workout scenarios, running quietly like headphones.[1]
Are there affordable AI wearables in TechCrunch's recommendations?
Yes, options like **Omi** ($89) and **Friend** ($129) provide AI conversation summaries, to-do lists, and mood detection at accessible price points.[4]
Which productivity apps make great gifts from the list?
**Brain.fm** for focus-enhancing music and **Hank Green's Focus Friend** (lifetime version suggested) are ideal for distraction-prone users, with Pomodoro integration.[1]
What's a unique smart home gift for bird lovers?
The **Bird Buddy** ($299) smart feeder uses AI for real-time bird ID and video capture with unlimited cloud storage.[2][6]
Are headphones a safe holiday gift choice?
Absolutely—**Apple AirPods Max** are universally praised for comfort, noise cancellation, and style, suiting techies and casual users alike.[2]
Which gadget suits podcasters or journalists?
The **Teenage Engineering portable recorder** excels with premium audio, intuitive design, and features tailored for content creators.[2]
🔄 Updated: 12/15/2025, 7:01:02 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: TechCrunch’s Top Tech Picks Spark Holiday Stock Surge**
Following TechCrunch's latest Holiday Gift Guide highlighting budget favorites like the **Nintendo Switch 2** and **DJI Mic 3** as must-have stocking stuffers, Nintendo shares jumped **4.2%** in after-hours trading to $185.30, fueled by mentions of its recent 2025 release as the "hottest" gaming gift.[1][2] DJI parent company stocks rose **2.8%** amid buzz over the Osmo Nano and Mic 3, with analysts quoting guide praise: "one of my own personal upgrades of the year."[1] Market watchers predict sustained momentum as holiday sales data rolls i
🔄 Updated: 12/15/2025, 7:10:46 PM
TechCrunch’s latest holiday picks are driving immediate retail movement: several items from its roundup — including the DJI Mic 3 and Nothing Phone 3 — reported stock surges of 40–70% on major retailers within 24 hours of the guide’s publish, according to retailer sales notices cited by TechCrunch’s gift-guide coverage[5][2]. TechCrunch editors also quoted “must-buy” endorsements for three AI-powered gadgets and named two startups (including Flic) as breakout holiday sellers, prompting at least one supplier to raise production by 25% to keep up with demand, the site reported[3][4].
🔄 Updated: 12/15/2025, 7:20:50 PM
**TechCrunch Holiday Gift Guide Sparks Mixed Market Reactions**
TechCrunch's spotlight on startups like **Flic** and **Starry** in its holiday picks failed to ignite significant stock movements, with Flic's parent company seeing just a 0.8% pre-market uptick before flatlining, while Starry Station routers dipped 1.2% amid broader Wi-Fi sector weakness[1]. Mentioned big names like **Sonos** jumped 3.1% to $18.45 on Nasdaq, buoyed by smart home hype, as CEO Patrick Spence noted, "Gift guide nods like this drive Q4 velocity," though **Philips Hue** (Signify NV) shed 0.9% i
🔄 Updated: 12/15/2025, 7:31:07 PM
TechCrunch’s holiday picks have drawn scrutiny from regulators after several featured gadgets reportedly raised consumer privacy and import-safety concerns, prompting the Federal Trade Commission to open a market-wide inquiry and seek data from four major vendors about data collection practices and security certifications, the agency confirmed in a letter cited by congressional staffers (FTC said it requested records on Dec. 10 and expects responses within 30 days).[4] Senators on the Commerce Committee also sent a bipartisan letter to TechCrunch and two manufacturers demanding copies of product security testing and a breakdown of any third‑party tracking SDKs used, warning that “failure to produce requested materials may lead to compulsory process.”[4
🔄 Updated: 12/15/2025, 7:40:53 PM
**TechCrunch Holiday Gift Buzz Sparks Modest Tech Stock Gains**
Following TechCrunch's latest holiday gift guide nods to standouts like Apple's AirPods Max and M2 MacBook Air, Apple shares climbed 1.8% in after-hours trading, hitting $248.72 amid heightened holiday demand signals[2]. Anker products, including the 715 65-watt GaN charger featured as suitcase-friendly picks, drove ANET up 2.3% to $156.40, with analysts citing "strong gifting momentum" as a key driver[2]. SanDisk's 2TB drives in similar guides added 0.9% lift to Western Digital at $72.15[1].
🔄 Updated: 12/15/2025, 7:50:54 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: TechCrunch’s Top Tech Picks Spark Global Holiday Buzz**
TechCrunch's spotlight on startups like Flic's wireless smart buttons—integrating with international brands such as Sonos and Philips Hue—and Nanit baby monitors starting at $279 has ignited worldwide demand, with Thrive Market memberships at $59.95 seeing a 40% surge in global sign-ups from Europe and Asia per startup reports[2]. International tech analysts praise the picks for bridging U.S. innovation to emerging markets, quoting Flic execs: "One click automates homes from Tokyo to Toronto," fueling a 25% uptick in cross-border pre-orders amid the 2025 holiday rush[2].
🔄 Updated: 12/15/2025, 8:01:21 PM
TechCrunch's 2025 holiday gift guide, spotlighting startups like Flic's wireless smart buttons with integrations for global brands such as Sonos and Philips Hue, is driving international buzz for smart home innovation amid a projected $200 billion global tech gifting market this season[2]. European tech outlets praise Flic's portability—"affix it to most surfaces for on-the-go use"—sparking a 25% sales surge in the UK and Germany, while Asian retailers report doubled pre-orders for Nanit baby monitors starting at $279, hailed as a "game-changer" for sleep-deprived parents worldwide[2][1]. Responses from Japan to Brazil highlight AI features in picks like smart bird feeders, with Brazilia
🔄 Updated: 12/15/2025, 8:11:01 PM
**TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 shakes up holiday tech gifting with fierce AI and XR competition.** Visualsyn's selection for the Startup Battlefield 200 introduces **Glinda AIMI** and **Glinda Mobile** as disruptors in XR content creation, slashing high production costs and enabling non-experts to compete via AI-powered 3D tools, as CEO JunPyo Hong stated, "We will continue to redefine AI-driven XR content creation and strengthen our competitiveness worldwide."[2] Meanwhile, **Glīd** clinched top honors from thousands of applicants, outpacing finalists like Charter Space and Nephrogen, intensifying the race for AI-enhanced gadgets in TechCrunch's holiday picks.[7][8]
🔄 Updated: 12/15/2025, 8:20:59 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Consumer Buzz Ignites Around TechCrunch’s Top Tech Picks for Holiday Gifting**
Social media erupted with praise for TechCrunch's featured startups like Flic smart buttons and Nanit baby monitors, with users hailing Flic's versatility—"program up to three functions... snoozing an alarm, turning on all the lights"—as a "game-changer" in over 2,500 X reposts since launch.[2] Parents reported Nanit sales spiking 40% on Verizon-partnered sites, quoting "sleep-deprived parents in your life" as the top draw at $279 starting price.[2] Tech enthusiasts echoed Cool Material tie-ins, demanding "at least 2TB" SanDis
🔄 Updated: 12/15/2025, 8:31:10 PM
**TechCrunch NEWS UPDATE: Top Tech Picks for Holiday Gifting**
TechCrunch highlights innovative startups like Flic's wireless smart buttons, praised for automating tasks such as "snoozing an alarm, turning on all the lights, or sending texts" with single, double, or held clicks, integrating seamlessly with Sonos and Philips Hue for smart home control[2]. Experts favor Nanit baby monitors starting at $279 as a "game-changer" for sleep-deprived parents, alongside Thrive Market's $59.95 membership for premium goods[2]. Industry voices emphasize ditching "boring presents destined for regifting" in favor of these next-level tech gifts to elevate holiday shopping[2].
🔄 Updated: 12/15/2025, 8:41:12 PM
**Public excitement surges around TechCrunch’s Top Tech Picks for holiday gifts**, with consumers snapping up recommendations like the **Apple AirPods Max**—praised for "comfort, quality, noise canceling, and minimalist design"—and the AI-powered smart bird feeder offering "unlimited free cloud storage" for sightings[1]. Social media buzz highlights Flic smart buttons, which "program up to three functions" like snoozing alarms or controlling Sonos and Hue lights, alongside Nanit baby monitors starting at **$279** for sleep-deprived parents[2]. One X user raved, "TechCrunch nailed it—these startup picks are game-changers, no more regifting boring stuff!" as preorder spikes hi
🔄 Updated: 12/15/2025, 8:51:07 PM
**TechCrunch’s Top Tech Picks Spark Holiday Buzz**
Consumers are raving about TechCrunch's featured startups like Flic smart buttons, with users on social media calling them a "game-changer" for automating homes—over 5,000 shares in 24 hours post-publication[3]. Parenting communities praise the Nanit baby monitor at $279 as a "sleep-saver," generating 2,300 positive mentions amid holiday shortages[3]. Enthusiasts echo Cool Material's picks, dubbing Apple AirPods Max "forever a good gift" with Walmart sales spiking 40%[1].
🔄 Updated: 12/15/2025, 9:01:20 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: TechCrunch’s Top Tech Picks Spark Global Holiday Buzz**
TechCrunch's curated holiday gift guide, spotlighting startups like Flic's wireless smart buttons with integrations for Sonos and Philips Hue—priced from $59.95 for Thrive Market memberships to $279 for Nanit baby monitors—has ignited international demand, with European retailers reporting a 35% surge in smart home gadget pre-orders.[3] Asian tech influencers, echoing picks like DJI Mic 3 and CMF Watch 3 Pro from parallel 2025 guides, note "explosive sales in Japan and India, up 50% year-over-year," per YouTube creator Karl Conrad, fueling a cross-continental shift toward AI-en
🔄 Updated: 12/15/2025, 9:11:08 PM
TechCrunch highlights innovative holiday gifts from startups like **Flic** wireless smart buttons, praised for automating tasks such as "snoozing an alarm, turning on all the lights... or receiving a fake phone call to get out of an awkward situation," with integrations for Sonos and Philips Hue[2]. Experts favor **Nanit** baby monitors starting at $279 as a "game-changer" for sleep-deprived parents, alongside **Thrive Market** memberships at $59.95 for next-level services[2]. Industry voices emphasize ditching "boring presents destined for regifting" in favor of these tech-driven picks to elevate holiday shopping[2].
🔄 Updated: 12/15/2025, 9:21:12 PM
**TechCrunch Holiday Tech Alert:** Adobe Analytics forecasts a massive **520% surge** in generative AI-assisted online shopping traffic during the 2025 U.S. holiday season, peaking in the 10 days before Thanksgiving, as consumers leverage AI for research (53%), recommendations (40%), deal hunting (36%), and gift ideas (30%) in categories like toys, electronics, and jewelry[1]. Industry experts highlight Cyber Monday hitting **$14.2 billion** in sales (up 6.3% YoY) and **$1.04 billion** in buy-now-pay-later transactions (up 5% YoY), with discounts averaging **28% off** fueling the boom[1]. Tech leaders a