We’ve reviewed a number of new gadgets and hardware at TechCrunch this year: stupid phones, bird feeders, health trackers, slush machines, AI mattress toppers, and more. Sometimes we think they are useless and expensive, but other times we try devices that we like so much that we buy them ourselves.
If these products can impress a group of (sometimes) surly tech journalists, then they’re sure to please the person you’re shopping for this holiday season.
For the reader
We’ve reviewed a lot of e-readers this year. What can we say? We are nerds. We work for a technology website. But after trying the usual suspect devices as well as some wild cards, we have some recommendations. Obviously, 2026 was the year we fell in love with the pocket e-reader.
XteinkX3 ($55) – a budget-friendly choice for someone tech-savvy
This is an e-reader so small it can fit in your wallet or even magnetize to the back of your phone. Do you dream of a world where, instead of scrolling through Instagram while waiting in line for coffee, you choose to read books? There’s definitely something special about the X3, and it’s only $55 during Xteink’s Black Friday sale. Just a warning, it takes some fiddling to set up and it has no integration with Kindle, Libby, or any other apps, so only buy it for someone willing to do a little browsing and tinkering on Reddit to get it working.
XTeink X4 Pro ($99) – it has a backlight!
If you don’t plan on snapping the XTeink to your phone, you should go for the X4 Pro. It’s slightly larger, but it’s backlit, making it much more versatile. After using both the X3 and the X4 Pro, I find the backlight to be a real game-changer, since I read a lot in bed. Plus, I love my Pop Socket wallet a little too much to move it for the
Boox Palma Pro 2 ($400) – a phone-sized e-reader without the drawbacks
If I’m honest, reading my colleague Aisha Malik’s review of the Boox Palma Pro 2 makes me want to buy one. I love using Xteink e-readers, but they don’t connect to any outside apps. As an experienced Libby user (a phrase I say with sincerity), it’s a little frustrating not being able to get my library books on Xteink e-readers. The same goes for apps like Kobo and Kindle, where any e-book you already own cannot be transferred out of the Amazon ecosystem unless the publisher accepts it, which is usually not the case.
If you’re looking for an e-reader with a book-sized screen, my favorite that I’ve used is the Kobo Libra Color, which costs $259. The Amazon Paperwhite line is great, but come on, Amazon. Tune in!
For foodies
Hey, we all need to eat. And if you want, you can make this food process too technical. Why not?
Ember Mug 3 ($99) – for the tea lover who is truly special
The Ember Mug 3 is the latest iteration of Ember’s line of coffee/tea mugs that actually stay hot. Our reviewer Lauren Forristal particularly liked that you no longer need to use your phone app to change the temperature of the mug, which sounds really annoying!
This mug is perfect to gift to someone or to put on your own wish list – you may not want to spend $99 on a mug for yourself, but this kind of luxury and indulgence is what the holidays are for!
Ninja Crispi Microwave and Air Fryer ($449.99) – two appliances in one!
Ah, Ninja, the first company in the business of turning every appliance into a two-in-one air fryer. Just kidding, but at least Ninja knows he’s onto something. Despite the high price, Lauren says this new product makes “a pretty compelling argument for ditching two appliances and making room for one.” You can’t buy more counter space (without moving), but you can buy more versatile appliances.
GoveeLife Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro ($499.99) – if your fridge has a built-in ice maker, you just won’t understand
Of course, there are cheaper ice makers on the market. But Aisha specifies that this is the ice maker intended for “those who thirst for what we call “good ice”. If you’re so passionate about ice in your drinks that you know what it means, then maybe this is for you.
For the AI-driven ambiance encoder
What they really want is a Mac mini or Claude subscription, but if that’s out of budget, we’ve got some other ideas that might impress your AI-loving, mood-coding loved ones…
Open AI Codex Micro ($230) – for the Codex evangelist
When I asked my colleague Lucas Ropek what his favorite product he had reviewed this year was, he mentioned the Codex Micro. Some hardcore coders – who the product is aimed at – found this thing unappealing, but Lucas seems to have had fun understanding this first attempt at OpenAI on hardware.
Best case scenario, it’s a productivity game-changer for your friend who has a team of hard-working AI agents within the OpenAI ecosystem. Worst case scenario, it will be a big piece of tech history in a few years.
For the person who is desperate to disconnect
As people have become more aware of the time they spend online, new technologies have emerged that, ironically, are designed to take you away from technology. Some of these products can really make a difference in your life.
Brick ($59) or Brick Night ($129) – a not-so-subtle gift for your friend who scrolls every night before bed
For about six months, I’ve been using Brick regularly to stop myself from using social media as the last thing I do before bed or first thing in the morning. Some people use it to help them focus during the workday, but clearly I wasn’t the only one who needed Brick’s help with sleep. The company recently launched its second device, Brick Night, which “bricks” your phone when you’re in the same room. You can customize Brick Night’s active hours, so it’s not like you can never use social media in your room. Both Brick and Brick Night are very customizable, so you can create the perfect setup to suit your needs.
It’s embarrassing how wholeheartedly I recommend the Brick, which is basically just a piece of plastic containing an NFC chip and a companion app. But my sleep has improved dramatically – I even do Pilates at 8am now. Who am I?
Dumb Phone ($20 + service plan) – for someone who wants to try something new but can’t totally ditch their iPhone
I’ve tried much more expensive smartphone alternatives, but the Dumb Phone was both the most affordable and the most usable for me. Into the humble shell of a $20 TCL flip phone, Dumb Co loads its own software so users can access apps like WhatsApp, Spotify, Apple Music, and Uber. You can even access iMessage through a third-party app, although Apple could probably shut it down…no one tells Apple, please!
The Dumb Phone is particularly usable because it is not intended to completely replace your smartphone. Rather, it’s a companion device that you can take with you when you want to feel more present in the world, but still need to call an Uber home.
For health freaks
Wearable health trackers are pretty common these days, but after looking at several different rings and bracelets, Aisha picked a winner.
Oura Ring 5 ($399 – $499 + $5.99/month subscription) — for someone who cares as much about style as step count
There are many ugly health trackers out there. And then there’s the Oura Ring 5, the first product from the leading smart ring maker that’s thin enough to wear without loudly broadcasting to the world that you’re monitoring your heart rate. (For what it’s worth, I tried the RingConn 3 — which is about the same size as the Oura Ring 5 — but returned it, unsatisfied. Womp womp.) Aisha notes in her review that the new Oura Ring is more durable, has better battery life, and looks more premium than its predecessors.
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