Wondering who actually uses gift guides these days? You know your loved ones better than anyone else. Are you aiming to give a meaningful gift? Take a moment to reflect.
Instead of stressing over pointless suggestions, I decided to create a curated list just for you.
This season, let’s explore innovative tech that fulfills real wants and perhaps some whimsical desires, making you feel like a kid on Christmas morning.
Nike Alphafly 3 Eliud Kipchoge Edition
A fresh year brings fresh resolutions to stay fit. If I’m asking Santa for the ultimate running shoes, I want them to feel like a secret edge.
These “super trainers” are so advanced that they might even be disqualified at official races. When their namesake ran a sub-two-hour marathon wearing them, they didn’t qualify for record status!
They work like Go Go Gadget’s spring shoes, absorbing impact from your foot and adding a delightful rebound to your stride.
“How much should I spend on a kettle?” is not a question I thought I’d ponder in middle age. I’d rather be deciding between a Lambo or a Ferrari!
Sadly, that’s not the case. I find myself defending a nearly £120 investment on a kettle to my partner.
Bermuda focuses on everyday gadgets that strive for perfection. They describe their kettle as quiet, precise, and delivering a “refined experience from the first boil to the last pour.” That might sound like marketing jargon, but it seems essential for a pleasant morning routine.
Each time I leave the doctor’s office without diabetes or high cholesterol, I feel like I’ve won a prize. But eating ice cream at home, whenever I want? That’s a risky treat!
Yet, if my jolly benefactor were to deliver it, I’d be eager to whip up some delicious bread-and-butter pudding-flavored ice cream.
The CREAMi transforms any liquid you pour into it into ice cream within 24 hours. It also makes milkshakes, sorbets, and Slurpees. How about a daiquiri?
The Super73 bike is visually striking; my only worry is looking silly riding it—like a gorilla on a tricycle!
This electric bike boasts suspension, durable tires, a top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph), and a range of 64 to 120 km (approximately 40 to 75 miles). Plus, it even has a cup holder!
After adopting a fluffy dog, my home is a constant battle against her shedding!
Now, a $200 down payment and $500 monthly subscription don’t seem so unreasonable to keep it furry-free. This eerie humanoid robot will vacuum your home, making life easier.
However, having read my Asimov, I do worry about what happens next.
“Why do we need a hair dryer?” my partner asks. While my hair may be thinning, beauty remains essential.
Recently, I learned that drying hair improperly can cause damage. My hair needs all the help it can get!
Experts recommend drying hair on low heat from a distance, ideally with a diffuser attachment.
While many dryers can accomplish this, the Dyson stands out with its airflow sensors, temperature monitors, and RFID chip for attachment performance adjustment. Perfect for achieving various styles!
TThe greatest gift for your mom this holiday season is an opportunity to unwind. A day free from obligations, where someone else handles cooking, cleaning, and chores. She can take a break, enjoy brunch with friends, or indulge in shopping. However, don’t forget to have something beautifully wrapped and waiting for her under the tree.
Having been a technology critic for over ten years and a mother myself, I particularly enjoy unwrapping gadgets. That said, you don’t need to be a tech enthusiast to value the practicality and luxury of well-thought-out devices. I consulted numerous moms across various price ranges to gather insights on their tech wish lists this holiday season.
All prices are accurate as of the publication date.
Tech gifts for mom under $50
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Apple AirTag
$17.97 on Amazon
$17.97 at Walmart
Parents can often feel overwhelmed, anxious, and forgetful. I absolutely love Apple AirTags. You can attach it to your car keys or keep it in your wallet for peace of mind. When my car keys get lost within the cushions of the couch or my wallet is left in another bag, the iPhone’s precision search acts like a homing device to locate my keys. When outside Bluetooth range, AirTags can relay location information via nearby iPhone users, helping you find misplaced items like luggage. I’ve relied on AirTag more times than I’d care to admit, including attaching it to my 13-year-old’s house keys to help him find it after losing it repeatedly.
Photo: Provided by Scosh
Scosche MagStack USB-C Cable
$29.99 at Crutchfield
I’ve come to realize that I can never have enough cables. Nowadays, every device operates on USB-C, and while many come with additional cables included, it’s inevitable that someone in my family will borrow mine, leaving me without it.
I admire these cables for their durability and the convenience of being able to neatly coil them for travel, thanks to their magnetic jacket. They also enable speedy data transfers and quick charging when connected to compatible devices and power adapters. A chic cable with various stylish colors and a sleek design; I doubt any mother would say, “No, thank you.”
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Coffee Warming Tray
$32.99 on Amazon
All moms, particularly those like me who work from home, understand the frustration of pouring a fresh cup of coffee, setting it aside, and diving into work—only to discover an hour later that it has gone cold.
This mug warmer changes that. Just place the mug on the heating plate, and your coffee, tea, or any other hot beverage stays hot for hours. No more waste, and mom will be thrilled. You can savor your morning in peace. “I’m specific about coffee mugs,” Marta shared. That’s why she prefers a mug warmer like this over heated mugs that require charging and hand washing.
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Breathing Pal Kyle Mindfulness Breathing Light
$21.89 on Amazon
This charming light serves dual purposes: it can be a night light or a calming meditation aid to alleviate anxiety. It offers three breathing exercises, including simple box breathing, to help moms collect themselves after a stressful day. The light cues guide mom, and you can even change the colors to match her mood.
Plus, its adorable design (which comes in koala, rabbit, and ball shapes) is sure to bring a smile. Carla, 46, noted: “I had read about the benefits of guided breathing, but I wasn’t particularly enthusiastic. Seeing this cute koala could motivate me to stick with it.”
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Yukosphone Tripod
$29.99 on Amazon
Moms always find themselves behind the camera, but seldom in front of it. Capture her essence by using a tripod for her phone. This model features extendable legs that collapse to the size of a handheld selfie stick, inclusive of a remote control that allows you to snap a picture when everyone is beaming.
Active moms will appreciate being able to set up their phones and tripods to document the action, ensuring they don’t miss a memorable goal or home run. Blair, 40, expressed: “I want a small tripod to have beside me while playing. I dislike holding my phone, and can’t clap or cheer while playing, so I miss recording it.”
As someone who frequently works from home but also at local coffee shops and travels for work, I find this privacy screen invaluable. It stops nosy onlookers from peeking at my screen.
Designed specifically for MacBooks (but available for other computers as well), it adheres magnetically to the screen without adhesives. When viewed directly, it doesn’t obstruct your sight, but when you shift your angle, nothing can be seen. It also cuts down on blue light, thereby reducing eye strain, making it excellent for long hours in front of screens.
Photo: Provided by Hyper
Hyper Hyper Pack Backpack
$67.49 at Hyper
I’ve been utilizing this backpack over the last few months for remote work and travels. At first glance, it doesn’t seem big enough to hold everything I need, yet it surprisingly accommodates more than expected. During a recent lengthy flight to Spain, I managed to fit all of my essentials: laptop, headphones, compact camera case, smartphone, battery pack, sunglasses, toiletries, house keys, wipes, cables, and chargers.
Having been caught in the rain multiple times, the water-resistant fabric and zippers ensure that everything inside remains dry. Plus, it’s made from recycled plastic bottles!
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Monster AC601 Earphones
$89.99 on Amazon
My best friend absolutely adores these earbuds. She “borrowed” them a few years back and still uses them daily, especially during workouts and walks. Not only are they very affordable, but they also feature Bluetooth 6.0 for a reliable connection to your device, complete with real-time translation capabilities. The included charging case provides a whopping 32 hours of battery life, reducing the hassle of daily charging. “I love the purple Monster earphones,” Marta, 46, said, “I have oddly shaped ears, and these don’t irritate me like typical earphones do. They fit perfectly and I don’t have to adjust them constantly.”
I won’t leave the house without these chargers. Their slim profile fits nicely into any bag and provides extra power when needed, whether it’s to get an Uber or catch an exciting moment at your kids’ game. Thanks to Apple’s MagSafe technology, it attaches effortlessly to the back of your iPhone, allowing wireless charging without the hassle of tangled cords. Although wireless charging is slower than wired, the latest 15-watt Qi2 standard is fast enough.
Tech gifts for mom over $100
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Panasonic Technics Wireless Earphones EAH-AZ100
$222.99 on Amazon
$249.99 at Technics
These are my absolute favorite earphones. I wear them during walks, commutes, working at coffee shops, and even while traveling. The noise cancellation capabilities are top-notch, effectively blocking out sounds—even on airplanes. I’ve been using them for a year and am extremely impressed by their fit, sound quality, and noise reduction features.
The Bluetooth multipoint feature allows them to connect with both your phone and laptop, automatically shifting audio as you switch between devices. I own the classic black version but would highly suggest the new champagne gold finish so she can feel extra special wearing them.
Photo: Provided by Walmart
JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
$104.90 at Walmart
$109.95 at JBL
At just over $100, the JBL Flip 7 offers sound quality that competes with portable Bluetooth speakers priced at twice its cost. I’ve used it at home, on a beach vacation in Mexico, and it has proven to be a hit among teenagers. You get a fantastic battery life of up to 16 hours per charge, excellent sound quality, plus Auracast, which allows pairing with two speakers for a richer audio experience.
The IP68 rating ensures its safety, even if accidentally submerged in water. Moms will appreciate the PushLock system, which accommodates interchangeable accessories like wrist straps and carabiner clips, both included in the package. At this price, why not get two?
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Oura Ring 4 Smart Ring
$249 on Amazon
$349 at Oura
The Oura Ring 4 is ideal for moms to monitor important metrics such as sleep, heart rate, physical activity, and blood oxygen levels. Additionally, it includes tracking features for pregnancy, menopause, and perimenopause symptoms. Personally, I appreciate the organized app that provides feedback on stress levels, readiness throughout the day, as well as daily snapshots.
It’s comfortable to wear, stylish (especially the new ceramic model), and boasts a week-long battery life on a single charge. One caveat is that to access the full range of features, a $5.99 monthly subscription is required. However, for the insights it offers, she likely won’t mind trading a fancy latte once a month.
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Apple Watch Series 11 Smart Watch
$329 on Amazon
$329 at Walmart
I adore the Apple Watch Series 11, and many mothers I know are keen on it as well. The upgrades from previous versions include a smoother, more resilient screen, improved battery life (a common issue with the Apple Watch), and real-time translation features.
Busy moms will appreciate the new wrist gestures that make it easy to dismiss notifications and answer calls when their hands are occupied. “If you’re seeking a premium gift for your mom, I bought the Apple Watch Series 11 to upgrade from my Series 7. I love it for tracking my workouts, but also appreciate the Find My Phone function since my memory isn’t what it used to be,” Marta shared.
Photo: courtesy of Skaff
Customized SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Game Controller
$209.99 at Scarf
Moms can be gamers too! Sometimes they find themselves sharing gear with their little gamers. A personalized game controller makes for a thoughtful and unique gift. You can customize colors for the faceplate, thumbsticks, rings, D-pad, and even bumpers and triggers. Just like that, mom has her very own controller!
This will be her pride and joy, ensuring the kids won’t be borrowing it. More importantly, she’ll appreciate knowing it was made with love. “I’m a gamer, and what I really want is a customized SCUF Valor Pro Wireless controller,” says Dayna, 35. “I share my system with my children. It would be wonderful to have something special just for me.”
Photo: Provided by Amazon
TheraGun Prime Massage Gun
$259.99 on Amazon
$259.99 at Therabody
For moms who enjoy morning runs, afternoon walks, home workouts, and yoga classes, muscle soreness can become a reality with age. While some high-end massage guns can be pricey, entry-level options provide much-needed relief. “I’ve been wanting a massage gun, but it’s something I wouldn’t buy for myself. I take a bike class regularly, and my legs ache by day’s end, especially while managing small children at home. Having a massage gun for evening relief would be amazing,” shares Melissa, 30.
FUnderstanding today’s tweens, particularly around the holiday season, can feel like solving a puzzle. With trends like viral challenges and quirky memes dominating their world, finding gift ideas for kids aged 9 to 12 can be a real challenge.
To simplify your gifting process, we consulted with 20 tweens to uncover their top holiday wishes. From stylish skincare to adorable plush toys, here are 47 fantastic gift options for young boys and girls.
Prices listed are accurate at the time of publishing.
For the Trendy Fashionista
Ugg Classic Mini Boots
Photo: Provided by Zappos
Super cute, incredibly comfy, and versatile enough for any outfit. Easy to wear even when you’re active. Caroline, 11 years old
$129.95 at Zappos $129.95 at Nordstrom
Lululemon Apparel
Photo: Courtesy of Lululemon
This dress is really pretty. Plus, I’ve heard wonderful things about their clothes, and everyone seems to wear them. Lizzie, 9 years old
Orcas have been observed seemingly presenting deceased prey to humans.
Marine research organization Bay Cetology, led by Jared Tower, was documenting orca pods (Orcinus orca) as they dined on seabirds in Alert Bay, Canada, when a remarkable discovery occurred. Two whales, named Akela and Quiver, approached a tower while clutching birds. The younger orca, Akela, dropped a dead bird in front of the tower and lingered, seemingly watching for a reaction. Following suit, her brother Quiver also dropped a bird and waited.
In a surprising turn, both whales retrieved their prey once more and swam closer to the tower. “I remember thinking, did that really just happen?” Tower recalls. This occurrence aligns with similar ones documented in 2015 and 2018, where a young female orca presented a researcher with a harbor seal pup, prompting further observations of this intriguing behavior.
Further interviews revealed an additional 32 instances between 2004 and 2024 where orcas exhibited similar behaviors. This includes a young male orca from New Zealand, nicknamed Funky Monkey, who repeatedly approached researchers with a long-tailed stingray. Altogether, 18 different prey species have been offered, ranging from gray whales and seals to jellyfish and turtles.
Such behaviors have been regularly observed within the orca pod. “They exist in a highly intricate social structure and share food throughout their lives,” Tower notes.
Yet, the behaviors extend beyond mere interactions. “They engage in actions that reflect goodwill towards another species,” states Lori Marino from New York University, who was not involved in the study.
Tower indicates that this behavior suggests killer whales may possess a capacity for generalized altruism or kindness. Additionally, orcas demonstrate curiosity and boldness, understanding other beings’ perceptions, and actively experimenting with them, he explains.
This form of generalized altruism is beneficial in a social community where collective cooperation brings rewards. Killer whales are also among the few marine predators that sometimes find themselves with surplus prey. “They may leave it uneaten, play with it, or utilize it to explore their surroundings,” notes Tower.
For many killer whales, their generalist predation is characterized by curiosity and exploratory behavior. “Curiosity is a key factor in reducing uncertainty,” Tower adds. “They are actively learning about us by testing the waters.”
Moreover, this behavior might indicate that orcas have a theory of mind, a capability previously recognized in certain birds, primates, and marine mammals such as dolphins.
Despite the availability of affordable cell phones, parents have new ways to stay connected with their children. However, this development has also sparked debates on screen time, safety, and social media.
As worries about phone usage rise and the age at which children get their first mobile phone decreases, countries worldwide are considering ways to address this issue in schools and homes.
While there’s no single solution, various action plans and suggestions are being explored, ranging from strict laws to grassroots initiatives.
Our correspondent delves into some of the noteworthy solutions to screen time as Australia and Spain gear up to implement stringent laws to combat the problem.
Australia: “Ensuring our children have a good childhood.”
In a significant move, Australia recently passed a law prohibiting social media use for under-16s, although specifics regarding its implementation and application are unclear.
While some Australian states already ban mobile phones in schools, a new federal ban aims to completely restrict social media usage for children under 16 by year-end. The law grants the communications minister authority to determine which platforms are restricted, likely including Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
YouTube is expected to be exempt due to its claimed educational benefits.
The legislation mandates platforms to verify users’ ages and take necessary steps to ensure compliance, with penalties of up to A$50m for non-compliance. Trials for age verification technology are ongoing, including facial age estimation and other authentication methods.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the ban aims to offer children “a childhood”, encouraging them to engage in outdoor activities and sports instead of being glued to their phones.
Josh Taylor, Melbourne
Spain: “You can use ours.”
Spain’s government is proposing a bill to raise the minimum age for social media account registration from 14 to 16, along with mandatory age verification measures for tech companies.
Additionally, the bill suggests default parental controls on smartphones and a national education campaign to educate children and teens on responsible social media usage.
An expert panel has recommended including warning labels on digital devices sold in Spain to inform consumers of the health risks associated with social media and technology.
In Barcelona’s Poblenou district, parents initiated a campaign to delay children’s access to mobile phones until age 16. This movement quickly spread across Catalonia, emphasizing the importance of holding off on phone ownership until a later age.
Major project spokesperson Nuria González Rojas noted the significant impact of delaying mobile phone ownership, with over 72% of Spanish children owning smartphones by age 12.
In another initiative, Basque parents’ organization Archa Brua is piloting schemes to delay mobile phone ownership with support from schools, families, and local businesses.
Sam Jones, Madrid
France: “Take back control of your screen”
French President Emmanuel Macron commissioned a report urging a reassessment of screen usage to safeguard children’s well-being and democracy’s future.
The report advocates for delaying smartphone usage until age 13, restricting access to social media until 18, and banning mobile phones with internet access until after school hours.
Experts stress the need to shield children from profit-focused tech influences due to adverse effects on vision, sleep, and overall health.
Macron urges ministers to consider and implement the report’s recommendations.
Angelique Chrysafis (Paris)
Italy: school ban
Italy has issued a blanket ban on smartphones and tablets in primary and middle school classrooms, citing disruptive incidents like physical altercations between students and teachers.
Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara supports efforts to ban mobile phones for children under 14 and social media profiles for those under 16.
Angela Giuffrida (Rome)
Germany: “The longer we can delay children from using smartphones, the better.”
German schools can’t outright ban cellphones, but restrictions on their use in classrooms and during breaks are in place.
Efforts to enhance digital literacy among youth are encouraged, with calls in some regions for total bans on mobile phones in elementary schools.
Pediatric experts advocate delaying smartphone ownership until age 11 to protect children’s development, noting adverse effects on mental health and well-being from early exposure to social media.
Despite concerns surrounding smartphones, Germany’s decentralized governance system means a national policy remains elusive.
When it comes to choosing gifts for teenagers, gift cards are often the go-to option. With new technology constantly emerging, it can be challenging to find products that are both worth buying and will be loved by your teen.
Our list features a variety of fantastic tech gifts for teenagers, from cutting-edge gadgets for amazing selfies to popular items that can transform a regular bedroom into the ultimate teen hideaway. These products cater to every budget and level of tech knowledge – you don’t have to be a tech expert to enjoy these innovative devices.
These tech gifts are truly inspiring.
If you know a teenager who’s into science, don’t miss out on these amazing science gifts for teens.
Best Tech Gifts for Teens
TP-Link Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Multi-Color Light Strip
Adding a color-changing LED light strip can instantly elevate a dull bedroom into a vibrant, multi-colored space. Perfect for adding a touch of excitement to a sleepover, gaming session, or just a relaxing night at home. This LED light strip may be one of the best tech gifts for teenagers.
Philips Hue Series Tapo is a well-known name in smart LED strips, and this version of Tapo is a great budget-friendly choice.
Setting up is easy – simply stick the strips on shelves, screens, or other bedroom furniture. The strips are five meters long and can be cut to any desired size. Use the Tapo app to select preset lighting moods, effects, and timers to automatically control the multicolored LEDs. It works over standard home Wi-Fi and is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
For more gift ideas, check out our guide to the best sci-fi games.
Latest Philips Hue Lightstrip deals:
Tapo Light Strip Latest Deals:
Insta360 X3
At first glance, this small gadget may seem expensive, but its impressive features speak for themselves.
The Insta360 X3 features a 5.7K 360° camera with useful functions like image stabilization, horizon lock, and HDR mode. With the extended selfie stick, the camera intelligently edits your footage to provide a unique third-person perspective, almost like having your personal videographer.
Don’t miss out on the best instant cameras for more photo gift ideas.
While the camera captures the action in 360°, you have the freedom to choose the best angle for your video.
Additional features include:
8K quality 360° time lapse video
Automatically saves 15 or 30 seconds of footage before hitting the shutter button
Convenient automated editing and live 360° streaming allow viewers to see from every angle
Focus on a single person, animal, or moving object and keep it centered in the frame.
Waterproof up to 10m, extendable to 50m with a diving case (sold separately)
Squirrel_13075159
Crosley Voyager Portable Turntable
A portable record player like the Crosley Voyager makes a fun and unique gift for teenagers. Music enthusiasts will appreciate having a stylish turntable in their room.
This turntable’s portability is a standout feature – easily pack it up and take your music with you to parties, vacations, and other gatherings.
Despite its vintage look, the turntable is equipped with modern features: Built-in stereo speakers and Bluetooth for streaming music from your phone, plus a headphone jack for private listening. The turntable also offers three speed settings for playing traditional records.
The Crosley Voyager is an affordable turntable option. If you’re unsure about it, explore our top record players currently available.
While you’re here, check out the best sunrise alarm clocks too.
Mini projector
A portable projector is a must-have for sleepovers or movie nights at home. Whether your teen has a TV in their room or not, this gadget will enhance their viewing experience with a projection size of up to 210 inches.
This is also perfect for PlayStation and Xbox enthusiasts.
While projectors can be pricey, this one offers a balance of affordability and quality. Highly rated by customers, it supports Full HD with 7500 lumens and allows you to choose your preferred projection size from 35 inches to 210 inches, from a distance of 3.7 feet from the wall.
Featuring built-in Hi-Fi speakers, it also has an audio-out port for connecting external speakers or headphones. Once set up, you can connect your phone, tablet, laptop, or gaming console to enjoy TV shows, movies, and photos (some devices may require an HDMI cable).
Explore our guide for the best projectors for your home for more options.
Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
There are few speakers that deliver both style and sound quality, but the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 manages to do just that. With its unique “unicorn” appearance, this speaker stands out from the crowd. It also boasts impressive technical specifications.
The Boom 3 is fully waterproof, allowing you to play music underwater for 30 minutes, and it floats to the surface when released, making pool parties even more enjoyable. Moreover, if your recipient or their friends own other Ultimate Ears speakers, you can link up to 150 of them to synchronize music in one location.
This speaker delivers 360° sound and is made with a highly elastic material used in motorcycle jackets and firefighting gear. Ultimate Ears has conducted over 25 durability tests, ensuring it can withstand even the most energetic users.
The rechargeable battery provides up to 15 hours of playtime on a full charge. Power Up Dock for a seamless charging experience. For speaker options, explore our selection of portable speakers, shower speakers, or noise-canceling headphones.
Auraglow LED USB Wall or Tabletop Word Clock
Looking for a great gift under £25? Consider this unique clock from Auraglow. Instead of traditional numbers, this clock displays the time in 5-minute intervals. LEDs light up the relevant letters on a black panel to indicate the time.
The clock comes with a USB cable for connecting to various power sources, and you can add an adapter for more flexibility. It can be wall-mounted with a hanging slot or propped up on a desk or shelf thanks to its flat base.
If black isn’t your style, the clock is also available in copper. Explore our guides for the best wireless phone chargers, power banks, portable chargers, and charging stations for more useful tech ideas.
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Apexel 10-in-1 Cell Phone Camera Lens Kit
For Instagrammers, photographers, or selfie enthusiasts, a smartphone lens attachment is an ideal choice if you want to enhance your phone’s camera capabilities without investing in a new camera. This set, with 10 different lens attachments stored in a convenient pouch, is compatible with most smartphones and tablets, including iPhone, Samsung, Huawei, and Sony models.
The kit includes macro, wide-angle, and telephoto lenses, along with fun accessories like a fisheye lens, a star filter, a kaleidoscope attachment, and even a polarizing filter to reduce glare and reflections for sunny days.
2023 was an absolute year for gaming. Probably no one has played all the great titles released on various platforms. That certainly wasn’t the case. But it also means that you have options to get gifts for gamers in the last moments of life. We’ve rounded up some of the best titles of the type that someone happened to be putting off while playing the latest Final Fantasy or Call of Duty. Of course, I also tried to select multi-platform games other than Mario. So check what your giftee is playing and make the right choice. If you’re a nerd, or want to be one: Baldur’s Gate 3 Image credits: Larian Studio If you’re the type of gamer who carries dice everywhere, plays complex card and tabletop games, and jokes about “critical failures,” get Baldur’s Gate 3 if you don’t already have it please. Currently available on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, this most epic RPG is winning award after award and is even better than when it was released. It’s been a long time since it was released, so there’s a good chance you already have it, but I’m sure there are many people who have been waiting for it to be released. that’s what I have now. Their hesitation is a gift from you. If you like a challenge: P’s Lies Image credits: Neowiz game If you’re a gamer who loves difficult games or says that today’s games involve too much hand-holding, get Lies of P. You wouldn’t expect a Pinocchio-themed game to be one of the best Souls-like (Dark Souls-type imitators have been called out for years, but somehow that’s exactly what happened. The game has a dark and original story and setting, and a long and satisfying campaign with lots of secrets, weapons, obscure gameplay elements, and of course incredibly difficult bosses. It’s a good idea to buy a spare controller in case your controller breaks in half. For ages 35 and older: Super Mario RPG Image credits: Nintendo If you’re a nostalgic gamer (as we gamers “of a certain age” often are), then pick up Nintendo’s latest nostalgic fodder, a remake of Super Mario RPG. This remake is more of a remaster of the popular Super Famicom game, with the same story and gameplay elements but updated graphics and controls for the modern era. This is another game that a lot of people will probably hold off on buying because there are so many great games out there right now, but they’ll be happy to receive it. If you are over 35 years old and want to talk about the anime Star Ocean Second Story R Image credits: square Enix This is another nostalgic hit, but for those who don’t mind if the medium leans a bit towards anime (or those who don’t own a Switch). Star Ocean 2 is one of his biggest and best works of his 16-bit era and received a masterpiece remake using a stunning “2D-3D” art style. Some people find it a little strange to pay full price for an older game like Super Mario RPG, but if you get it as a gift, you can play it without worrying. He doesn’t have to be over 35 to enjoy these games, but it probably helps. (PC, PlayStation, Xbox) If you have a friend you often play with: Remnant II Image credits: gunfire game Does your gamer have a buddy to play with? Get Remnant II. One of his surprise hits this year, Remnant II is a fantasy/sci-fi shooter built from the ground up for co-op play. The environments and enemies are truly imaginative and bizarre, the gameplay is tough, varied, and fair, and the procedural generation makes every playthrough slightly different. If you want to play to the fullest, no matter what platform you play on, buy the 2-pack. If you like original and artistic things: Jusant Image credits: please don’t nod If your gamers always talk about indie games and movies and seem to value originality over other aspects, buy Jusant. This extremely gorgeous and completely original game was released pretty quietly, probably because people didn’t know what to make of it. You play the role of an unnamed protagonist who climbs up the mountain holding hands using ropes and other tools. As you explore, you learn about the seemingly endless stone towers studded with the ruins of civilization. It’s gorgeous, completely unique, and even super fun to play. If you played 700 hours of Stardew Valley: Roots of Pacha or Moonstone Island. Image credits: soda den Like many who played it, I searched hard for a game that even came close to the standard Stardew Valley set in the “life sim” field. And the closest we’ve come is Roots of Pacha. This brand new game is set in the Stone Age and basically puts you as a young man in a cave helping your tribe discover everything from improving crops to livestock to almond milk. Charming, very spacious and very quiet. It also has multiplayer built in if you prefer. Image credits: studio super soft Or check out Moonstone Island, which combines the town and farming sim parts of Stardew with exploration and Pokemon-like combat. Also includes deck building components and procedural generation. Sure, there are a lot of trends at once, but everything blends together very well and is fun from start to finish. It’s quite a good deal for the money.
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