1. A desktop 3D printer

3D printers have taken the world by storm, and if you’ve never watched something you designed appear layer by layer on your desk, a 3D printer feels genuinely magical.

Desktop 3D printers are brilliant for:

• Teens interested in STEM subjects
• Creative adults who love hands-on projects
• Anyone who prefers fixing or customising things rather than throwing them away

From phone stands and storage organisers to miniatures and clever everyday items, the possibilities of a 3D printer are almost endless. If you’re buying one as a gift, look for a beginner-friendly, well-reviewed model from a large UK retailer, and do your own research, but  Bambu and Creality offer a number of well-reviewed and trusted options.  Selecting a market leader means that you’ll have good customer support, easy access to filament, and spare parts when needed.

To get started quickly, there are thousands of free designs available on sites like:

Printables or Thingiverse

Paired with YouTube tutorials and active online communities, a 3D printer can become a long-term hobby rather than a short-lived novelty.

2. Raspberry Pi starter kit

A Raspberry Pi starter kit is the ultimate “box of potential”. A Raspberry Pi is a tiny, affordable computer that can become almost anything:

• A retro gaming console
• A smart home hub
• A robot controller
• A mini web server or coding playground

It’s ideal for kids who’ve outgrown basic coding toys, as well as adults who secretly want a fun holiday project.

For stress-free gifting, choose a complete starter kit from trusted suppliers such as:

Pimoroni or The Pi Hut

These kits usually include the board, case, power supply, SD card, and beginner projects, so the recipient can plug it into a TV or monitor and start experimenting straight away, no frantic Boxing Day cable hunts required.

3. Smart Home starter bundle

For someone who loves convenience (or enjoys impressing guests), a smart home starter bundle is a great choice.

A simple setup of a smart speaker plus a couple of smart bulbs or plugs can transform a room:

• Voice-controlled lighting
• “Movie mode” scenes
• Timers for lamps, Christmas lights, or heaters

Look for bundles built around popular ecosystems like:

Amazon Echo (Alexa), Google Nest or Apple Home

Many UK retailers offer discounted Christmas bundles that include everything you need in one box, removing the guesswork around compatibility and setup.

4. Creative tablet or E-ink notebook

For readers, planners, note-takers, or doodlers, a tablet or e-ink device can become an everyday companion.

A standard tablet (such as an iPad or Android tablet) works well for people who want a mix of:

• Streaming
• Browsing
• Drawing or note-taking

Add a stylus, and it instantly becomes a digital sketchbook or paperless notebook for work, study, or creative thinking.

If they’re more focused on reading or handwriting, consider an e-ink device like:

Kindle Scribe, Kobo e-readers with stylus support or Remarkable - Dedicated digital notebooks 

E-ink screens are easier on the eyes, battery life lasts days or weeks, and the writing experience feels far closer to pen and paper.

5. A brilliant software or gaming gift

Not every great tech gift needs to be something you can wrap. Digital gifts can be just as thoughtful and perfect for last-minute shoppers. 

Popular options include:

• Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions
• Extra iCloud, Google Drive, or OneDrive storage
• Creative software subscriptions for video, photo, or design work

These can usually be purchased as digital codes from official platforms or major UK retailers, making them easy to gift instantly while still feeling personal.

6. The gift of giving tech

One of the most meaningful tech gifts doesn’t come in a box at all. Many of us have perfectly usable laptops, tablets, or phones sitting in drawers simply because they’re “not the latest” anymore. Donating or re-homing this technology can make a real difference to someone’s education, employment prospects, or day-to-day life.

At Propel Tech, this idea sits at the heart of our ReTech programme, which focuses on extending the life of technology and getting devices into the hands of people and organisations that truly need them.

You can learn more about how it works here:

Propel Tech ReTech Programme - https://propeltech.co.uk/re-tech-donation-form/

A simple Christmas tradition could be:

When a new gadget arrives, an older still-working device is cleaned, securely wiped, and passed on through a scheme like ReTech. It’s a powerful way to enjoy new technology while reducing waste and sharing its benefits more widely.

One last Christmas thought

If you’re stuck choosing just one tech gift, a Raspberry Pi starter kit often hits the sweet spot: affordable, endlessly versatile, and something the whole household ends up experimenting with.

And if you pair any new gadget with the gift of giving tech, Christmas doesn’t just feel exciting in your living room, it creates a quiet, positive impact somewhere else too.

If you’d like to explore how your unused tech could help others, or how your organisation can get involved, click here.