Quick picks
What to look for
The tech gifts that get used long after Diwali are the ones that fit into someone's day: their commute, their morning walk, their evening chores or the photos they always take. Start with the person, then pick the gadget.
Start with their day
Fewer things to charge
Check their phone
Sizes and fit
Gifts for the whole family
Keep the paperwork
Our picks in detail
Sony WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones
Noise cancelling with up to 30 hours of playback makes long flights and train journeys home calmer. It connects to a phone and a laptop at the same time, so it covers work calls too.
Good
Up to 30 hours of playback with noise cancelling on · Connects to two devices at once (multipoint) · Supports LDAC and the newer LC3 audio codec
Keep in mind
Full-size headphones take up more bag space than buds · LDAC works only with phones that support it
Amazfit Balance 3 AMOLED smartwatch
A bright AMOLED screen under sapphire glass and up to 21 days of battery in normal use, so it doesn't become one more thing to charge every night. Dual-band GPS suits morning walkers and runners.
Good
Bright 1.5-inch AMOLED under sapphire glass · Up to 21 days of battery in normal use · Dual-band GPS and 180+ sports modes
Keep in mind
Always-on display cuts battery to about a week · Large 1.5-inch case may feel big on small wrists
Oura Ring 5 smart ring
A light titanium ring that tracks sleep without a screen on the wrist. The battery lasts up to 9 days depending on size, and it's waterproof to 100 m. Check their ring size first (see the questions below).
Good
Titanium ring that weighs about 2 to 2.7 g · Up to 9 days of battery, depending on size · Waterproof to 100 m (IP68)
Keep in mind
Detailed insights need a paid monthly membership · Comes only in sizes 6 to 13; use the sizing kit
DJI Osmo Pocket 4 gimbal camera
A three-axis gimbal keeps handheld video steady, and the 1-inch sensor helps in diya-lit evenings. It follows faces as you film, which suits family videos and vlogs alike.
Good
Three-axis gimbal keeps handheld video steady · Large 1-inch sensor for cleaner low-light shots · Tracks faces and subjects as you film
Keep in mind
Not waterproof, unlike an action camera · Accessories like the grip come in pricier combos
ECOVACS DEEBOT X12 OmniCyclone robot vacuum
After the Diwali deep-clean, a robot vacuum keeps the floors tidy every day. This one maps rooms with LiDAR and 3D sensing, and its roller mop washes itself with clean water as it cleans.
Good
Roller mop washes itself with clean water as it cleans · Strong suction for carpets and hard floors · LiDAR and 3D sensing to map rooms and avoid obstacles
Keep in mind
The dock is large; measure the space first · Dock bags and mop parts are running costs
JBL Clip 5 waterproof Bluetooth speaker
Waterproof and dustproof to IP67, with a built-in carabiner that clips onto a bag. An easy gift for a cousin or friend who likes music on the terrace or on trips.
Good
IP67 waterproof and dustproof · Built-in carabiner clips onto bags and belts · Auracast links it with other compatible JBL speakers
Keep in mind
7 W is room-filling, not party-loud · Single speaker, so no stereo on its own
Soundcore V20i open-ear earbuds
The open-ear design keeps them aware of traffic, and the ear hooks have four fit positions so they stay put. Up to 36 hours of playback with the case.
Good
Ear hooks with four fit positions stay put on runs · Large 16 mm drivers for an open-ear design · Up to 36 hours of playback with the case
Keep in mind
Open-ear sound leaks more than sealed earbuds · No active noise cancelling
Xiaomi Power Bank 4i 10000mAh
Slim enough for a pocket, with USB-C fast charging in and out, and it charges up to three devices at once. A useful extra to go with a bigger gift.
Good
Slim and light enough for a pocket or small bag · USB-C fast charging in and out · Charges up to three devices at once
Keep in mind
Not powerful enough to charge laptops · Takes a few hours to recharge fully
Questions buyers ask
Pick something that makes a daily job easier rather than a new hobby. A robot vacuum saves daily sweeping, and a smartwatch with a long battery and a clear screen is easy to live with. Setting it up on their phone when you hand it over helps too.
Measure a ring they already wear on the finger they'd use, or follow the brand's own size guide. Smart ring sizes don't always match jewellery sizes, so check the brand's chart rather than guessing.
The headphones, watch, ring, camera and robot vacuum all pair with a phone app. Before buying, check that the app is listed in their phone's app store and supports their phone's software version.
Yes, if it works with little setup. A speaker, a power bank or a robot vacuum that runs on a schedule are easy wins. Leave the box, charger and invoice with the gift for the warranty.