We’ve been reviewing a bunch of recent devices and {hardware} at TechCrunch this 12 months: dumb telephones, hen feeders, well being trackers, slushy machines, AI mattress pads, you title it. Typically we predict they’re pointless and costly, however different instances, we check out gadgets that we love a lot that we exit and purchase them ourselves.

If these merchandise can impress a bunch of (generally) curmudgeonly tech reporters, then they’re positive to please whoever you’re searching for this vacation season.

For the reader

We’ve reviewed quite a lot of e-readers this 12 months. What can we are saying? We’re nerds. We work for a tech web site. However after making an attempt gadgets from the standard suspects in addition to some wildcards, we now have suggestions. Evidently, 2026 was the 12 months we fell in love with the pocket-sized e-reader.

Xteink X3 ($55) – a price range decide for somebody techy

It’s an e-reader so small that it could actually slot in your pockets, and even magnetize to the again of your telephone. Do you dream of a world the place as an alternative of scrolling Instagram while you’re ready in line for espresso, you truly choose to learn books? There’s actually one thing particular concerning the X3, and it’s solely $55 throughout Xteink’s Black Friday sale. Truthful warning, it takes some twiddling with to arrange, and it has no integration with Kindle, Libby, or some other apps, so solely purchase this for somebody prepared to do a little bit of Reddit shopping and tinkering to get it up and working.

XTeink X4 Professional ($99) – it has a backlight!

For those who aren’t planning to magnetize the XTeink to your telephone, you’ve received to go together with the X4 Professional. It’s barely larger, nevertheless it has a backlight, which makes it far more versatile. After utilizing each the X3 and the X4 Professional, I discover that the backlight actually is a recreation changer, since I do quite a lot of studying in mattress — plus, I like my Pop Socket pockets a bit an excessive amount of to displace for the X3, and I’d reasonably simply carry an additional credit score card-sized system than threat forgetting my precise credit score and ID playing cards, which I’ve grown too used to having on my telephone.

Boox Palma Professional 2 ($400) – a phone-sized e-reader with out the drawbacks

If I’m being trustworthy, studying my colleague Aisha Malik’s evaluate of the Boox Palma Professional 2 is making me wish to purchase one. I really like utilizing the Xteink e-readers, however they don’t hook up with any exterior apps. As a hardcore Libby energy consumer (a phrase I’m saying in earnest sincerity), it’s a bit irritating that I can’t get my library books on Xteink e-readers. The identical goes for apps like Kobo and Kindle, the place any e-book you already personal can’t be transferred out of the Amazon ecosystem except the writer agrees, which most don’t.

For those who’re on the lookout for an e-reader with a display that’s truly book-sized, my favourite that I’ve used is the Kobo Libra Color, which is $259. The Amazon Paperwhite line is nice, however c’mon, Amazon. Department out!

For the foodie

Hey, we’ve all received to eat. And in order for you, you may make that consuming course of overly techy. Why not?

Ember Mug 3 ($99) – for the tea lover who’s actually specific

The Ember Mug 3 is the most recent iteration in Ember’s line of espresso/tea cups that truly keep heat. Our reviewer Lauren Forristal particularly appreciated that you simply not want to make use of your telephone app to vary the mug’s temperature, which looks like it will be actually annoying!

This mug is ideal for gifting to somebody, or to place by yourself wishlist — you won’t wish to spend $99 on a mug for your self, however these types of luxurious, nice-to-haves are what holidays are made for!

Ninja Crispi Microwave and Air Fryer ($449.99) – two home equipment in a single!

Ah, Ninja, the premiere firm within the enterprise of turning each equipment right into a two-in-one air fryer. I jest, however at the least Ninja is aware of it’s onto one thing. Regardless of the excessive worth level, Lauren says that this new product made “a reasonably convincing case for ditching two home equipment and making room for one.” You’ll be able to’t purchase extra counter area (with out shifting), however you should purchase extra versatile home equipment.

GoveeLife Good Nugget Ice Maker Professional ($499.99) – in case your fridge has a built-in ice maker, you simply received’t perceive

Positive, there are cheaper ice makers in the marketplace. However Aisha clarifies that that is the ice maker for “those that crave what’s known as ‘the great ice.’” For those who really feel so passionately concerning the ice in your drinks that what she means, then perhaps that is for you.

For the AI-pilled vibe-coder

What they really need is a Mac mini or Claude subscription, but when that’s out of price range, we now have another concepts which may impress your AI-pilled, vibe-coder family members…

Open AI Codex Micro ($230) – for the Codex evangelist

After I requested my colleague Lucas Ropek what about his favourite product he reviewed this 12 months, he talked about the Codex Micro. Some hard-core coders — who the product is aimed towards — have discovered this factor lower than pleasing, however Lucas appears to have had enjoyable determining this primary try by OpenAI at {hardware}.

Greatest case, it’s a productiveness game-changer to your pal who has a hardworking workforce of AI brokers throughout the OpenAI ecosystem. Worst case, this shall be an important piece of tech historical past in a couple of years.

For the one who’s determined to sign off

As individuals have turn into extra aware about how a lot time they spend on-line, new tech has emerged that, mockingly, is designed to maintain you away from tech. A few of these merchandise can actually make a distinction in your life.

Brick ($59) or Brick Night time ($129) — a not-so-subtle present to your pal who doomscrolls each evening earlier than mattress

For about six months, I’ve constantly used the Brick to forestall me from utilizing social media as the very last thing I do earlier than mattress, or the very first thing within the morning. Some individuals use it to assist them focus through the work day, however evidently, I used to be not the one one who wanted Brick’s assist with sleep. The corporate lately launched its second system, Brick Night time, which “Bricks” your telephone if you end up in the identical room. You’ll be able to customise the instances that the Brick Night time is energetic, so it’s not as if you’ll be able to by no means, ever use social media in your room. Each Brick and Brick Night time are very customizable, so you’ll be able to create the right set-up tailor-made to your wants.

It’s embarrassing how whole-heartedly I like to recommend the Brick, which is principally only a hunk of plastic with an NFC chip in it and a companion app. However my sleep has improved considerably — I even do 8 AM Pilates now. Who am I?

Dumb Cellphone ($20 + service plan) – for somebody who desires to attempt one thing new however can’t completely quit their iPhone

I’ve tried out far pricier sensible telephone options, however the Dumb Cellphone was each essentially the most inexpensive, and essentially the most usable for me. Within the humble shell of a $20 TCL flip telephone, Dumb Co masses its personal software program in order that customers can entry apps like WhatsApp, Spotify, Apple Music, and Uber. You’ll be able to even entry iMessage by way of a third-party app, although Apple may most likely get that shut down… nobody inform Apple, please!

The Dumb Cellphone is especially usable as a result of it’s not supposed to be an entire alternative to your smartphone — it’s extra like a companion system you could take out with you while you wish to really feel extra current on this planet however nonetheless could have to name an Uber house.

For the well being nut

Wearable well being trackers are fairly widespread these days, however after reviewing a number of totally different rings and wristbands, Aisha has named a winner.

Oura Ring 5 ($399-$499 + $5.99/month subscription) — for somebody who cares about fashion as a lot as their step rely

There are quite a lot of ugly well being trackers. After which there’s the Oura Ring 5, the main sensible ring maker’s first product that’s skinny sufficient to put on with out loudly broadcasting to the world that you simply’re monitoring your coronary heart fee. (For what it’s price, I attempted the RingConn 3 — which is about the identical dimension as Oura Ring 5 — however returned it, unhappy. Womp womp.) Aisha notes in her evaluate that the most recent Oura ring is extra sturdy, has a greater battery life, and appears extra premium than its predecessors.