Gift-giving is more than just about ticking off a wish-list—it’s about finding thoughtful items that bring families closer together, spark creativity, and create lasting memories. Whether it’s for Christmas, birthdays, or just-because moments, tech gifts can serve as powerful tools to strengthen family bonds while inspiring creativity in kids and teens.
There’s no question gifts are getting increasingly more techie. But there’s a huge difference between tech that divides; Meta headset, phone, iPad, vs Tech the Connects; 3d printer, karaoke machine, Nintendo Switch.
As a mum and tech journalist, my tech-purchase checklist looks something like this:
- Does this item foster creativity and education in at least 50% of the household
- Is it a price point I can stand to lose if the kids break it?
- Is the learning curve too steep for 50% of the house?
- Can it be used to solve a problem or enhance an aspect of our lives?
- How does this purchase connect us together as a family unit?
- Does this item need a subscription to work effectively?
Here are some of my top picks for tech gifts that go beyond the screen to foster connection and collaboration in meaningful ways.
1. Cricut Machines: Creativity Meets Connection
A Cricut cutting machine is more than just a crafting tool; it’s a gateway to endless family projects. From custom T-shirts to holiday cards, next level school projects and home decor, this intuitive piece of tech allows families to work together on creative projects, with potentially lucrative results. Teens and kids can unleash their entrepreneurial spirit by making and selling their creations, and parents can join in to learn new skills alongside them.
Whether it’s a rainy day activity or a way to bond over a shared love for DIY, Cricut inspires creativity while making memories together. As an added bonus, the Cricut Creator Community is so vast and passionate, your kids can find a relatable tutorial for pretty much any crazy idea they dream up.
2. A low-cost 3D Printer: Inventive Fun for All Ages
The Creality Ender V3 3D printer is a gift that keeps on giving. In my house, it’s been the source of endless fascination as my kids learn 3D software skills, brainstorm solutions to everyday problems, and invent all kinds of fun creations. You can read my review on this machine here – at AU$300 all in, its been one of our best investments.
From printing spare parts for toys to designing ornaments or functional items and product prototypes, this tech gift is ideal for fostering problem-solving skills and encouraging hands-on creativity. Plus, it’s a wonderful way for parents and kids to collaborate on innovative projects.
3. Skylight Calendar / Digital Photo Frame: Stay Organised and Stay Connected
The Skylight Calendar is a modern family command centre. Beyond its ability to manage busy schedules, it also doubles as a digital photo frame that lets family members email photos directly to the device. I had the opportunity to review this item earlier in the year, and have been so surprised how MUCH connection and positivity the digital photo frame option has bought into our home. All those iPhone pics finally have some way of being seen!
This feature makes it a beautiful memory-sharing tool, allowing grandparents, aunts, and uncles to stay connected even from afar with any allowed members being able to email not just photos, but also important events direct to your families calendar.
This tech item has bought a unexpected joy into our lives.
4. Telescope: Stargazing and Bonding Under the Night Sky
This year, I’m gifting my husband a telescope—and I can’t wait to see how it brings our family together. There’s something magical about gathering outside, exploring the cosmos, and sharing moments of wonder. We live in a rural area, so dark skies blanketed in stars, and big, red moons are a common ocurrence
A telescope offers our family the chance to slow down, look up, and have meaningful conversations while learning about the universe together. It’s a gift that turns an ordinary evening into an unforgettable experience.
I didn’t spend a fortune – less than $100. A tech gift doesn’t have to be the best of the best to foster connection.
5. Family-Friendly Apps and Games
If you’re looking for smaller-scale gifts, consider apps or games that encourage collaboration and healthy competition. My top picks are:
- Wordle and Wordle-inspired challenges: Perfect for family game nights where everyone can flex their vocabulary skills.
- Scavenger hunt or trivia apps: Bring the family together with a mix of learning and laughter.
- Secret Santa organiser apps: For Christmas, big birthdays or event games, these tools add a touch of mystery and fun to holiday traditions.
- Relatinship app Pair’d has an amazing free tier that fosters closeness and connection between partners. Let’s not make it all about the kids as we look at tech savy ways to enhance intimate connection between adults this year.
These options are affordable, portable, and guaranteed to create family moments worth remembering.
6. Intimate Tech for Deeper Connections
For couples looking to keep the spark alive—whether across the miles or simply to elevate your connection—consider an intimate tech gift that’s thoughtfully designed for two. Lovense, for instance, offers a digital device paired with a long-distance app that allows partners to stay intimately connected no matter where they are.
While candles and perfume are classic gifts, sometimes stepping outside the traditional can create a more meaningful experience. These types of thoughtful tech gifts can be a fun, innovative way to explore connection, trust, and togetherness in your relationship.
7. Video Editing and Photography Gadgets
Encourage the whole family to get behind (and in front of!) the camera with a gift like:
- A GoPro: Perfect for capturing adventures, whether it’s a family hike or backyard antics.
- A ring light or mini tripod: Great for teens and parents exploring photography, vlogging, or creative TikTok projects.
These tools make it easy to document memories and explore new creative hobbies as a family – just make sure you specify that filming people without their knowledge or posting online with all parties consent is vital so you don’t find yourself performing an inadvertent steamy shower scene in the background of your 12 year olds latest makeup tutorial.
8. Robotics Kits or STEM Toys
Robotics kits like LEGO Mindstorms or Raspberry Pi starter sets are excellent for kids and teens (but you don’t need to spend a lot on brand named items). These gifts combine fun with learning, encouraging family members to collaborate on building robots or coding simple programs.
My Husband and son are right into Arduino parts and accessories at the moment, and I know they will spend hours upon hours together on the office floor working out how computer parts connect. Money cannot buy that kind of quality time.
It’s a hands-on way to explore STEM concepts and bond over problem-solving challenges – the kids don’t even know they’re learning!
9. Sing Your Heart Out with a Family Karaoke Machine
For families who love to host, a karaoke machine is the ultimate tech gift that guarantees fun for all ages. From belting out classics to performing the latest chart-toppers, karaoke nights have a way of bringing everyone together—whether it’s your turn to shine or you’re cheering someone else on.
Many machines come with features like wireless microphones, preloaded songs, and compatibility with streaming services, making it easier than ever to create a party atmosphere at home. Whether it’s a birthday, Christmas, or just a Saturday night, a karaoke machine promises countless hours of connection and laughter.
Bonus: it’s also a sneaky way to get the kids off their screens and into the spotlight and you can check out the likelihood of the kids (or your drunk friends’) becoming the next Taylor Swift.
10. Nintendo Switch: Nostalgia Meets Modern Fun
The Nintendo Switch is a tech gift that bridges generations, blending modern gaming with a touch of nostalgia. My kids surprised me last year with Alex Kidd in Miracle World (a beloved classic from my childhood), and I earned serious street cred as I nailed level after level. Pair that with timeless games like Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros., and you have a console that connects everyone—from Gen Alpha to The Boomers.
One of the best features of the Nintendo Switch is its versatility. Play it handheld on the go or connect it to your big-screen TV for a full-family showdown. Accessories like extra controllers are relatively affordable, and its game library is packed with options for every interest and skill level.
If you’re looking to make this gift even savvier, consider exploring second-hand options. On my podcast, Side Hustle and Son, we’ve talked about how my son made over $1,000 buying and reselling Nintendo Switch consoles on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree. It’s a reminder that tech gifts don’t always have to be purchased brand new—sometimes, pre-loved products can be just as exciting and budget-friendly.
Side Hustle & Son is a great podcast which really hones in on the entrepreneurial functions of tech if you’re looking for a financial skill building, family friendly podcast to listen to this year.
Make Your Next Tech Purchase Meaningful
Tech gifts have the unique ability to bring people together, encourage collaboration, and inspire creativity. Whether you’re crafting with a Cricut, stargazing through a telescope, or printing new designs with a 3D printer, these thoughtful presents are more than just devices—they’re opportunities to connect in an increasingly isolating digital world.
This gifting season, consider a tech gift that helps your family laugh, learn, and grow together.
Because at the end of the day, the best gift you can give is time well spent.
Xoxo
Elise
