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Beautifully Designed Gifts for Discerning Geeks

For some of us, form is as important as function—or even more so. These gorgeous and useful objects make for unforgettable presents. But grab them ASAP since the holidays are almost here.

By Chandra Steele
Updated December 16, 2022
(Credit: René Ramos; Shutterstock/Evgenia Vasileva; MoMA, Artiphon, Master & Dynamic)

Table of Contents

Technology lives with us, on us, and near us. And for the aesthetically minded, design is paramount.

In the tradition of industrial designer Dieter Rams, who made Braun products in the last century that endure today, designers such as Yvés Behar and Philippe Starck are contributing good design to digital-based creations.

If you're holiday shopping for a disciple of these design gods, you can find something perfect for them in this story. There's an alarm clock that also plausibly passes as a sculpture, a speaker that's a miniature of a classic, an electric kettle they'll never want to put in a cabinet, and more. Considering your giftee is probably exacting about what they like, you'll be as relieved as they are delighted when they open one of these gifts.

For more gift ideas for everyone on your list, check out PCMag's full Holiday Gift Guide.

For Early Risers

Chirp Alarm Clock and Lamp Image

Chirp Alarm Clock and Lamp

$200.00 at MoMA Design Store
See It

Forego waking up to a droning smartphone alarm; instead, hear the sweet sounds of nature while simulated sunlight emanates from the Chirp Alarm Clock and Lamp.

For Quick Photo Prints

Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Image

Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay

3.5
$159.95 at Adorama
See It

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Liplay Hybrid Instant Camera produces petite prints. Its best feature is that instead of just printing out every photo, you can select each one first and add frames and filters.

Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Review

For Affordable Quality [Sponsored]

Epson EcoTank ET-4850 Image

Epson EcoTank ET-4850

This innovative printer uses high-yield ink bottles instead of expensive cartridges, helping you stay ahead of hassles like running out of ink when you really need it. Its refillable ink tanks come with a ridiculous amount of ink, so you’re set for a while. The EcoTank ET-4850 offers wireless printing directly from your smart device with the handy Epson Smart Panel app. The bottom line: Gift someone the Epson EcoTank and save them from future hassles and inkless nightmares.

For Pop-Art Lovers

Keith Haring Lovebox Messenger Color & Photo

$189.00 at MoMA Design Store
See It

Love makes the world go round—also the heart on this Keith Haring Lovebox Messenger. It's a MoMA exclusive that lets you send that certain someone photos, drawings, and notes in a way that's much more special than a text.

For Digital Musicians

Artiphon Orba 2 Image

Making music doesn't require any lessons with the Artiphon Orba 2. It's a handheld synth, looper, sample engine, and MIDI controller in one.

For Audio Organization

Wolf & Badger AirPod Chain Image

Wolf & Badger AirPod Chain

$69.00 at Wolf & Badger
See It

The Wolf & Badger AirPod Chain keeps AirPods from getting lost and from looking ordinary. Magnets easily turn them into a necklace.

For Projecting Greatness

Kodak Luma 150 Portable Wireless Projector Image

Kodak Luma 150 Portable Wireless Projector

3.5
$219.99 at Amazon
See It

The sleek little Kodak Luma 150 can turn any room into a movie theater. It can connect to just about any device and is easily portable.

Kodak Luma 150 Portable Wireless Projector Review

For Peace Seekers

Moment Pebble Image

The smooth, soothing Moment Pebble is made of marble sand and acts as a guide for meditation. Tap it three times, and it glows to indicate when to inhale and when to exhale. Some quiet breathing can make a big difference in a day.

For Roaming Audiophiles

Marshall Willen Portable Bluetooth Speaker Image

Marshall Willen Portable Bluetooth Speaker

3.5
$119.99 at Amazon
See It

The Marshall Willen Portable Bluetooth Speaker has the rock-and-roll vibe that is classic Marshall. And though it's small, it has a 2-inch full range driver and two passive radiators to maximize the audio it produces.

Marshall Willen Review

For Hot-Drink Sippers

Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle Image

Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle

$165.00 at Amazon
See It

Whether it's used for pour-over coffee or a cup of tea, the Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle heats water to precise temperatures.

For Portable Charging

Clutch V3 Charger Image

Clutch V3 Charger

$49.99 at Clutch
See It

The Clutch phone charger is not much bigger than a credit card; it's so slim that it can easily slip into a pocket or wallet. It comes in black, white, or pink.

For Indoor Farmers

Modern Sprout Smart Growhouse Image

Modern Sprout Smart Growhouse

$239.00 at Modern Sprout
See It

The hydroponic Modern Sprout Smart Growhouse is a beautiful environment for growing herbs or other plants. Its companion app lets you customize the device's growing environment remotely.

For Beautiful Tracking

Laut Prestige Case for AirTag Image

Laut Prestige Case for AirTag

$14.99 at Amazon
See It

Tuck your Apple AirTag trackers into this elegant Laut Prestige Case, which attaches easily to keys and other items. It comes in black, tan, indigo, or pink.

For Fast Charging

inCharge X Image

The InCharge X delivers ultrafast charging across a range of devices. It easily swaps from USB-A and USB-C inputs to Lightning, USB-C, and micro USB outputs.

For Non-Pod People

Master & Dynamic MW08 Image

Master & Dynamic MW08

4.0
$299.00 at Amazon
Check Stock

Master & Dynamic's Active Noise-Cancelling True Wireless Earphones are far more elegant than AirPods. They have excellent sound and noise-cancelling abilities and come in nine color combinations to go with any style.

Master & Dynamic MW08 Review

For Accessible Power

Project 62 Lap Desk Image

Project 62 Lap Desk

$35.00 at Target
See It

A built-in power bank on the Project 62 Lap Desk means you never have to search for an outlet for a laptop, tablet, or phone while you're working or relaxing.

stack of white presents wrapped in gold ribbon with gold ornaments and trees in background
(Olga Shumytskaya/Getty Images)

For more ideas, keep tabs on PCMag's full holiday gift guide.

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About Chandra Steele

Senior Features Writer

My title is Senior Features Writer, which is a license to write about absolutely anything if I can connect it to technology (I can). I’ve been at PCMag since 2011 and have covered the surveillance state, vaccination cards, ghost guns, voting, ISIS, art, fashion, film, design, gender bias, and more. You might have seen me on TV talking about these topics or heard me on your commute home on the radio or a podcast. Or maybe you’ve just seen my Bernie meme

I strive to explain topics that you might come across in the news but not fully understand, such as NFTs and meme stocks. I’ve had the pleasure of talking tech with Jeff Goldblum, Ang Lee, and other celebrities who have brought a different perspective to it. I put great care into writing gift guides and am always touched by the notes I get from people who’ve used them to choose presents that have been well-received. Though I love that I get to write about the tech industry every day, it’s touched by gender, racial, and socioeconomic inequality and I try to bring these topics to light. 

Outside of PCMag, I write fiction, poetry, humor, and essays on culture.

Read Chandra's full bio

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