What the Tech: Best tech gadgets of the last decade
The Best Tech Gadgets That Truly Stand the Test of Time (and Make Great Gifts!)
Some gadgets come and go, but a select few are so good that they become a staple in your daily life for years. They are the timeless pieces of tech that genuinely enhance your routine.
If you’re looking for gift ideas that the recipient will actually use every single day, look no further. Here are some of my all-time favorite gadgets that I love so much, I’d buy every one of them again.
1. The Versatile Workhorse: iPad Pro
Easily the device I use the most. I’ve gone through a few versions, but the iPad Pro remains essential. I use it to read, watch videos, and write scripts. By simply adding a Bluetooth keyboard, it even replaces my laptop when I travel, making it the ultimate portable productivity and entertainment machine.
2. The Traveler’s Best Friend: ScotteVest
When I travel, I never leave home without a ScotteVest. It’s a jacket with dozens of internal pockets that securely hold everything: my phone, wallet, passport, chargers, and even the iPad. It keeps all my essentials organized in one place, which makes getting through airport security significantly easier.
3. Keyless Convenience: Tapplock
No trip to the gym is complete without the Tapplock. This smart padlock unlocks with just my fingertip—no key, no combination to remember, just a tap. The best part? The battery lasts for months without needing a charge.4.
4. A True Pet Lifesaver: Litter Robot
If you have cats (like my two, Lucy and Barney), the Litter Robot is a game-changer. After they do their thing, it automatically separates the clean litter and drops the waste into a sealed bag. This means no smell, and most importantly, absolutely no scooping.
5. Essential for Focus: Noise-Canceling Earbuds
Whether you’re working, traveling, or just need to tune out the world, a great pair of noise-canceling earbuds is a must-have.
For iPhone Users: The AirPod Pros are easy to set up and deliver great sound quality.
A Solid Alternative: I’ve also used the Bose Quiet Comfort earbuds for years, and they are fantastic.
For Awareness: If you need to hear things around you (like on a run or bike ride), the Shokz open-air earbuds are an excellent choice.
If someone doesn’t yet own a pair of quality Bluetooth earbuds, they’ll end up using them every single day.
6. New Gadget: Meta RayBan smart glasses
I only picked up these shades last year, but they’ve quickly, and consistently been one of my favorite gadgets.
Meta’s RayBan sunglasses allow me to take photos and videos hands-free and upload them to Instagram. I can also take and make phone calls and listen to music from Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon without needing earbuds. The glasses have surprisingly good battery life and can be charged in their case. They’re stylish in the classic RayBan way.
7. Osmo Pocket 3 Camera
I use a lot of cameras, including a point-and-shoot Sony, GoPro Action Camera, and a dedicated Canon video camera. But my go-to this year is the Osmo Pocket 3 from DJI. This camera fits in my pocket and is ready to shoot 4K video at the touch of a button. The camera is in a gimbal to always capture steady shots without a tripod. Pair it with a Bluetooth DJI wireless mic to capture high-quality audio on the go.
If you’re looking for a gift that they’ll use for a very long time, these gadgets are worth considering. They’ve stood the test of time and are still worth giving (or getting for yourself).
