75+ unique birthday gift ideas — Ninja Creami, Kindle Paperwhite, and more

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Kids aren’t the only ones who get excited about birthday gifts. You can be a full-grown adult and still lose your shit when you open up the gift that topped your wish list. But as you get older, it does become a little more difficult to come up with a list of birthday gift ideas. You can’t just ask for all the coolest new toys anymore. Well, you can if you want — we’re not going to stop you.

If your birthday is coming up and you’re struggling to think of what you want, don’t sweat it. We compiled the ultimate birthday wish list, with gifts ranging from tech to outdoor essentials to home goods. To make your search easier, we’ve separated our gift ideas into categories: Our current favorite birthday gifts, gifts under $25, gifts under $50, gifts $50 to $150, and gifts $150+.

Read on for some birthday inspo and start casually dropping hints to your friends and family. And hey, happy birthday!

Our top picks

Color-changing smart light bulbs

Deputy Shopping and Reviews Editor Miller Kern here. I have put a Hue light bulb in every lamp in my apartment, and it’s so rare that I use the Big Light now. These color-changing bulbs let me dim the lights when I want to relax or emit fun colors while I’m watching a movie. And the best part is, I don’t have to get out of bed to turn the lights off at night.

A digital camera that captures film-style photos

I love taking and having film photos, but 1) film is expensive, and 2) all of the film cameras I have are chunky. The Camp Snap camera is an amazing alternative. It’s digital and incredibly lightweight — and the pictures truly do look like they were taken on film. They’re clear yet stylized enough to give that vintage feel. And you can take multiple versions of the same shot without feeling like you’re wasting film.

Coffee from around the world

I personally don’t drink coffee, but my dad is a big coffee guy. I got him and his wife a three-month subscription to Atlas Coffee Club for Christmas and they freakin’ loved it. They sent me a text every month to let me know where their coffee came from, and they love trying new roasts from around the world. Each month you get coffee beans and a postcard from different countries, so you get to try beans you can’t get from your grocery store. You can select from whole beans, grounds, Keurig pods, and Nespresso pods. Subscriptions can be three, six, or 12 months.

A new Kindle

Listen, I used to be such a physical books-only kind of person. Then I bought a Kindle Paperwhite and it changed my reading game for good. I’m able to easily take the e-reader on the plane, to the beach, or even in the bathtub (shoutout to the Paperwhite being waterproof). Plus, I can read library books for free from the Libby app. If you’re a reader, trust me when I say a Kindle should be at the top of your birthday list this year. (P.s. A new Kindle Paperwhite was released in October 2024.)

A gorgeous TV that doubles as art

Samsung’s The Frame TV made waves when it came out a few years ago, but the price is just not attainable for everyone. The Hisense CanvasTV is an amazing, budget-friendly (well, friendlier) alternative if you want an art TV for your birthday. The Google TV interface is amazing, and the TV truly does blend in with your art and decor. This is a bougie birthday ask, but one that’s worth it.

Birthday gifts under $25

Elevate your cooking game

This 2-in-1 oil dispenser pours and sprays so you won’t have to buy separate olive oil and Pam cooking spray. This is a practical gift to put on your list whether you’re a home chef or use an air fryer for every meal.

Whatever you want from Amazon

If your Amazon wish list is calling your name, ask for an Amazon gift card for your birthday. Get the present you’ve been dreaming of on someone else’s dime.

Learn something new

You’ve successfully completed one more trip around the sun, so to celebrate, develop a new skill or indulge a passion by taking an IRL class on the subject of your choice. Coursehorse partners with real-world instructors and schools in major cities to offer nearly 70,000 classes in subjects such as art, language, music, cooking, self-defense, gardening, and anything else you could possibly want.

A tiny bag

Nanobag is a tote bag that can fold up into a pocket-sized ball. It’s great for keeping in the car or your bag for those unplanned grocery or Target stops. The standard size starts at $13.95 and comes in 10 different colors and patterns.

Simple Lego flowers

Lego sets can be pretty freakin’ expensive, but if you’re looking for some more budget-friendly building kits for your birthday list, we’ve found a fun one. It includes two buildable roses that you can display after you’ve put them together. Wilting not included!

A delicious-smelling candle

Candles are a timeless gift that you can ask for at every single gift-giving opportunity (and will likely receive anyway if you don’t specify what you actually want). We are firm believers that you can never have too many candles. Add some sweet scents from Bonita Fierce, a Latina-owned small business, to your b-day wish list this year and every year. Candles start at $16. 

A puzzle with a few tricks up its sleeve

Magic Puzzle Company makes incredibly fun 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles that have a secret envelope for you to open when you’re done. This surprise envelope unlocks a “magical twist ending,” so placing that final piece will be even more exciting. The intricate designs feature tons of little Easter eggs, like puzzle pieces in the shape of items in the scene. The Big Rock City puzzle has a hot dog-shaped piece and music note-shaped piece to name a couple.

Somewhere to put your headphones

Rather than laying your headphones throughout your home or having them clutter up your desk, ask for a universal headphone stand for your birthday. This one is compatible with almost any pair of over-ear headphones or gaming headsets — and it has a pretty sleek look, too.

A stylish candle warmer lamp

Big candle fan? Then a candle warmer should be on your birthday list. It helps your candle last longer and you don’t need an open flame burning in your home. And if you’re going to ask for a candle warmer, make it a cute one. With a glass lamp shade, this warmer blends seamlessly into your home decor.

Backup battery for your phone

This portable charger from Anker is great for travel or being out on the town all day. It has enough juice to recharge your phone a couple of times, and it comes in four colors.

Cold hard cash

You really can’t beat the gift of cold, hard cash — or a gift card. A Visa card is a perfect birthday gift because you can spend it on literally whatever you want; buy yourself something fun or get some help with groceries. Best of all, you don’t need to decide exactly what you want before your birthday. The gift card starts at $10.

New reading materials

Support independent bookstores from around the country with a gift card to Bookshop. Starting at $10, the gift cards can either be used to buy books from a specific shop you love, or the purchase can feed the site’s profit-sharing pool to benefit all of Bookshop’s partner stores. 

Gifts $25 to $50

A way to keep track of your keys

In our opinion, the first thing you add to your keyring should be an AirTag. You can monitor where they are in Apple’s Find My app, and you’ll get an alert on your phone if you ever leave them behind somewhere.

The viral Owala FreeSip reusable water bottle

The Owala FreeSip is a fan-favorite and Mashable staff-favorite reusable water bottle. The innovative spout lets you sip like a straw or chug like a cup. Plus, the bottles come in super cute color combinations.

A personalized Yeti mug

This Yeti Rambler 24-ounce mug is a great size for both true coffee lovers and beer drinkers. It can also hold two Moscow mules, according to Yeti, if that’s more your speed. The Rambler is available in an array of fun and neutral colors. Plus, you can customize it with an etched design or monogram. For just $6 to $10, you can choose designs from Yeti’s library or upload your own file. (Mashable’s review editor owns the king crab orange mug with a cowboy boot and flowers etched on the side, pictured below.)

A one-of-a-kind planner

Are you a proud Type A over-planner and over-thinker? Or maybe your meticulously organized BFF is having a birthday soon? This spiral-bound planner can be customized with the recipient’s name and three personal photos.

An app for exploring

Love to be outside, but can’t fold a map to save your life? Enter AllTrails+, the app designed to get you off your phone and into the wild. Featuring over 400,000 curated trails all over the world, the app allows you to download maps in case of a poor signal, record your hikes, create your own trails, and more. A yearly subscription costs $35.99.

Mini zodiac cupcakes

Birthday cake is the standard, but might we suggest this fun alternative: mini cupcakes selected by an astrologer specifically for your zodiac sign. This Baked by Melissa offering comes with 25 cupcakes and the flavors vary depending on your sign — though there are some fan-favorites that show up in each zodiac variation. These also make for a great last-minute ask if you’re in Manhattan or Boston, as there’s same-day delivery for select locations.

A custom pet portrait

Sometimes, the best birthday gifts are the ones made just for you. If you’re obsessed with your pet, these custom pet portraits need to be on your birthday list. There are many different styles to choose from, each one super freakin’ adorable. Prices vary depending on size.

An inconspicuous fanny pack

Whether you’re going for a run or heading to a music festival, keep your necessities at the ready with a FlipBelt Zipper pack. This handy belt can hold your phone, money, credit card, keys, and all sorts of everyday necessities. Coming in multiple sizes, the FlipBelt doesn’t bounce or chafe and is machine washable.

A cast iron skillet

A cast-iron skillet is the true sign that you’re graduating from cheap nonstick cookware and all mismatched plates. It’s something you probably want, but don’t particularly want to spend the money on. Lodge has different sizes depending on what you want to cook.

Authentic chai

Not satisfied with supermarket-bought chai? Get the real thing from New York-based chai-preneurs at Kolkata Chai. This small business will send authentic chai straight to your door with the Chai Trio Variety Pack ($62) or the Chai Starter Kit ($45). For devoted chai drinkers, Kolkata Chai offers subscription packages to keep that tea coming.

A Lego set that doubles as decor

One of our favorite gifts under $50 is this Lego Orchid that’s fun to build and adds a nice touch of greenery to your space that feels more unique than a plastic plant. This set is part of the Lego Icons line, which also features succulents, a bonsai tree, and a bouquet, in case orchids aren’t your thing.

A smart speaker

If you don’t have a smart speaker by now, it’s time to make a change. The Echo Dot is an affordable voice-controlled companion that’ll keep you in the loop on the weather and current events and keep track of your most important reminders. Also, they’re great for playing music.

A media streaming stick

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is one of the best streaming devices we’ve tested, and it’s also one of our favorite birthday gift ideas. If you don’t already have a smart TV but want to access Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Disney+, and all the other streaming apps directly from your TV, ask for a Fire TV Stick for your b-day. Amazon’s streaming stick has better voice control than similar products from Roku, and the 4K version normally goes for $49.99.

The delicious scent without the fire hazard

If candles are a no-go, opt for a Bluetooth-enabled diffuser to make any room in your home smell divine. The Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser ($49.99) holds two fragrances and is controlled entirely through the app. Schedule one smell to wake up to and one to fall asleep to with the in-app calendar feature. Pura collaborates with brands like NEST, Anthropologie, Disney, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to source their scents, so whatever the occasion calls for, they’ve got your back.

Gifts $50 to $150

Local flavors delivered

Speaking of take-out: if you’ve maxed out your city’s culinary offerings, see what’s available from the rest of the country. Goldbelly makes it possible to order meals and gifts from restaurants around the United States. No matter your craving, a Goldbelly gift card at any price point is bound to satisfy.

Mashable Trend Report

A custom neon sign

Pick out a funny phrase, inside joke, or a family name and get a custom sign in as little as one week. It might sound too good to be true, but Mashable editors have ordered from this Amazon storefront before and had a great experience. In fact, this is one of our favorite undiscovered gems on Amazon, and you can buy signs for as little as $53.96.

Coffee from around the world

Atlas Coffee Club is a coffee subscription that sends you coffee beans and postcards from a different country each month. So, you get to try roasts you probably can’t get from your grocery store and you get to learn about a new place — and maybe get some travel inspo. You can select from whole beans, grounds, Keurig pods, and Nespresso pods. Subscriptions can be three, six, or 12 months.

A personal blender for smoothies

Make smoothies in your own kitchen with a NutriBullet personal blender — it’s fast and easy. The NutriBullet Nutrient Extractor comes with the 600W motor base, blender blade, 24-ounce blending cup, travel lid, and lip ring, plus a recipe book if you’re sick of the same old smoothies.

An endless supply of veggies and herbs

Whether you’re an enthusiastic home chef, like a bit of greenery, or simply can’t stand running to the grocery store every time a recipe calls for some cilantro, a hydroponic garden is a great way to keep veggies and herbs on hand, even if you don’t have a green thumb. We’re fans of AeroGarden, which has gardens that start at $52.80.

A weighted blanket

For what seems like an extraneous expense, an extra-heavy blanket can be a total game-changer. Besides providing all the comfort of a partner without the snoring, a weighted blanket can reduce tossing and turning and keep you extra warm. This one at Amazon comes in a bunch of colors, sizes, and weights.

Film vibes from a digital camera

Film photos are back in a big way, but not all of us have the patience to fill up an entire roll and then wait for it to get developed. Camp Snap is a really neat camera that takes film-esque photos and stores them on an SD card so you can pull them to your computer or phone and post them immediately. It’s super lightweight and has a pretty low profile compared to film cameras, making it easy to slip into your purse or pocket on a night out.

A necessary Nintendo Switch upgrade

It’s never too late to upgrade your Switch set up, and the Pro controller can help you do just that. This controller is perfect for when you connect your device to a larger display, and it has the added bonus of zero Joy-Con drift.

A tea and coffee lover’s best friend

There’s a certain electric gooseneck kettle that’s beloved by design nerds, but that’s also a tad overpriced (more than a tad, really). Instead, make the smart choice and opt for the infinitely more practical Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle. It still has plenty of charm — not to mention pre-set buttons for tea, coffee, and boiling water.

A pack of disposable cameras

We have a couple of camera options on this list, but sometimes you really just want that classic disposable camera experience. You’ll capture some fun, in-the-moment memories with no do-overs. A three-pack of disposable cameras costs $79.99 (these have become kind of expensive since the invention of digital/phone cameras).

Affordable no-worry earbuds

Worried your earbuds will fall out of your ears and be lost forever? Get peace of mind with the affordable Soundcore Sport X10 wireless earbuds. Designed for athletes but great for anyone, these headphones hook around your ears and stay put no matter how sweaty or active you get (a fact we can personally attest to). Keep them in their case for on-the-go charging.

Fancy olive oils

This is one of our favorite gifts to give someone who’s difficult to shop for, so it also makes a great gift to ask for when you aren’t sure what you want. Brightland makes infused olive oils that come in super cute bottles. This set includes four mini bottles of chili, garlic, lemon, and basil-flavored olive oils. Your kitchen will feel elevated with these on display and in your cooking rotation.

Color-changing smart light bulbs

Turn your bedroom into a party with these color-changing smart light bulbs. You can control the lights from your phone and set whatever mood you’re feeling. This kit includes two smart Bluetooth bulbs for $99.99.

A year of ad-free music

Maybe a Spotify Premium membership isn’t in your budget this year, or maybe it’s a monthly bill you’d just rather have someone else foot for you. Whatever the case, add a 12-month Spotify subscription gift card to your bday list. It’s especially great if you’ve got someone shopping for you who notoriously waits until the last minute to buy gifts since it can be delivered via email or text.

Something to make your life a little more eco-friendly

Whether you’re packing your lunch or storing leftovers, using plastic bags should be your last resort. Heck, you should be trying to stay away from all single-use plastics if you’re able to. But, if you want to start small, these Stasher bags are a great option to make your daily life more eco-friendly. These silicone bags are secure and completely reusable — either wash them by hand or stuff them in the dishwasher. Grab a starter pack for $99.99.

A beginner-friendly sewing machine

Sewing has become a popular hobby amongst TikTokkers, and whether you’ve never touched a sewing machine in your life or you’re just in need of a new one, the Singer M1150 is a solid machine for sewists of all levels. It hits all your basics at a reasonable price point.

Luxurious towels

Multiple Mashable staff members revere Brooklinen towels as the softest towels ever. The brand’s bath sheets are bigger than a standard bath towel, meaning you feel more coziness and less cold air as you step out of the shower.

The smart temperature-controlled mug

There’s a lot of debate about what makes a good gift, but getting something that is a) practical and b) something just extravagant enough that you’d never get it for yourself may be the infallibly perfect combo. We think for coffee and tea drinkers, that combo is found in the Ember Mug 2, which retails for $129.95. This temperature-controlled mug may be unnecessary (and expensive), but boy does it feel good to take a hot sip of coffee after forgetting you poured it an hour ago.

A photo printer

Have some photos on your phone or Instagram that you want to pin to your fridge? Ask for the Canon SELPHY CP1500 Compact Photo Printer. This sleek gadget connects to your Android or iPhone through WiFi, SD card, or USB stick and prints out your favorite pics in a layout design of your choosing. The printing isn’t instant (the color ink layers print one at a time), but the quality of the final product makes it worth the wait.

The gift of clean air

We know, we know, an air purifier is not the sexiest gift, but it is a practical one. The Levoit Core 300S is a smart air purifier with a companion app that lets you control the device and see real-time stats about your home’s air quality. It’s suitable for spaces up to 1,095 square feet.

A portable, waterproof speaker

Beach days and outdoor adventures are made complete with your favorite playlist. The Bose SoundLink Flex is a portable speaker that can handle the elements while still providing stellar sound quality. It’s waterproof, rust- and drop-resistant, and even floats. Plus, it comes in five fun colors. For even bigger sound, try the Bose SoundLink Max.

Gifts $150+

A new Kindle

The Mashable team has tested every Kindle e-reader, and we think the Kindle Paperwhite is the right e-reader for most people. Instead of asking for a book, ask for a Kindle for your birthday and save yourself money and space. Sure, it doesn’t smell the same as a new book, but now you’ll have no excuses for not keeping up with your yearly reading resolutions. (P.s. A new Kindle Paperwhite was released in October 2024.)

The viral Hatch alarm clock

Intrigued by sleepmaxxing? The Hatch Restore 3 sunrise alarm clock could help you get a better night’s rest. It’s designed to help you create a bedtime routine to help you fall asleep easier. It’s packed with different sleep sounds and light levels to ease you in and out of sleep.

Sleep earbuds that also track your sleep

The Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds are our top pick for the best sleep earbuds. Our tester liked their battery life, comfort and fit, reliable performance, and sleep data. The sleep tracking was more accurate than data from a sleep-tracking phone app.

A desk you can take anywhere

If you work remotely, you gotta get this portable desk from Logitech. The Casa Pop-Up Desk includes a wireless keyboard, wireless trackpad, and a desk stand that doubles as a discreet and stylish carrying case. It comes in three colors so you can match your aesthetic. This is an especially great tool if you like working from coffee shops or moving around while you work.

A new comforter

Comforters, like a mattress, shouldn’t be an item you cheap out on. They’re supposed to last you a while, so why not have something a little more luxurious? The Buffy Cloud comforter is a sustainable comforter made from recycled fiber and eucalyptus. Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart reviewed it, calling it “the first piece of bedding I’ve used that actually feels kind of dreamy.”

Sony’s latest bass-heavy headphones

Sony released its new ULT Power Sound lineup in April, and we adore the headphones. The ULT Wears have Sony’s impressive sound quality and noise cancellation and are made even more impressive by the addition of the ULT button, which punches up the bass two additional levels. These headphones are booming, and the best part is they’re relatively budget-friendly.

A pressure cooker and air fryer in one

Maybe not quite as heavy duty as a cast-iron skillet but just as useful: a pressure cooker that can air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, slow cook, prepare rice, steam, sauté, and more. Impress guests with your culinary skills (that are in fact just throwing all the ingredients listed in the recipe into this thing and then waiting a few hours). The Instant Pot 11-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker will cost your gift-giver $199.99, but they can reap the rewards when you cook for them with it.

A trusty pet camera

If you’re anything like us, you view your pet like it’s your actual child. We support that. Now, you can up your pet parent game by picking up a Furbo pet camera. Not only does it livestream what your pet is up to while you aren’t home straight to your phone, but it also has the ability to toss treats and produce two-way audio for quick check-ins.

Design-friendly humidifier

There’s something to be said for a product that can marry form and function, and this Vitruvi humidifier does just that. Admittedly, $229 is probably a hefty price for a humidifier you’re buying for yourself, but it’s a great splurge gift if you prefer your household appliances not be eyesores.

Your own personal ice cream maker

If you’re as chronically online as we are, you’ve likely seen people whipping up frozen treat concoctions with the Ninja Creami. The countertop ice cream maker has presets for gelato, ice cream, sorbet, smoothie bowls, milkshakes, and mix-ins if you want to channel your inner Dairy Queen. You do need to freeze your ingredients beforehand, so it’s not an instantaneous sweet treat fix, but you have creative freedom to try out whichever flavors your sweet tooth desires.

A portable, smokeless fire pit

Whether you’re a hardcore camper or you just like unwinding with a few beers by the fire, Solo Stove’s Ranger fire pit is a fantastic gift to ask for. It’s designed to be smokeless and portable, making it great for balconies, backyards, beach hangs, or camping trips. Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel reviewed the larger Solo Stove Bonfire and wrote that it burns “beautiful, clean fires when conditions are right.” The best part? The Ranger is typically on sale for $199.99, so whoever gifts it has 30 extra dollars to spend on your birthday.

A Bluetooth record player

Are your Spotify playlists just not cutting it anymore? Switch it up and go retro with a vinyl music collection. This turntable connects to Bluetooth speakers and headphones, or you can hook it up to a traditional sound system using cords.

A pair of AirPods Pro

When you already own a pair of earbuds, it can be hard to justify splurging on a new pair — even if you really, really want to. And that’s why the new AirPods Pro (Gen 2) earbuds are an ideal birthday present. For people still using lightning cables, the new USB-C version will be a welcome upgrade. Apple stepped up its audio game with these buds, which feature improved sound quality and active noise cancellation. For a cheaper alternative, ask for the latest 4th Gen AirPods, which are $129 without ANC or $179 with ANC.

A robot vacuum

Stop manually vacuuming your house every day and let a robot vacuum clean your floors for you. The Shark RV2300 is budget-friendly and tough on dirt. Our robot vacuum expert called it “the most reliable cheap robot vacuum that I’ve tested.”

A cool drone with a 12MP camera

This drone is small and super lightweight, but it takes stunning photos and videos. It’s great for traveling or for use at home. DJI is one of the top names in drones and the Mini 2 SE costs $279 with a remote control.

A massage gun

Whether you’re working at a desk all day, running around, or just inexplicably tense, a massage gun will get you limber and relaxed again. What better gift than the gift of painless movement? Our best recommendation? Go for the TheraGun. The Prime model costs $299, but if that’s not quite in your budget, then check out our gadget gift guide for more gifting inspiration.

Five hair tools in one

Instead of asking for the $600 Dyson Airwrap, you can get a product that performs nearly identically for half the price in the Shark FlexStyle (trust us, we tested them head to head). Pick up a version for textured hair or straighter hair for $299.99.

A portable projector

All of your friends will start calling your home the “cool house” if movie nights involve this mini portable projector. Use it to play movies, shows, or games outside on a screen or indoors on a blank wall. The Anker Nebula Capsule in black costs $299.99.

An Apple Watch

An Apple Watch lets you access smartphone features conveniently on your wrist. You can control your music, send and receive texts, monitor your health, and tons more.

Year-round spa days

You can ask for a day at the spa, or you can ask for the gift of getting a facial whenever you want and from the comfort of your home. In her review of the device, Mashable’s Deputy Shopping and Reviews Editor Miller Kern wrote the TheraFace Pro is “a hell of a lot cheaper than getting regular professional facials, and I truly feel like I’ve received a spa treatment every time I use [it].”

An indoor garden

Yard space is not easy to come by, but you can still have the garden of your dreams. Gardyn is an indoor hydroponic system that lets even the most notorious plant killers grow a thriving harvest. There are three starter kits to choose from: salad lover, budding florist, and chef faves. The smaller Gardyn Studio houses 16 plants, while the larger Gardyn Home holds 30.

The newest iPad mini

Our reviewer called the iPad mini 7 the “best choice” if you want a compact tablet, and said it looks better and is a lot more powerful than previous-generation iPad minis. It supports the Apple Pencil Pro and we named it the best tablet for reading.

A fancy desk chair

Our favorite type of birthday gift is something you want to buy yourself but just can’t justify spending your own money on. The Verve chair is a prime example of that. It’s super comfy and ergonomic, and it comes in really cute colors, but it’s definitely on the luxury end of pricing. If you work from home or just spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, put this at the top of your birthday wish list.

A new bike

Head outdoors with this hybrid bike designed for both leisure and more adventurous rides. It comes in different colors and a couple of different styles for men and women. The 18-inch Schwinn GTX 2.0 bike normally goes for $549.99.

A camera to rival your phone

When giving your friends and family birthday gift ideas, it’s usually best to look for gifts under $50. But if you have a partner or parent who really loves you, then it’s okay to dream big.

An easy-to-use mirrorless camera designed with creators in mind, the Nikon Z 30 boasts video, camera, and live streaming capabilities at an affordable price. The camera body can be purchased alone or with one or two kit lenses. There’s also the creators’ accessory bundle which comes with a mic, tripod grip, and Bluetooth remote.

A handheld gaming console that’s not a Switch

Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry described the Lenovo Legion Go as “beefier and more powerful” than the Nintendo Switch. It has a huge display, solid performance, and all-around great specs. It’s not a one-to-one competitor of the Switch, but rather a portable way into PC gaming that’s “really good at running all kinds of games.”

A new phone

Thinking of upgrading from an iPhone that has a Lightning port? Don’t spend your own money on an expensive phone — have someone who loves you spend their money! The new iPhone 16 starts at $799 while the iPhone 16 Plus starts at $999. (Group gift, anyone?)

A robot vacuum that also mops

Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart called the Eufy X10 Pro Omni the catchall answer to the question, “Which robot vacuum should I get?” It vacuums and mops — and empties its own dust bin, refills its water tank, and washes and dries its mop pads. The Eufy is a true hands-off cleaning device.

A TV that blends into your decor

Samsung’s The Frame TV made waves when it came out a few years ago, but the price is just not attainable for everyone. The Hisense CanvasTV is an amazing, budget-friendly (well, friendlier) alternative if you want an art TV for your birthday. The Google TV interface is amazing and the TV truly does blend in with your art and decor. This is a bougie birthday ask, but one that’s worth it.

A MacBook Air

MacBook Airs are super nice computers, but they can definitely be a bit pricey… which is what makes them such a great addition to a birthday wish list. Someone who loves you can drop the big bucks for you! The new 13-inch M4 MacBook Air starts at $999, but we’ve seen it dip down to $849 on sale.