Shopping guide: Ben's best-reviewed products of 2021
Over the past year, I’ve reviewed dozens of products, from battery chargers to motorized standing desks. While not every new gadget managed to wow me, quite a few made a positive impression.
They might do the same for you. There could even be a few that would make an excellent gift for someone you know — especially those who are difficult to buy for.
Check out the top 15 products from my reviews this year, with gift ideas for every budget.
Belkin 2-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe
Earlier this year, I reviewed a MagSafe charging stand from Belkin designed for the iPhone 12 (and now 13) and Apple AirPods. It’s fast, it’s elegant, and you can check out my full review by tapping or clicking here. While it retails for $99, you can catch it on sale this time of year.
After reviewing this stand, I bought the 3-in-1 version that adds an Apple Watch charger. Yes, it’s a little pricey, but it’s my favorite product on this list and something I use every single day.
Aura Carver Smart Digital Picture Frame
Displaying your favorite photos is as easy as sending them to your TV or smart display, but that doesn’t mean digital photo frames are relics of the past. The Aura Carver is a frame that lets you instantly add photos through a handy app (with unlimited storage) and can be the perfect gift for a loved one who doesn’t live nearby. Here’s my full review.
Flexispot Pro Series Standing Desk
Standing desks aren’t just trendy. They serve a purpose for posture and other health benefits. And the Flexispot Pro Series isn’t your average standing desk, packing dual motors, three memory height presets and customizable options. It’s sturdy, quiet and makes for a great way to break up the monotony of sitting in front of a computer all day. Check out my full review of the desk here.
Ekster Aluminum Cardholder
Even as minimalist wallets became more popular, I was convinced I would keep my traditional leather bifold forever. That’s until I tried the Ekster Aluminum Cardholder, which I reviewed here. Store your most-used cards in the spring-loaded cardholder and access them with a very cool switchblade-like button. Now it’s the only wallet I carry. Check out Ekster’s lineup of wallets and other products here.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Spice up your cooking (and skip the oil) with our favorite air fryer
‘Tis the season to spend a ton of time in your kitchen whipping up fabulous feasts. If you want to cut your cooking time in half, turn to modern technology. Specifically, the Instant Vortex Air Fryer can make a chef’s life 10 times easier.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Holiday shipping deadlines: Check this list now so you don't miss the cutoffs
It might seem hard to believe, but we’re less than three weeks away from Christmas. Need a little help finding the perfect gift for people on your list? Tap or click here for non-tech gifts for the person who has everything.
The fun gift that will make you the holiday hero with the kids in your family
If you have any little warriors in the family, they’ll love this. Most kids love jungle gyms, but sometimes they just want to embrace their inner ninja. The Ninja Warrior obstacle course brings adventure straight to your family’s backyard.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Non-tech gifts for the person who has everything
Do you have someone on your list who is known for being impossible to buy for? We all know at least one person who buys exactly what they want when they want it, leaving us scrambling to find something they don’t already own.
15 gifts for people who call a kitchen their happy place
There’s something magical about baking in a fully-stocked kitchen during the holidays. The smell of Christmas cookies and fresh-baked bread fill the air and remind you that the holidays are in full swing.
If you have someone on your Christmas list who dreams of being the next Martha Stewart, you might want to skip the new Beats headphones and aim for something they will genuinely enjoy.
Kim's holiday shopping list: 10 crowd pleasers for your favorite people
Not sure what to get your loved ones this holiday season? Thankfully, Kim has plenty of suggestions.
As you might imagine, Kim loves technology — especially all those gadgets that make life easier. So, with a little help from her top gift ideas, you can choose the best stocking stuffers and presents for all your friends and family this year.
How to get your hands on a PS5 and all the other hot 2021 holiday gifts
The holiday shopping season is in full swing, and the usual scramble to purchase those hard-to-find items has been compounded by the pandemic. Supply line and labor shortages have created an even higher demand for the hottest tech gifts. Fortunately, there are tools to help you get what you want for special people in your life.
Review: This compact power station makes a great gift - How to get it at a lower price
This past summer, I had the chance to review a portable power station from Jackery. I say portable, even though it was a bit on the heavy side and came with four folding solar panels. That’s fine since it’s designed to charge your devices and power major appliances if necessary.
Earbuds, speakers, headphones and other killer audio tech to gift this year
When Dr. Dre introduced Beats headphones, they were a must-have. Since then, countless brands have produced everything from speakers to earbuds to blow your mind. It’s hard to go anywhere without seeing at least one person with a pair of AirPods in.
6 useful, affordable gifts for the Android lover on your list
We all love our Android devices, but let’s be honest — we could always do with a few more gadgets or an upgrade here and there.
How long have you been using that old smart TV? What about that old Fitbit with limited features? What was the last Android release you missed out on?
Shopping on Black Friday? Here's when your favorite stores open
If you’re brave enough to shop on Black Friday, you know the importance of a game plan. Some folks prepare by lacing up their running shoes; others are ready to throw some elbow jabs. We prefer the non-violent approach: Showing up bright and early to get a head start on the action.
15 sporty and outdoorsy gifts for the adventurers and active people in your life
Do you and your family love to play outdoors? This holiday season is the perfect time to find an activity you can all bond over. With help from these products, you can get everyone off the couch and on their feet.
If your family already loves to spend time outside, these gadgets are the perfect way to bring everyone together from time to time.
15 gifts for every kid on your list, from the bookworms to the outdoor adventurers
Every kid would be happy to receive a new toy this holiday season, but which toys are the most popular? What deals can you get that will make both the child in your life and your wallet happy?
We’ve got a few great gift ideas for kids of all ages. Some can be synced to smart devices, while others allow your child to engage their imaginations.
Don't miss out! Video doorbells, window sensors, outdoor cams and more 50% off
If you’ve been waiting to pull the trigger on a home security system from our sponsor, SimpliSafe, now is the time. Right now, you can get 50% off any SimpliSafe system and your first month is free when you sign up for Interactive Monitoring. Use Kim’s special link to get this deal.
15 crowd-pleasing gifts topping wish lists this year
Many people are choosing to stay home for the holidays, which means they’re investing in fun or helpful tech to ward off boredom. If you can’t figure out what to buy them this Christmas, try a few of our favorite gift ideas.
Shopping guide: Gifts under $25 for everyone on your list
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and you know what that means — it’s time to start Christmas shopping. Tons of sales are already available online, but we understand how difficult it can be to sort through all those deals.
Tech roundup: 15 best tech gadgets to buy this holiday season
The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner. That means it’s time to whip out your credit cards and start buying some gifts for your loved ones. While you’re at it, don’t forget to get a special something for yourself.
Review: A flip phone made to withstand the toughest working conditions
I think of the mid-90s to the mid-2000s as the golden age of cell phones. It was that period between bag phones and smartphones when you really had the classics like, well, any phone that had the word Nokia emblazoned on the front.
The new Wi-Fi-connected Instant Pot is worth the upgrade
Here’s an A+ Christmas gift for the chef in your life. It’s also perfect for folks who are always busy and don’t have time to cook. Or maybe you know someone who still uses an older Instant Pot and could use an upgrade.