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.

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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.

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How to buy a PS5 before Christmas

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Trying to find one of the season’s hottest gifts for someone on your holiday gift list? Listen now for the Kim Komando game plan.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Shopping bots to score a PS5 and other hot gifts

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Want to score the hottest holiday gifts, from toys to gaming consoles? Here’s how a shopping bot can help.

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?

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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List: The very worst gifts you can give if you care about privacy

Anytime you go online or use a connected device, your privacy is at risk. This isn’t to say you should throw away all your tech and live in a cave, but there are ways to minimize exposure.

Let’s start with your choice of browser. This has a significant impact on your online experience. Many browsers share popular features like dark mode, but when it comes to privacy, you’ll find a greater distinction. Tap or click here for the best privacy-focused browsers, ranked.

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Check this list for privacy stealing tech gifts

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Are your Christmas gifts secret spies? Listen now to learn which tech goodies put your privacy in danger.

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.

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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.

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What it takes to get the top tech and gaming gifts this year

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Are you ready for the holiday shopping season? Listen now for some strategies for this year’s unusual Christmas.

If you have any tech gifts on your list, listen up

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Are you planning to buy any tech gifts this Christmas? Listen now for why you should buy ASAP.

Shopping picks: Cozy up with 13 of our fall favorites

October marks the beginning of fall, which means leaves are changing colors, days are shorter and the weather is perfect for roasting marshmallows around a bonfire.

Not quite ready for all the fun fall festivities? We’re here to help. We’ve got everything from tech to decorations to usher in the coolest months of the year.

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