The biggest misconception? That Christmas no longer revolves around toys once you reach a certain age, when in reality, the toys simply become flashier (and more expensive) the older you get. From the latest and greatest in personal audio to the essential building blocks of a proper home entertainment set-up — here are 18 Christmas gift ideas for the tech obsessive in your life.
Right off the bat, we’re recommending the specced-out PlayStation 5 Pro ($1,200). If it’s the most significant console release of the year for Aussie gamers you’re after, however, cop the long-awaited Steam Deck (from $649).
The latter has been created by Valve, the owners of the online storefront Steam and developers behind popular series like Half-Life, Portal and Counter-Strike; and it places the power of PC gaming in the palm of your hands. The list of verified games includes big-name releases like Baldur’s Gate 3, Elden Ring, and Cyberpunk 2077.
When it comes to audio, there’s no shortage of options. We’ve made no secret of our love for the modular fashion statement that is Dyson’s OnTrac Headphones ($799), which has a compelling equal in Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones ($649). Particularly the “Lunar Blue” variant. And when they’re not planted onto your dome, either would find itself at home perched on a Craighill Headphone Stand ($88).
The real headliner in this specific category is the new JBL Tour Pro 3 Earbuds ($399). Aside from exceptional sound quality and improved adaptive noise cancellation, this evolution of the performance-backed flagship comes with the game-changing innovation of transmitting audio from non-wireless sources by plugging its smartwatch-inspired charging case in.
In other words, you can tap into the likes of in-flight entertainment 36,000 feet above ground without having to switch over to those flimsy complimentary airline headsets.
If you’re buying for an aspiring producer who’s just as interested in making music as they are listening to it, consider the EP–133 K.O. II ($299) — a powerful sampler, sequencer, and composer that arrives in a stylishly compact board. And whether they’re creative or just a productivity gun through and through, the Aussie-made Espresso Display 15 ($499) is the only portable monitor you should consider.
Gifting for a movie lover? It’s never been easier to build the dream home cinema. Especially with a 4K “TV killer” like LG’s CineBeam Q Portable Projector ($2,499), which is capable of delivering 120 inches of UHD resolution on just about any surface, and comes housed in a sleek form factor; as well as the immersive Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar ($1,799), featuring breakthrough Sound Motion™ technology.
For the operator who’s been making do with a cracked touchscreen, look no further than the iPhone 16 Pro Max (from $2,149). Now smarter than ever, thanks to Apple Intelligence — and the camera just got another upgrade.
Granted, Apple has made some strides in the battery department, but it’s always worth accounting for Murphy’s Law and keeping a power bank on hand. That’s why we’re also prescribing the ever-reliable Nimble CHAMP Portable Charger ($50), with its 20W dual USB-C output, PD fast charging, and 10,000mAh capacity for up to three days worth of juice.
While you’re at it, why not throw in a four-pack of Apple AirTags ($165) at their lowest-ever price? Particularly if your Christmas giftee is a scatterbrain who loses their keys no less than three times a week.
For the kitchen, turn up the beverage station’s premium factor with the delightfully aesthetic Rocket Espresso Appartamento Coffee Machine ($2,748) for the AM; and Coravin’s Timeless Six+ Preservation System ($420) — a nifty gadget that allows you to pour wines without pulling the cork — for any time after 5 PM. We won’t tell if you don’t.
As for the bedroom, optimise the tech obsessive’s sleep with the perennially sold-out Loftie Lamp ($225) — which features an LED red light conducive to rest and melatonin production; a sunrise alarm that mimics the body’s natural waking; plus a selection of colours/gradients tailored for different moods — with a gorgeous TWEMCO Calendar Flip Clock ($220) to tell them when to turn the screens off and power down for the day.
And for the tech obsessive who has it all, there’s Pagnian Advanced Simulation’s Combat Flight Simulator ($9,999). Because let’s face it… we all have the same Top Gun fantasy.
Check out our other themed Christmas gift guides for 2024 below:
This article features some sponsored inclusions from brands who have supported Boss Hunting throughout 2024.
