We have all been there: a last-minute call from a friend or a sudden memo from the office announcing a gift exchange. You find yourself needing to buy a present with no idea who will receive it. There is no specific budget, no theme, and no clear wishlist. You overhear a few hints and wish-nots, and suddenly the pressure is on. No worries. Here are practical, crowd-pleasing gift hacks for every budget and every type of person, so you never have to panic-shop again.
For the young, hip, and techie new guys
We all know someone who lives and breathes tech, the one who always has the latest gadgets and fixes everyone’s devices. They can be the hardest to shop for because only the coolest tech excites them. Here are solid picks that will impress even the techiest techie.
Multi-port GaN Charger (PHP300 – PHP2,000)
These are the new, smaller, and faster chargers. Ditch the bulky bricks. Grab one that is at least 67W or 120W with two or three ports so they can charge all their gadgets at once.
IEM Earphones (PHP700+)
Headphones are always a safe choice, but IEMs (In-Ear Monitors) are the cooler version. They fit snugly, and brands like Moondrop or Truthear sound awesome without costing a fortune.
Powerbanks (PHP500 – PHP5,000)
A techie can never have enough power. Go for next-gen fast-charging ones (120W+) that can even juice up a laptop, or pick a wireless or MagSafe model that snaps onto the phone. Practical and always appreciated.
For the titos and titas of the office or barkada
This group can be tricky to shop for. You cannot give them something too technical, and their wishlist is often hard to guess. These options are easy to find and guaranteed useful.
Portable Handheld Fans (PHP500 – PHP3,000+)
Seriously, lifesavers. Newer models like Jisulife use DC motors with multiple speed levels and last days on a single charge. Or get a bigger, quieter desk version for their work setup.
Smart Mugs / Tumblers / Bottles (PHP200 – PHP3,000+)
These are cooler than you think. They keep coffee hot or water cold all day. Some even have UV sterilization caps or hydration reminders. Perfect for anyone who forgets to drink water between meetings.
For the boss or that one friend who has everything
People dread drawing these names in gift exchanges. They give the best gifts, so what do you give them? Something practical or something unique? Why not both?
Smart Ring (PHP1,000+)
The newest trend in health tracking. It monitors sleep, heart rate, and other metrics like a smartwatch, but worn on the finger. Just make sure you know their ring size. The Samsung Galaxy Ring is an example.
AirTags / Smart Tags (PHP700 – PHP2,000)
Maybe not the rarest idea, but incredibly practical. Perfect for people who always lose keys or bags. AirTags are for Apple users, but Android users now have more options thanks to Google’s Find My updates. Pebblebee and Chipolo work great, and if you are unsure which ecosystem they use, the Tile tracker works with both through the Life360 app.
The heart behind gift hacking
There are endless tech gifts you can give this holiday season, but what matters most is giving from the heart. Time spent together, laughter, and shared stories are still the best gifts. Whether you go small or splurge, thoughtful gifting always wins.
Happy holidays, and good luck in the exchange. May the odds be ever in your favor.
Words by Gabriel John Pe
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 26 Issue No. 5