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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsTechCrunch’s “Favorite Things” is an eclectic staff-favorites guide, not a ranked product test. Published December 15, 2025, the guide highlights 11 unusual gifts for runners, remote workers, readers, light sleepers, hobbyists, and technically curious people. This update preserves the original recommendations while adding the practical questions that matter before spending money: compatibility, subscriptions, health considerations, setup difficulty, recurring costs, and availability.
Because the original guide is a 2025 snapshot, its prices and stock status should not be treated as current in August 2026. Check the linked manufacturer or retailer page before buying. TechCrunch also disclosed that it may earn commissions from purchases made through article links.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Read TechCrunch’s original gift guide.
Quick picks
| Gift | Best for | Cost commitment | Main drawback | Where to check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 | Runners, cyclists, walkers | Premium hardware | Less isolation and bass than sealed headphones | Shokz |
| Brain.fm | Focus sessions and remote work | Subscription | Not everyone wants algorithmically designed audio | Brain.fm |
| Focus Friend | Gamified productivity | Free version plus optional lifetime purchase | May feel too whimsical or platform-specific | Focus Friend |
| Omnilux Contour | Skincare enthusiasts | Premium wellness device | Requires consistent use and careful safety screening | Omnilux |
| Audio Hijack | Mac users who record or route audio | Paid specialist software | Mac-only and more complex than a voice recorder | Rogue Amoeba |
| Ozlo Sleepbuds | Light sleepers and side sleepers | Premium hardware | High price and reported Bluetooth or charging problems | Ozlo |
| Kidee neck fan | Hot-weather commuters and walkers | Low-cost accessory | Marketplace listings and battery claims can vary | Verify the current listing before purchase |
| Network-attached storage | Home-server and privacy-minded users | Project purchase | Requires drives, backups, updates, and maintenance | Synology |
| BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 | Desk workers | Premium desk accessory | May be heavy for some monitors | BenQ |
| Kindle remote and stand | Bedtime readers and hands-free reading | Accessory bundle | Compatibility depends on the exact e-reader and case | Verify each accessory separately |
| SpaRoom candle warmer | Candle users who dislike open flames | Low- to mid-cost home accessory | It still produces heat and needs supervision | Target |
Prices, stock, plans, and product versions can change. The guide’s December 2025 prices are historical observations, not August 2026 quotes.
Gifts for runners, cyclists, and hot-weather commuters
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is aimed at people who want audio without covering their ear canals. Its open-ear design lets the wearer hear more of the surrounding environment, which explains its appeal to runners, cyclists, walkers, and commuters. TechCrunch also highlighted its compatibility with sunglasses and hats.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Phone Stand & Bluetooth Speaker】- ASEAT Cell Phone Holder with wireless speaker is made of high quality loudspeaker and BLUETOOTH V5.3 which perfectly realize enhanced bass, accurate mids and clear highs sound, which great suitable for listening to music & watching movies. It’s a unique gifts for men and women when their birthdays come.
- 【LED Color Changing Atmosphere Lights】- The phone stand not only frees your hand when using phone or tablet, but can be a colorful atmosphere light. Mellow music and lighting helped to create the right atmosphere. The color change of light includes monochromatic change, seven color allochroism and beautiful colour gradient. This cool gadget will definitely be a perfect gifts for men dad him boyfriend even he wants nothing.
- 【Universal Compatibility & Portable Use】- ASEAT Phone Tablet holder is compatible for iphone Samsung ipad tablets and other android smartphones which less than 4-13", such as iPhone 16 /15/14/14 Pro/14 Plus/14 Pro Max/iPhone 13 / 13 Pro/iPhone 12/ 12 Pro/ 11/ Xs Max/ Xs/ XR/ X/ 8/7/SE , Galaxy S23 Ultra S9 /S9 Plus/S8 / S7 / S6 / Note9/Note 8, LG, IPAD mini, Samsung Tab, Google Nexus, Kindle and so on. The stand is so portable that you can easily folded it like a book.
- 【Cool Gadgets with Long Battery Life】- Cool Color Gradient LED Lights and Wireless Speaker with loud volume make the phone stand a great and cool electronic gadgets. It’s the great gifts for men him or someone who is GEEK. Besides, the Bluetooth speaker has a built-in battery that provides up to at least 6 hours of playtime when using it at the maximum volume, which means you can enjoy songs or watching movies without interruption.
- 【Ideal Unique Gifts for Men Women】- Unique Gifts for Men Him Dad. The tablet stand with Bluetooth speaker is suitable for use at home, office, kitchen and outdoor. It’s an ideal gift not only for those who are tired of watching videos with their hands busy, but also for individuals who aim to enhance their productivity and efficiency during work or online classes. A ideal gift for Men Women Dad Mom Boyfriend anyone who you loves. Birthday Gifts for Women Mom Her.
That environmental awareness is not a safety guarantee. Users still need to watch traffic and remain attentive. Open-ear headphones also generally sacrifice some isolation and low-end impact compared with sealed earbuds or over-ear headphones.
Shokz’s product page lists a $179.95 regular price, up to 12 hours of battery life, USB-C charging, a 45-day return period, price matching, and a two-year warranty. The page also showed the product as sold out or unavailable when checked, so confirm stock and the applicable regional terms before buying.
Buy it for: someone who listens while moving outdoors and values awareness over maximum immersion. Skip it for: a frequent flyer, audiophile, or anyone specifically seeking noise isolation.
Kidee neck fan
TechCrunch named the Kidee neck fan its writer’s favorite gadget of 2025, describing the lowest setting as fairly quiet and reporting a $33.99 Amazon price in December 2025. That price is historical, and marketplace listings can change names, sellers, specifications, and availability.
This is a practical low-cost gift for hot-weather commuters, walkers, gym users, and outdoor workers who do not want to hold a fan. Before buying, check battery life, noise at higher speeds, airflow direction, charging method, and whether the recipient is comfortable wearing a device around the neck. A neck fan provides airflow; it does not replace air conditioning or prevent heat illness.
Gifts for focus and creative work
Brain.fm
Brain.fm is a subscription audio service built around lyric-free music and timed focus sessions. TechCrunch recommended it for people who are easily distracted and noted that its timer can support a Pomodoro-style work routine.
Brain.fm markets its audio as scientifically engineered. That is a description of the service’s positioning, not a promise that every recipient will become more productive. The key buying question is whether the recipient enjoys structured focus audio. Someone who is happy with instrumental playlists, ambient noise, or a phone timer may not need a subscription.
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- 【UPGRADED LAPTOP CLEANING KIT 】 The macbook cleaning kit computer screen cleaner comes with a number of accessories including a retractable large brush, polishing cleaning cloth X 2, keycap puller, metal pen tip, flocking sponge, thin soft brush, soft plastic lens cleaning pen, 5 replacing cloth, large cleaning microfiber cloth. You deserve the comprehensive computer cleaning kit keyboard vacuum at a low cost
- 【PROFESSIONAL KEYBOARD CLEANING KIT】 The laptop screen cleaner keyboard cleaner can pull out the keycaps of gaming keyboards and mechanical keyboards. A retractable keyboard brush works on laptops and keyboards, while the mini high-density brush is great for deep cleaning between keys for cleaning between flatter keys on a laptop, the metal pin tip gently removes any stains. This electronic cleaning kit macbook cleaner totally meets professional cleaning needs
- 【OFFICE DESK ACCESSORIES】This keyboard cleaner kit is easy to use and can clean your keyboard and electronic screen with just one swipe. Wiping with the 2mm thicken widen polishing cleaning cloth designed at a right angle for better fitting screen corners of computers with our recyclable cleaning spray, The laptop cleaner kit for macbook effectively absorbs stubborn stains, leaves no discoloration, no streaks, and no fiber shedding on the screens
- 【MULTIFUNCTIONAL TOOLS 】Mini soft brush and soft plastic lens cleaning pen are specially designed for DSLR camera screen, lens, and other delicate surfaces. 5 more cleaning cloths of it supplied for replacement. The flocking sponge is an excellent tool for cleaning earbuds charging cases, And the earbud cleaning kit is ideal. This electronics for college students is equivalent to 10 other electronic cleaning kit
- 【PORTABLE DESIGN & CLEANER TOOL】 The office supplies is compact in design, easy to carry, and you can easily take it anywhere. It's convenient to keep one in a drawer, one in your car, or in your bag and dorm. It is easy to use and can clean your keyboard and electronic screen with just one swipe. Is the college essentials cleaning tool for your friends, family, colleagues and students
Check the current trial, plan, cancellation, supported platforms, and gift-account rules before purchasing. A subscription is not the same as a permanent software license, and the buyer should avoid creating an account in their own name unless the service explicitly supports gifting or account transfer.
Focus Friend
Focus Friend, identified by TechCrunch as Hank Green’s app, turns focused work into a more playful experience involving timers and an avatar. The original guide said the free version is enough to begin and recommended the lifetime version as a gift. It also described the app as Google Play’s app of the year.
This is best for someone who responds to gamification, visual progress, and gentle accountability. It is less suitable for a recipient who dislikes cute interfaces, wants a completely conventional timer, or expects a lifetime purchase to work across every device and account. Confirm the current platforms, what the free version includes, what the lifetime purchase unlocks, and whether the purchase is tied to an operating-system store or user account.
Audio Hijack
Audio Hijack is a Mac application for routing and recording audio from individual apps and devices. TechCrunch highlighted uses such as separating microphone and application audio, recording interviews or calls locally, and using inline transcription.
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It is a strong specialist gift for a Mac-owning journalist, podcaster, teacher, streamer, or remote worker. It is not a Windows, iPhone, or iPad solution, and it may be excessive for someone who records only occasional voice memos. Check current macOS compatibility and the requirements or cost associated with transcription features.
Recording calls and interviews also creates legal and ethical responsibilities. Consent requirements vary by location, so the recipient should understand the applicable law before recording another person. Local files can be better for privacy than an automatic cloud upload, but they must be stored securely, backed up, and deleted appropriately.
Gifts for sleep and personal care
Ozlo Sleepbuds
Ozlo Sleepbuds are designed for sleeping rather than general-purpose listening. TechCrunch said they can play built-in sleep sounds or smartphone audio, pause streaming after the wearer falls asleep, and remain comfortable for the writer while side-sleeping. They may appeal to light sleepers, people disturbed by snoring or street noise, and audiobook listeners.
Rank #3
- Award-Winning Compact Design & EDC-Ready Gift Choice: Weighing only 0.09 lb and sized like a credit card, this compact laser measure is designed for everyday carry. It slips easily into a pocket, tool pouch, or bag, and can attach to a keychain for quick access wherever you go. Its minimalist design, premium tactile finish, and practical one-button measuring make it a useful EDC gadget for DIYers, real estate agents, homeowners, and tech enthusiasts. A thoughtful gift for men on any occasion
- One-Button Easy Measuring, Simple to Use: Designed with simple one-button operation, this compact laser tape measure makes quick measuring easy without complicated controls. Just press to measure room dimensions, furniture spacing, window height, wall décor placement, and everyday distances around the home. Ideal for users who want a smart, pocket-size measuring tool that fits naturally into an everyday carry (EDC) setup and feels intuitive, modern, and easy to use
- Fast & Accurate Indoor Measurements with Class 2 Laser: Measure distances from 0.16 ft to 98 ft with up to ±1/16 in / ±2 mm accuracy. With quick measurement response in about 0.2 seconds, HOTO helps you check spaces efficiently for home renovation, furniture layout, moving, decorating, craft projects, and DIY planning. Built with a Class 2 laser for everyday indoor measuring; use as directed and avoid direct eye exposure
- Low-Power OLED Display & USB-C Rechargeable Convenience: The low-power OLED display provides clear indoor readings while helping reduce battery drain. With USB-C rechargeable design, auto shut-off, and up to 1000 measurements per charge, this digital laser measure is built for repeated daily use without frequent battery replacement. Compact enough to keep in a drawer, toolbox, bag, or pocket
- Useful for Home, Work & Everyday Projects: From home renovation and furniture measuring to room planning, real estate checks, interior design, and light construction projects, this pocket-size laser distance measure is made for practical everyday use. Compact enough to keep in a drawer, toolbox, bag, or pocket, it is a stylish measuring tool that feels just as giftable as it is useful
The original article also described important failure modes: Bluetooth and streaming could be unreliable, one earbud could sometimes fail to charge, and a reset might be necessary. It found that keeping the phone and case nearby helped Bluetooth performance and that locally loaded sleep sounds could be more dependable than streaming.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →TechCrunch reported a $274 sale price and $349 retail price on December 15, 2025. Those are historical figures. The current official destination is titled Ozlo Sleepbuds 2, so verify the exact model, price, warranty, return policy, phone compatibility, and software requirements before buying.
Buy it for: someone who has specifically wanted sleep-oriented earbuds and accepts a premium, occasionally finicky product. Consider first: a white-noise machine, room speaker, earplugs, or existing earbuds if the recipient does not need a sleep-specific design.
Omnilux Contour
Omnilux Contour is a cordless red-light skincare mask. TechCrunch described the product in connection with reduced redness and improved skin texture and tone, while its writer explicitly said she had not used it long enough to determine whether it reduced wrinkles.
That uncertainty matters. Do not buy the mask as a guaranteed wrinkle treatment or medical device outcome. Manufacturer claims, a staff member’s experience, and clinically established results are different kinds of evidence. The product also depends on repeated use, so it is a poor choice for someone unlikely to maintain a routine.
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Read the manufacturer’s eye-safety instructions and warnings. A recipient with a photosensitivity condition, skin disorder, or medication that increases light sensitivity should consult a clinician before use. The same applies when there is uncertainty about a relevant medical condition. Check the return policy carefully because a high-cost skincare device is difficult to evaluate as an impulse gift.
Gifts for technically curious households
Network-attached storage
TechCrunch’s NAS recommendation is a category rather than a single product. It suggests starting with vendors such as Synology and Western Digital. A NAS can host photo galleries, recipe planners, document libraries, media streaming, ad blocking, personal services, and remote access through a self-controlled VPN.
Rank #4
- [AIRPLANE OFFICE DECOR & EXECUTIVE DESK TOY] Inspired by airplane Jet Engine and crafted by German designers, this twin-turbine fan perfectly blends vintage aviation romance with sleek industrial styling. It functions as both a powerful personal cooler and a striking airplane office decor executive desk toy. It is the ultimate statement piece for any aviation collector, executive suite, or modern study, guaranteed to start conversation.
- [UNIQUE FATHERS DAY GIFTS FROM DAUGHTER WIFE] Stop searching for cool gadgets for men who have everything. Packaged in a premium presentation box, this jet fan makes incredible unique fathers day gifts from daughter wife or luxury husband birthday gift ideas. Give the men in your life a rare, high-end piece of functional art that they will actually use and proudly display.
- [8000mAh RECHARGEABLE TABLETOP FAN PORTABILITY] Engineered with a premium 8000mAh high-capacity battery, this cordless tabletop fan delivers up to 18 hours of wireless luxury. Featuring a heavy-duty mechanical aesthetic and advanced internal electronics, it provides steady, refreshing airflow to your workspace or nightstand without messy, tangled power cords cluttering your desk.
- [PERFECT FOR PILOTS, BOSS, BOYFRIEND & STUDENTS] This dual-jet turbine fan features interactive LED lights that mimic a real jet taking off, making it an absolute dream for any pilot or tech lover. Whether you are shopping for a professional boss, a tech-savvy boyfriend, or an engineering student, its stealthy, whisper-quiet operation provides a soothing breeze that enhances deep focus during work or study.
- [PREMIUM RETIREMENT, GROOMSMEN & HOUSEWARMING PRESENTS] Crafted with elite materials and meticulous quality control, this luxury fan is built to stand out from mass-market plastic fans. It serves as memorable retirement presents, premium groomsmen tokens, or sophisticated housewarming gifts. Enjoy a 100% risk-free purchase backed by our dedicated 24/7 customer support for a flawless gifting experience.
This is potentially the most rewarding gift on the list—and the easiest to turn into an unwanted project. The buyer may need to purchase an enclosure, compatible drives, and possibly memory or accessories. The recipient will also need to configure accounts, apply updates, manage permissions, monitor drive health, and plan for failures.
A NAS is not automatically a backup. If the only copy of a photo library lives on the NAS, a drive failure, theft, fire, ransomware incident, or configuration mistake can still cause data loss. Important files need a separate backup, ideally with at least one copy stored away from the NAS.
Before buying, discuss capacity, drive compatibility, redundancy, noise, electricity use, network speed, remote-access needs, and technical confidence. A two-bay system can be a sensible starting point for some households, but the right enclosure depends on the recipient’s data and redundancy requirements. Cloud storage or an external drive paired with a real backup may be a better gift for someone who wants convenience rather than a home-server hobby.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Gifts for desks and bedtime reading
BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2
The BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 mounts to a monitor to provide task lighting without occupying desk space. TechCrunch’s recommendation was knowingly subjective: the writer called it unnecessary, enjoyed its tactile controller and appearance, and noted that its weight could make a monitor sag.
Check the recipient’s monitor thickness, curvature, bezel shape, and stand stability. A monitor light bar is not automatically the best solution for every workspace; some people need a properly positioned room lamp or side task light instead. The product’s “cybersecurity operation” aesthetic is a style preference, not a productivity or security feature.
Kindle remote control and stand
TechCrunch paired a remote page-turner with a cushioned stand for hands-free or low-effort reading. Magnetic rings may allow the stand to hold many e-readers or tablet-sized devices, not only a Kindle.
Recommended Free Tools
Compatibility is the main issue. Many third-party page turners physically trigger a screen rather than integrating with Kindle software. The result can vary according to the e-reader model, case, screen protector, and page-turn method. Verify the exact device and return terms before buying, and do not assume that one accessory works with every Kindle, e-reader, or tablet.
Best Value
- 【Sleep Headphones & Bluetooth Sleep Mask & Sleep Eye Mask 3 in 1】LC-dolida sleep mask with bluetooth headphones features a sleep mask designed with wireless speakers headset inside,the bluetooth sleep mask combines eye mask and headphones that pefect as sleep headphones.The sleep mask headphones allow you to enjoy hands free music during your sleeping time and protect you from being disturbed by your mess hair. Bluetooth eye mask is perfect for nap,insomnia, air travel, meditation and yoga
- 【Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Connection Earphones】LC-dolida bluetooth sleeping mask headphones feature with latest Bluetooth 5.4 chip: fast paring speed and less power consumption. Bluetooth sleep headphones can pair with any Bluetooth-enabled device that's within 45 feet, Compatible with Most Devices.The bluetooth sleep headphones wireless music eye mask also allows you to listen to music without wearing additional headphones, which make you fall asleep faster
- 【HD Stereo Sound and Long Battery Life】 The bluetooth sleeping mask with High-fidelity stereo sound, which produce great sound quality and provide a well-closed and immersed environment for your ears, just lose yourself in the music! The Sleeping headphones Bluetooth sleep mask headphones charge only about 1-2 hours and provide 8-10 hours playing time, support a whole night. Please move the speakers to align the ears so that you can hear more clearly while using
- 【3D Contoured Bluetooth Eye Mask】Based on ergonomics, LC-dolida sleep headphones bluetooth sleep mask is perfect for our face.The contours of the eyes area are deeper and your eyes can move freely. Zero pressure on eyes, the 3D bluetooth eye mask for sleeping perfectly solves the tightness of the flat eye mask,bring you a comfortable and long-lasting sleep. With adjustable strap the bluetooth sleep mask fits all size head, easy to adjust and not catch hair.Best sleep headphones for side sleeper
- 【Cool Comfortable Fabric and Perfect Light Block】LC-dolida sleeping headphones mask use memory foam materials and super soft fabric.The lightweight and skin-friendly breathable fabric is comfortable to wear. Ideal for insomnia, migraine headaches and dry-eye sufferers, as the breathable, fibers of hypoallergenic material allows healthy oxygen in while keeping dry air out. Sunglasses-Shaped eye mask fits all faces and effectively block out light, prevent light leakage and makes your sleep better
This setup is appealing for bedtime readers, people with limited mobility, and anyone who dislikes holding an e-reader for long periods. It is less attractive for readers who value portability or do not want a stand and remote beside the bed.
Gifts for home atmosphere
SpaRoom candle warmer
The SpaRoom candle warmer heats a candle without lighting a wick. TechCrunch liked avoiding open flame and smoke, along with the writer’s impression that the wax melted more evenly and produced a stronger, more consistent scent.
Those scent observations are personal experience, not a controlled comparison. Results depend on the candle, wax, room size, fragrance, and warmer design. A warmer also changes how the candle is consumed and may eventually require replacing the wax or candle.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →“No open flame” does not mean no risk. The warmer still produces heat and uses electricity. Keep it away from children, pets, curtains, paper, and other flammable materials, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It is a sensible gift for a candle user who wants to avoid a wick, but not for a household that cannot safely supervise a heated appliance.
How to choose without overspending
Separate the purchase price from the ownership cost
- Subscriptions: Brain.fm may create an ongoing charge after a trial or promotional period.
- Software: Focus Friend’s lifetime purchase and Audio Hijack’s license terms should be checked for platform and account restrictions.
- Accessories: A NAS needs drives; a Kindle setup may require more than one accessory; a skincare mask needs a recipient willing to use it repeatedly.
- Maintenance: NAS updates, backups, storage replacement, and remote access can become an ongoing responsibility.
- Returns: For expensive or fit-sensitive products, confirm the return window and whether opened or used items qualify.
Use the recipient, not the product category, as the filter
- Runner or cyclist: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2.
- Focused remote worker: Brain.fm or Focus Friend.
- Mac-based creator: Audio Hijack.
- Light sleeper: Ozlo Sleepbuds, subject to the reliability and compatibility concerns.
- Skincare enthusiast: Omnilux, only after checking suitability and expectations.
- Hot-weather commuter: Kidee neck fan.
- Self-hosting enthusiast: NAS.
- Desk worker: BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2, if the monitor can support it.
- Bedtime reader: A compatible stand and page-turner.
- Candle enthusiast: SpaRoom warmer with appropriate heat safety.
What TechCrunch’s list does—and does not—claim
These are personal staff recommendations, not standardized comparisons. The products were not presented as having been tested against a shared scoring system, and “favorite” does not mean “best for everyone.” The most useful way to read the guide is as a source of unusual ideas, followed by a separate check of current specifications, availability, compatibility, returns, and total cost.
The original guide also mixes precise products with categories and bundles. NAS is a type of home-storage system, while the Kindle recommendation is an accessory setup. Treating either as one universal SKU would make the recommendation less useful.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
