Our picks at a glance
Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.
Comparison table
| Feature | For commutersSony WH-1000XM5 | For readersAmazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) | For the gardenJBL Flip 7 | For kidsYoto Player (3rd gen) | Stocking fillerAnker Nano Power Bank 10,000mAh | For adventurersDJI Neo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy | Consider |
| Typical price | £250–£320 | £150–£180 | £110–£150 | £80–£110 | £25–£40 | £170–£220 |
| Best for | Value premium | Best overall | All-rounder | Best overall | Everyday | Selfies |
| Key feature | Previous flagship at a lower price | Waterproof 7-inch screen with warm light | Rugged, waterproof and punchy | Card-based audio with night light | Built-in USB-C cable | Palm take-off selfie drone |
| Battery | 30 h | — | 14 h | — | — | — |
| ANC | Yes | — | — | — | — | — |
| Screen | — | 7" | — | — | — | — |
| Waterproof | — | IPX8 | — | — | — | — |
| Waterproofing | — | — | IP68 | — | — | — |
| Ages | — | — | — | 3–12 | — | — |
| Capacity | — | — | — | — | 10,000 mAh | — |
| Output | — | — | — | — | 30 W | — |
| Weight | — | — | — | — | — | 135 g |
| Video | — | — | — | — | — | 4K |
| Where to buy | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link |
Sony · Noise-cancelling headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5
Peace and quiet on the Tube.
- Buy it if
- you want flagship ANC for less
- Skip it if
- you need a folding design
Pros
- Great ANC
- Good sound
- Discounted
Cons
- Does not fold
- Older model
Key specifications
- Battery
- 30 h
- ANC
- Yes
Amazon · E-readers
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
A library in a pocket.
- Buy it if
- you read regularly and buy from Amazon
- Skip it if
- you borrow library e-books
Pros
- Fast
- Waterproof
- Long battery
Cons
- Limited library support
Key specifications
- Screen
- 7"
- Waterproof
- IPX8
JBL · Bluetooth speakers
JBL Flip 7
Survives British summer showers.
- Buy it if
- you want a portable all-rounder
- Skip it if
- you need big-room sound
Pros
- IP68
- Punchy sound
- Compact
Cons
- No mic for calls
- Pricier than older Flip
Key specifications
- Waterproofing
- IP68
- Battery
- 14 h
Yoto · Kids’ audio players
Yoto Player (3rd gen)
Screen-free stories.
- Buy it if
- you want screen-free audio
- Skip it if
- you want figures
Pros
- Cheap cards
- Night light
- Podcasts
Cons
- Cards cost extra
Key specifications
- Ages
- 3–12
Anker · Power banks
Anker Nano Power Bank 10,000mAh
Always useful.
- Buy it if
- you want a slim daily power bank
- Skip it if
- you charge laptops
Pros
- Built-in cable
- Compact
- Fast
Cons
- Can't charge laptops quickly
Key specifications
- Capacity
- 10,000 mAh
- Output
- 30 W
DJI · Drones
DJI Neo
Fun aerial selfies.
- Buy it if
- you want selfie videos
- Skip it if
- you want long flights
Pros
- Tiny
- Palm launch
- Fun
Cons
- Short flights
- Limited range
Key specifications
- Weight
- 135 g
- Video
- 4K
Compare more Noise-cancelling headphones on Amazon Paid link
How we chose
Every idea is a product we would recommend anyway, with a clear reason why it suits the person you are buying for.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good tech gift under £50?
A power bank, an Echo Dot or a Kindle on sale are popular choices.