Shopping for a business owner? Technology gifts can be genuinely useful—tools that improve productivity, security, or capability. Or they can be gimmicks that gather dust.

Here’s my guide to technology gifts that regional business owners will actually use.

Under $50

Quality USB-C Hub

Business owners with modern laptops often struggle with limited ports. A quality USB-C hub that adds HDMI, USB-A ports, SD card reader, and ethernet transforms laptop utility.

Why it’s useful: Connects to projectors, external drives, and wired networks. Essential for meetings and presentations.

Look for: Reputable brand (Anker, Belkin, Ugreen), adequate port selection, compact size.

Portable Phone Charger (Power Bank)

A high-capacity power bank (20,000mAh+) that can charge phones and tablets multiple times.

Why it’s useful: Regional travel often means time away from power. Meetings run long, conferences exhaust batteries.

Look for: High capacity, fast charging support, quality brand.

Quality Webcam

Many laptops have mediocre built-in webcams. An external webcam dramatically improves video call presence.

Why it’s useful: Video meetings are normal business. Looking professional on camera matters.

Look for: 1080p minimum, good low-light performance, reputable brand.

$50-150

Password Manager Subscription

A year’s subscription to a quality password manager (1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane).

Why it’s useful: Security fundamental that many business owners should use but haven’t implemented.

Gift it: Purchase a gift subscription or print a “voucher” with setup offer.

Quality Earbuds or Headphones

Wireless earbuds or noise-cancelling headphones for calls and focused work.

Why it’s useful: Clear audio for calls, ability to focus in noisy environments.

Look for: Good microphone quality (important for calls), comfortable for extended wear.

Portable Monitor

A lightweight second screen that connects via USB-C.

Why it’s useful: Second screen dramatically improves productivity. Portable versions work in co-working spaces, client sites, or home.

Look for: 15-16 inch size, lightweight, USB-C connection, reasonable resolution.

Smart Notebook (Rocketbook or Similar)

Reusable notebook that digitises handwritten notes.

Why it’s useful: Many business owners prefer handwriting but need digital records. These notebooks let you write, scan to cloud, then erase and reuse.

Look for: Size and style matching recipient’s preference.

$150-300

Upgraded WiFi Router

A quality mesh WiFi system for reliable coverage.

Why it’s useful: Many businesses struggle with WiFi dead zones. Quality router dramatically improves experience.

Look for: Mesh systems (Google Wifi, Eero, etc.) for larger spaces.

Portable SSD

External solid-state drive (1TB+) for backup and file transport.

Why it’s useful: Fast backup, file transport between locations, working copies of important data.

Look for: Quality brand (Samsung, SanDisk), USB-C connection, adequate capacity.

Quality Desk Lamp with Wireless Charging

Modern desk lamps that include wireless charging pads and USB ports.

Why it’s useful: Good lighting for video calls, convenient device charging, desk organisation.

Look for: Adjustable brightness and colour temperature, built-in charging.

Standing Desk Converter

Device that converts regular desk to standing desk position.

Why it’s useful: Health benefits of standing, flexibility to change positions throughout day.

Look for: Adequate surface area, easy height adjustment, stability.

$300+

Quality Monitor

27”+ monitor with good resolution (4K or QHD) for office use.

Why it’s useful: Single investment that improves every computer task for years.

Look for: Good resolution, adjustable stand, appropriate size for desk.

iPad or Tablet

Current-generation iPad or quality Android tablet.

Why it’s useful: Meeting notes, document review, mobile email, presentations. Many business owners prefer tablets for certain tasks.

Look for: Current generation, adequate storage, consider cellular option for regional use.

Professional Headset

Quality headset designed for calls—Jabra, Poly, or similar.

Why it’s useful: Much better call quality than earbuds or laptop speakers/microphone.

Look for: Noise cancellation, long battery life, comfortable for extended wear.

What to Avoid

Gimmicky “smart” devices: IoT coffee makers, app-controlled everything. Usually more hassle than value.

Cutting-edge unproven tech: Wait for technology to mature before gifting it.

Products requiring significant setup: Unless you’ll help set it up, complex devices often go unused.

Subscriptions the recipient didn’t choose: Some subscriptions are welcome; others feel like obligation.

Solutions to problems they don’t have: Don’t assume they need what you’d want.

The Best Gift

Sometimes the best technology gift is offering your time:

• Help them set up that tool they’ve been meaning to implement
• Teach them to use something they already own but underutilise
• Audit their digital security and help implement improvements

Time and expertise often matter more than gadgets.

Whatever you choose, the best gifts solve real problems the recipient actually faces. Know your business owner, know their pain points, choose accordingly.