Full Breakdown
ZDNET Editors Reveal Their 2026 Holiday Gift Picks
By Drooid · · How we work
Overview of the Gift Guide
ZDNET’s editorial team has compiled a holiday-season roundup of technology products they consider the best gifts of the year. The list spans phones, accessories, audio, video, computing, wearables, and smart-home devices, with each recommendation tied to a specific editor’s testing and evaluation.
Category Highlights
- Phone – *Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8* is highlighted by senior reviews editor Kyle Kucharski as the top phone, noting its pocket-sized “passport-style” form factor, a 7.6-inch display with a reduced crease, and a reliable 4,800 mAh battery.
- Phone Accessory – Kayla Solino, shopping editor, recommends the Moft Snap Phone Tripod Wallet for its MagSafe compatibility, dual-card storage, stand functionality, and Bluetooth-based FindMy tracking.
- Headphones – Audio editor Jada Jones selects the Sennheiser Momentum 5, citing Dolby Atmos optimization, strong noise cancellation, and a self-repairable battery.
- TV – TV editor Taylor Clemons names the Sony Bravia 9 II, emphasizing its True RGB technology that uses individual red, green, and blue LEDs for ultra-accurate colors.
- Laptop – Kyle Kucharski recommends the 15-inch MacBook Air M5, pointing to 16 GB RAM, 512 GB storage, extended battery life, and support for two external displays.
- Tablet – Smart-home reviewer Maria Diaz picks the iPad 11, noting its A16 processor that outperforms many higher-priced Android tablets.
- Wearable – Health and wearables editor Nina Raemont favors the Oura Ring 5 for its thin design, seven-day battery, and comprehensive health tracking.
- Smart Glasses – Kyle Kucharski highlights Meta Ray-Ban 2 for its 12 MP camera, 3K video, and six-hour battery life.
- Smart-Home Devices – Maria Diaz selects the Google Nest Learning Thermostat for its automation and aesthetic design, while also recommending Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A duo packs as versatile stocking stuffers.
- Robot Mower & Vacuum – Maria Diaz praises the Mammotion Luba Mini for hill-climbing and wire-free operation, and the Eufy Omni S2 for combined suction (30,000 Pa) and self-cleaning mop.
- Portable Power – The Bluetti AC240, described by Maria Diaz, offers 2,400 W continuous output in a rugged, IP65-rated case.
Pricing and Value Considerations
Prices range from budget-friendly accessories such as the Kasa Smart Plug Mini (no listed price) to premium items like the MacBook Air M5 at $1,849 and the Mammotion Luba Mini at $1,799. The Bluetti AC240 is listed at $999, positioning it as a high-capacity yet portable power solution.
Editorial Rationale
Editors stress that each product balances performance with holiday-gift practicality—whether that means a phone that doubles as a tablet, a laptop capable of AI workflows, or a smart-home device that reduces energy costs. The guide aims to help shoppers navigate a crowded market by focusing on durability, ecosystem integration, and standout features identified during ZDNET’s testing.
Impact for Holiday Shoppers
By consolidating expert assessments across multiple categories, the roundup provides a single reference point for consumers seeking reliable, high-quality tech gifts during the holiday buying season.