1. A New iPhone
This might sound strange, but gifting someone a brand-new iPhone without knowing anything about their phone plan or financial situation is not the best idea. Although iPhones are very convenient and considered one of the most popular smartphones in the world, they come with a lot of responsibility.
"A purchase as substantial or as personal as a smartphone shouldn't be stuffed into a Christmas stocking," says tech expert and gadget reviewer Erin Lawrence. "Buying or upgrading a smartphone should be done with care; you should be sure you're in need of new features, and convinced that the upgrade will actually improve your life or work. Too often, we upgrade phones just because there's something new. But when phones cost half the rent, it pays to be more thoughtful in the purchase."
2. AI Recorder Gadgets
With AI technology growing more accessible and popular, more companies are beginning to put out recorders and nifty gadgets that use AI to help you record your daily thoughts, tasks, last-minute ideas, and more to help you create to-do lists and schedules. However, Lawrence feels these gadgets are a waste of your money.
"Most of us don't need this kind of AI attention, and summaries that read, ' banter with neighbour about school run' don't need to be archived for eternity," she explains. "Unless you're literally running from one sales call to another and need this level of detail and attention to everything you say, give this tech a wide berth."
3. Third-Party Organizers & Docks
Whether you think they make good stocking stuffers or are looking to get a gift for someone you don't know very well, think again before purchasing third-party tech cable organizers, stands, docks, etc., as a gift.
"Amazon is over-stuffed with third-party accessories and extras for things like Amazon Echo smart speakers and screens," notes Lawrence. "You can find stands and docks, plugs, and cord wrappers, but in most cases these are unnecessary extras that a twist tie can solve."