NxtUpgrade

Shopping for a guy at Christmas is a nightmare. He either says, “I don’t need anything,” or sends you a link to something that costs more than your rent.

So here’s the fix: 10 affordable gadgets he’ll actually use, actually enjoy, and won’t immediately toss in a drawer. Mix of fun toys, everyday upgrades, and a few “how did I live without this?” little lifesavers.

Pick one “fun” gadget and one “life upgrade” and you’ve basically nailed both sides of his personality: child and functioning adult.

1️⃣ Retro Handheld Gaming Console

If he grew up on Game Boy, PSP, or old-school cartridge games, this is pure nostalgia in his hands. A retro handheld lets him replay classics on the sofa, on the train, or while pretending to listen during family Zoom calls.

Think pixel art, chiptune music, and that “just one more level” feeling. It’s the perfect mix of toy and tech — and way cheaper than buying a modern console.

⚡ NxtUpgrade Tip: Look for something that supports multiple classic systems and has a decent battery life, so he’s not hunting for a charger every 20 minutes.

2️⃣ Temperature-Control Smart Mug

For the guy who makes a hot drink and then immediately forgets it exists. A smart mug or heated coaster keeps his coffee or tea warm while he games, works, or doom-scrolls “just for a second.”

If he secretly prefers hot coffee or tea over a cold beer sometimes (he does, he just won’t admit it), this is the move. It feels weirdly luxurious for something that just… keeps a drink warm.

⚡ NxtUpgrade Tip: Go for a simple matte design in black, grey, or navy. It looks clean on the desk and doesn’t scream “gadget” at first glance.

3️⃣ Magnetic Phone Car Mount

If his phone is always balanced in a cup holder or wedged in the air vent, fix it. A magnetic car mount keeps maps, music, and calls where they should be: visible, stable, and not flying onto the floor every time he takes a roundabout too fast.

It’s one of those gadgets he’ll pretend isn’t a big deal — then recommend to everyone he knows two weeks later.

⚡ NxtUpgrade Tip: Choose a mount that works with his case or has slim metal plates you can stick inside it. Less faff, more “click and go.”

4️⃣ Mini Projector

Turn his bedroom or living room into a budget cinema. A mini projector lets him throw movies, football, or gaming onto a wall without needing a giant TV.

It’s perfect for Christmas movie nights, co-op games, or pretending he’s running a full home theater when really it’s just a white wall and some fairy lights.

⚡ NxtUpgrade Tip: Look for one with built-in speakers and HDMI input. Plug in a console, laptop, or streaming stick and he’s sorted.

5️⃣ Sound-Reactive RGB Light Bars

These sit behind his monitor or TV and change colour along with whatever he’s watching or listening to. Music, movies, games — the lights pulse and glow with the sound.

It makes even a basic setup feel like a full-blown battlestation, without having to cover every surface in LED strips. And yes, he will absolutely sit in the dark just to watch the colours.

⚡ NxtUpgrade Tip: Place them slightly behind the screen pointing at the wall. You get a soft, diffused glow instead of harsh light blasting straight into your eyes.

6️⃣ Wireless Charging Desk Clock

This is the grown-up gadget that still looks cool. A wireless charging clock lets him drop his phone on the stand, see the time at a glance, and keep his bedside or desk looking clean instead of cable-chaos.

The best ones double as a soft night light or ambient glow, so it feels more “futuristic gadget” than “boring alarm clock.”

⚡ NxtUpgrade Tip: Check that it supports his phone model and can charge through his usual case. Nobody wants to peel off a case every night.

7️⃣ Mini Drone

This is the toy he’ll pretend is “for fun just now and then” and then spend three hours trying to nail the perfect landing. A small, affordable drone is brilliant for messing around in the park, taking simple aerial shots, or annoying friends in a very controlled way.

It’s the kind of gadget that instantly turns a boring afternoon into something way more entertaining — without needing pro-level skills or a pilot’s licence.

⚡ NxtUpgrade Tip: Stick to lightweight starter drones with simple controls and propeller guards. More flying, less crashing.

8️⃣ Smart Water Bottle (Hydration Reminder)

If his idea of hydration is “coffee counts, right?”, this is the gentle bully he needs. A smart water bottle tracks how much he drinks and nudges him to keep sipping through the day.

Some light up, some ping his phone, some just remind him that water exists and his organs would quite like some. It’s a health upgrade that doesn’t feel preachy.

⚡ NxtUpgrade Tip: Look for one that’s easy to clean and not insanely huge. If it’s awkward to carry, he won’t use it.

9️⃣ Mini Desktop Vacuum Cleaner

Crumbs, dust, and mystery keyboard debris… gone. A tiny desktop vacuum lives on his desk and hoovers up snack shrapnel, dust, and whatever has been living between the keys since 2019.

It’s weirdly satisfying to use and keeps his setup looking less “gremlin cave” and more “functioning human who owns cleaning tools.” Many people’s reaction: “Holy sh*t, this thing actually works.”

⚡ NxtUpgrade Tip: Go for USB-rechargeable instead of battery-powered. Cheaper in the long run and way less annoying.

🔟 Electric Precision Screwdriver (Tech Multi-Tool)

This is for the guy who’s always fixing, upgrading, or taking things apart “just to see how they work.” A slim electric precision screwdriver makes it easy to open controllers, laptops, keyboards, glasses, and small gadgets without stripping screws or rage-quitting.

It looks sleek, feels like a tiny sci-fi tool, and turns those annoying little jobs into something quick and satisfying.

⚡ NxtUpgrade Tip: Pick a kit with multiple bits (especially Philips, Torx, and tiny flat-heads). That covers most tech and household fixes he’ll ever need.

You don’t need to drop console money to get him something he’ll genuinely like. Choose one “fun” gadget (drone, retro handheld, RGB lights) and one “life upgrade” (smart mug, wireless charger, water bottle), and you’ve covered both vibes: chaos and competence.

Wrap it, plug it in, let him play — and enjoy the peace and quiet while he’s distracted by his new favourite toy.