Holiday gift guide: STEM toys, tablets, laptops, and more

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are core components of numerous educational and career pathways. To heighten the allure of these fundamental fields, there are myriad STEM learning tools and all-in-one hands-on kits. These immersive offerings expose students to a host of critical education fields in an engaging, hands-on experiential format. – Dallon Adams

From rocket propulsion systems and coding robots to hardcover books for aspiring chemists, Dallon Adams lists some of the top STEM gifts for kids.

$28 at Amazon

The 2020 holiday season will prove unusual and unique. For the first time in most everyone’s memory, few will be rushing to physical stores and malls to browse and enjoy holiday cheer. Instead, the year is likely to see record spending for online gifting, as the pandemic encourages everyone, regardless of habit and preference, to safely shop from home. Don’t despair, as you need not go it alone. – Erik Eckel

Here are gift recommendations from Erik Eckel at a variety of price points for the Apple fan in your life that are sure to bring a smile this year.

Apple

Ladies and gentlemen of the TechRepublic universe, it’s that time again–holiday shopping season. This Android gift guide can help you shop for those you love, cherish, and tolerate throughout the year. If you don’t find anything on this list, consider a Google Play gift card for those on your list who prefer to select their own gifts. – Jack Wallen

From stocking stuffers to big gift ideas, Jack Wallen’s Android gift guide can help you find something for all of the Android fans on your list.

$249 at Samsung

‘Tis the season of gift giving. Tablets make great holiday gifts, but there are a lot to choose from. With tablets from Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and more, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for your loved one. – Kristen Lotze

This tech gift guide from Kristen Lotze can help take some of the guesswork out of which tablet to pick.

Apple

Let’s face it: 2020 has been a tough year. This holiday season you deserve to splurge on yourself (file it under self care). They may be expensive, but you’re worth it. – Melanie Wolkoff Wachsman

You can start by checking out Melanie Wolkoff Wachsman’s treat-yourself tech gift recommendations. 

$300 at Amazon

The holidays are upon us once again, which means it’s time to start shopping for gifts. With so many people working from home, you might consider getting your loved one a new laptop to make their workday smoother. – Kristen Lotze

Whether you’re buying for a Linux lover, Apple aficionado, Chromebook connoisseur, or Windows whiz, Kristen Lotze’s gift guide can help you figure out the perfect laptop to buy this holiday season. 

Dell

The Raspberry Pi has been a runaway success since its launch in 2012, and each year since then has brought us a new Pi board or Pi-related piece of kit to tinker with. In fact, the number of accessories now available for the Raspberry Pi is vast – which is great for Raspberry Pi fans, but less so for the unfortunate journalists tasked with putting together Pi-related gift guides each year.

While the Raspberry Pi makes a pretty good gift by itself – the latest Pi 4 Model B comes in at a very respectable $35 – a new piece of Raspberry Pi kit for the Pi lovers already in your life could make the perfect stocking filler for the coming festive season. – Owen Hughes

Read the Raspberry Pi gift guide for Owen Hughes’ recommendations.

$150 at The Pi Hut

COVID-19 has caused many employees to work remotely and some offices to close permanently. Working from home shouldn’t stop you from showing your coworkers how much you appreciate them this holiday season. Sending gifts is the perfect way to reconnect with officemates, and with so many gift options available online you are sure to find the perfect gift for even your fussiest coworker. – Melanie Wolkoff Wachsman

Here are some recommendations from Melanie Wolkoff Wachsman for tech gifts for coworkers. 

$35 at Things Remembered