WOW, Christmas and the festive season are almost here! So you know what that means – it’s time to find a gift for the TV, streaming and gadget lovers in your life.
As someone who covers streaming devices, home entertainment and interesting gadgets year after year, I sat down as usual to create this roundup of products and gift ideas – from the best streaming sticks and Freeview / Freely devices, to earphones and streaming subscriptions, and even a techy TV recliner.
Please note that the prices mentioned here are the “regular” prices – but around this time of the year, you can of course find some great deals and discounts.
Remember, however, that you should only buy within your means and your budget – no discount or gift is ever worth going into debt over.
As always, some of the links in this article may earn us a referral fee, at no extra cost to you – but that never affects my unbiased opinion of the products.
Streaming Devices
While many people just use their Smart TVs for streaming apps – those are often slow, and not very user-friendly – plus, when they get old, some apps disappear (like the ITV Hub exodus, for example).
Therefore, a standalone streaming stick is still the better choice in many cases, with a longer list of supported apps, better performance, and a longer shelf-life.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen)
I’ve always been a big fan of Amazon’s Fire TV sticks, and they now have FOUR separate models being sold in the UK (see my comparison here).
While the 4K Stick is not the MOST powerful one (that goes to the 4K Max), it presents the best value for money – especially with the frequent sales and discounts.
The Fire TV 4K’s interface is speedy and very responsive, and it supports almost every streaming service in the UK, along with hundreds of additional apps (and even games) – see my Fire TV app recommendations.
If you’re looking for the ultimate streaming stick to give as a gift – you can’t go wrong with this one (see my Fire TV 4K stick in-depth review)
Cheaper Alternative: Fire TV Stick HD. It only supports HD (no 4K), and it’s not as fast to use – but it still supports the Fire TV’s huge app and streaming library, and can be a nifty bedroom/guest-room stick. Just be mindful of the discount – this year, Amazon did not lower the HD’s price for Black Friday. In that case, the 4K Stick is the much better option (though that may change in December).
Roku Streaming Stick Plus
Roku finally updated its UK lineup this year, and the new Streaming Stick Plus is a brilliant bit of kit – especially considering it undercuts the older Stick 4K while being almost as good.
The Plus (see my review) supports 4K streaming with HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG (the format BBC iPlayer uses for its 4K content), and comes with Roku’s Voice Remote for easy navigation and TV volume control.
The interface is snappy and responsive, and Roku’s OS remains one of the cleanest and most user-friendly platforms around – just a simple grid of apps and channels, without all the clutter you get on the Fire TV sticks.
What makes the Plus particularly appealing is that it has essentially made the older Stick 4K redundant. You get the same speedy performance, the same voice remote, and it’s at least £10 cheaper. The only thing you’re missing is Dolby Vision support – but unless that’s genuinely important to you, the Stick Plus is the smarter choice.
And if you’re buying for someone who wants to get into streaming but isn’t very technically minded, Roku’s straightforward interface makes this a great starting point.
Cheaper Alternative: Roku Streaming Stick (HD). It only supports HD (no 4K), but for a guest room or old TV, it’s still got the same simple interface and wide app support at £29.99.
Freeview And Freely Boxes
Every TV sold in the UK already has a Freeview tuner built-in, so set-top box Freeview recorders may seem like a thing of the past.
However, if you know someone who’s a hardcore Freeview viewer, and especially if they’re looking to ditch their expensive Sky or Virgin Media TV subscription – then a dedicated set-top Freeview recorder can offer so much more than just a TV with Freeview.
Manhattan T4-R
The Manhattan T4-R Freeview Recorder launched last year, and easily became our Editor’s Choice, as the best Freeview recorder available today.
While not exactly revolutionary compared to the popular T3-R that preceded it, the T4-R improves on many fronts.
It has a slick and very responsive interface, great picture quality, smart recording options, and a smarter EPG with unique filtering options.
The T4-R doesn’t have any streaming apps other than those that come with Freeview Play (so BBC iPlayer, ITVX, etc.) and YouTube – therefore it can’t replace a streaming stick – but if you (or the person you’re buying this for) is an avid Freeview viewer – this is an excellent recorder.
Netgem Pleio – The Freely Box
After 18 months of waiting, the standalone Freely box has finally arrived – and it’s an interesting option if you know someone struggling with terrible aerial reception.
For those unfamiliar, Freely is Everyone TV’s streaming platform that delivers 55+ live channels (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, 5, and more) through your broadband instead of an aerial. You get a unified EPG where you can watch live and also scroll backwards to find programmes that aired days ago (and stream them via the catch-up apps).
The £99 Pleio (see my full review) brings Freely to any TV with an HDMI port, but Netgem has tried to make it more than just a Freely box. It runs full Android TV 14 (so Netflix, Disney+, and everything else), includes 250+ cloud games with a wireless gamepad, and offers 150+ extra streaming channels. The catch? There’s no aerial port and no recording. Plus, after three months, the gaming and extra channels cost £9.99/month (though core Freely stays free).
Best suited as a gift for someone who has dodgy aerial reception but doesn’t want to replace their whole telly – or grandparents (who are not technophobic) who’d appreciate the simplified live TV experience alongside the ability to stream everything else.
Also worth noting, Netgem are facing some stock issues on Amazon (perhaps the launch was more successful than they had anticipated) – but that should resolve soon.
Earphones & Speakers
The good news is that in recent years, some of the budget-priced (or mid-priced) audio devices have gotten better and better – without getting more expensive.
So here are some recommendations…
EarFun Air Pro 4+
I’ve been a fan of EarFun’s true wireless earphones for years, and the Air Pro 4+ represent a proper leap forward in sound quality thanks to their new dual-driver hybrid setup.
These genuinely sound brilliant – better than some earbuds I’ve tested that cost significantly more. The balance is spot-on, with proper bass depth that doesn’t overwhelm the mids, and detailed treble that never gets harsh. The custom EQ hearing test in the app actually works too, creating a personalised sound profile that made a real difference for me.
Battery life is excellent at 12 hours with ANC off (8 hours with ANC on), and 54 hours total from the case. The ANC itself is decent but hasn’t really improved from previous models, and the new vertical charging case is a bit fiddly.
But if sound quality matters most, these offer outstanding value at £89.99 – and often less with discounts. Perfect for anyone who wants genuinely good audio without spending a fortune.
- See my EarFun Air Pro 4+ review.
Noble FoKus Amadeus Earphones
If you’re looking for earphones that sound as good as they look, Noble Audio’s FoKus Amadeus deserve attention – even at the higher £299 (official) price point.
The striking red finish (inspired by Mozart’s signature tailcoat) makes these something you’d actually want to pull out in public. The 8.3mm custom driver delivers sound that’s expressive and detailed – the bass feels full but never swampy, and everything sounds roomy and vivid.
What sets these apart is Audiodo Personal Sound, which analyses your hearing and builds a personalised profile stored on the earbuds. Battery life is solid at 12 hours with ANC off (8 hours on), with 42 hours total from the case.
These aren’t cheap – but they’re a brilliant gift for someone who genuinely appreciates quality audio and wants earphones that look the part too.
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus
Every TV comes with speakers built-in, obviously – but let’s face it, most TV speakers are pretty bad, with thin, unexciting sound. So a dedicated soundbar can be a great solution – but often, they’re either too expensive – or too cheap (and then they sound cheap).
Then there’s the Fire TV Soundbar Plus from Amazon.
I’ve tested numerous budget and mid-range soundbars over the years, and their sound is usually just… “OK” – but this one actually surprised me, especially at this price level, with clear, impressive sound, dialogue enhancer that works but doesn’t distort the rest of the audio too much, and particularly strong bass levels.
The “Fire TV” name is just plain confusing, as this soundbar doesn’t have ANY streaming capabilities – but if you ignore that and don’t expect any streaming or Alexa connections – you get a soundbar that punches way above its price class. See my full review here.
Victrola Rock Speaker
If you’re looking for something really unique and you like listening to music in your garden, there’s no reason the speaker has to be ugly. In fact, why not have your garden speaker look like… a rock?
That’s exactly what you get with the nifty Victrola Rock Speaker. It’s wireless, with a battery that lets you play up to 22 hours – but it also has solar charging, so you can just leave it outside without having to recharge manually.
On particularly cloudy days, the solar charging can take a while (so you can always boost it up with a cable) – but for regular use, I haven’t had any issues with the solar charging. And, it’s IP65 weatherproof, so you can generally leave it out in the rain (but I would avoid heavy flooding).
The audio quality is pretty good for the size – it won’t satisfy audiophiles, but that’s not why we listen to music outside – we just want to party, or enjoy some quiet tunes during tea time – and the rock is perfect for that.
Streaming Subscription Gifts
With so many streaming services around these days, no one has them all – so they can be a great gift option. And since you can either give them via a gift card, or virtually – they’re great as a last-minute gift.
Disney+ Gift Subscription
Disney+ (see our full review) can be streamed on most streaming devices and Smart TVs in the UK, and includes content from the worlds of Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, National Geographic and Star – Disney’s general entertainment category for more mature audiences (which includes popular shows like Grey’s Anatomy, The Bear and many others).
When you buy the gift card, you choose the amount you want – and that amount can then be used towards any of the Disney+ tiers (with or without adverts, or Premium, which includes 4K).
Netflix Gift Cards
Who doesn’t know Netflix? The granddaddy of all streaming services, if you’re looking to buy a gift for someone who likes watching TV and somehow DOESN’T have Netflix yet – this is it.
With numerous TV programmes, Netflix Originals, movies and even some reality TV, Netflix has something for everyone.
The standard Netflix subscription currently costs £10.99/month (but there are also Premium 4K and the Basic-with-Adverts plan), and you can choose gift cards that are worth between £15 and £200. You can find official Netflix cards on Startselect (which sends the code instantly via e-mail).
iTunes / Apple Gift Cards
If you’re buying gifts for an Apple fan – gift cards for Apple are the most flexible. They can be used to then buy apps, films, TV programmes or even full streaming subscriptions on Apple’s app and media stores.
Audible Gift Membership
It’s not a streaming TV service, but Audible still offers great entertainment, with one of the largest audiobook collections in the world.
For gift memberships, you choose the number of months you want (with one credit given per month) – and it starts from £7.99 for 1 month/1 credit.
In addition to credits, an Audible subscription now also includes Audible+, which lets you stream premium content at no extra cost as long as you remain a subscriber.
More Gift Ideas
Sofa Club Thea Power Recliner
Most tech recliners are either gaming chairs loaded with RGB lights or massage chairs that cost more than a decent sofa. The Sofa Club Thea (see my review) takes a more sensible approach – it’s a genuinely comfortable recliner with a few thoughtful modern touches.
The battery-powered recline runs for weeks between charges, the 360-degree swivel base is buttery smooth and silent, and the flexible phone holder built into the arm is far more useful than I expected. The cream boucle fabric looks good, and the foam strikes that sweet spot between supportive and comfortable.
The headrest is a bit low for upright TV watching (you might want a pillow), but it’s brilliant for lounging – reading, scrolling, or relaxing in front of the telly.
At £799 it’s certainly not cheap, but it’s a proper gift for someone who wants a stylish, comfortable chair with modern conveniences – just make sure you measure your doorways first, as it arrives in an absolutely massive box.
Twinkly Squares Starter Kit
Colourful LED lights are all the rage these days – and we’re not talking about Granny’s Christmas lights.
If you’re looking for something truly eye-catching, the Twinkly Squares Starter Kit is a brilliant (pun intended) choice. These smart LED panels are essentially tiny screens you can mount on your wall to create pixel art, animations, or just set a mood – all via the smartphone app, that lets you change colours, looks, and even use GIFs.
Keep in mind, these are not monitors, so don’t expect extra smooth and clear animations or photos – but you can still do some nifty tricks with the lighting and colour changes.
The starter kit comes with six panels that you can arrange however you fancy, and each panel can display different colours independently. Setting up is straightforward – just mount them on your wall (all the bits you need come in the box), connect via Bluetooth or WiFi, and start playing with the 16 million available colours through the Twinkly app.
You can also control them with Alexa or Google Assistant when you’re feeling lazy – though be warned, six panels aren’t loads if you’re planning to create larger displays (but you can but extension kits).
Krafted Couch Wireless Charger
Here’s a genuinely clever bit of kit that solves a problem most of us have – constantly reaching for charging cables while lounging on the sofa.
The Krafted Couch is a wireless charging pad designed to live on your sofa arm. It’s got an anti-slip silicone ridge that keeps it securely in place, and the flexible flat design means it blends in rather than looking like a random gadget plonked on your furniture.
You get fast wireless charging (15W for iPhones, 10W for Android), and MagSafe compatibility for easy alignment. Remember that the charger ITSELF is not wire-free, but it has a 2-metre power cable so you can position it wherever works best.
What sets it apart is that it actually looks like something you’d want in your living room. It comes in Deep Blue, Matcha, and Latte – colours that feel more like interior décor than consumer electronics.
It’s a brilliant stocking filler or gift for anyone who’s constantly juggling cables whilst trying to relax on the sofa. Simple, practical, and doesn’t look rubbish sitting on your furniture.
So Chill Mini Fridge
Looking for a fun gadget that’s both practical and a bit quirky? The So Chill Mini Fridge is exactly that – a compact 4L cooler that’s perfect for keeping a few drinks chilled in a bedroom or home office.
It’s USB-powered, which means you can plug it in anywhere (even in a car), and comes with decorative stickers to personalise the look.
Just keep in mind this isn’t meant to replace a proper fridge – it won’t get cold enough for food storage, but it’s brilliant for keeping up to 6 cans of drinks cool, or even storing skincare products if you fancy that extra-refreshing feeling.
Think of it more as a drink cooler with style points rather than a proper refrigerator.
iWALK USB-C Portable Charger
Here’s a practical stocking filler for anyone who’s always running out of phone battery. The iWALK portable charger is impressively tiny – small enough to slip into any pocket – but packs enough juice (4800mAh) to fully charge an iPhone 15 or most Android phones.
What makes this charger particularly neat is its built-in USB-C connector and 20W fast charging capability – something you don’t often seen on portable power banks. It can boost an iPhone 15 from empty to 50% in about half an hour.
While it’s not the most powerful portable charger out there, its compact size and convenience make it perfect for those times when you just need a quick top-up while out and about – and you don’t even need to carry cables around, as it has its own USB-C connector.
I can’t get Freeview through an aerial so I was annoyed when I saw the Netgem Pleio for sale on Amazon as I went away from the computer and came back less than half an hour later and it was sold out!