Mashable has announced the winners of its inaugural Gift of the Year awards for 2026, highlighting 15 products selected from the devices and gadgets its staff tested and liked during the year.
The selections were based on testing in real-world, at-home settings by Mashable staff members. The list covers a broad range of categories, including tech for teenagers and children, audio, kitchen appliances, wellness, smart home products, gaming and televisions.
The Camp Snap was chosen as the best tech gift for teens. The screen-free digital camera produces photos with a soft, disposable-camera-style appearance, combining a nostalgic look with the convenience of digital storage.
For children, Mashable selected the Yoto Mini as its best audio player. The screen-free device uses cards to provide stories, music and educational content, while also offering kid-friendly radio, podcasts and customizable content. The Toniebox received the award for best toy for preschoolers, thanks to its screen-free design and its collection of character figures loaded with stories and other content.
The best headphones award went to a model praised for offering strong noise cancellation, comfortable all-day wear and intuitive physical controls at a price below Bose’s QC Ultra 2 headphones. Mashable also highlighted an immersive audio mode and a range of color options.
In the kitchen category, the Ninja Crispi was recognized as the best gadget. Its portable design, simple controls and glass baskets with storage lids make it suitable for meal preparation and storage. Mashable also noted interest in the device among consumers seeking a plastic-free air fryer.
The Oura Ring 5 won the wellness category. Mashable described it as a smaller, thinner and lighter successor that retains the company’s biometric tracking and app experience. The ring is rated for six to seven days of battery life and uses multiple sensors to calculate health-related measurements.
The Brick was selected as the best stocking stuffer. The small device works with an app to temporarily block selected phone applications, requiring a physical interaction with the Brick to restore access. Mashable presented it as a tool for reducing phone use while retaining access to the rest of a smartphone.
For budget-conscious laptop shoppers, Mashable chose the MacBook Neo. Despite a price increase, the publication called it a strong value, citing its all-aluminum construction and A18 Pro processor. It also reported that the laptop performed especially well in basic tasks such as web browsing and word processing.
The Eufy C28 received the best robot vacuum award. Its HydroJet system rinses the mop during cleaning to help prevent smearing, while its vacuuming and mopping performance stood out in tests involving crumbs, pet hair and debris on hard floors and around rug edges.
The Apple Watch Series 12 was named the best smartwatch. Its S11 chip supports Audio Intelligence tools, faster charging and improved workout battery life. Mashable also noted that the watch shares its chip and sensors with the more expensive Apple Watch Ultra 4.
The Echo Show 8 won the smart home category. Its features include hands-free recipe support, video calls, communication with other Echo devices and the ability to serve as a security camera. The camera shutter and microphone controls provide options for limiting access when privacy is a concern.
For handheld gaming, Mashable selected the Nintendo Switch 2, citing its increased power, updated features and expanding game library. The publication positioned it as a key choice for players interested in Nintendo franchises such as Zelda, Pokémon and Mario Kart.
The TCL QM6K was chosen as the best TV. Mashable described it as an entry point between basic LED televisions and more expensive QLED and mini-LED models, offering improved brightness and sharpness while remaining below the $1,000 mark.
The Bose SoundLink Plus won the outdoor category. Mashable praised its loud, clear sound, portable size and ability to pair with other SoundLink speakers. It was presented as a flexible option for settings including beaches, pool parties, camping and home use.
Finally, the Shark CryoGlow received the award for best beauty technology. The facial mask contains 160 tri-wick bulbs capable of producing red, near-infrared and blue light, with all three types available simultaneously for a total of 480 light sources.
Sources: Mashable.