Over on my personal website, I have a big old gift guide for small business owners I’ve been updating for years. And honestly, not that much changes year over year.

Maybe a new model of a mic or camera. Whatever coffee I’m drinking that year. Some miscellaneous tech accessories. It’s honestly more tedious than it’s worth.

And further, every year I do a gift guide episode based on the gift guide…which as you can imagine, is also tedious to listen to. Last year, I did mix it up a bit to bring on my friend Cat. That was a fantastic episode.

But this year I’m changing it up again. Instead of an all-encompassing gift guide (which you can still find here), I want to highlight a few items I’ve found truly useful in 2025.

Cool Gadgets

There are two cool gadgets I picked up this year that I really like, and both happen to be eInk.

Kindle Colorsoft

The first is the Kindle Colorsoft. Some people will say that the text isn’t as crisp as the monochrome versions, and that’s probably true. But the tradeoff is worth it. Colorful book covers, comics, and graphics, and 4 different color highlights. I approve!

TRMNL

The second is the TRMNL, a programmable eInk screen that can show you various pieces of data on a cycle. I use it mostly for schedules, calendars, weather, and stats.

I really like having a simple screen that’s not a blast light and color.

Audio and Recording Gear

DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case)

Last year I started a Audio Notes/Voice Memos-style podcast episode, where I record from my phone and upload it directly to my audio host. While I had one DJI mic, I decided to pick up the DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case). 2 Mics, more compact, and honestly I think it sounds better. While the charging case is bulky, the tradeoff is worth it —I can easily keep them charged and then put the mics and receiver in my bag or pocket when needed.

Zoom PodTrak P4 Podcast Recorder

Similarly, I did some on-location podcast recording this year and wanted to upgrade my portable recorder. I picked up the Zoom PodTrak P4 Podcast Recorder, which has been fantastic. even has bluetooth and USB-C, so it can connect to the DJI Mics for an input sort. If you want something powerful with a small footprint, I highly recommend this!

Bose SoundLink Max Bluetooth Speaker

I was looking to an alternative to the Sonos speakers that was of great sound quality, portable, and more or less weatherproof. Well, the Bose SoundLink Max Bluetooth Speaker is all of that.

I use this all the time when I’m in my shed working, and plan to take it on family vacations as an easy way to play music in rental houses or wherever it makes sense.

Smart Home

Aqara Zigbee Motion Sensor P1

I’ve had mixed results with automating the lights in my office based on time, so I decided to do it based on occupancy. I picked up the Aqara Zigbee Motion Sensor P1, a nifty little motion sensor that I mounted on the wall near my desk. When it detects motion after 6am, it will automatically turn on all the lights in the office and set them to my preferred settings. If no motion is detected after 8pm, it turns everything off.

Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller

I’m going to be honest…if you don’t have a big lawn you need to maintain, this feels stupidly expensive. However, the Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller solves a really big problem for me: my kids turning on the hose to play with it, and then forgetting to turn it off. After getting the controller, our water usage was down 1,000 gallons over the same period last year.

It’s simple: I can turn it on with my phone or Siri, and it automatically turns off after 10 minutes. I can set it longer if the kids are playing with a sprinkler.

Charging Devices/Power

Anker Nano Charging Station

Anker 9-in-1 Charging Station

Similarly, the Anker 9-in-1 Charging Station is a great product to keep on your desk or in a common area for when you need to charge many things at once.

Office Stuff

UGREEN NASync DXP4800 4-Bay Desktop NAS

I wanted to upgrade my NAS (Network Area Storage) for a while so it could support more drives, as well as apps like Plex. Thanks to another Prime Day deal, I picked up the UGREEN NASync DXP4800. Admittedly I haven’t tinkered with it much, but it’s one of my winter projects to digitize my media and play with Plex a bit more.

The automatic backups to “cold” storage is great though!

Post-it Super Sticky Easel Pad

I used to have a HUGE, wall-sized, double-sided whiteboard. It was too much. It took up too much space. So I finally decided to downsize. I picked up a small whiteboard (3x4ish) and a few Post-it Super Sticky Easel Pads for my wall, and they have been great for planning and capturing ideas. I highly recommend if you have the space.

Professional Grade Gaffer Tape

Analog Card Bar by Ugmonk

I like writing things on index cards. Notes, ideas, random thoughts throughout my day. The Analog Card Bar by Ugmonk lets me display them until I process them properly. It’s a great addition to my desk.

Mobile Accessories

Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe

I could have put this in Charging devices too, but I wanted to mention the Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe. I recently swapped out my larger Belkin 3-in-1 for this much more compact charger and it’s great. It charges my iPhone, AirPods Pro, and Apple Watch. Heck, it will even charge my Motorola razr via Qi charging.

SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD

I love good portable storage. And this year, the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD was super handy for me on several trips. It’s super compact, durable, fast, and high capacity. What more could you want?

Bellroy Tech Kit (Tech Accessories Organizer Pouch)

Apps

Let’s round this out with some apps I’ve found incredibly helpful:

• Tella.tv for recording quick videos for sales, short form, and coaching.
• Obsidian for my PKM, notes, and research.
• Gling.ai for editing videos.
• GoodLinks for reading and highlighting.
• MasterClass isn’t new to me, but I’ve found renewed interest in it lately.
• Senja for testimonials. A well-build, easy to use and easy to automate tool.

What about you?

What’s something you started using this year that’s been a game-changer for you? Let me know in the comments!