Thanksgiving is approaching here in the U.S., which means it’s the perfect time to scour seasonal sales and kickstart your holiday shopping.
Whether you’re looking for something unexpected for the person in your life who has everything or reward yourself with something special, our annual gift guide offers 70+ ideas handpicked by the a16z crypto team, from our favorite tech to self-care staples.
There’s a lot here, ranging in price and with options for all ages. We’ve included gifts everyone will appreciate (AirPods), aesthetic picks for the hard to please (wooden puzzles), and gadgets we didn’t know we needed (a peanut butter stirrer, anyone?).
Here’s what else the members of our team are recommending…
(Last year’s list here.)
Hardware, tech, and productivity

Bambu makes the best desktop 3D printers. They come loaded with prebuild files and there’s an archive of products online you can download. They’re the most user-friendly hardware + app out. Great for those who want to get into 3D printing. There’s also an early black Friday sale going all the way till Christmas, with entry-level machines for $200!
– Hoang Nguyen, design team
Herman Miller is a bit of a meme, so I was initially very skeptical when a founder recommended I needed to buy this chair to fix my back problems. I took the plunge despite the high price tag and haven’t regretted it since. This chair probably gets more use than any other single product I own except my phone and computer.
– Guy Wuollet, general partner
I moved houses earlier this year and set this one up with a ridiculously fast Mesh WiFi system from TP-Link. It’s future proofed for all the new WiFi-7 devices coming out and supports 10gig LAN that I’ve wired this house for. The app is pretty good too and has no subscriptions or lock-ins. I’ve never seen wireless speeds as fast as this system can deliver.
– Sagar Dhawan, engineering team
New Logitech MX Master 4 is out. Imo, it’s one of the best mouses for work. We had the Master 3S on our list last year. This new one is quite similar so if you’re already using a 3S maybe wait for a step change. I like that the new design uses less of the rubberized plastic, so it should hold up better with use. Still has all the great things about the MX Master series, like the incredible battery life, great MacOS support, multiple scroll wheels, and free scrolling.
– Sagar Dhawan, engineering team
The new AirPods are ridiculous. The noise cancellation is far better than any other previous model, and even beats over-ear headphones from my experience. The active translation feature can also be magical and very helpful traveling to new places. These are absolutely worth buying and a significant step up from prior models.
– Guy Wuollet, general partner
Super cool vintage departure board-inspired sign that you can program to display all sorts of cool things.
– Jeremy Zhang, engineering team

This is a portable smart TV that you can roll around your house. The stand is sturdy and it’s super easy to move on hardwood floors. I use mine all the time – in the backyard, in the kitchen, in the garage. You can put on Spotify, YouTube, TV streaming, a Peloton class… It even has a built in web browser!
– Daren Matsuoka, data team
Portable displays are good, light, and cheap now! The text is sharp, they fit in your backpack next to your laptop and they give you a second screen while traveling. I slide this badboy into my backpack for day trips away from my main display and in the outside pocket of my travel bag when I go away for more than one day. I was worried it would break because I’m pretty reckless, so I got another one. It has not broken.
– Sam Broner, investing team
Keeps my most used apps, websites and macros/multi-step actions at my fingertips. For the work-from-home techie who jumps constantly between apps and has (too many) accessories to control via software.
– Mike Jones, talent team
If you’re tired of multiple interfaces/apps for all of your smart home devices, this is for you. TLDR: Home Assistant is an open source, locally controlled hub that pulls all of your Alexa, Google, Eufy, etc., devices under one central umbrella and allows you to create automations not possible with other platforms, i.e. run my Robovac when my dog goes upstairs, it’s a Tuesday, and it’s below 80 degrees today. Not for the tech averse, but fully worth the hours spent tinkering away.
– Mike Jones, talent team
I’ve had my (original) MV7 for 5+ years and it’s still going strong. It’s a simple, plug & play USB-C or XLR microphone that does amazing things for serenading my video call participants. Noise/voice isolation is incredible and makes you feel like you’re hosting a podcast. I receive positive feedback almost weekly.
– Mike Jones, talent team
This desktop ring light is compact and minimal, but surprisingly powerful. It has multiple light modes, adjustable height, and barely takes up any desk space. I use it myself and recommend it to podcast guests often.
– Angel Gehr, editorial team
– Angel Gehr, editorial team
If you’re like me, you want to listen to audiobooks in inconvenient places — like the shower, for example — and also not miss a word. This little speaker really does the trick. It connects easily and comes in lots of colors. I hear you can submerge it in up to 1m of water for up to 30 minutes. I won’t be testing this claim, but it should make for a great gift for otters, beavers, and other small aquatic mammals.
– Stephanie Zinn, editorial team

The new Solana Seeker with its hardware backed “seed vault” lets you combine paper/hardware wallet seeds into one secure device. Seeker has a secure element with a TEE built right into its system on a chip. It’s now super easy to switch between Solana wallets in one place without having to sweat about where seeds are stored. Remember to treat it like a hardware wallet though (because it is one) and still be careful about what websites you connect to or transact through.
– Sagar Dhawan, engineering team
Perfect way to safely store the seed phrase for your hardware crypto wallet. The key is engraved in fire-proof metal. It can also be additionally secured with a padlock.
– Ali Yahya, general partner
I have looked for years, and this is the best lay-flat hardcover notebook I have ever found. It has an unusual (apparently Swiss) binding construction: the spine of the cover folds out, and in effect creates a table for the pages, which are all stitched together in a stack. The pages themselves are smooth as silk for writing.
– Scott Duke Kominers, research team
These checklists and tracker pads make it super easy for me to stay on track each day, and to make sure I don’t forget anything when I am packing for all my work travel. Bright, clear, easy to read and very helpful when I want to limit screen time, but stay on track with my most important tasks each day.
– Helen Stoddard, events team
Wireless charging is magical, and I hate the clutter of multiple cords. I carry several phones and AirPods each day, so this wireless charger with four slots is incredible for saving space on my desk. It would also be great for multiple people with their own devices.
– Guy Wuollet, general partner
I love being able to charge all my tech at once.
– Max Kesten, events team
Chargers aren’t the most exciting gift, but for anyone who spends too many nights living out of a suitcase, this one’s a game changer. I used to get annoyed setting up three separate chargers for my phone, Apple Watch, and AirPods — and somehow forgot my watch charger more times than I’d like to admit. This 3-in-1 charger folds down compactly and takes up less space than my old setup. Perfect for travel or your nightstand.
– Craig Naylor, talent & people team
Beauty, wellness, and self-care

This set is perfect for someone who loves a good self-care moment but prefers high-quality, low-effort products. It’s a simple routine that can yield amazing results.
– Danielle Shea, talent team
It’s a great high quality gloss that most women love!
– Tori Landrum, office ops
I know my skin suffers in the winter and this is the best moisturizer to beat the winter cold!
– Tori Landrum, office ops
My favorite leave-in conditioner, and I’ve tried a lot of hair products. Recommended by my hairstylist, it’s easily one of the best personal care purchases I’ve ever made. It leaves my hair silky, soft, and completely tangle-free. Plus, it smells amazing. Truly a low-effort, high-reward gift.
– Anna Semenova, marketing team
I’m obsessed with Zoologist’s wildly creative perfumes. My personal favorite is Rabbit, which makes me feel like I’m running through long grasses, even when hunched over my laptop like a goblin. But there’s a lot of scents to choose from. I recommend ordering a bunch of samples and picking your favorite. Bonus: The packaging is very good. The label on the bat scent features a little bat wearing a cape 🥺. There’s also a civet wearing a cravat 😭.
– Stephanie Zinn, editorial team
Total dupe for the famous Mason Pearson brush. I’ve tried both and honestly couldn’t tell a difference. The only difference is the price — this one’s $70 and the Mason Pearson is $240.
– Anna Semenova, marketing team
It’s an at-home 10-minute-a-day facial.
– Alisha Litman, events team
Health, fitness, and recovery

WHOOP has been a longstanding accessory on my wrist/bicep for years. Not only does it give an insane amount of data, it provides insights on shifting trends and has a daily, quick journal feature that allows you to answer yes/no questions — did you wear an eye mask to sleep? did you meditate? did you have an alcoholic beverage? — that shows what daily actions contribute to better/worse recovery.
– Mike Jones, talent team
Dr. Allen Lim (former pro cyclist) saw that most sports drinks and supplements on the market caused gastrointestinal distress and poor performance due to their poor quality and ingredients. He set out to design great products from scratch in a lab kitchen in Boulder, CO. Now, their cafe and lab provide world-class nutrition for athletes of all calibers.
– Conner Brown, tech ops
This sleep mask is like a cozy blanket for your eyes — it blocks out light, adds gentle pressure to help you unwind, and makes catching Zs so much easier.
– Alisha Litman, event team
Fitness people who love Barre or Yoga.
– Tori Landrum, office ops
I’m a huge fan of Therabody products for recovery. Whether you’re running, cycling, swimming, weightlifting, or just staying active, their tools help get your body back to 100% fast. The compression boots are my personal favorite — they make a noticeable difference in reducing soreness and improving circulation. Therabody’s full suite of recovery products is a game changer for anyone serious about performance and wellness. I listed a few others that I use: Therabody JetBoots, Therabody Recovery ThermCube (Cooling/Heat Pack), Therabody Thermback LED.
– Mehdi Hasan, talent team
I received this hand massager as a gift almost a year ago and still use it constantly. With typing being a huge part of my job — alongside hobbies like cooking, pottery, and drawing — my hands are always tired. The heated compression combo is amazing. This is something I wouldn’t have thought to get for myself, but it has easily become my favorite end-of-the-day self-care tool.
– Angel Gehr, editorial team
While I can’t endorse smoking or vaping, I think nicotine is a really useful stimulant more people should responsibly consider. I hate pouches (and they often have harmful additives), but really enjoy Lucy nicotine gum. It tastes like normal gum and works well.
– Guy Wuollet, general partner
Pendulum was the first company to manufacture akkermansia at scale because akkermansia will die in the presence of oxygen. It’s an essential gut bacterium, but many people (myself included) could benefit from supplementation. If you’re unaware or not convinced, I would highly recommend listening to Colleen Cutcliffe’s podcast on the topic and then picking up a probiotic from Pendulum.
– Guy Wuollet, general partner
If you’re looking for a gift for someone who’s into self-care or red light therapy, this is a good pick for the price. I ordered a few from different brands at different price points, and this one works just as well as the ones that cost over $100. The lights are strong, and it’s only $40.
– Anna Semenova, marketing team
I have tried every aggressively thick-foamed running shoe out there, and I am absolutely convinced that the NB 1080 is the best overall option for running and everyday wear. It’s simpler and more comfortable than Hoka, Brooks, Nike, or any other choice I’ve tried.
– Andy Hall, research team
Runners can never have enough shoes! Spice up your favorite runner’s rotation with a hot pink or bright orange pair of UFO super trainers. A fun and bouncy shoe perfect for their next long run.
– Shari Doherty, marketing team
I am a lifelong athlete so I have a lot of wear and tear. These units are an awesome way to reduce scar tissue build-up from recurring inflammation. For the economically minded, there are tons of other cheaper TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) units on the market, though they’re not as good.
– Scott Walker, chief compliance officer
Home and kitchen

The Technivorm Moccamaster is freaking incredible. This thing makes coffee that’s just perfect. There’s no bitterness. It’s completely clean. It’s amazing. The only problem with it is I can’t drink coffee that it doesn’t make anymore.
– Ben Horowitz, a16z cofounder and general partner
This magical bouncer has gotten me through multiple kids. It’s great for when you need to put them down for a few moments — it relaxes them and entertains them at the same time. I still don’t quite understand why it’s so effective but at this point I don’t question it!
– Maggie Hsu, GTM team
As a natural peanut butter lover, this was a game changer for me. It mixes within the whole jar to avoid mess and undo oil separation so you get the perfect scoop every time.
– Max Kesten, events team
While making potato leek soup the other day, my wife and I ruined the enamel coating of our nice Dutch Oven by accidentally scraping its bottom with a handheld immersion blender. Apparently, we could have avoided this tragedy by implementing an accessory we didn’t know existed: a $7 plastic pan guard. Alas. By the way, does anyone have a good recommendation for a new Dutch Oven?
– Robert Hackett, editorial team
These are convenient yet also have whole tea leaves (not cut up) inside of them, so they make a flavorful cup of tea. It’s also fun to watch the pearls unravel as they steep.
– Maggie Hsu, GTM team
Fills your space with clean, natural aromas — no water or heat required! Looks nice and clean on your counter and is all natural vs candles.
– Casey Graul, recruiting team
New to my kitchen: a flat whisk. I didn’t think it would be all that different from a balloon whisk, but the shape allows you to whisk the bottom and corners of the pot more effectively.
– Tim Sullivan, editorial team
Great knives make such a difference in the kitchen, and this one is well-balanced, incredibly sharp, and a useful shape.
– Tim Sullivan, editorial team
I love and have used them for the last decade!
– Madan Nagaldinne, people practices team
This is something that will truly last a lifetime, and there are so many amazing dishes you can make in it. One of my favorites is this recipe: Carolina Gelen’s One-Pan Garlicky Chicken Couscous. It’s also beautiful enough to double as a centerpiece on your table. I got it as a gift for myself. 😉
– Anna Semenova, marketing team
The ultimate outdoor charcoal grill for people who are serious about searing and smoking.
– Andy Hall, research team
I got this as a wedding present almost 8 years ago and it’s lasted through multiple moves, homes, and COVID. It’s deceptively, well, simple, and is the perfect addition to my kitchen sink.
– Maggie Hsu, GTM team
This is the sweetest kind of gift that feels personal and functional. They are a great gift for someone in your life who likes to host and loves to tell a story. It offers a touch more personality in their home!
– Danielle Shea, talent team
This super versatile non-toxic nonstick pan does everything! It will quickly become your go-to favorite.
– Shari Doherty, marketing team
Like I’m going to buy an electronic basket for my baby that costs more than $1,000, yeah right. That’s what my wife and I told ourselves after we had our first child. Then we had our second child and all bets were off. In a vain attempt to recoup a modicum of sleep, we succumbed and, in act of pride-swallowing desperation, got a Snoo. This bassinet is “smart”: It automatically senses when your child gets fussy and it rocks them back to sleep, amping up its white noise and sophisticated baby-jerking tech accordingly. To be fair, we actually lucked out and found a friend we could borrow from, so we avoided the sticker price. But it was broken, so I had to repair the thing by replacing its internal O-rings, which have a tendency to get shredded from all that rocking. (Have we learned nothing from the Space Shuttle Challenger??) Anyway, point is you can probably find a broken one for cheap — or free (thanks Marielle!) — and repair it for yourself for like $30. We get some sleep now.
– Robert Hackett, editorial team
Fashion, apparel, and accessories

If you love hanging out at the park, you need the Sunflora Picnic Blanket: it’s cozy, durable, and keeps your setup dry and chill all day.
– Benjamin Wu, talent team
Available for both men and women, this amazingly soft sweater is perfect for business and casual. If you’re ready to elevate your look from that free hoodie you got at EthDenver, but don’t want to break the bank, this is it!
– Helen Stoddard, marketing team
Ideal for hiking and hanging out, these socks balance trail-ready performance with lounge-day comfort. Soft enough you’ll forget to take them off once you’re back home.
– Aiden Slavin, policy team
Bourienne makes the most creative mens dress shirts I’ve ever found. If you like an interesting twist on the old classic, I highly recommend it.
– Guy Wuollet, general partner
Benchmade makes the best knives I’ve found (in American too). I particularly like this fixed blade because it fits my hands well and the sheath makes multiple carry options easy on your person or kit for longer trips.
– Guy Wuollet, general partner
Great value, combines sunglasses with Rx and a cool speaker with picture-taking ability.
– Madan Nagaldinne, people practices team
Travel

For the international traveler in your life, this completely eliminates jet lag!
– Jen Kha, investor relations
Helps ease jet lag, and really the only thing I’ve found to work other than powering through with coffee!
– Paul Cafiero, marketing team
I always bring this bag when I travel for work because it is the perfect crypto swag storage vehicle. It’s sturdy and holds a lot!
– Maggie Hsu, GTM team
Who loves stuffing their phone and wallet in those awesome plastic bins at the airport? Solution: The Speed Stash. Love this thing — it never leaves my backpack (Nomatic Travel Pack, $201 – $500) and is with me on every trip. It’s simple, yet brilliant. It velcros onto your backpack shoulder strap and can fit 1-2 phones (yes, I know), wallet, passport, boarding passes — you name it. Everything is kept super close to you so that you don’t have to remember which pocket you shoved something into. My wife saw mine during a trip and immediately requested one for herself. The secret to getting things approved by the family accounting department. 🙂
– Mike Jones, talent team
If you are a fan person, as I am, and every time you travel you suffer in silence…. This has been a game changer for me. It folds up reasonably small and can self-stand from the ground up to any bed size. Mine has been going strong for 6 months and I wouldn’t travel without it.
– Ian Dutra, talent team
Looks hilarious but shockingly effective! Great for kids or anyone who gets carsick in the backseat on road trips.
– Andy Hall, research team
Great stocking stuffer! These mini versions of Roz’s best haircare + styling products smell amazing and are excellent for travel.
– Shari Doherty, marketing team
This backpack is the GOAT. I’ve tested probably around 100 backpacks and this has been the one that I’ve refused to sell/upgrade. Need to go to the office with just your laptop and tech pouch? Check. Need a change of clothes for a quick overnight meeting? Just unzip, expand and now you have a suitcase style opening to fit more items. Fun fact: Even when expanded, it STILL fits underneath the seat in front of you #personalitem.
– Mike Jones, talent team
Fun, games, and hobbies

The latest installment in Ricoh’s inimitable GR series. Everything you need and nothing you don’t. Makes beautiful images. Slips easily into your front pocket — I take mine everywhere. A perfect gift for the budding Daidō Moriyama in your life.
– Joey Burleson, legal team
One of my favorite gifts from last year is a photo mug featuring Carl Bovis’s spectacular bird photography. He also has books, prints, calendars, jigsaw puzzles, etc. (h/t Ellen Dickstein Kominers)
– Scott Duke Kominers, research team
Pelikan makes some of the most visually stunning and perfectly constructed packing and assembly puzzles out there. Ideal as a desk display and/or to fiddle with while on conference calls. Some can be figured out within minutes, and others take literally months to solve. I particularly recommend the Minima and Euklid series.
– Scott Duke Kominers, research team
It is a great board game!
– Ertem Nusret Tas, research team
“Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes” is a hilarious, high-pressure party game that tests your team’s communication and problem-solving skills as one player defuses a bomb with only others’ frantic instructions to guide them. It’s perfect for anyone who loves chaos, laughter, and collaboration under pressure.
– Jeremy Zhang, engineering team
Despite the MX Master supporting up to three devices, I still ended up buying a separate gaming mouse for my gaming PC: the Razer Basilisk Pro 35k. I love this mouse. It’s the perfect weight, has a wireless dock where it charges, and has super high polling rates so it’s indistinguishable from a wired mouse in use. And for those who care, it has LEDs all over it. If you’re feeling bold, the translucent green looks awesome.
– Sagar Dhawan, engineering team

During the holidays I plan on building this Lego Ferrari SF-24 F1 Car. I picked it up from Costco a few months ago. While I don’t think Costco still stocks it, with the holidays right around the corner, I expect to see this go on discount. In fact, the official price on Lego.com is already lower than what I paid at Costco. Lego Technics are meant for adults, they’re incredibly cool (imo haha) and are a great way to get some exposure into the brilliant mechanical engineering and design that goes into these cars.
– Sagar Dhawan, engineering team
A great series of topic books that assume you know nothing and gets you up to speed quickly. The series covers myriad subjects, and the books are well-written and the perfect size to travel with. Stop with the doom scroll and instead dive into a wide range of topics from art & architecture to philosophy, economics, history and even cryptocurrency — 100% guaranteed to make you smarter!
– Helen Stoddard, events team
An easy-to-learn, difficult-to-master party game for anyone over 10-ish years old that tests your manual dexterity via tiny bells and other trinkets. I know from experience that it does get easier after precisely two beers — no more, no less — and that this is a grown up’s only advantage against the preternatural reflexes of any middle-school-aged kids playing DroPolter with you.
– Stephanie Zinn, editorial team
An oasis of silly fun in a noisy world.
– Tim Sullivan, editorial team
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The views expressed here are those of the individual AH Capital Management, L.L.C. (“a16z”) personnel quoted and are not the views of a16z or its affiliates. Some of the above gadgets, equipment, products, or services are sold by portfolio companies of a16z; for a full list, please see a16z.com/investment-list.