The great value gift guide

Tech gifts for every family member, without the faff or the MASSIVE price tag.

Tech gifts always go down a storm. Whether it’s the kids, your other half, or Nan (who still forgets her passcode), we’ve rounded up the gadgets that make perfect pressies without emptying your wallet.

For the kids

Amazon Fire 7 Kids

Built for play and built to last. Comes with a tough case, parental controls, a 2-year worry-free guarantee, and a year of Amazon Kids+ Monthly subscription. Serious peace of mind for parents.

Garmin Bounce or Tikkers Kids Series 13

Track steps, set chores, send two-way messages, and survive the playground. Kid-proof wearables that make moving fun.

Motorola Moto G62 5G or Nokia C21 Plus

Brilliant first phones for younger users. Pair with a SMARTY SIM, with rolling monthly plans, total control, and flexible as they grow.

For the teens

Google Pixel 9a or Samsung Galaxy A56

Mid-range phones with flagship-level performance. Great cameras, solid design, and proper value for money.

SMARTY Unlimited Plan

Keep them streaming, chatting, and scrolling all month on a SMARTY unlimited plan. Add them to a SMARTY Group plan to save even more. One account, one bill, no dramas.

TOZO T6 Wireless Earbuds

Top sound without the top-brand price. Perfect for music-loving teens who lose things regularly.

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)

Great sound, voice control, endless playlists. For tunes on the move, try the Sony SRS-XB100 Bluetooth speaker, powerful, portable, and pocket-friendly.

For mum and dad

Google Pixel 9a / Samsung Galaxy A56 / iPhone SE (3rd Gen) / iPhone 15

Brilliant smartphones without the luxury markup. For tablets, check out the Samsung Tab A9 or Lenovo Tab M10, for all-round great value.

Apple Watch SE / Fitbit Charge 6 / Oura Ring 4 / Ultrahuman RingAir

Track steps, sleep, and smugness. Rings are the latest trend, just check the right size before you wrap it.

TP-Link M7000 Portable Wi-Fi Router

For travellers, campers, or serial staycationers. Create instant hotspots anywhere, just add a SMARTY data-only SIM for flexible, stress-free connection.

For the grandparents

Doro 8200 or Nokia 2780 Flip

Stylish, simple, and senior-friendly phones. Loud sound, BIG easy buttons, and thoughtful safety features.

Doro or Doogee ‘Grandpads’

Designed for older users with large text, simple navigation and clear sound. Perfect for video calls and browsing.

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)

“Alexa, call the grandkids.” Hands-free, fuss-free, and a lovely way to stay connected.

Where to grab the best deals

Amazon: Your go-to for the most aggressive discounts, especially during sales events when prices can drop by around 40-50%. Sign up for deal alerts and check their Lightning Deals hourly during December for flash savings.

John Lewis: Provides excellent warranties and a range of high-quality tech options. Their price match promise means you'll always get a fair deal. They also offer interest-free payment plans.

Currys: Watch for their bundle offers where you can save by buying accessories together.

Argos: Great for same-day click and collect. They offer 0% interest if paid in full within 12 months. Check out their clearance section, it often has hidden gems at knockout prices, especially on older models that are still brilliant quality.

Big brands, smaller prices: go refurbished

CEX: You can trade in old devices for instant cash or credit. Refurbished phones, tablets and wearables come with 12-month warranties.

MusicMagpie: Extensive range at competitive prices. Every device undergoes a 72-point check with a 12-month warranty. Flexible payment options let you spread the cost over 12 months.

Reboxed: Premium refurbished Apple and Samsung devices with certified quality checks and 12-month warranties. AND SMARTY customers get exclusive additional discounts accessed via the customer dashboard “need a phone?”

When to shop smart

Early December (1st–10th): The Black Friday hangover, great for leftover deals.

Mid-December (11th–20th): Dodge the last minute rush for fewer crowds and better stock.

Boxing Day (26th onwards): The sale jackpot. Up to 60% off or just gift an IOU (I owe you) card and join the bargain rush.

That’s a wrap

Shop early, compare prices, and don’t fear last year’s models, they’re often just as good. Mix in refurbished bargains, throw in a SMARTY SIM or eSIM, and gift smart this Christmas.

Big smiles. Small prices. Very SMARTY.