It’s almost that time! Kids are prepping to get back to school. From grade schoolers moving up a level to those entering high school (like mine!) or working their way through the four years, and post-secondary education, students range in age from little kiddos to full-fledged young adults. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a student of any age, this guide has you covered.
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Greenlight Family Hub
Managing schedules, appointments, chores, to-dos, and more can be challenging, especially with multiple people in the household. In my own household, my son has many extracurriculars plus events and getaways through the summer. Both my partner and I travel often. Then there are other seasonal events, birthdays, and more we need to remember. A family calendar is ideal, and while we could all share one online, having a device like the Greenlight Family Hub in a central location of the home where everyone can access it is super convenient.
The all-in-one hub, which is only available in the U.S. right now, may seem similar to the Skylight Calendar, which I have reviewed in the past. But it does more that isn’t locked behind the subscription (though there is one for advanced features). It has separate sections for managing calendars, chores, a grocery list, to-do lists, and more.
You can upload photos as well, so it doubles as a digital photo frame when you aren’t using it. That feature is completely free as well. It’s easy to set up in minutes, and you can even sync your Google, iCloud, and Microsoft Outlook calendars so items you add from your laptop or other mobile device instantly show up on Family Hub.
I love the option to add chores, assign points to them, and even rewards. My 14-year-old is responsible for several daily and recurring chores, like emptying the dishwasher, doing his laundry, making his bed, organizing and putting out the recycling, and tidying his room. I added all of these on the proper schedule, assigning a points value to each. He can complete these, earn points, and work towards that gaming PC or smaller rewards. I already used an app for this, but now it’s all centralized in one place.
Since everything is accessible from the Greenlight app as well, others in the household can add items to a grocery list, for example, and I can see the updated list when I’m at the store to know what I need to grab. I love that there’s an admin PIN so visitors or kids can’t play around and alter items. The built-in family AI assistant using the wake words “Hey Greenlight” is convenient, too.
If you’re looking for one central place to keep your family organized this school year, this is an easy recommendation. With my son going to high school where he’ll likely have school extracurriculars like clubs and sports along with weekly taekwondo classes, travel, and project deadlines, it’s a great way to make sure we’re all on the same page.
There’s a subscription option for US$9.99/mo. ($99/yr.) that adds advanced AI and safety features, but I found the experience even without it to be sufficient. That said, I’d recommend using the calendar as is at first, checking out a trial of Family Hub+, then deciding if it’s worth it. Otherwise, the frame itself comes in 10.1-inch and 15.6-inch sizes with a wall mount and table stand for U$199 and US$299, respectively.
Kanto Audio Obi3G2 Turntable
The new generation is falling in love with retro tech. Wired headphones are in. Dumbphones are cool. Soon enough, we might see pagers back on hips (okay, maybe not). One technology that has been seeing a resurgence for a while now, starting with Millennials and moving up to Gen Z, is turntables. Kids love the concept of dropping a needle onto an album and hearing that signature crackle. It’s far more satisfying than tapping a screen on a phone. Plus, it builds community as kids and young adults search for and collect vinyl and meet others who have discovered this throwback tech, too. Kanto Audio is capitalizing on that trend with an affordable turntable that is perfect for students: the second-gen Obi3 turntable, known as the Obi3G2.
Available for $270, the manual belt-driven turntable offers sensor-controlled speed, adjustable tonearm balance, and ±10% pitch control, a rarity in turntables at this price. Housed on a solid base with an aluminum platter and wood plinth, kids will get fantastic sound from those throwback ’70s records they borrowed from grandpa or the latest Taylor Swift album. Meanwhile, a sensor measures the rotation of the record and corrects it continuously as it plays to ensure regulated speed. Speaking of speed, selection is electronic, so you don’t have to manually move the belt to switch between 33-1/3 and 45 RPM. Auto-stop, meanwhile, halts the platter at the end of a side to help protect the stylus. The pre-installed Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge delivers smooth, balanced sound out of the box, Kanto adds.
Balance the arm and set tracking force using the aluminum J-shaped tonearm with adjustable counterweight and anti-skate. It’s all guided by clear reference marks. A manual cue lever lowers the stylus gently and precisely onto the groove. With the manual pitch control, you can speed up a comedy album or slow down a pop tune for a fun listening experience (maybe to catch all those lyrics you always miss!)
The Obi3G2 has an RCA output and selectable built-in phono preamp, so it can be connected to a hifi system or pair of powered speakers (like those from Kanto!): just flip the phono/line switch as needed. Plus, kids and young adult students will love that it comes with Bluetooth 5.3 for streaming to wireless speakers or headphones.
Available in bold colours the new generations will love, including Green, Ice Blue, and Walnut along with traditional Black and White, the turntable measures just 17 x 14.3 inches and comes with a dust cover, slip mat, 45 adapter, counterweight, and RCA and ground cables.
Kanto is also launching accessories that pair perfectly with this turntable, including the TT-AKIT Turntable Setup & Alignment Kit, TT-SB Record & Stylus Cleaning Brush, TT-GKIT Record & Stylus Gel Cleaning Kit, TT-AM Anti-Static Acrylic Mat and TT-CRM, and the TT-CS20 Outer Cover Sleeves and TT-IS20. Give the kids some time to fall in love with this turntable, then consider these accessories as stocking stuffers for the holiday season.
Buy the Kanto Obi3G2 turntable for $269.99.
JBL Endurance Run 3 Wired Earbuds
Did you know that wired earbuds are back in style? The younger generation is pushing back against expensive tech and our always-on society, and desperately seeking a simpler life. Wired earbuds are affordable, sound great, are tough to lose, don’t need to be paired with a device, and never run out of battery life. The latest pairs come with USB-C so they work even with phones that don’t have a headphone jack (which is most of them nowadays). JBL is one of the best headphone brands in the biz, and that includes wired models, too. These buds connect via USB-C for Hi-Res audio and 3.5mm if you’re connecting to a laptop, tablet, or other device. They offer JBL Pure Bass Sound, an IP65 rating, FlipHook design, and TwistLock comfort fit. Enhanced with EQ presets, customize the sound in real time and use the three-button remote with built-in microphone for hands-free calls. Even if students still want wireless headphones, these are an affordable back-up pair they can use in a pinch. JBL products are distributed in Canada by Erikson Consumer.
Get the JBL Endurance Run 3 Wired Earbuds for $29.98.
Marshall Acton IV Bluetooth Speaker
For older kids who prefer a refined, throwback design, the Marshall Acton IV offers powerful, room-filling sound. Students will love the integrated Auracast technology for connecting to other Auracast devices wirelessly and the ability to crank the volume without distortion for those dorm night parties. Wrapped in PU leather, it has a brass control panel and customizable M-button for accessing Spotify Tap and other personalized settings. It also has RCA and AUX inputs, so they can connect a record player. Use the Marshall app to customize sound, adjust EQ presets, and optimize audio with placement compensation.
Get the Marshall Acton IV for $430, available in Canada through Erikson Consumer.
Samsung Freestyle Projector
Instead of a TV for their room, consider getting them this portable projector that allows for more versatility in viewing. They can position it on a flat surface, angle it towards the wall or any light-coloured surface, and enjoy a bigger picture, or a smaller one if desired. It can adjust 180° and display an image anywhere from 30 up to 100 inches. With smart TV built-in via the Tizen OS, all they need is a Wi-Fi connection to stream content from their favourite services. It even has built-in speakers. Auto keystone correction prevents distortion and allows for more placement flexibility. There’s a gaming hub for connecting an Xbox, too, and a USB and HDMI port for connecting other source devices, like a USB flash drive with a presentation you want to display for the study group. Small enough to bring from room to room or dorm to dorm, they’ll love having this instead of a TV they need to find somewhere to mount or place permanently.
Get the Samsung Freestyle Projector for $698.
Other Gift Ideas
Google Pixel Watch 5 Smartwatch
If your student owns an Android phone of any brand, upgrade them to the Google Pixel Watch 5, the latest model in the line. Available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, it has Pixel Watch’s signature domed display with new themed options: they can even describe a theme to Gemini and see a custom face appear (think “sun on the beach” or “furry kittens”). It’s an ultra-bright up to 3,000 nits and reportedly boasts 20% faster processing power and more accurate GPS routing than the Pixel Watch 4 (stay tuned for my review). Mom and dad will love that it comes with two years of satellite SOS in case of emergency. What? We always worry. The 45mm model lasts for up to 40 hours per charge and 72 hours in Battery Saver mode and the 41mm up to 30 and 48 hours, respectively. Sign up for Google Health Premium, and they’re on their way to better fitness, health, and wellness. And with notifications for everything from calendar items for classes to assignment deadlines, sports practices, and help with Gemini, they’ll love it.
Get the Google Pixel Watch 5 for $549.99 for the 41mm version or $589.99 for the 45mm version.
Satechi ChargeView 240W Desktop Charger
A great accessory for a student’s desk, this desktop charger delivers power across six USB-C ports with an integrated LCD that shows live per-port wattage. Powered by next-generation GaN technology, it delivers efficient and stable charging for sustained desktop use without adding heat or noise. The intelligent power controller auto-detects each device’s requirements and balances output across active ports. Ports C1 and C2 support up to 140W each, ports C3 and C4 deliver up to 100W each, and C5 and C6 up to 30W each, all with USB PD 3.0 PPS. The included precision stand supports both vertical and horizontal placement. Horizontal orientation provides a slight forward tilt for improved display viewing from a seated position while vertical minimizes the desk footprint. Its compact size also keeps things organized without taking up desk space.
Get the Satechi ChargeView 240W desktop charger for $234.99.
Bose QuietComfort Gen 2 Headphones
These headphones are a step-up from the first-gen, providing spatial sound, great noise cancelling, and various modes for listening to everything from immersive movies to podcasts and online lectures. Listen wirelessly or via USB-C cable, with improvements to ensure effective noise cancelling while they’re working in the dorm while a roommate is sleeping or in the busy student centre. Offering up to 24 hours per charge, 18 hours with immersive audio, they come in some fun new colours, too.
Get the Bose QuietComfort Gen 2 Headphones for $479.
Kensington Pro Fit Ergo TB675 Vertical Wireless Trackball
Looking for an ergonomically designed thumb-operated trackball? The Kensington Pro Fit Ergo TB675 series features a 60° vertical design that supports more natural wrist and thumb positioning. The contoured shape is well-suited to fit those with average sized hands, affording reduced strain and improved control. The high-precision optical sensor is paired with a 34mm thumb-operated trackball to deliver smooth, accurate cursor control with four DPI settings (400-1600) for detailed precision or faster navigation across screens. A metal 4D scroll wheel enables smooth vertical and horizontal scrolling. It has nine programmable buttons that support navigation and everyday commands, customizable via free Kensington Konnect software to personalize shortcuts. The patented push-button trackball ejection simplifies cleaning, and it’s backed by a three-year limited warranty. It supports up to four devices simultaneously through 2.4GHz wireless dongle with 128-bit AES encryption, dual Bluetooth, and a wired USB-C connection. A built-in device selector enables seamless switching among multiple devices. A high-capacity rechargeable battery delivers up to four months of use on a single charge and supports continued use while charging via USB-C.
Amazfit Balance 3 Smartwatch
A good smartwatch for student athletes, the Amazfit Balance 3 helps those who participate in hybrid training. Ideal for running, gym use, recovery, and monitoring daily performance, it can help ensure a student doesn’t overwork themselves while also training to their best of their abilities as well. BioCharge reflects the body’s energy and recovery state, while LifeLoad adds context from daily stress and lifestyle demands, and Training Load shows the strain created by exercise. View the 1.5-inch AMOLED display in any setting thanks to up to 3,000 nits brightness and monitor runs using the precision dual-band GPS, six-satellite positioning systems, route guidance, and offline map support. With up to 21 days battery life, kids don’t have to worry about charging every night, even every week. For strength training, it supports 25 auto-recognized strength exercises, helping you track effort across gym sessions. Connect via Bluetooth calling with Zepp Flow voice control and even take voice notes.
Get the Amazfit Balance 3 for $529.99.
Creative Technology Sound Blaster AE-X Internal Sound Card
A great upgrade for student PCs, this internal sound card incorporates flagship-class playback, dedicated headphone amplification, and personalization via the Creative Nexus app. As an internal PCIe solution, you don’t need to worry about desk clutter, additional cables, or separate power bricks, important for college kids in dorms or shared apartments with limited space. You get lower latency with native PC integration and unified control through Creative’s software ecosystem. It combines Sabre DAC precision, dedicated amplification, and desktop-ready integration in a single solution. The high-performance ESS Sabre DAC supports 32-bit/384kHz playback and up to 130 dB signal-to-noise ratio. The Creative Nexus software unlocks unified control through Creative’s software ecosystem, 10-band parametric EQ for fine-tuned audio shaping, auto EQ with support for community-curated headphone profiles, and seamless, PC-native control across applications. It comes with a 3.5 mm headphone output, 3.5 mm mic-in/line-in, two RCA line-out (left/right), an optical (TOSLINK) input, coaxial SPDIF output, and HD audio front panel connector. It’s a good option for students in creative disciplines.
Get the Creative Sound Blaster AE-X for $249.99.
Apple MacBook Neo Laptop
For a student heading to high school who might need their own laptop for the first time (most elementary schools provide students with Chromebooks), the MacBook Neo screams student and won’t stretch your budget too much to get one. It has a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, all-day battery, durable aluminum finish, and the A18 Pro chip. Let’s not forget the super-fun colour options, including Blush, Indigo, Silver, and the fan-favourite Citrus. Perfect for homework, web surfing research, amateur content creation, and entertainment, kids can feel “cool” for having their own MacBook while parents don’t have to spend a fortune on one.
Get the 512GB Apple MacBook Neo for $1,139.99.
Apple AirTag Item Tracker
If your teen is like mine, they’re forgetful. And if you’re a parent like me, you’re one step down from helicopter and want to ensure your younger kids are safe. Apple AirTags are great for kids who don’t yet have phones since you can toss one into their jacket pocket or backpack to keep tabs on their location (and the item should they misplace it). For teens who do have phones, they are great for tracking valuables, like house keys, backpack, even portable gaming system or that lunch bag they keep losing. Apple recently upgraded AirTag to offer more powerful precision finding, longer Bluetooth range, and a louder speaker. The more powerful chip can guide them to items even farther away, like a bag they left in the student centre. Plus, leverage the Find My network to locate items at a different location, like keys they left at their friends’ house. Don’t forget to grab a keychain holder for it, too. You don’t need to spend a fortune on an Apple one: there are plenty of affordable alternatives available in multi-packs.
Get the Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) for $38.99.
Sonos Play Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Get them this portable speaker to listen to tunes in their room or dorm while they get homework done. It has a removable utility loop for easily carrying it around or bringing it to a friend’s house. It can run for up to 24 hours per charge. Housed in a durable IP67 rated chassis, it also doubles as a power bank to keep your phone charged. If more than one student has one, you can group them together both indoors over Wi-Fi and outside over Bluetooth. It works with voice services, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and the Sonos app.
Get the Sonos Play for $399.99.
Fitbit Air Screenless Tracker
Students can keep on top of their health and wellness without the distraction of a screen with the Fitbit Air. It fits like a bracelet and passively keeps on top of vitals, exercise, activity, and more. It works alongside the new Google Health app, and with a subscription, they can enjoy Google Health Coach to ensure they’re getting enough quality sleep, proper nutrition, and exercise. They’ll love that it leverages Gemini and works with natural language conversation. It lasts a week per charge, so it’s one less device to worry about charging every night. I’d recommend signing them up for Premium, which gives them a coach they can leverage to ask for tips on how to get better sleep, even log meals and get advice on their nutrition.
Get the Fitbit Air for $129.99.
Life360 Tile Sticker Item Tracker
While the Apple AirTag is great to pop into a pocket or attach to keys, the Life360 Tile Sticker is perfect for your child’s skateboard, bicycle, or glasses case. It sticks onto the surface and works with both iOS and Android phones and respective finding networks. It’s water-resistant and has a three-year battery. So, the next time their bike is stolen from the corner store parking lot or they can’t find their glasses, you can track the location. If the item is nearby, you can even ring the Tile so it plays a tone you can follow.
Get a two-pack of the Life360 Tile Sticker for $63.50.
Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max Wireless Earbuds
These earbuds are great as standard wireless earbuds, but they also have a feature that students graduating into post-secondary education will really appreciate. Along with offering great sound, call quality, and noise cancellation, the included charging case has a built-in AI note-taker. It can pick up voices in a lecture or group project brainstorm session, record, then transcribe it for you, even provide a summary. Control everything from a screen on the front of the case while your phone remains safely tucked away in your bag. Read my review.
Get the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max Wireless Earbuds for $319.99.
Baseus PicoGo AM52 Magnetic Power Bank
For charging on the go, this magnetic power bank is ultra slim yet has a 10,000mAh battery and supports Qi2 fast charging with up to 25W speeds. There’s a version with a built-in cable and one without. If you use a USB-C cable, it charges at a 45W rate. The power bank itself recharges to full in 1.5 hours, so it can be ready to go for the day while charging during your first period. The version with the integrated cable allows you to charge three devices simultaneously and the one without lets you charge two devices simultaneously. It sells for US$70 and US$80 for the version without a cable and the one with a cable, respectively.
Insta360 Snap Selfie Screen
For students who make content in their spare time, this selfie screen is a great gift to kick off the new school year. It’s compatible with the latest iPhones and Android phones and offers a remote monitor for previewing photos and video in real time. This means they can use the better rear camera on the device. It has a 3.5-inch high-res touchscreen that mirrors your phone screen for proper framing. It plugs in to the device, so you don’t have to worry about charging. And it can work with popular third-party camera apps as well.
Get the Insta360 Snap Selfie Screen for $114.99.
Amazon Kindle
For all the reading that students do, you can get them a Kindle that’s easier on the eyes than their phone or even laptop. This light and compact model has 16GB capacity for downloading novels they might need for book reports, even study materials. They get a book-like feel while still enjoying the digital experience they grew up with. It has a 6-inch glare-free screen, adjustable front light for reading before bedtime, and can last for up to six weeks per charge.
Get the Amazon Kindle 16GB for $144.99.
Blueair AlwaysCool Handheld Fan
For those hot summer days in the dorm or a public school without air conditioning, a handheld fan would come in mighty handy. This one can be used both as a handheld and as a hands-free on-desk accessory. Powered by Blueair’s proprietary AeroSilent technology, it delivers a strong yet gentle airflow reaching over 17 mph, designed to keep you comfortable, even up close. Its 5,200mAh battery delivers over 32 hours of continuous use per charge. It also runs at a quiet 46dB, down to 23dB at its lowest setting so it won’t disturb the teacher or their dormmate. The lay-flat design and tilting head let you adjust airflow from 0–75° so you can cool at any angle. Personalize the fan speeds from 1-100 with an intuitive scroll button. The LCD shows speed and remaining battery life. You can easily carry the unit in your bag or hold it using the included wristlet.
Get the Blueair AlwaysCool Handheld Fan for $83.
Satechi OntheGo 5-in-1 Multiport Adapter
A great companion to the MacBook Neo, available in complementary colours, this adapter is compact and expands display, charging, data, and SD access via one USB-C connection. Through the 5-in-1’s integrated nylon-braided cable, students can turn the MacBook Neo into a travel-ready workstation with 4K/60Hz HDMI output, 60W USB-C pass-through charging, dual 5Gbps data ports (USB-A and USB-C), and an SD card reader. This is handy if they’re working in the student centre or a local coffee shop. The soft-touch magnetic base snaps to a USB-C MagSafe iPhone or mounts flush to the Neo’s lid via an included 3M adhesive ring. While you can use it with other devices, including MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iPad, and USB-C Windows laptops, it’s colour-matched to the MacBook Neo and a perfect gift for a student who already owns one.
Get the Satechi OntheGo Multiport Adapter for $69.67.
Maono P1 Hybrid Audio Interface
If they’re into content creation, this interface delivers up to 70dB gain for capturing detailed audio for their videos, whether it’s a make-up tutorial or gaming commentary. Designed for solo creators, it has a Mic/Line input, instrument input, microphone preamp, and a 3.5mm headphone output. It also includes an Auto Gain function, which automatically optimizes recording levels, making it a good option for beginners. With USB OTG connectivity, it can connect directly to smartphones and tablets, and boasts stereo loopback with three channels, enabling simultaneous capture of system audio and microphone input. This makes it ideal for livestreaming, gaming, and content production. Additional features include dedicated mute buttons, intuitive gain indicators, and separate controls for headphone and monitor outputs.
Get the Maono P1 Hybrid Audio Interface for $179.99, down from $199.99.
Scosche GloBright MultiColor Glowing LED Cable
Great for getting work done in the dark, like for a late-night study session, these cables deliver up to 60W fast charging for USB-C devices. The cables are durable and boast colour-changing LEDs that are great for gaming, too, adding a fun element to the experience.
Get the Scosche GloBright MultiColor Glowing LED cable for $34.68.