Houston Edition: Practical Holiday Tech Gifts That Don’t Go to Waste
Every office has that drawer, the graveyard of forgotten tech. Old USB drives, tangled earbuds, conference swag that never got used… all collecting dust. Most “tech gifts” end up there within weeks. This year, Houston SMBs can break the cycle and give technology that actually gets used. Houston businesses, especially those juggling hybrid teams, remote work setups, and constant travel, benefit from thoughtful tech that solves real, everyday problems Here’s a guide to gifts your Houston employees, clients, and partners will genuinely appreciate.
For Remote Workers in Houston: Upgrade Their Home Office
1. High-Quality Webcam ($100–$200)
Built-in laptop cameras rarely deliver a clean, professional look, especially with Houston’s mix of bright natural light and dim home-office corners. Upgrading to an external webcam instantly improves how your team shows up on Zoom or Teams calls.
Top pick: Logitech Brio 4K
- Sharp, studio-quality video
- Excellent in low light (great for those early-morning calls)
- Built-in privacy shutter
Why they’ll love it: Their video calls instantly look more polished, which matters whether they're leading meetings or presenting to customers.
Bonus idea: Add a ring light (~$40). Good lighting makes a surprising difference.
2. Desktop Monitor Light Bar ($50–$150)
Houston remote workers often deal with glare from windows or dim rooms. Monitor light bars provide clean, focused lighting without reflecting off the screen.
Top pick: BenQ ScreenBar
- Zero screen glare
- Simple, no-drill mount
- Adjustable brightness
Why they’ll love it: better visibility, less eye strain, and a workspace that feels more comfortable.
3. Wireless Keyboard ($30–$200)
Typing all day shouldn’t hurt. A quality wireless keyboard is a subtle upgrade that quickly becomes a daily essential.
Top pick: Logitech MX Mechanical
- Quiet, low-profile mechanical keys
- Pairs with up to three devices
- Long battery life
Why they’ll love it: Typing becomes smoother, faster, and more enjoyable, something they’ll appreciate every single workday.
For The Frequent Travelers: Gifts That Make Trips Easier
With Houston’s busy airports (looking at you, IAH and Hobby), traveling employees need tech that keeps them productive on the road.
1. Compact Power Bank With Built-In Cables ($60 –$150)
Traveling through Houston airports like IAH or Hobby can be stressful enough, don’t let dead devices add to the chaos. A compact power bank with built-in cables keeps everything charged without hunting for cords.
Top pick: Anker Laptop Power Bank
- Built-in USB-C, Lightning, and Micro-USB
- 25,000 mAh capacity
- TSA-approved
Why they’ll love it: Keeps phones and laptops charged through long flights, delays, and full workdays.
2. Noise-Canceling Earbuds ($100–$250)
Airports, client sites, coffee shops, travelers are constantly surrounded by noise. Premium earbuds instantly create a productive bubble.
Top picks:
- Apple AirPods Pro 3
- Sony WF-1000XM5
Why they’ll love it: Silence on planes, clearer calls, and better focus anywhere.
Pro tip: These also make excellent premium client gifts in Houston’s competitive business market.
3. Portable Laptop Stand ($30–$90)
Hotel desks aren’t known for good ergonomics. A compact stand is a game changer.
Top pick: Roost Laptop Stand
- Lightweight
- Adjustable height
- Solid and stable
Why they’ll love it: Less neck and back strain, no matter where they set up.
For The “I Already Have Everything” Client
1. High-End Tech Organizer ($50–$100)
Perfect for Houston executives who travel or commute often.
Top pick: Bellroy Tech Kit
- Clean, durable design
- Smart cable loops and pockets
- Fits easily in briefcases or carry-ons
Why they’ll love it: Keeps chargers, cables, and accessories neatly organized, stress-free travel prep.
2. Smart Notebook System ($35–$40)
For clients who still prefer handwriting but want digital organization.
Top pick: Rocketbook Fusion
- Reusable pages
- Syncs to cloud services
- Comes with erasable pen
Why they’ll love it: The convenience of digital notes with the comfort of handwritten ones.
For Your Entire Team: Budget-Friendly but Useful
Portable Phone Sanitizer ($40–$90 each)
Houston humidity + constant handling = germ magnets. These UV sanitizers clean phones while charging them.
Top pick: PhoneSoap 3
- Kills 99.9% of bacteria
- Works on almost all phone sizes
- 10-minute sanitizing cycle
Why they’ll love it: A clean phone and a charging boost, every day.
The Rule of Thumb: Practical Beats Flashy
The best tech gifts are the ones that solve real problems, charging, lighting, ergonomics, noise, organization. A $50 light bar your employee uses every day is worth far more than a flashy gadget they forget about by February.
Need Help Choosing the Right Tech for Your Houston Team?
At Alexaur Technology Services, we help Houston-area SMBs select tools that improve productivity, streamline workflows, and support employees during the holidays and all year long.
Book a free discovery call, and we’ll help you pick technology that supports your people and your business.
Book your free discovery call here.
