Buying an electronic gadget as a gift isn’t always a simple task, especially when choosing for someone who is interested in electronics. To make your holiday shopping easier, TME has prepared a professional guide with ideas and suggestions for Christmas presents.
In the list below, we’ve highlighted several categories of gifts from our offerings available at attractive prices. You’ll find a range of small items, perfect as little gifts for colleagues or friends. But we also selected our best ideas for practical equipment and devices for loved ones (not just for DIY enthusiasts). And of course, we’ve included suggestions for the hardest category: specialised items for hobbyists. For someone unfamiliar with electronics, choosing these items might be challenging, but we can assure you that the products described here are sure to delight any electronics enthusiast.
In this article, we cover the following gift ideas:
- Arduino and Raspberry Pi kits for younger and older enthusiasts
- Tools: a perfect gift for the electronics hobbyist
- Gadgets that everyone can use
- Practical tools and organisers
- Festive lighting
For electronics enthusiasts
Let’s start with the trickiest topic (at least from an amateur’s perspective): devices that will bring joy to those interested in electronics. Many products in this section can also be gifted to young people just beginning their journey with electronics (or starting down a career path in this field).
Arduino is a small development board that can be programmed to perform various tasks when connected to a computer. It’s one of the most popular products of its kind globally, used in countless projects shared online by enthusiasts. The Arduino family includes dozens of models, but the Arduino UNO REV3 remains the most iconic product. The UNO Mini version is a miniaturised variant of its older sibling. It’s nearly identical in terms of capabilities and functionality but features a different pin layout and a USB-C port, aligning better with current standards. The UNO Mini is an excellent starting point for young electronics and programming enthusiasts, as well as a versatile platform with myriad applications for experienced electronics experts.
The Arduino Plug and Make kit is a great choice for youth and beginners taking their first steps in electronics. It includes practically everything needed to start learning to program. It features an Arduino UNO REV4 WiFi board with a modern 32-bit Cortex M4 microcontroller (powered via a standard USB port), a selection of modules (various sensors, switches, indicators), a baseboard, and mounting panel with connecting cables. With these components, users can create many projects. The manufacturer guides beginners through programming basics, including a timer, game controller, smart light switch, and touch switch. The kit also supports a modern cloud-based project synchronisation option.
Many young electronics enthusiasts enjoy starting with more dynamic projects – especially robots. This is where the mobile platform Alvik from Arduino comes in. This educational robot features a built-in control circuit, sensor modules (gyroscope, accelerometer), a battery, and driving motors. The entire setup is controlled by an Arduino Nano ESP32 board, which can be programmed using MicroPython, one of the world’s most popular scripting languages. The Alvik Robot makes for a fun and educational toy, and is an excellent stepping stone for further exploration in electronics.
LED Kits
For those already into building electronic circuits, even at a beginner level, LED kits are always a great gift idea. They’re incredibly popular components used in nearly every project. We recommend two product types here:
Kits containing multicolor LED diodes in basic formats make a handy and useful addition to any electronics workspace. These kits are also very affordable. Another option that might interest model builders: miniature lights on wires, which are often used in dioramas or model railways. In both cases, these are presents that certainly won’t disappoint.
Raspberry Pi is, alongside Arduino, one of Europe’s most popular manufacturers of programmable electronic kits. Primarily specialising in miniature computers, they also offer the Raspberry Pi Pico platform, whose second generation recently hit the global markets. It’s also available from TME’s catalog. This small board (21 x 51mm) features a unique dual-core microcontroller with substantial capabilities. At the same time, it’s a simple device to operate, programmable in C++ or Python, requiring only a USB cable for power. Moreover, Raspberry Pi has committed to producing this product for at least the next 15 years, meaning projects based on it won’t become outdated anytime soon. This is an ideal gift for both complete novices and advanced professionals.
The RPi5 is the latest generation of Raspberry Pi’s flagship product. It’s a fully functioning computer, capable of running a Linux system with a graphical interface (even on two monitors via HDMI), equipped with network controllers (wired and WiFi) and USB ports. Despite its compact size (similar to a credit card), it offers a wide range of connectivity options with various modules, electronic circuits, and specialised multimedia peripherals (cameras and displays). Expansion boards are also available to facilitate system upgrades. Due to its extensive features and user-friendly, active community, Raspberry Pi computers have gained fans worldwide – they can be used for learning to program, building robots, electronic circuits, and even network devices.
Accessories for RPi Computers
Raspberry Pi computers are supported by a whole range of accessories, expansion modules, and many complementary products. For those interested, these accessories make a perfect Christmas gift.
An active cooling module is a useful gadget for Raspberry Pi users running their computers for daily tasks, as well as for more demanding applications (such as game emulation).
A higher-priced but appealing gift is an adapter compatible with RPi5 that allows for connecting SSD M.2 hard drives. With it, the computer can serve as a data server or even a practical alternative to a desktop computer, while still remaining versatile enough for experimenting or professional electronics work.
If you’re looking to gift someone a computer primarily for general use as well as for learning about IT, programming, and electronics, consider the Raspberry Pi 400 model. Essentially, it’s a highly advanced enclosure for the Raspberry Pi 4, embedding the computer inside a keyboard with all output ports accessible from the rear. Simply connect power (USB) and a monitor (HDMI), and you’re ready to go. The kit also includes an SD card with the Raspbian operating system image, a mouse, a dedicated power supply, an HDMI cable, and a comprehensive user manual in English.
Equipment for electronics hobbyists
An ideal gift for an electronics hobbyist or home DIYer is workshop equipment. Even if there’s a chance the recipient already has similar items, having multiples of some equipment can be handy, making this gift a safe bet.
Soldering irons and multimeters are among the tools that are always handy to have around. Above, we’ve highlighted some high-quality yet affordable options. The first is an ATTEN soldering iron with a display and temperature control, perfect for repairs and personal projects. The second recommendation, the OWON digital multimeter, is a modern tool with Bluetooth connectivity (operable via smartphone) and a variety of useful features, such as capacitance and frequency measurement. It’s also suitable for network circuit voltage testing, with temperature measurement capabilities from -50 to 400°C.
Our last suggestion is a non-contact wood, metal, and wire detector – an excellent gift for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. This tool helps locate structural elements and wiring hidden behind walls, preventing unpleasant surprises like drilling into water pipes or electrical wiring. The device also differentiates between non-magnetic metals (e.g., copper) and magnetic metals (e.g., iron).
Useful gadgets and devices
Now let’s move on to more universal gifts, which will appeal not only to those deeply involved in electronics but also to regular users of electronic devices.
Today, we all have several devices that use USB for power, charging, or connecting to a computer. Often, our gadgets have ports in different formats (mini, micro, Apple, etc.) – especially if they were manufactured before USB-C became common. That’s why universal USB cables make such a practical gift – they’re useful for almost anyone. The recommended cables come with multiple types of connectors, enabling compatibility with several devices (though not simultaneously). They also stand out for their durability and high quality (including a cable wrap and a fabric braid).
Another excellent ‘something-for-everyone’ gift is a portable USB drive. Their practicality speaks for itself – we use them for data transfer, file archiving, backups, and more. Since some USB drives now come with USB-C connectors, they can be connected to computers as well as phones or tablets. In TME’s catalogue, you’ll find USB drives with various types of connectors, compatible with the fastest transfer standards (e.g., USB 3.2), and available in large capacities up to 512GB. Additionally, you can easily choose a drive that matches the recipient’s style and colour preference.
Star Projector Lamp
An attractive gadget that could bring joy even to someone completely uninterested in electronics is the ‘star projector’ night lamp by MOES. The video below demonstrates the lighting effects produced by this device:
With adjustable, colourful light shows projected on walls and ceilings, the lamp creates a cozy atmosphere indoors. It can be controlled via a smartphone or voice commands (compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant). What’s more, the projector is powered by mains electricity and consumes very little energy.
A WiFi camera is a highly useful device that enables continuous monitoring of any chosen space within WiFi range. Such a camera can serve as protection against intruders, to keep an eye on pets left at home, or to monitor sleeping children in another room, or even to watch the yard or entrance (it can even capture wildlife activity, like bird feeders). Since the camera feed is accessible online, users have the convenience of checking on things from anywhere, even while on vacation. Setup and installation are very straightforward. The camera can be placed on a surface or mounted on a wall or ceiling.
For DIY enthusiasts
Tools are essential in every household, but as gifts, they are best suited for DIY enthusiasts. However, they can bring joy to almost anyone – especially if they are as versatile as those we propose below.
The mini Cobra adjustable pliers from Knipex make for a festive gift, arriving in a special Christmas package. These compact (100mm long) pliers are suitable for nuts up to 24mm and inch pipes. Despite their small size, they’re useful for many tasks, easily fitting into a backpack, bicycle bag, or car glove compartment. Made from tool steel, the handles are coated with PVC for a firm grip.
Wiha Screwdriver with Interchangeable Bits
A screwdriver is a tool everyone finds useful at some point, often when least expected. The Wiha screwdriver is a great choice for those who appreciate handy, practical items that don’t take up much space. Inside the tool’s handle, there’s a storage compartment for four long bits with standard tips (flat, Phillips, and Pozidriv). These features make the Wiha model suitable for mechanical and electrical tasks (it comes with an insulated handle and shaft and the relevant VDE certification). Each bit measures 75mm, unlike typical short bits, allowing access to screws placed in recesses.
Kistenberg organiser cases are suitable for almost everyone. They help organise small items – from screws to electronic components, and even thread, buttons, or building blocks. They feature adjustable dividers, transparent lids, and secure closures. An additional benefit is stackable design: with molded grooves, they can be safely stacked. These durable cases are also designed for use in workshop conditions. The featured case measures 445 x 390 x 77mm, making it suitable not only for small items but also for tools.
Festive Lighting
Every DIY enthusiast, especially those interested in interior design or home decor, will appreciate a gift related to lighting. Here are a few lighting suggestions for our customers.
iPixel Programmable LED Strips
Our first suggestion is to consider the iPixel programmable LED strips. These allow for creating attractive lighting effects and provide adjustable, ambient illumination. We’ve previously written about the capabilities of these strips in a dedicated article. They are also featured in our video:
LED strips are versatile and energy-efficient light sources available in many varieties and with vast capabilities. The programmable versions are especially functional, allowing control over each LED individually for brightness and colour. Additionally, TME offers single-color LED strips (available in colours like pink, green, yellow, purple) and white versions with different colour temperatures.
M-Fibre Light Fibres
M-Fibre light fibres are similar to LED strips but offer greater durability and resistance to environmental factors (like moisture). The M-Fibre system consists of three parts: the controller (which manages light intensity), the light source (using LED diodes), and the optical fibres that diffuse light evenly. This setup allows for unique lighting solutions in spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, gardens, and even ponds. M-Fibre is also used as furniture lighting.
Some light modules also come with multicolour LEDs, similar to iPixel strips, allowing for creative lighting setups. Here’s an example of M-Fibre in action, shown in the video below.
Text prepared by Transfer Multisort Elektronik Sp. z o.o.
