It's the season for giving, and there's no shortage of gifts available for fans of Web3, crypto, and emerging tech.
We've rounded up our favorite holiday gifts from the worlds of Web3, crypto, and AI.
Whether you're looking for a crypto-themed stocking filler or something special, we've got you covered with our holiday gift guide.
Trezor Safe 3
In the wake of the FTX collapse, cryptocurrency users have been embracing self-custody—but the concept can be challenging for crypto neophytes. Enter Trezor, whose new Safe 3 hardware wallet is explicitly aimed at “new entrants” to the space. With a newbie-friendly design that recalls mainstream consumer electronics and a simple, streamlined interface, Decrypt called it “a cost-effective way to self-custody for crypto newcomers and veterans alike.” A stocking filler that could be worth its weight in (digital) gold for hodlers.
$79, trezor.io
Pudgy Penguins 12-Inch Huggable Plush
Adorable toy or potential gateway into NFT collecting and Web3 gaming? This official Pudgy Penguins plush is both. It’s based on the popular Ethereum NFT collection, but it also comes with its own free NFT (minted on zkSync Era) that you can claim by scanning the QR code—and that unlocks access to the Pudgy World online gaming platform. These cute toys deliver on multiple fronts, and at a reasonable price no less.
$22, Walmart
Heatbit
As the winter chill draws in, the urge to huddle 'round a cozy fire becomes overwhelming. But what if you could heat up your house while earning crypto?
This space heater does double duty as a crypto mining rig—and while it won’t make you a fortune, it does promise to offset some of the cost of the electricity that goes into powering the device.
A novel application of crypto mining that (partly) realizes the promise of monetizing energy.
$799, heatbit.com
Vertu Metavertu II
Luxury smartphone manufacturer Vertu has returned with its latest handset, the Metavertu II. It doesn’t come cheap, starting at $5,100 and topping out at $8,100 if you want it wrapped in alligator skin.
But for Web3 aficionados it’s hard to beat, with features including a decentralized ID linked to the phone’s IMEI number, an “unhackable” secure element chip with zero-knowledge proof capabilities, and a separate Web3 operating system for running dapps.
It’s certainly cutting-edge stuff, with Vertu CEO Gary Chan conceding that “Some of our product features may currently be ahead of user adoption.”
From $5,100, vertu.com
Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon
When news broke that The Big Short author Michael Lewis had been shadowing FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried at the very moment the exchange collapsed, anticipation for his book on the subject reached fever pitch, with a Hollywood bidding war for the rights quickly erupting.
But when Going Infinite dropped on the same day SBF’s fraud trial kicked off, reviewers rounded on Lewis, criticizing the book for “credulously” taking Bankman-Fried’s arguments at face value.
Still, with Lewis’ level of access to the unfolding saga, the book has a unique take on events, and it’s certainly the account that’s generated the most conversation.
$30, wwnorton.com
BAPE x Bored Ape Yacht Club apparel
If ever there was a collaboration that seemed inevitable, it was that of Japanese streetwear brand A Bathing Ape (BAPE) and NFT collection Bored Ape Yacht Club. The similarly simian-themed brands have teamed up for a capsule collection that launched at the Bored Apes’ ApeFest event in Hong Kong (yes, the one where some luckless partygoers suffered eye pain thanks to UV lights). From December, the apparel range will land in BAPE stores, giving even non-NFT holders the chance to bask in the reflected glow of the Bored Ape Yacht Club.
Various, bape.com
Decentralization, Please Save Culture
The inaugural book from media firm New Society, this 500-page tome is dedicated to exploring the impact of technology on creative life.
Billed as a “comprehensive look at the Web3 ecosystem,” it’s packed with insights from Web3 thought leaders on the “creative reset” that the community of builders, brands, creators and collectors has brought about, as well as an overview of the visual trends that characterize the space.
From $130, nwscty.xyz
Cool Cats x Macy's 6" Vinyl Blue Cat and Chugs Figure
To mark the occasion of their debut appearance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, NFT collection Cool Cats has teamed up with the department store to launch a range of limited-edition collectibles, of which this vinyl figure featuring mascot Blue Cat and his milk carton companion Chugs is our pick (there's also a plush if you prefer something softer).
For the hardcore fans, the Herald Square Macy's is also selling a very limited edition of 100 Cool Cats hoodies, which come complete with an NFC tag linking to a physical-backed token, enabling you to don the garment virtually in Cool Cats' digital avatar system.
$24.99, macys.com
Humane AI Pin
The latest must-have gadget that’s set tongues wagging around the world is this AI-powered pin from San Francisco startup Humane. Sported by the likes of Naomi Campbell, it’s attracted attention for its novel interface, a display that’s laser-projected onto the user’s hand—though you can also control it the old-fashioned way, with voice commands. As well as music streaming through Tidal, the AI pin also includes a photo mode, a voice-to-text feature for composing messages, a language translator and a “Catch Me Up” feature that sorts through emails and messages.
From $699, hu.ma.ne
Edited by Andrew Hayward