Best Gifts Under $300 for 2023

The original Theragun Mini was already a compact massage gun, and the second-gen version, released in 2022, is 20% smaller and 30% lighter, weighing only a pound. It easily fits in a backpack or purse and is great for travel. What's also new to this 2.0 model is USB-C charging, Bluetooth connectivity to the Therabody app on your iOS or Android device, and the inclusion of three foam attachments (instead of just one) -- the Standard Ball, the Thumb and Dampener. While it doesn't have quite the power of one of Theragun's full-size devices, it's surprisingly powerful considering how small it is with three speeds to choose from. I've tried larger massage guns in this price range, and it's just as powerful but half the size. The rechargeable battery is rated to last 2 hours at the lowest speed setting, and a neoprene protective case is included. The Theragun Mini 2.0 comes in three color options: black, white and desert rose.

Breakthrough spatialized audio for more immersive listening that makes your music feel realer than ever before -- no matter the content or source. World-class noise cancellation and sound tailored to you. And a design that feels great to wear. Say less. (Listen more.) QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are the ultimate wireless noise-canceling earbud experience.

When it launched, Bose made some bold claims about its new SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker, particularly its bass performance. But it mostly lives up to the hype and arguably is the best-sounding wireless speaker for its compact size. Available in three color options -- black, white smoke and stone blue (pictured) -- it's equipped with Bose's PositionIQ technology to automatically detect the speaker's orientation and deliver optimized sound based on whether upright, hanging or flat on its back. Read our Bose SoundLink Flex review.

The clock radio once held a prominent spot on bedside tables around the world. No longer, but companies still make them, and they've evolved. Case in point: JBL's Horizon 2 Bluetooth clock radio speaker. Not only is it an FM radio with a digital clock (yes, there's an alarm feature and a snooze button), it's also a quality compact Bluetooth speaker that lets you stream tunes from your phone or tablet. Additionally, it has two USB ports for charging devices -- you provide the cables -- and has an ambient light on the back.

The speaker uses a power cord, but a button-cell battery provides backup power for the clock in the event of a power outage. The Horizon 2 comes in black or gray (pictured).

The Ecco Soft 7 sneaker, available for both men and women,  is one of those shoes that you wear in more casual situations but also works with a little more formal attire. They come in a multitude of styles and colors, including full-grain leather and suede with prices ranging from $130 to $170.

Note that these tend to run slightly large, so consider getting a size smaller than you usually do.

If you or someone you know suffers from motion sickness, a Reliefband is designed to help. Available in a few different versions, each model "gently stimulates" the underside of your wrist with an electrical pulse (the technology is cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration, according to Reliefband). You do have to apply conductive gel to your wrist before you put the Reliefband on (a small tube is included), and some models allow you to wear the Reliefband and an Apple Watch at the same time with an optional band. You can also adjust the intensity settings.

I've used a Reliefband on a couple of fishing trips, and it did work for me (I don't get terrible motion sickness, but I do typically get some). The entry-level Reliefband ($100), Reliefband Classic ($150) and Reliefband Flex ($180) have nonrechargeable batteries, while the Sport ($250) and Premier ($280) feature rechargeable ones.

Bogs makes a variety of waterproof boots for men and women that range in price from around $80 for slip-on low-tops to $165 for full-size and full-length boots. Some are premium rain boots while others, like the Arcata Urban Lace pictured here (they're well built and comfortable to wear), are insulated and are suited for use in both rainy and snowy conditions. Bogs also makes a variety of work boots, including ones with reinforced steel toes.  

Sena's smart bike helmets are a little heavier than your typical bike helmets, but they feature built-in speakers and a microphone, along with integrated Bluetooth communications. An intercom feature allows you to communicate with other riders in your group (who are wearing compatible Sena helmets) as if you're using walkie-talkies. There's also an LED taillight, and you can listen to music, make calls and hear GPS directions when you pair the helmet with your smartphone. Just be aware that if you are buying multiple helmets for your family or riding group that the step-up R2 Evo uses mesh communication for its intercom protocol while the standard R2 uses long-range Bluetooth, so check the intercom interoperability before getting two different models.

Smith makes a wide range of lightweight, high-quality unisex sport sunglasses, so it can be hard to choose which pair to get. One of the newest models is the Momentum, which is available in six color options with six different ChomaPop mirror lenses (the red mirror is pictured). Whichever model you get, it also comes with a bonus clear lens. The Momentum also is compatible with the company's optical docking system (ODS4) prescription lens insert, which can also be used with some Smith ski goggles.

Over the last few years, foam rollers and massage guns have been popular recovery products after workouts, as well as important tools for stretching and warming your muscles pre-workout. The original Roll Recovery R8 and newer R8 Plus are kind of a combo between a roller and an unpowered massager. 

The key addition to the R8 Plus is a dial that allows you to adjust the amount of tension in the device to more or less intense levels. You clamp it onto various body parts, with instructional videos showing you how to hit certain areas like calves, hamstrings, IT bands, and arms. The R8 Plus is available in white, red or black.

You can still buy JBL's original Charge 5 Bluetooth speaker, which comes in multiple color options, but the portable speaker is now available in a new version that features both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity that links up with JBL's other Wi-Fi speakers in your home and is both Chromecast- and Apple AirPlay-enabled. It currently only comes in black and is a little more expensive than the Bluetooth-only version. But the dual wireless connectivity options offers a little more versatility, and streaming music over Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth can help get you slightly better sound quality.

The Charge 5 Wi-Fi is bigger than your average portable Bluetooth speaker, but it's got some good kick to it. And like previous Charge speakers, it has a USB out port that allows you to charge a device like a smartphone. Battery life is rated at up to 20 hours at moderate volume levels. It's fully waterproof and dust-proof.

Pros:

• Good balance of size, performance and durability
• USB-A out charging port
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (Chromecast- and Apple AirPlay-enabled) 
• IP67 waterproof and dust-proof
  

Cons:

• Somewhat pricey
• Currently available in only one color

Most guys secretly want an electric razor even if they've never used one. While the Braun Series 7 isn't the top-of-the-line Braun -- the Series 9 is -- it's a good value at around $145 for the base kit. It can be used dry or wet -- it's fully waterproof -- and comes with beard trimmers, a cleaning dock, and a carrying case. Battery life is rated at up to 50 minutes on a full charge and a quick five-minute charge will get you enough juice for a shave. 

With a full-fledged 4K HDR Roku streamer built in and a single voice remote controlling everything, this bar makes a thoughtful gift and offers a simple all-in-one audio-video system. Setup is a breeze: Plug it into a TV with a simple HDMI connection. Sound quality is very good for a single bar, and you can add Roku's optional wireless subwoofer for more punch. It also comes with the much-loved Roku remote control. (This model is basically just the Smart Soundbar with an upgraded voice remote.)

Ember's temperature-controlled smart mugs have been going up in price over the last couple of years -- most likely due to supply chain issues -- but they now come in more color options, including some new eye-catching metallic colors that cost a little more than standard black, white or blue mugs.

Ember makes 6-ounce, 10-ounce, and 14-ounce size of its smart mug that keeps your hot beverage of choice hot while you sip it over a longer drinking session. While it won't keep your coffee or tea warm for hours, the idea is that you can select your ideal temp via the companion Ember app for iOS or Android and keep your beverage at a high temp during the 30 minutes or so it takes to casually drink it.

I personally prefer the larger 14-ounce version, though it does cost more. A good insulated mug with a top on it will also keep your beverage hot (and they are cheaper), but this Ember mug allows you to drink a cup of joe like you normally would and not sip it through a small hole in the top.