Stress-Free Shopping: My Family’s Ultimate Tech Wish List for Active Lifestyles

For many, the arrival of winter means retreating indoors, baking, binge-watching, and cozying up until spring. And honestly, I get it, it’s cold out there! But for my family and many like us on the West Coast, we're blessed with a secret: winter often means great weather. We trade the summer sun for crisp, clear days perfect for hitting the trails, spending time on the water, or just getting outside without the heat. For us, the great outdoors doesn't close for the season; it just changes its backdrop.

Here’s the thing, I’m a Verizon employee based in Southern California, so you’d think gifting the top active, outdoor-friendly tech of the season would be easy for me, right? Well actually, it’s quite the opposite! Two of my family members are also fellow V-Teamers, so what do you get for people who already have a carefully selected tech inventory?

This year, as I started tackling my holiday shopping list, I decided to lean into our adventurous spirit. I realized the perfect gifts weren't just about fun, they were about finding reliable products that could keep up with their demanding, often outdoor, lifestyles.

If you’re staring at your own list feeling stuck, trying to find that sweet spot between functional and exciting, I hope sharing the four items I’m snagging for my family (who I hope aren’t reading this!) helps clear the holiday fog. Let’s dive into what's under the tree this year.

For My Brother, the Tech Enthusiast: Ray-Ban | Meta Smart Glasses

My brother is a tech wizard, the type of guy your friends and family go to when their computer crashes or headphones stop working. While everyone else is debating an upgrade, he’s already three generations ahead, finding creative, new ways to use the latest apps and accessories. Impressing him with tech is no easy feat.

That's why I’m getting him the Ray-Ban | Meta Smart Glasses. They look like classic, stylish Ray-Bans, which he loves, but they are also a unique blend of hands-free technology. He can now capture his adventures, whether he's hiking, skiing, or boating, using a tap or voice command. This means he never has to choose between enjoying the moment and capturing it. He’ll be able to keep moving, whether he's carving down a mountain or just cycling through the park, without stopping to pull out his phone. The best part for me is the audio: he can stream his playlists and take calls through the open-ear speakers while on the go.

For my brother, this is the kind of cool, functional innovation that actually earns a spot in his highly curated collection.

For My Sister, the Unstoppable Runner: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

My sister lives in her athletic shoes. Rain, sleet, or sunshine, she’s out there, constantly training for whatever’s next. She needs a piece of gear that won't call it quits before she does. Frankly, a standard smartwatch just won't cut it; she works too hard.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is built for her lifestyle. First and foremost, it’s a brilliant training partner. It has advanced GPS for accurate route tracking, which is essential when she’s exploring new trails or routes, and the AI Running Coach can analyze her form in real-time and recommend a personalized training plan.

It’s also got the power to keep up with even her toughest training days, thanks to an impressive 100 hours of battery life in power-saving mode. When she’s out tackling an intense run or a long training weekend, she won't have to panic about finding an outlet. It’s a perfect tool to help power her passion.

Plus, this thing is seriously rugged, complete with an aerospace-grade titanium body and built-in water and dust resistance. She can sweat, run in the rain, or accidentally dunk it, and won't have to worry about it dying.

But just in case, I’m making sure this gift is covered by Verizon Home Device Protect. Knowing that she has that extra layer of security against accidental damage gives her peace of mind, letting her focus on the day’s workout.

For My Mom, the Always-on Worker Bee: Samsung Galaxy S25+ with Galaxy AI

My mom is a force of nature. She’s constantly moving and managing a thousand things at once, and if a task can be simplified, she's all for it. But more than just being busy, she's a natural giver, always dedicating her time and energy to people and causes she truly cares about. Her phone isn't just a communication tool, it’s the hub that keeps her organized so she can maximize her giving spirit.

For her, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ and its new Galaxy AI features are a no-brainer. She’ll be able to instantly summarize a long email chain, create a calendar event with a brief note, or use Circle to Search to quickly find info while on a video call, all with simple voice commands. The S25 gives her the ability to streamline and automate the small, time-consuming parts of her day so she can focus on the big stuff. Of course, it’s also built for durability, to handle being tossed into her commuter bag or surviving a spill, which is a necessity for anyone who is that busy. This gift is really about giving her back a little time and mental energy.

And with the S25+, now is the time to save! Get four new S25+ phones with no-trade in on Unlimited Welcome for just $25 monthly per line.

For My Dad, the Seaside Music Lover: Marshall Kilburn II Portable Speaker

My dad has a fantastic vinyl collection, a deep love for classic rock, and a serious affinity for spending quiet afternoons by the beach or out on the boat. He appreciates quality sound and gear that has a bit of character. He’s not looking for something space-age; he wants something with taste.

So this holiday season, I’m getting him the Marshall Kilburn II Portable Speaker. It looks like a miniature Marshall amplifier, which he'll absolutely love. The sound quality is signature Marshall, rich and powerful, and projects that multi-directional sound beautifully, easily filling up an outdoor space. And with more than 20 hours of playtime on a single charge, he can keep the music flowing all day long.

I love that the design includes those classic bass and treble knobs, letting him fine-tune the sound to his exact preferences. It’s a gift that speaks directly to his love of music and his favorite way to relax outdoors. Plus, it’s water and dust proof, perfect for days on the water or in the sand.

Finding the right gifts can be stressful, but when you match a piece of technology to a person's passions, challenges, and lifestyle, it stops being just a purchase and starts being a meaningful upgrade. This holiday season, I'm thrilled to be giving my family gear that supports their adventures, both big and small, all sourced from Verizon's lineup of the season’s top tech.