The back-to-school season is officially here, which means it’s time to gear up with the latest tech and accessories before hitting the books. Whether you’re a student looking for an upgrade or shopping for someone heading off to campus, here are some of the best last-minute tech gift ideas for 2025 (we’re talking super procrastinator late here).
Apple’s lineup for 2025 is as student-friendly as ever. The standout this year is the new M4 MacBook Air, available in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes. Apple’s most popular laptop just got faster, thinner, and even more efficient, making it the perfect all-rounder for coursework, content streaming, and everything in between. If you’re looking for a larger screen for productivity, the 15-inch model is especially compelling.
Both the 13-inch and 15-inch M4 MacBook Air, available in various configurations, recently went on sale on Amazon.ca. You might be able to take advantage of the discounted prices — if you act quickly. Apple’s Back to School offer is still available as well, giving you a free pair of AirPods (or another eligible accessory of your choice) when you purchase a Mac or iPad at education pricing.
Other back-to-school-friendly Apple devices to consider include the latest iPad Air with the M3 chip, which works seamlessly with Apple Pencil Pro for note-taking in class, or the new AirPods 4, which bring improved sound and longer battery life. If you want something more premium, AirPods Pro 2 remain a top pick for noise-cancelling during commutes or study sessions.
Not everyone’s in the Apple ecosystem, and for Android users, the Google Pixel 10 is the way to go this year. Powered by the Tensor G5 chip, the Pixel 10 brings better AI-assisted features, an upgraded camera system, and brighter OLED displays. For students who rely heavily on mobile productivity, the Pixel 10’s real-time translation, call screening, and AI note summaries make it a practical choice for campus life.
If you’re looking for something even more feature-packed, the Pixel 10 Pro is also worth considering, while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 make for a great everyday audio companion.
Good sound can make dorm life a lot more enjoyable, and the Sonos Era 100 (on sale for $232) remains one of the best all-around smart speakers for students. Compact enough to fit on a desk or bookshelf, it delivers surprisingly big sound, supports voice control, and integrates seamlessly with Apple Music, Spotify, and more. There’s a Sonos Labour Day sale on right now until September 6 while supplies last.
Urban Armor Gear (UAG) makes rugged gear that’s perfect for students on the move. Their Standard Issue 24L Backpack is stylish, lightweight, and practical, with plenty of compartments for books, laptops, and accessories. Pair that with the UAG Ultra Slim 5K Wireless Power Bank with Stand, and you’ve got power on the go — perfect for keeping your phone or earbuds topped up between classes.
Nomad has a knack for making premium charging gear, and this year’s lineup is no exception. The Nomad 100W Slim Power Adapter packs plenty of charging muscle in a portable design, while the Nomad ChargeKey is a clever keychain-sized charging cable that ensures you’re never without a backup. For Apple Watch users, the Nomad Universal Cable adds convenient charging flexibility whether you’re at home or travelling.
With the right mix of performance, practicality, and a bit of style, these back-to-school gifts can make the transition into the new semester smoother — and maybe even a little more fun.
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