Steven Lafortune
With year end approaching and a few gift lists circulating (HINT HINT), we thought it would be fun and festive to share some cool tech gift ideas that are perfect for the sysadmins in your life.
Or if you’re a sysadmin or someone who spends a lot of time working on machines and networks, then you can add a few of these to your toolkit and become even more of an IT superhero.
Plus, we reveal a NEW CONTEST for a chance to win one of the coolest gadgets in our guide!
Gift ideas: Security and identity essentials
These gift ideas help reduce phishing risk and streamline logins, so that privileged access stays protected without slowing users down.
- Hardware security keys (FIDO2/WebAuthn): Phishing-resistant second factors for cloud consoles and privileged portals.
- Passwordless ready readers and adapters: Keys and readers that support USB-C and NFC help standardize authentication across mixed fleets.
- Hardware encrypted USB drives: PIN or keypad-protected drives provide secure, portable storage for configs, logs, and emergency artifacts without exposing sensitive data if a device is lost.
Gift ideas: Field repair and “break/fix” kits
Fast diagnostics save time, effort, and of course, stress! The right tools turn mystery outages into predictable jobs and help keep planned work on schedule.
- LTT 12-in-1 multi-bit ratcheting screwdriver: A robust, ratcheting driver with quality bits and smart ergonomics that sysadmins regularly praise for on-site and rack work. The sysadmins here at Devolutions LOVE this tool; especially when it comes to working in cramped spaces and under time pressure. Want a chance to win an LTT screwdriver? Keep reading and find out how!
- Cable testers and tone or probe kits: Trace and validate copper quickly to replace guesswork with data.
- Label makers with heat shrink or durable tapes: Clear, consistent labeling for racks, jumpers, and wall plates reduces future downtime.
Gift ideas: Mobility and power management
Site visits and maintenance windows are smoother when power and ports are always available. These options keep devices running and connections stable wherever work happens.
- High capacity USB-C power banks with PPS or PD: Keep laptops, scanners, and phones operational during maintenance windows and site visits.
- Reliable USB-C docks and hubs: Consolidate Ethernet, display, and power to cut dongle clutter and connection instability.
- USB-C to RJ45 console cable: Directly connect modern laptops to network gear for out-of-band access and quick recovery without extra adapters.
Gift ideas: Storage and transfer speed
Fast, reliable storage shortens staging, imaging, and recovery cycles. Better media and better cables also reduce silent errors that waste valuable time.
- Rugged portable NVMe SSDs: Fast staging for ISOs, drivers, and log captures, with shock resistance for daily carry.
- Cable labels: Many storage issues are cable issues. Standardizing and labeling boosts efficiency through quick identification, simplified maintenance and troubleshooting, and improved organization.
- Dual bay USB-C NVMe enclosure with offline clone: Quickly image or duplicate drives without a computer, and repurpose spare NVMe modules as high-speed external media.
Gift ideas: Desk productivity and focus
These desk upgrades help reduce fatigue and accelerate common tasks.
- Programmable macro pads: One-tap sequences for ticket templates, maintenance scripts, and incident broadcast tasks.
- Quiet mechanical or low-profile keyboards: Improved ergonomics for documentation-heavy days.
- Active noise cancelling headphones: Create an “oasis of tranquility” — even in hectic, open office environments — and an immersive listening experience by cancelling out background noise to focus on what matters.
Contest: Win an LTT screwdriver
What’s even better than buying an indispensable tech gadget or tool? Winning one, of course! And now you have a chance to do that in our new contest. Join the Devolutions Force by November 30 for a chance to win an LTT 12-in-1 multi-bit ratcheting screwdriver (valued at $77 USD), as recommended in our gift guide!
The Devolutions Force is our FREE VIP community for IT pros with challenges, badges, leaderboards, exclusive content, early access to promos and events, and regular giveaways.
Click here to join the Force now. Also, you can see all the rules regarding the contest here.
The final word
The best gifts for sysadmins are the ones that remove friction: stronger identity, faster troubleshooting, dependable power and ports, reliable storage, and a desk setup that supports long, focused work. A single gadget or tool can save time, reduce avoidable errors, and lower stress across maintenance windows and incident calls.
And for some extra cheer, enter our contest for a chance to win an LTT Screwdriver. It is a favorite among Devolutions sysadmins and a smart addition to any toolkit!
