Speakers

A portable Bluetooth speaker runs on a built-in battery and pairs with a phone or tablet, so music can follow the listener from room to room or out to the park. It suits students, campers, cottage-goers and anyone who listens while cooking or cleaning. Before buying, look at size and weight against how the person will carry it, how long the battery lasts on one charge, and whether it charges by USB-C. A strap or loop helps with hanging it from a bag. Some models can pair with a second unit for fuller sound, which is handy if a friend or partner already owns one.

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  Curated pickOver $100

  Bose SoundLink Flex

  Drop it, dunk it, hang it off a backpack — it keeps playing anyway.

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  Curated pickOver $100

  JBL Charge 6

  Dock-ready sound that shrugs off rain and recharges a dying phone.

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  Curated pickOver $100

  JBL Flip 7

  Clips to a backpack and follows them from shower to picnic table.

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  Curated pick$25–$50

  JBL Go 4

  Palm-sized, floats in the tub, and hangs anywhere by its loop.

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  Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

  Portable wireless bluetooth speaker

  This compact audio device is perfect for music lovers who enjoy taking their tunes on the go, offering easy connectivity and robust sound.

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A smart speaker connects to home Wi-Fi and responds to voice commands: playing music, setting timers, reading the weather or controlling compatible lights and plugs. Versions with a screen can also show calendars, photos and video calls. These suit busy households, older relatives who find phones fiddly, and anyone building a connected home. Check which voice assistant the person already uses, since mixing systems causes headaches. Think about placement too: a screen model fits a kitchen counter or wall, while a small one sits well on a nightstand. Some people are wary of always-listening microphones, so it is worth knowing their comfort level first.

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  Curated pickOver $100

  Echo Show 15

  A wall-mounted smart display that runs the whole family calendar.

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  Curated pickOver $100

  Echo Spot

  A friendly Alexa alarm clock that gets their phone out of the bedroom.

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  Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

  Voice assistant smart speaker

  An intelligent speaker that integrates with smart home ecosystems, ideal for tech-savvy individuals who appreciate hands-free control and information.

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  Gift ideaUsually over $100

  Wi-fi multi-room audio speaker

  Create a seamless audio experience throughout the home with this speaker, perfect for those who enjoy streaming music in different rooms simultaneously.

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Marshall speakers borrow the look of the classic guitar amplifier: textured black casing, brass-coloured knobs and a script logo. They appeal to music fans, guitar players and people who care how a speaker looks on a shelf as much as how it sounds. The range includes portable models and larger home units. Before choosing, decide whether it needs to travel or stay put, and check that physical controls suit the listener, since many prefer turning a knob to using an app. The Middleton II is a portable option with a carry strap that still has the familiar styling.

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  Curated pickOver $100

  Marshall Middleton II

  Room-filling stereo in a little guitar-amp jacket, thirty-plus hours a charge.

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A soundbar is a long, slim speaker that sits under or in front of a TV and replaces the thin built-in sound most flat screens have. It suits movie watchers, sports fans and anyone who keeps turning up the volume to catch dialogue. Measure the TV stand and the space below the screen so the bar does not block the picture or the remote sensor. Check that the TV has an HDMI ARC or eARC port, which lets one remote control volume. A compact bar works well for bedrooms and smaller living rooms, while bigger rooms may call for a separate subwoofer.

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  Curated pickOver $100

  Compact Soundbar

  Finally hear the dialogue — the TV upgrade nobody buys themselves.

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  Gift ideaUsually over $100

  Television soundbar speaker system

  Enhance the audio experience of any television with this sleek speaker, perfect for movie buffs and gamers seeking improved dialogue clarity and cinematic sound.

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The Beats Pill is a capsule-shaped portable speaker with a lanyard, sized to toss into a backpack or tote. It suits teens, commuters and people who want something simple that looks tidy on a desk. It pairs over Bluetooth with most phones and can also play audio through a USB-C cable, which is useful for laptops. Before buying, consider colour, since it is often chosen partly for looks, and check whether the listener wants hands-free calling, which the Pill supports. If the person already has a speaker they like, a different style may add more to their setup.

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  Curated pickOver $100

  Beats Pill

  A tough little speaker that follows them anywhere and charges their phone back.

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A waterproof Bluetooth speaker is sealed against splashes, rain and brief dunks, so it can sit by a pool, hang in a shower or ride along in a canoe. It suits swimmers, cottage families, hikers and people who like music while getting ready in the morning. Check the product details for the level of water and dust resistance, and note whether it floats, since some do and many sink. Look for a clip, loop or suction cup that matches where it will hang. Charging ports usually need to be dry before plugging in, so a quick wipe becomes part of the routine.

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  Curated pick$50–$100

  JBL Clip 5

  A waterproof 285-gram speaker with a wide built-in carabiner for bags, rails and loops.

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  Curated pick$50–$100

  UE Wonderboom 4

  The cheerful little speaker that bobs back up if it falls in.

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  Curated pick$15–$25

  Waterproof Shower Speaker

  Because shower concerts deserve better acoustics.

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  Curated pick$50–$100

  Sony SRS-XB100

  A waterproof strap-on speaker with hands-free calls and exact-model stereo pairing.

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Computer speakers sit on either side of a monitor and upgrade the tinny sound built into most laptops and screens. Compact desktop pairs suit students, remote workers and gamers, while bookshelf speakers and studio monitors appeal to people who edit video, make music or simply listen closely. Measure the desk first, because larger pairs can crowd a small workspace. Check how they connect: USB, 3.5 mm cable, optical or Bluetooth, and whether the computer has the right port. Studio monitors often need an audio interface, so confirm the person has one or is ready to add it.

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  Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

  Compact desktop computer speakers

  Upgrade the audio for any computer setup with these dedicated speakers, ideal for students, remote workers, or casual gamers.

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  Gift ideaUsually over $100

  Professional studio monitor speakers

  Designed for accurate sound reproduction, these speakers are an excellent gift for aspiring musicians, podcasters, or audio producers.

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  Gift ideaUsually over $100

  Classic bookshelf audio speakers

  These traditional speakers deliver rich, detailed sound for an immersive listening experience, suitable for audiophiles building a home stereo system.

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Outdoor speakers are built to handle weather and to fill open space, where sound drifts away much faster than indoors. Options range from large rugged portables to speakers mounted on a deck or under an eave. They suit people who host barbecues, spend summers at the cottage or garden with music on. Consider whether the person wants something permanent or a unit that comes inside for winter, since Canadian cold is hard on batteries. For mounted speakers, check wiring needs and whether the home has a spot near power. Bigger portables with handles work well for moving between yard, dock and garage.

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  Curated pickOver $100

  JBL Xtreme 4

  Slings over a shoulder and pushes real bass across the whole beach.

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  Gift ideaUsually over $100

  Durable outdoor patio speaker

  Designed to withstand the elements, this rugged speaker brings high-quality sound to backyard gatherings and outdoor entertaining spaces.

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