TechOhio’s 2021 Holiday Gift Guide
Let us help you find an Ohio-produced gift for everyone on your shopping list
We all love supporting local businesses, and nobody ever remembers that gift card to a chain restaurant or retailer. So at TechOhio, we want to offer a selection of gifts made right here in Ohio that will delight anyone on your list.
From around the state, Ohio innovators are creating amazing products that just happen to be great holiday presents. We’ve compiled our annual guide below, with gifts for everyone from the tech-savvy to the novice.
We’ve got a lot, but of course we can’t find them all, so help us add to our list by reaching out on our social media channels.
Happy holidays from TechOhio!
For the writer
Whether you’re gifting a creative type, a student or a young artist, Kent Displays’ line of Boogie Board products can help your present stand out this holiday season. Take the VersaTiles, which is perfect for writing messages, quotes or reminders and is great as an alternative for dry erase boards and letter boards.
For the messy car owner
Does someone on your list need to take care of their car? If you’re in the central Ohio area, new Columbus startup Vohnt can help. They offer food delivery-style car services like detailing and tire rotation, but they do it while you sit in the comfort of your own home.
For the expecting parents
Shopping for a new or soon-to-be parent? Cleveland’s SmallTalk has developed a product that can help ensure that our youngest loved ones start development early. The SmallTalk targets the neural pathways opened by learning a new language, laying the foundation for lifelong learning.
For the outdoorsy tech fan
If you’re shopping for an avid camper or even a tailgater, Cincinnati’s GoSun can offer the next generation of solar technology. The company makes breakthrough solar appliances that are designed to help people live a more resilient and independent life, offering everything from portable ovens to coolers.
For the lover of bubbly drinks
If you have a sparkling beverage lover on your list, why not shop local for their bubbly present? Central Ohio startup Spritz launched in 2019 as a zero-calorie, zero-sugar, vegan and keto-friendly drink produced in Ohio. With flavors like bright citrus, golden peach, wild acai and pink guava, there’s something for everyone, and the company’s launch at Kroger stores this year makes them even easier to find.
For the toy lover
Looking for a unique toy for someone on your list? Cincinnati’s Dibzy serves as a miniature accelerator for great toy ideas, and has a new line of exciting toys this year. From Happy the Birthday Bird to the Wobbly Bobbly Frog, the company is thinking outside the box for kids’ toys.
For the forgetful 
Everykey is the world’s first universal smart key that wirelessly unlocks your phone, computer, tablet, and automatically logs you into your online accounts when you’re nearby, then locks everything down when you walk away. The Cleveland startup is even working to bring the tech to door locks, cars, and other access controlled devices. The company is also offering 20% off your Everykey to replace your passwords and keys.
For the local coffee enthusiast 
For the caffeine addict in your life, consider a subscription to Cleveland’s Cafilia. The platform supports independent coffee shops by putting them all together on one subscription. You choose a number of coffees per month and get a special mug so the coffee enthusiast on your list can start saving and supporting. A Cafilia subscription means someone on your list will be drinking the best tasting (and quality) coffee out there, but they would also be able to discover local coffee shops more easily to try out different coffees, roasters, and atmospheres
For the runner
Tired of buying shoes and water bottles for the running enthusiasts on your list? Central Ohio’s Noxgear has unique options for you. The company is developing a new generation of tech that’s bringing running into the 21st century, with glowing vests for night running and a next-gen Bluetooth speaker.
For the clean freak
We all know the importance of cleanliness, especially after the last two years, and Nature’s Magic might just have the best way to disinfect. The Athens startup has developed a whole line of plant-based cleaning products that are non-toxic, using essential oils instead of ingredients created in a lab. Pick up some cleaner for the parents, teachers and environmentalists in your life.
For the dog parents 
Don’t forget your four-legged friend this holiday season. Bark, who has a fancy new Columbus office, creates toys, treats and experiences for dogs and their owners. Everyone loves subscription boxes, even your pups, so treat them this season too.
For the aspiring athlete 
Have an aspiring athlete in your life? Why give them some standard gear when you could help them hone their skills? Cincinnati-based Apex Sports gives athletes access to lessons from the greats — the likes of Chris Carter and Cardale Jones teach their classes. Their online platform provides videos that break down position-specific plays, give mental tips and more.
For the doll lovers 
Toys aren’t always representative of all of us, but Healthy Roots is changing that. Cincinnati entrepreneur Yelitsa Jean-Charles was inspired to create a doll company that celebrates black women and helps young girls navigate and learn about their natural hair. If you know a girl who wishes she had a doll that looked more like her, Healthy Roots has just the solution.
For fashion on-the-go 
Typically, you have to choose between fashion and performance. But at Cincinnati startup Jumper Threads, you can have both! They’re re-thinking the essentials by incorporating innovative textiles into their undershirts, socks, outerwear and more, allowing better movement and breathability.
For a high-performance cyclist 
Do you have a cycling enthusiast on your list who seems to have all the equipment they could ever want? Be sure they know about Edge Cycling Technologies and their record-breaking PhysioSaddle seat, which is not only more comfortable and designed with our anatomy in mind, but also helped set a Guinness world record for speed.
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