5 Best HP Laptops to Give as Gifts
The holidays are almost here, and it’s time to find the right gift for everyone on your shopping list. In the United States, where staying connected is essential for work, school, and entertainment, laptops are an ideal choice. Almost everyone needs to stay connected and get more done, even when away from home. Picking the right laptop model doesn’t even require you to know exactly how the person will use it, although it’s helpful.
Whether you’re giving to a gamer, a professional who needs to work remotely, or the next YouTube star, these 5 best HP laptops can help you bring more joy to the season. Check out this list of top HP laptops to give as gifts.
Be sure to check out our holiday shopping for deals on tech gifts and more this season. You’ll find everything from budget-friendly and family gifts to tech stocking stuffers and this year’s top holiday gifts. With our holiday gifts guide, you’re sure to find something for anyone and at any price point, whether it’s desktops, laptops, printers, PC accessories, gaming gear, and more.
Who Are You Buying For? Know Your Laptops
The biggest factor when buying a laptop is knowing who it’s for. Is your spouse a videographer who needs a mobile workstation? Or is your son a remote worker who needs a durable, light machine for balancing in-office tasks with at-home video meetings? Whoever you’re shopping for, it’s important to think about how they’ll use their laptop before you make a purchase.
Consider the following specs as you shop:
- Processing speed
- Graphics capabilities
- Screen size and touch screen capability
- Ports and accessory options
- Weight and portability
- Battery life
- Durability and build quality
Some laptops also fold into a tablet mode so you can use them for tasks like drawing and note-taking in class. Others are more like traditional laptops with full-sized keyboards and sturdier cases, which allows for mobile productivity in airports and hotels. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision that your recipient will appreciate for years to come.
If you are having a hard time choosing between them, you don’t have to worry. The laptops on this list fit multiple tech personalities and use cases, making them versatile gifts that adapt to various needs.
HP Laptop Gift Guide
HP laptops are trustworthy for a number of reasons. Known as the world’s most secure laptops, they’re built tough-to-crack with layers of protection. Then there are the jam-packed integrated features. You can choose 2-in-1 laptops that work as traditional work machines, as tablets, or in tent or stand modes for easy binge-watching or gaming. You can also pick from dozens of convertible or traditional HP laptops with powerful Intel® Core™ processors, Bang & Olufsen audio, and dedicated graphics cards.
1. HP Laptop 17t-cn400 - Best Laptop for Students
More and more kids use their laptops for everything from streaming the latest Netflix series to creating a PowerPoint presentation for history class. This is why many gravitate to laptops with a larger screen and high-performing processors, all while working with a student’s budget.
The HP Laptop 17t-cn400 fits that bill and then some. It offers many of the features adults would want in a PC, but at a mid-range price tag that makes it an incredible value for families across the United States looking to equip their students for success.
- Intel® Core™ 3 100U processor (up to 4.7 GHz, 10 MB L3 cache, 6 cores, 8 threads)
- Intel® Graphics
- 8 GB DDR4-3200 SDRAM (1 x 8 GB)
- 256 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD
- 17.3-inch diagonal HD+ (1600 x 900) anti-glare display
The perks start with the laptop’s generous 17.3-inch screen, which provides plenty of real estate for multitasking between research papers and video calls. This ensures your student can spend hours getting their best work done before retiring in the evening to enjoy their favorite streaming content on the spacious display.
On the inside, this laptop boasts an Intel Core 3 processor with integrated Intel Graphics, which will have no problem tackling multiple programs at once. The 256 GB of SSD storage provides quick boot times and responsive performance for everyday computing tasks, from word processing to light video editing. Choose the configuration that best matches your student’s needs, and rest assured they’ll have a reliable companion for their academic journey.
2. HP OmniBook 5 Laptop 16-bc1047nr - Best Laptop for Young Adults
Those entering college or the workforce need a rugged option that can keep up with their lifestyle and provide some perks, too. That’s exactly what young adults will get with the HP OmniBook 5 Laptop 16-bc1047nr. It offers premium features in a sleek, portable design that’s perfect for on-campus life or first apartments.
- AMD Ryzen™ 7 processor
- AMD Radeon™ 780M Graphics
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage
- 16-inch diagonal 2K display
This HP OmniBook 5 rocks an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and AMD Radeon 780M Graphics, which can handle quite a bit of the gaming and entertainment needs of this generation. The 16-inch 2K display delivers stunning visuals whether your recipient is working on presentations, editing photos, or enjoying their favorite content. The higher resolution provides crisp text and vibrant colors that make everything from movies to creative work look absolutely spectacular.
With 16 GB of memory and a spacious 512 GB SSD, this laptop provides plenty of room for documents, media files, and applications. The generous memory ensures smooth multitasking, whether they’re running multiple browser tabs, streaming music while working on assignments, or video chatting with friends and family across the country. The ultimate upgrade from HP Pavilion, this laptop is perfect for entertainment, studies, and family life.
3. HP OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 Laptop 14-fm0047nr - Favorite Laptop for Office Pros
The HP OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 Laptop 14-fm0047nr is a standout convertible laptop that truly shines for business professionals. This Copilot+ PC device allows you to flip it from tablet to laptop mode in seconds, all while using it in a variety of ways to match your workflow.
- Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor
- Intel® Arc™ 140V GPU (8GB)
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage
- 14-inch diagonal 2K touch display
Where this HP OmniBook X Flip truly excels is in its performance for remote work and hybrid office environments. It starts with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and 16 GB of RAM, providing the power needed for demanding productivity tasks, video conferencing, and multitasking across multiple applications.
The 14-inch 2K touch display offers excellent clarity and responsiveness, making it ideal for both traditional laptop work and touch-based interactions in tablet mode. Whether your loved one works at home or in the office, this versatile 2-in-1 will help them stay productive in any environment. The 512 GB SSD provides ample storage for documents, presentations, and media files, ensuring they have everything they need at their fingertips. Unleash creativity with supercharged performance wrapped in a thin and light design. Meet OmniBook X, the AI-enhanced evolution of HP ENVY.
4. OMEN MAX Gaming Laptop 16-ah0057nr - Best Laptop for Gamers
No holiday would be complete without games, and for the PC gamers on your list, you can’t go wrong with the loaded features of the OMEN MAX Gaming Laptop 16-ah0057nr. With the slim, lightweight portability of this powerful gaming rig, your loved one may never go back to the bulk of a desktop machine again.
- Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5070 Laptop GPU (8 GB GDDR7 dedicated)
- 16 GB memory
- 1 TB SSD storage
- 16-inch diagonal 2K display
It boasts the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and a massive 1 TB SSD, which is plenty of room to store even some of the biggest game titles. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU delivers exceptional graphics performance for modern AAA games, ensuring smooth frame rates and stunning visual fidelity with the latest ray tracing capabilities and DLSS technology for maximum performance.
The large 16-inch 2K display delivers an immersive gaming experience, bringing your favorite worlds to life with vibrant colors and sharp details. Marathon players will appreciate the advanced cooling system that keeps everything running at optimal temperatures during extended gaming sessions, making those long raid nights much more enjoyable. Play the most demanding PC games now with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5000 series graphics.
Between the additional ports for external drives or gaming accessories and the powerful specifications, every type of gamer can benefit from this thoughtful gift. Whether they’re into competitive esports, open-world adventures, or creative game streaming, this OMEN MAX laptop has the power to deliver.
5. HP OmniBook 7 Laptop AI 16-ay0087nr - Best Laptop for Creatives
There are so many ways to express yourself on a PC today, including 3D printing, graphic design, illustration, and video editing. With the HP OmniBook 7 Laptop AI 16-ay0087nr as a holiday gift, your loved one will see fewer limits when they bring their best ideas to life.
- Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 Laptop GPU (6 GB GDDR6 dedicated)
- 16 GB memory
- 1 TB SSD storage
- 16-inch diagonal 2K OLED touch display
The Intel Core Ultra 7 processor with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics provides the computational power needed for demanding creative applications, from Adobe Creative Suite to 3D modeling software. The dedicated graphics card ensures smooth performance when working with large files, rendering effects, or running multiple creative programs simultaneously.
With Windows 11 helping to keep everything organized and secure, hobbyists and professionals alike can spend more time creating and less time worrying about the details. This laptop comes with a spacious 16-inch 2K OLED touch display, which can bring every creative endeavor to life in grand detail with stunning color accuracy and deep blacks. Whether you’re editing 4K video, retouching high-resolution photos, or designing the next great American novel’s cover art, the OLED technology delivers exceptional visual quality.
The generous 1 TB SSD provides ample space for project files, raw footage, and creative assets, while delivering the fast read and write speeds that creative professionals demand. This makes file transfers quick and application launches nearly instantaneous. The 16 GB of memory ensures smooth performance even when juggling multiple layers in Photoshop, rendering video effects, or running demanding 3D modeling applications. Engineered for durability with AI-enhanced performance for power users and students.
Understanding Laptop Specifications for Gift Giving
When selecting a laptop gift, understanding key specifications helps ensure you choose the right device. Here’s what matters most:
Processor Performance: The processor is the brain of the laptop. Intel Core and AMD Ryzen processors with higher numbers (i5, i7, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7) offer better performance for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. The latest Intel Core Ultra processors bring enhanced efficiency and AI capabilities to modern laptops, making them ideal for next-generation computing tasks.
Memory (RAM): More RAM means better multitasking. 8 GB is adequate for basic tasks, while 16 GB is ideal for professionals and creators. Students working on multimedia projects benefit from 16 GB as well. For power users, gamers, and creative professionals, 32 GB provides headroom for the most demanding applications.
Storage Options: SSDs (Solid State Drives) are faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives. 256 GB is minimum for most users, but 512 GB or more provides comfortable space for media files and applications. Creative professionals and gamers should consider 1 TB or larger drives to accommodate their libraries and project files.
Display Quality: Larger screens (15.6 inches and above) are great for home use and content consumption. Smaller screens (13-14 inches) prioritize portability. Touch screens add versatility, especially on 2-in-1 models. OLED displays offer superior color accuracy, perfect blacks, and incredible contrast for creative work and entertainment.
Graphics Capabilities: Integrated graphics handle everyday tasks well. Dedicated graphics cards (NVIDIA GeForce, AMD Radeon) are essential for gaming and professional creative work. The latest RTX 5000 series cards bring cutting-edge ray tracing, AI-enhanced graphics, and exceptional performance to gaming laptops.
HP Laptop Accessories Gifts
While your loved one should have everything they need to use their laptop right out of the box, you can help them get the most from their tech with some additional gear. Consider complementing your laptop gift with these practical accessories from the HP accessories shop:
Productivity Enhancers: A wireless keyboard and mouse combo can significantly improve comfort and productivity. Look for options with long battery life and ergonomic designs that reduce strain during extended work sessions. Programmable buttons and customizable shortcuts make these accessories even more valuable for power users.
Protection and Transport: Keep that new laptop safe with a quality laptop backpack made with recycled materials and featuring lockable zippers for added security. For larger laptops, consider backpacks designed specifically for 17-inch models that offer ample protection with multiple compartments for organization.
Audio and Video: Upgrade video call quality with an external webcam featuring automatic adjustment and a built-in privacy cover for peace of mind. For audio needs, consider headsets with noise-cancelling microphones and in-line volume controls for clear communication. Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate wireless gaming headsets with long battery life and immersive spatial audio.
Power Solutions: A USB-C power adapter ensures your recipient never runs out of power on the go. Look for compact, travel-friendly designs that can handle the wattage requirements of modern laptops, from everyday productivity machines to power-hungry gaming rigs.
Input Devices: For those who prefer wired connections, keyboard and mouse combos offer plug-and-play connectivity with adjustable features. Wireless options provide freedom of movement with long battery life, making them ideal for both home and office use.
Making Your Holiday Laptop Gift Extra Special
Beyond selecting the right laptop, consider these tips to make your gift even more memorable:
Personalization: Consider your recipient’s style preferences when choosing laptop colors and designs. HP offers various finishes and color options across their product lines, from professional silver tones to bold gaming aesthetics in shadow black.
Setup Assistance: Offer to help set up the laptop on Christmas morning. This can include creating user accounts, installing essential software, connecting to Wi-Fi networks, and showing them key features like touch screen gestures, 2-in-1 convertible modes, or gaming-specific settings.
Extended Warranty: Consider adding HP’s warranty protection for peace of mind. Extended coverage options provide hardware repair coverage and accidental damage protection, ensuring your gift remains protected well beyond the standard warranty period.
Gift Bundles: Create a complete technology package by pairing the laptop with accessories like a wireless mouse, laptop bag, and external storage drive. For business laptops, consider adding a docking station for enhanced connectivity at a home office.
Software Subscriptions: Consider including subscriptions to useful software like Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, or antivirus protection to enhance the laptop’s capabilities right from day one. These subscriptions ensure your recipient has access to the tools they need for productivity, creativity, or security without additional out-of-pocket expenses.
The Best Laptop Gifts Keep on Giving
The best part of giving a laptop as a gift is that it keeps rolling out the joy and functionality for years to come. The best HP gift laptop to buy depends on who you’re buying for. Our list has the best choice for grandparents, high school or college students, moms, dads, and better halves. Anyone who wants to connect, create, or commute can enjoy a fresh start in the new year with HP’s cutting-edge tech.
Whether you choose a powerful gaming laptop for the esports enthusiast in your life, a versatile 2-in-1 for the busy professional, or a budget-friendly option for a student, you’re investing in their digital future. HP laptops combine reliability, performance, and innovative features that make them standout gifts for any occasion, but especially during the holidays when we celebrate the people who matter most.
As you finalize your holiday shopping list, remember that a laptop isn’t just a gift – it’s a gateway to possibilities. It’s late-night study sessions fueled by determination, creative projects brought to life, family video calls that bridge distances across the United States, and countless memories yet to be made. That’s the true value of giving an HP laptop this holiday season.
From coast to coast, American families rely on HP technology to stay connected, productive, and entertained. When you give an HP laptop, you’re not just giving hardware – you’re giving the tools for success, the means for creativity, and the connection that keeps families and friends close, no matter how many miles separate them. This holiday season, give the gift that empowers, inspires, and enables your loved ones to achieve their dreams with the latest AI-enhanced Copilot+ PC technology and cutting-edge performance features.
