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best hp printers to give as gifts

5 Best HP Printers to Give as Gifts

Linsey Knerl
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Reading time: 12 minutes
Whether you’re celebrating the holiday season or looking ahead to the next big birthday, choosing the right gift can be a stressful situation. What do you get for the person who has everything? For Americans juggling work, school, and home life, an HP printer can be a thoughtful and practical gift idea.
With many people across the United States using printers in their homes, offices, and dorm rooms, these essential tools allow you to print on-demand at a very low cost. Which printers do we have our eye on this season? Delight these 5 types of printer users with a new HP model that’s sure to bring a smile to your loved one’s face this year.
Be sure to check out our selection of business printers and home printers for deals on tech gifts and more this season. You’ll find everything from budget-friendly and family gifts to professional-grade solutions and this year’s top picks. With our printer selection, you’re sure to find something for anyone and at any price point.

Best Printer for Business Owners

Do you know an entrepreneur who could use a boost to their printing routine? An HP LaserJet printer offers affordable, hassle-free prints anytime and comes with extra features that support large print jobs, duplexing, and easy toner cartridge changes. Unlike bulky commercial printers that need professional servicing and come with expensive maintenance plans, these printers are made with the small business owner in mind.

HP Color LaserJet Enterprise 6701dn Printer

HP Color LaserJet Enterprise 6701dn Printer.png
Every business owner can benefit from doing at least some of their own printing these days, and the HP Color LaserJet Enterprise 6701dn Printer delivers on that aspect and then some. It has the power to print up to 65 pages per minute in both black and color, making it a workhorse ideal for busy offices and growing teams. Enjoy automatic two-sided printing and professional-quality output for all your business documents.
  • Print speed: Up to 65 ppm (black and color)
  • Auto duplex printing
  • 2 paper trays (standard)
  • 4.3-inch touchscreen with HP Wolf Security
One major perk comes with the highly secure HP Wolf Security features. It includes easy IT configuration tools and more ways to monitor jobs and reduce risks to your network. IT managers and owners can easily see what’s printing and from where, keeping sensitive business information protected.
This innovative machine is designed for commercial environments and delivers the reliability and speed that American businesses demand. With FCC Class A emissions certification, it’s built specifically for professional use.

Best Printer for College Students

Today’s student is busy juggling more than previous generations. When it comes to a device that can print out assignments, copy documents, and deliver vibrant full-color photos of friends, there’s no substitute for an all-in-one printer that can do everything the typical college kid needs to do in a year. The latest in all-in-one printers perform their scanning, printing, and copying wirelessly, so students are free to send jobs from their phone, ditch the wires, and get work done faster than ever before.

HP Smart Tank 5101 All-in-One Printer

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Printers are a convenient addition to a dorm, but they shouldn’t break the bank on ink costs. That’s why most college kids will appreciate the innovative design and cost-saving features of the HP Smart Tank 5101 All-in-One Printer.
It really does everything a student would want, from copying and scanning to printing vibrant photos and illustrations. The HP app simplifies sending and receiving print jobs, and it even lets you print when you’re not in the room. Scan items from a mobile device and send them to the printer, or use the WiFi connectivity to work around spotty dorm internet connections.
  • Print, scan, copy, wireless connectivity
  • Up to 2 years of ink in the box
  • Best print quality on everyday paper in its class
  • Winner of Best Printer by Esquire Magazine Gadget Awards
This printer is a great balance of budget-friendly price tag and performance. With up to 2 years of ink included in the box, students can focus on their studies instead of constantly buying replacement cartridges. The HP Smart Tank 5101 keeps you printing at a fraction of the cost, which is perfect for budget-conscious students managing tuition and living expenses.

Best Printer for Kids or Family

Whether you plan to give your favorite aunt a printer for her classroom or you want to impress your own kids with lab-quality pics, an HP printer designed for families will wow anyone on your shopping list. These printers are simple to operate, they work well with mobile devices and accessories, and they deliver high-quality prints. Kids and adults alike will love being able to print their artwork, too. This is a versatile pick for anyone who values crisp and affordable color prints.

HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw Wireless Printer

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You can do so much with the HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw Wireless Printer, from homework assignments to family documents. It’s also incredibly reliable. The wireless connectivity avoids those annoying connection drops, and the HP Wolf Pro security features keep your print jobs safe from potential threats.
Two standout features include the automatic two-sided printing and fast print speeds, which allow you to do whatever else you need to as your printer does its job. Speaking of speed, this HP LaserJet device prints professional quality black and white documents quickly and efficiently.
  • Print, wireless and auto 2-sided printing
  • Fast speeds for professional quality black and white prints
  • HP Wolf Pro security settings
  • Reliable wireless connectivity
This printer is perfect for families who need dependable, fast printing without the high cost of ink cartridges. Laser technology means you’ll get crisp, professional-looking documents every time, whether it’s a school report or important family paperwork. The compact design fits easily on a desk or shelf, and the wireless capabilities mean every family member can print from their own device.

Best Printer for Friends

If you’re shopping for grownup friends in your life, you may find that a sophisticated take on the printer could fit the bill. Not only do adults appreciate a printer that takes up less space while it does just what you want it to, but many also love a good tech gadget. With today’s printers offering integration with your favorite desktop computers and mobile devices, it may be time to make the leap to the next big thing in printing.

HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP 5800f Printer

HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP 5800f, AI-enabled.png
Your friends deserve secure, sophisticated tech, and the HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP 5800f Printer delivers on all fronts. Use the 8-inch color touchscreen display to easily navigate through printing, copying, scanning, and faxing tasks. This all-in-one powerhouse handles everything your friends need for their home office or small business.
Scanning is simple with the 100-sheet automatic document feeder, which handles multi-page documents with ease. All you need to do is load documents into the auto document feeder or place a single sheet on the scanning bed.
  • Print, copy, scan, fax
  • Print speed: Up to 45 ppm (black and color)
  • Auto duplex printing and 2 paper trays (standard)
  • 8-inch color touchscreen with HP Wolf Security
This HP Color LaserJet Enterprise is powerful enough for offices and perfect for anyone who works from home. The advanced security features protect sensitive information, and the fast print speeds mean less time waiting and more time being productive. With the included 100-sheet ADF, handling large scanning jobs becomes effortless.

Best Printer for Grandparents

More and more older adults are embracing tech, with even those in their 70s and 80s using the internet and smart devices to stay connected with loved ones. Whether you want to give your grandparents an upgrade or introduce them to their first printer, simplified controls and reliable performance are key.

HP ScanJet Pro 2600 f1

HP ScanJet Pro 2600 f1.png
The HP ScanJet Pro 2600 f1 is a sleek addition to grandma and grandpa’s house, and it makes it easy to scan and digitize important documents, photos, and memories. Setup is a breeze, and the intuitive design means even those who aren’t tech-savvy can use it with confidence.
The clean user interface features straightforward controls, and the device is designed for ease of use. This worry-free scanner handles a variety of page sizes, and the automatic document feeder tackles even multi-page documents with ease.
  • Scans up to 25 ppm / 50 IPM up to 1,500 pages daily
  • Scan to text, image, PDF Word (DOC, DOCX), Excel (XLS, XLSX), CSV
  • 60-page, two-sided, single-pass auto document feeder
  • Compact design that fits on the desktop
With the ability to scan directly to multiple file formats including Word and Excel, this scanner makes it easy for grandparents to digitize old photos, preserve important documents, or scan recipes to share with family. The compact design means it won’t take up valuable space, and the reliable performance ensures they can use it whenever they need to preserve memories or organize paperwork.
For grandparents who want to share physical photos digitally with family members across the country, this scanner makes the process simple and straightforward. The two-sided scanning capability means they can quickly digitize double-sided documents without manually flipping pages.

Understanding Printer Technology

Before making your purchase, it’s helpful to understand the different types of printer technology available. This knowledge will help you choose the right gift for your recipient’s specific needs.

Inkjet vs. Laser Printers

Inkjet printers use liquid ink cartridges and are excellent for printing photos and color documents. They typically have a lower upfront cost but may have higher per-page costs over time. Laser printers use toner cartridges and are ideal for high-volume black and white printing, offering faster speeds and lower per-page costs for text documents.

Smart Tank Technology

Smart Tank printers represent a revolutionary approach to home printing. Instead of traditional cartridges, these printers use refillable ink tanks that can print thousands of pages before needing a refill. This technology is perfect for families, students, or anyone who prints frequently and wants to minimize ongoing costs.

All-in-One Functionality

Modern all-in-one printers combine printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing into a single device. This versatility makes them ideal for home offices, students, and families who need multiple document handling capabilities without purchasing separate devices.

What to Look for in the Best Printer

The printers on this list are just a glimpse into the printing technology available today, with these 5 models getting solid reviews from users and offering unique features. Don’t be afraid to use them as a starting point. Other HP models are often variations on these top picks, available in our comprehensive selection of home office printers and business solutions.

Questions You Can Ask Yourself When Shopping

  • How will the printer be used?
  • Do they need to fax, copy, and scan?
  • Will they want to scan and copy from an app?
  • What wireless networks will this be used on?
  • How many copies or prints will they make per month?
  • Will the printer be shared?
  • What aesthetic are you going for? Does the size or design matter?
  • How simple should the controls be? Is a touch screen necessary?
  • Does the recipient prefer ink or laser?
  • Does the printer need to be light or portable?
  • What is the total cost of ownership, including ink or toner?
  • Do they need color printing or is black and white sufficient?

Additional Considerations for American Homes and Offices

When shopping for printers in the United States, consider the recipient’s specific environment. Home offices may benefit from compact designs that fit on smaller desks, while families might prioritize durability and ease of use. College students need affordable printing solutions that can handle varied paper sizes, from standard letter to legal documents.
Security features are increasingly important, especially for those who work from home or handle sensitive information. Look for printers with built-in security protocols, encrypted connections, and secure print release features.
Energy efficiency is another consideration. Many HP printers are ENERGY STAR certified, helping reduce electricity costs and environmental impact. This is particularly important for devices that may remain on standby throughout the day.

Enhancing Your Gift

Consider pairing your printer gift with complementary items to create a complete printing solution. Computer accessories like extra paper trays, wireless keyboards, or USB hubs can enhance the printing experience. For those giving to college students or remote workers, consider adding laptop accessories to create a comprehensive workspace setup.

Ink and Toner Supplies

Along with your printer gift, consider including starter supplies of ink and toner. This thoughtful addition ensures the recipient can start using their new printer immediately without an additional shopping trip. Understanding their printing volume will help you choose the right cartridge size.
For frequent printers, high-yield cartridges offer better value and fewer replacements. For occasional users, standard cartridges may be more economical. Always verify compatibility with the specific printer model before purchasing supplies.

Setting Up for Success

To make your gift even more special, consider offering to help with the initial setup. Modern HP printers are designed for easy installation, but first-time users may appreciate assistance connecting to WiFi networks, installing the HP app, or running initial test prints.
The HP app simplifies printer management by allowing users to print, scan, and copy from their smartphones or tablets. It also provides helpful features like ink level monitoring, printer troubleshooting, and access to printable content like coloring pages and worksheets.
Many HP printers now feature self-healing WiFi technology that automatically detects and resolves connection issues, ensuring reliable performance. This is particularly valuable for users who may not be tech-savvy or who don’t want to troubleshoot connectivity problems.

Making the Most of Modern Printing

Today’s printers offer capabilities that extend far beyond basic printing. Many models support mobile printing from iOS and Android devices, allowing users to print directly from their phones without a computer. Cloud printing integration lets users access and print documents stored in services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Voice-activated printing is another emerging feature, with some printers supporting commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This hands-free convenience is perfect for busy households or offices where multitasking is essential.
Advanced scanning features allow users to scan documents directly to email, cloud storage, or network folders. This paperless approach helps organize important documents and makes sharing information with family members or colleagues simple and efficient.

Conclusion

You can shop with confidence when you choose HP. Our teams offer world-class support, so everyone will be in good hands this season. Whether you’re shopping for a busy entrepreneur, a college student managing coursework, a family that values quality and convenience, friends who appreciate sophisticated technology, or grandparents looking to stay connected, there’s an HP printing solution that fits their needs.
From high-speed laser printers for businesses to cost-effective Smart Tank models for students, HP offers innovative printing technology for every lifestyle and budget. The printers featured in this guide represent some of the best options available, each designed to deliver reliable performance, user-friendly features, and excellent value.
When selecting a printer gift, consider not just the immediate needs but also long-term value. Look for models with features that will grow with the user, such as wireless connectivity, mobile printing support, and expandable paper capacity. These forward-thinking features ensure your gift remains useful and relevant for years to come.
Remember that a printer is more than just a device; it’s a tool that enables creativity, productivity, and connection. Students use printers to complete assignments and showcase their work. Businesses rely on them for professional communications and presentations. Families print photos that become cherished memories. By choosing the right HP printer, you’re giving a gift that truly makes a difference in someone’s daily life.
For more information on HP printing solutions and to explore the complete range of available models, visit our printer selection page. With HP’s commitment to innovation, quality, and customer support, you can trust that your gift will be appreciated and valued for years to come.

About the Author

Linsey Knerl is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Linsey is a Midwest-based author, public speaker, and member of the ASJA. She has a passion for helping consumers and small business owners do more with their resources via the latest tech solutions.

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