Best Privacy & Security Gifts for 2026

Why Privacy Tools Make Great Gifts

In an age where data breaches make headlines weekly and online privacy feels increasingly rare, giving someone a VPN or security tool is more thoughtful than ever. It's a gift that says "I care about your safety" while providing real, daily value.

Unlike physical gifts that might collect dust, a VPN subscription gets used every day—whether someone is working from a coffee shop, traveling abroad, or just wanting to keep their browsing private at home.

1. NordVPN - Best Overall Privacy Gift

Why it's great for gifting: NordVPN is the most recognized name in VPNs, which matters when you're giving a gift. The recipient will immediately understand what they're getting, and NordVPN's reputation means they'll trust using it.

What We Like

• Easy setup: Works on nearly every device with simple one-click connection
• Fast speeds: 5,000+ servers worldwide, consistently fast performance
• 6 simultaneous connections: Cover all their devices or share with family
• Trusted brand: 15+ million users, headquartered in Panama (strong privacy laws)
• Instant delivery: They get an email with setup instructions immediately

What to Consider

• 2-year commitment for best pricing (but best value)
• Monthly plan is expensive if they want to try before committing

Best For

Anyone who values privacy, travels frequently, works remotely, or streams content from different regions. It's especially great for people who aren't tech-savvy—NordVPN is famously easy to use.

2. Surfshark - Best Value Privacy Gift

Why it's great for gifting: If you're on a budget or want to give VPN protection to multiple family members, Surfshark offers the best value. Unlimited device connections mean one subscription can protect everyone.

What We Like

• Unlimited devices: One subscription covers every device in the household
• Excellent price: Often 80%+ off retail, incredible value
• Modern features: CleanWeb blocks ads and malware automatically
• Growing reputation: Newer but rapidly becoming a favorite

What to Consider

• Smaller server network than NordVPN (3,200+ vs 5,500+)
• Less name recognition (though this is changing)

Best For

Families, budget-conscious recipients, or tech enthusiasts who appreciate getting more for less. The unlimited devices feature makes it perfect for gifting to households.

How to Gift a VPN Subscription

Gifting a VPN is simple:

1. Purchase the plan using your own email/payment method
2. Look for "Gift" options during checkout—most VPNs offer this
3. Enter the recipient's email for delivery
4. They receive setup instructions and can activate immediately

Pro tip: Include a note explaining why you chose this gift. Something like "I know you travel a lot for work—this will keep your data safe on hotel WiFi" makes it more personal.

Who Should You Gift Privacy Tools To?

• Remote workers: Anyone working from coffee shops or co-working spaces
• Travelers: People who frequently connect to public WiFi
• Privacy-conscious friends: Those who've mentioned concerns about online tracking
• Streamers: Anyone who wants access to content from other regions
• Parents: Help them protect their home network and kids' devices
• Students: Affordable protection while on campus networks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I gift a VPN to someone in another country?

Yes! Both NordVPN and Surfshark work globally. The recipient just needs internet access and an email address to activate the gift.

What if they already have a VPN?

Most VPN subscriptions can be stacked or started after an existing subscription ends. Check with the provider's support if you're unsure.

Is a 2-year commitment too long for a gift?

The 2-year plans offer the best value, and VPNs are something people use daily once they start. It's like gifting a gym membership—the longer term encourages actual use.