With the first snow of the season in the rearview mirror, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday trending on Twitter, you know it's that time of year again: holiday shopping season. Once again, high-tech gifts - the shiniest of shiny new objects -- are in high demand. And once again, with hundreds of products claiming to be the "next big thing" or the "hottest gift this Christmas," making an informed gift choice can be confusing.

That means it's time for our guide to help you choose those high-tech gifts. But this is a slightly different approach than you might be accustomed to. Rather than flashy eye candy, Kiplinger is focused on value. Not just price, but other factors like performance, durability, quality and ease of use. I've been reviewing high-tech products for over a decade for outlets including Wired, GeekDad and Forbes, and this guide combines my hands-on experience with Kiplinger's approach.

I've put together 19 choices for high-tech gifts -- ranging in price from $25 to $700 -- that represent a great value for both you the giver, and the person who's lucky enough to receive them. Take a look.

Best Value in Snowblowers

Courtesy: Ryobi

Our Pick: Ryobi RY40860 Cordless Snowblower

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $499.99

The holiday shopping season coincides with winter weather, and, in much of the country, that means snow.

Traditional gas-powered snowblowers are big, noisy, polluting, and expensive. They require regular maintenance, and you have to keep a supply of gasoline on hand.

Ryobi has built a great reputation for battery-powered tools, including lawnmowers and snowblowers. The Ryobi RY40860 is equipped with a steel auger and a brushless electric motor powered by a pair of rechargeable 40V lithium-ion batteries (the same ones used by its most powerful cordless lawnmowers). It can tear through up to 13 inches of snow in a 21-inch-wide path, throwing it up to 35 feet away. What's not to like -- instant on, no gas, no oil, no pollution, low noise, a five-year warranty, and it folds up for compact storage.

Best Value in Tracking Devices

Courtesy: Tile

Our Pick: Tile Trackers

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: Starts at $24.99

Bluetooth trackers make an excellent gift for someone who is always misplacing their stuff -- wallet,