Gadget Gift Guide: Tech Stocking Stuffers
So we've recommended a few expensive items over the last couple of weeks. But it turns out, great tech gifts don't have to break the bank. For anyone on a budget, these high-tech stocking stuffers are sure to delight.
Digits by Quirky
These conductive pins are a great (and cheap!) way to convert ordinary winter gloves into touchscreen-capable gloves. Pin them to the underside of your glove's fingers and then attach the screw-on backing. Once they're in place, tap, text and type away on your smartphone screen without ever having to remove your gloves. ($12, Quirky)
Gizmon iCA Remote Shutter
Gizmon iCA's remote shutter lets you take iPhone photos with none of blurriness caused by hand shake. Insert the headphone jack into your iPhone and snap a picture by pressing the button on top of the remote shutter, which looks like an old-school roll of film. It's a cute and easy way to cut down on those fuzzy photos. The remote shutter also works with the 2 nd and 3 rd generation iPad and the iPod Touch. ($23, Gizmon)
Native Union Retro POP phone
You've probably seen these handsets and felt they were too silly to buy, but that's what makes Native Union's Retro Pop phones so much fun to give and receive. They come in a rainbow of colors and help cut down on your exposure to cellphone radiation. What's more, the handsets can be used with your computer or tablet. ($30, Native Union)
Kikkerland Grass Charging Station
Somewhere in your house, there probably lives a jumbled mess of cords from smartphones, mp3 players and other devices that need daily charging. With the Kikkerland grass charging station, you can camouflage the chaos with a cheery patch of grass. Thread your various cords through the grass and attach everything to a power outlet or surge protector. Out of sight, out of mind. The best part? This piece of greenery never needs watering. ($25, Kikkerland)
Mophie Juice Pack Reserve Micro
Finding yourself stuck with a dead phone while you're out and about is never fun. Mophie's handy keychain charger lets you charge your phone on the go, whether there's an electrical outlet or not. It provides a 30% charge, which will get you through in a pinch. ($39, Mophie)
Anker SlimTalk External Battery
For a full charge, check out the Anker SlimTalk. Like Mophie's Juice Pack Reserve Micro, the external battery is charged through your computer's USB connection. Once charged, it's superconvenient to throw in your bag or car's glove compartment, to use whenever your phone or device needs a boost. ($25, Anker)
Roku LT Box
The Roku LT Box transforms your ordinary TV into a web-connected one, adding online channels like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and Hulu Plus via Wi-Fi. Instantly stream videos, movies, music and much more. The movie buff or TV fan in your life will definitely appreciate this one. ($49, Roku)
Audio Technica ATH-M30 headphones
Apologies to Dr. Dre, but good headphones don't have to cost hundreds of dollars. For the music lover, Audio Technica's headsets are a major upgrade to those white earbuds and provide quality sound at a price that's easy on the wallet. ($55, Audio Technica)
FitBit Zip Wireless Activity Tracker
Perfect for the health-conscious family member. The FitBit Zip tracks your steps, distance, calories burned and wirelessly syncs all the information to your computer, phone or tablet so you can keep tabs on your progress. It's that extra kick in the pants you'll need to get moving. ($59, FitBit)
Check out our Holiday Gadget Guides.