If you’re on a particularly tight budget this year or looking for stocking stuffers for special loved ones, these tech gifts are fall under $75. In fact, some are even less than $20. These are suitable options for plenty of people on your list, from teens to adults and seniors.
Majority Atlas Portable Soundbar
Sure, you can use a standard vertical, rectangular or circular portable Bluetooth speaker. But what about a cool one that employs a soundbar design? The Majority Atlas portable soundbar is just US$33 and it looks like a super adorable miniature soundbar, pefect for your home office desk, games room, or even to take with you. It offers up to eight hours of playback per charge and comes in a slim design that’s easy to fit on a desk or even pop into your backpack to use on the go. Set up a projector outside in the backyard and pair it to this soundbar for enhanced audio. It comes equipped with 2.2-inch full-range 20-watt stereo speakers. Connect to source devices wirelessly via Bluetooth or use the Aux input, USB port, or microSD card slot. There are buttons on the top to control playback, including play, pause, skip, or select mode. It’s a fun alternative to the traditionally styled portable Bluetooth speaker.
Satechi Vegan-Leather Magnetic Wallet Stand
The Satechi vegan-leather magnetic wallet stand is compatible with any MagSafe-enabled iPhone, from the iPhone 12 and up to the latest iPhone 15. It secures using a strong and reliable attachment that prevents the wallet from falling off the device. It can be used to carry credit cards, IDs, and cash. The functional double-flap design of the wallet allows you to carry up to four cards at once, with a cut-out specifically made to show an ID. Additionally, the slim wallet permits NFC pass-through from the front pocket so you can easily ‘Tap to Pay’ without taking out a credit/debit card. The Wallet Stand doubles as a kickstand, allowing you to make video calls, take photos, stream videos, and more hands-free. Prop the phone up in both portrait and landscape mode. It comes in four colours (brown, navy blue, orange, and black) and another three that are available exclusively through Apple.com: Forest green, purple, and blue. It’s US$40.
House of Marley Little Bird True Wireless Earbuds
At just US$40, the House of Marley Little Bird true wireless earbuds are, like other products in the House of Marley line, designed to honour the late Bob Marley’s commitment to both music and the planet. Thus, they are made from sustainable materials, including bamboo, House of Marley’s signature blend of Regrind natural wood fibre, mica composites, and recycled plastics. They run for up to six hours per charge, 24 using the included charging case. Quick charge technology means you can get another two hours boost after just 15 minutes of charging. They charge using USB-C and on the buds are touch controls for adjusting volume, play/pause, and track skipping. There’s also an audible alert that advises when one of these changes has been made. Use the buds to answer and make hands-free calls as well. They come with a built-in mic for clear audio, along with a special mode for watching movies or playing games. They include Bluetooth 5.3, 10mm Hi definition drivers, and come with small, medium, and large colour-coded ear gels.
Apple AirTag
The perfect gift for the forgetful or scatterbrained person, an Apple AirTag starts at just $39. With a keychain holder (you’ll have to buy one separately, but you can find affordable ones for under $10), they can attach this to their keys, put it in their backpack or wallet, or use it with any valuable item to keep track of its location. Follow it with the Find My app on iPhone, iPad, or Mac, even play a sound to locate the item if it just fell between the couch cushions or you left it in a jacket pocket and forgot. Precision Finding means they’ll be led right to the missing item if it’s nearby. If not, the network of Apple users will help you find an item, even when out of range of your phone. Someone can even contact you without knowing your personal details to let you know they found your missing keys or gym bag. If you walk away and leave the item behind, like your glasses case or wallet, you’ll get a notification on your phone. AirTags can be invaluable, and once they have one and realize its benefits, they’ll likely go buy a few more.
Smartish Crown Joule USB-A to Universal Cable
This might not be as big a deal for those with the latest iPhones and Apple AirPods since the brand has switched to USB-C. But if you’re still hanging on to Apple devices with a Lightning connector, which includes everything from iPhone 14 prior, the handy Smartish Crown Joule universal cable will be a Godsend. It’s a six-foot cable that comes with a USB-A charger on one end, and a 3-in-1 piece on the other with USB-C, Lightning, and micro-USB. It’s reinforced and wrapped in fabric so it won’t tangle and can withstand being thrown into your carry-on bag. And it’s Apple MFi-certified. Imagine bringing along a single cable and being able to charge your phone, earbuds, headphones, digital camera, and more without having to swap. It comes in four cool colours so you can choose a lighter, pastel colour so it’s easy to find when you’re fishing around at the bottom of your bag. The best part? It’s only US$28.
1More PistonBuds Pro Q30 TWS ANC Earbuds
With the price conversion to Canadian dollars, the US$50 1More PistonBuds Pro Q30 TWS ANC earbuds will be right near the budget. They feature QuietMax ANC technology, which the company says offers a wider frequency range to eliminate ambient noise more clearly. They have a 10mm diamond-like-carbon (DLC) dynamic driver and work with the 1More Music app, which includes a Spatial Audio feature for a 360-degree listening environment is available when used with compatible audio sources and devices. There are different listening modes so they can adapt to your surroundings. Activate Transparency Mode allows you to engage in conversations, hear important announcements, or remain aware of surroundings. Wind Noise Resistance (WNR) mode mitigates wind-induced microphonics, while Adaptive mode automatically adjusts to suppress unwanted background noise. Get up to 30 hours of battery life, with up to 7.5 hours of playback on a single charge with ANC off and a total of 30 hours with the included charging case. Charge the buds for 10 minutes to get an extra two hours of playback. Enjoy the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology, ensuring minimal transmission delays for uninterrupted enjoyment of music. Gamers, meanwhile, will appreciate the low-latency Gaming Mode, which ensures audio-visual synchronization for a more immersive gaming experience. The buds are IPX5 water and sweat resistant. They come equipped with six built-in microphones and an AI-enabled algorithm that work in tandem to filter out ambient noise and ensure that your voice remains front and centre during phone calls.
Skullcandy Acid Snow Camo Kilo Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
The Skullcandy Acid Snow Camo Kilo wireless Bluetooth speaker ($70) can run for up to 24 hours per charge. It’s IPX7 waterproof, so it can be immersed in down to three feet of water for up to 30 minutes. The acoustically transparent waterproof fabric mesh is engineered to maximize the passthrough of high frequency audio waves, keeping the speaker’s sound bright and clear. It’s also rugged, able to withstand the elements. Clip it to a backpack, belt, bag, or other items using the included aluminum anodized carabiner and the built-in nylon strap. It affords wireless Bluetooth 5.3 streaming for stable transmission, true wireless stereo by connecting two together, and impressive bass thanks to the downward firing passive radiator. With USB-CT input charging, it charges quickly and reliably as well.
Gadget Guard Tech-Clean Screen Cleaner
Even though the worst of COVID-19 is behind us, it’s still important to keep our devices clean and free of germs and bacteria. A smartphone you take with you everywhere and use 24/7 can have one of the dirtiest surfaces you touch by the end of the day. A great stocking stuffer, the Gadget Guard Tech-Clean screen cleaner comes in a 2-ounce bottle for US$15. Purporting to kill the COVID-19 virus from the screens of your electronic devices, it is an EPA registered, tech-specific spray. Gadget Guard says it can kill 99.9% of germs and viruses.
Pair it with the US$20 Premium Antimicrobial polishing cloth. It’s 6 x 6 inches in size and made of micro-suede. It will help remove dirt, fingerprints, and smudges from just about any screen, from your smartphone to smartwatch, laptop, car screen, TV, and more. Also EPA-registered, it is designed to kill or slow the spread of micro-organisms, like bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew.
Atom Studio iPhone Split Silicone Case
Available for a number of iPhone models including the iPhone 15 Plus, the Atom Studio Split silicone case (US$60) stands out because it’s made from eco-friendly materials. Available in two colours, it features both tough aluminum and soft touch silicone to provide both protection and a sleek look. It offers 10-foot drop protection and has a 1mm raised edge that ensures the screen and camera are protected, too. It’s MagSafe compatible and secure with 50% larger magnets and works with Apple Pay as well. The inside is lined with ultra-soft microfibre. It’s a simple, understated, slim design that offers maximum protection.
Gutter Sense Gutter Cleaning Tool
It’s not exactly a glamorous gift, but it is a useful one. Created by a family-owned business in the U.S., the Gutter Sense tool is just $35 (it’ll cost about $60 with flat rate shipping to Canada) but it can make the difference between a frustrating gutter cleaning experience and a simple one. Made entirely in the U.S., the device is a lightweight, easy to use gutter cleaning tool that allows you to do it safely and conveniently from the ground. You don’t need to climb ladders at all. It fits onto a standard extension pole (not included) and has a 14-inch grasp. The tool can clear everything from leaves to pine needles and muck in one swoop. The angled tongs allow for easy access. For an elderly person or family member you know has trouble with this process, the tool will be one they’ll actually enjoy trying out. Keep in mind that they will need an extension pole of the proper length to use with it: a 12-20-foot pole is recommended, and you should be able to find one at any local hardware or paint store. It’s a good idea to grab one as well to go with this gift: just plan for a red bow versus gift wrap!
Targus Spruce EcoSmart 15.6-inch Backpack
I have long been on the hunt to replace my old backpack. I love it but I have had it for more than a decade. But my needs are very specific. It needs to be stylish and compact yet have different compartments, including a dedicated laptop compartment and a front zipper pocket. It needs to have a water bottle holder. The only wish list item I have for my existing backpack is trolley straps. I may have found one that fits the bill, however, in the Targus Spruce EcoSmart 15.6-inch backpack. You’ll have to go a smidge over budget since it sells for $94 in Canada, but you might be able to find it on sale. Made from 100% recycled PET polyester and PVC-free material, it has the trolley pass-through and quick access pockets I love. It’s not as stylish and feminine as the backpack I own, but it’s designed for a comfortable fit. I love the colourful green interior as well that makes it easier to see items inside.
Gift Card
When all else fails, consider a gift card for the person’s favourite store, subscription, or e-commerce site where they like to shop. Try to go local with an independent retailer (yes, many of them do offer gift cards or at least gift certificates) or consider a gift card for a place like Best Buy or Apple where they can purchase the latest tech or put the money towards a bigger purchase. Gift cards are sometimes considered impersonal, but the truth is that people appreciate these more than a gift they won’t use. You can wrap it up in a nice box so they still have something to unwrap or include it with a thoughtful greeting card with your own personal message.