Stocking stuffer gadgets under $100
Some of the best tech gifts of the year come in small packages, and with fairly small price tags to boot.
Here are some great stocking-stuffer gadgets and tech toys that work perfectly as add-on bonuses, or even as presents for peoplewho might not be expecting them.
• One keyboard for all
Technology is supposed to make our lives easier, right? Well, according to a recent survey, some 65% of us are distracted by messages from one device when using another. A message here, a Facebook post there, and if you're planning on getting any actual work done on a computer while all this is going on — you're pretty much out of luck.
Logitech's K480 multi-device keyboard ($50) is like a magic wand that brings them all together and lets you tap away at a single set of keys for up to three different devices. That means your tablet, smartphone and computer can all get the attention they deserve. It also works with all platforms, so it doesn't really matter if you have an Android phone, iPad, PC, this one gadget lets them all play together in the synched-up sandbox.
• Sticky selfies
There's no stopping the selfie craze, and if you can't beat them you might as well give your selfie-snapping friends something that will make them look even more obnoxious while they're mugging in public. The Selfie Stick ($29) lets photo addicts extend their reach and capture as many people as possible in their Facebook-bound photos.
• Big sound, tiny package
The Kinivo ZX100 Mini Portable Speaker ( $30 ) is another tiny gadget, but this one can belt out some seriously huge sound. You can use it just about anywhere to blast your music with deep bass, clarity, and 360-degree sound. The cord is built in so there's no way to lose it, and the battery keeps the tunes flowing for an impressive six hours.
• Light up your life
There's no excuse for sending a poorly lit selfie when you have a LuMee case (starting at $39). These cases come with built-in LEDs that light up the night with the push of a button. Use it as a flashlight or simply a tool to help take the perfect Facebook photo. Toss it in a stocking and brighten someone's holiday!
• Cast away
Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, Pandora, HBO Go, and Google Music to any ole HDTV. Google's Chromecast delivers stunning HD content all from a gadget no bigger than your average USB drive. Just pair it with an app on your smartphone or computer then sit back and enjoy — all for $35.
• Selfie Brush
A mirror, hair brush and iPhone holder in one? That's the Selfie Brush ($15), and there's a good chance you know someone who would absolutely love it. You know the type — the ones who spend an hour in front of the mirror just to snap a selfie. It's a simple, super cheap way to put a smile on their face — just don't be surprised when you start getting Snapchat messages every five minutes.
• Digital content, to go!
The SanDisk Connect Wireless Media Drive ( $80 ) is the perfect, portable, pocket-sized entertainment device. This little wonder creates its own Wi-Fi signal that can be connected to up to five different devices at a time, so you can stream high-def movies, photos and music to tablets, smartphones, and computers you've brought along for the ride. You can also save and share photos, and since the battery lasts up to eight hours on a single charge you can use it for your trip to wherever the holidays take you.
• Modal light-up charger
Of all the phone accessories you have, I'm going to bet that your charging cord is the most boring. But it's just a cord — there's nothing you can really do to make it cool, right? Wrong! Modal's lighted charging cable ($15) is lined with super bright LEDs that light up to show you the charging status of your phone, and it happens to look pretty neat, too. It's a master of form and function, and it puts just about every other charging cord to shame.
• Instagram jewelry
Have a friend who can't get enough of Instagram culture? We all do. Let them know it's time to string a #nofilter necklace on and let the world know they've come as they are, or maybe a #selfie pendant to show they spend a little too much time taking snapshots of their own mug. These necklaces ($25) are cheap and hilarious, which is a great combination for a stocking stuffer.
• Une Bobine
Nobody wants a limp charging cord, and the Une Bobine ($35) is the cure. It's a flexible, coiled charging cable that will keep whatever shape you give it. Curve it up and around your car dashboard, around the edge of your nightstand, or stand it up on your desk so you can spot new messages the second they pop up.
• Tile
You might assume I have a ton of gadgets — and you'd be right — but if you think I can keep track of where I actually put half of these crazy gizmos you'd be quite mistaken. That's why I love Tile ($25). Tile is a tiny locator beacon that can be found with the Tile app on your smartphone, and you can stick it on absolutely anything. Keys, phone, purse, tablet, you name it, and you can find it with Tile.
• PureGear retro case
I love Candy Crush Saga as much as the next person, but nothing quite compares to the simple, non-digital games of yesteryear. That's why I absolutely love PureGear's retro-game smartphone cases ($29). Aside from being a super-protective extra skin for your iPhone, each case has a old-school maze game built right into the back. It's an awesome twist on the whole idea of a case, and it's a great gift idea.
• Recoil Cord Winder
Between picking up wrapping paper, finding batteries, and keeping the tree in the living room from bursting into flames, the last thing anyone wants to worry about during the holidays is winding cords. The Recoil Cord Winder (starting at $6) does exactly what its name suggests, and it makes toting your charging cables, headphones and any other wires you have a total breeze. No tangles, no knots, no hassle.
Jennifer Jolly is an Emmy Award-winning consumer tech contributor and host of USA TODAY's digital video show TECH NOW. E-mail her at techcomments@usatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter @JenniferJolly.