27 tech and geeky gifts under $20
Who else has a hard time sticking to a budget during the holidays? It seems like the costs rack up before you know it — no matter how hard you try.
The problem is that most new tech gadgets come with a high price tag. If you have a few on your list, the cost can add up quickly.
Luckily, we’re here to help you out with your holiday budgeting needs. There are plenty of tech gifts on this list, and none of them will cost you more than $20. From cute cell phone stands to sleep headphones, these geeky gifts are the perfect way to fill stockings, stuff boxes and give gifts to your loved ones, all without breaking the bank.
1. Surprise your tech lovers
Looking for a gift for tech lovers? This simple yet functional phone holder is a great choice for any tech addict. Made out of natural bamboo, it is light and rigid enough to support your phone while working, watching videos or chatting on FaceTime. It’s cute, too!
Promising review: “On a whim, I decided to get some funny/silly phone holders since we are all face timing and zooming so much these days. I thought this guy was very cute and his sturdy kick holds my phone just right for video chats! Simple assembly. I should add that I have an iPhone 8 with a protective case and it fits fine in the groove.”
2. Have an Instant Pot fanatic on your list?
Instant Pots are all the rage — and for good reason. They’re super simple to use and make cooking a breeze. If you’ve got an Instant Pot fan on your list, grab these rubber Instant Pot Mitts. This gift is comfortable, useful and will keep burns at bay.
Promising review: “It seemed a bit silly to get “Instant Pot” mitts when I have other silicone ones I use for the oven, but these are fantastic for removing the inner pot from the Instant Pot – my regular silicone ones are thicker and just won’t fit under the inner pot rim like these do. I can get a good grip and not worry about dropping the pot. Because they are thinner I don’t use them for the oven, but for the Instant Pot, these are perfect.”
3. Tired of juggling your iPad?
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Tech freebies: How to get free stuff
Why spend extra money on tech when there are plenty of freebies to go around? If you know where to look, you can get streaming services, cloud storage and even gadgets without paying a dime.
A warning before you go looking on your own: Scammers will frequently use promises of free subscriptions or products to trick you into downloading malware or giving up personal info. Tap or click here to see a free Netflix offer that turned out to be a scam.
21 tech gifts you should grab now before they sell out
Picking out the big gifts for your friends and family is pretty easy. You can just hone in on what they like, pick a price range and then find the perfect item or two. It can be much tougher to find the good stuff for stockings, however. Need help finding gifts this year? The holiday deals are already here on Amazon.
Host the perfect movie night: All the tech and fun extras you need
If you want to immerse yourself in cinema right now, you can host a movie night at home. All you need are a few tech gadgets and fun extras to create the perfect setup.
If you’re a Mac fan who wants to stream films on movie night, Apple’s streaming device is one of the better options out there. Apple TV doesn’t get as much love as the other streaming devices, but the features it offers are awesome.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Add monitors and other tech to your laptop with one of these docking stations
There are a ton of reasons laptops are worth the money you shell out for them. For starters, you get the portability of a tablet with the power of a computer, all rolled into one compact device.
As useful as laptops are, there are some downsides to these portable machines — like the fact that most are generally short on real estate when it comes to extra ports or screen space.
20 problem-solving gadgets that'll help make your tech troubles disappear
When was the last time your phone died while you were running errands? Have you shattered any phone screens lately? These common issues pop up for all of us, at least every once in a while. The thing is, they don’t have to be problems at all. There are some easy ways to keep your phone from dying or your screen from shattering into hundreds of tiny pieces, but it’s tough to know what they are.
20 clever tech gadgets you're going to want right now
Several new tech items have caught my eye in recent weeks. I’ve come across gadgets that can take my entertainment and streaming to the next level and tech that can increase my work-from-home productivity without a huge investment.
10 best soundbars to improve your home theater on any budget
Building a home theater is pretty easy, but for a truly theatrical experience, you need great sound on top of great visuals.
Soundbars are an excellent option to get that great quality, as they can improve the sound on any TV or projector. They’re also much more affordable than getting speakers, subwoofers, or separate A/V receivers for your home theater.
Tech freebies: 15 upgrades you get for free
You’ve spent so much money already — on a laptop, tablet, computer, router, network extender, printer, and smartphone. You’ve signed up for the internet, and you’re paying monthly fees. You’ll be relieved to know that a lot of tech is free.
Bluetooth speakers for your phone that won't listen in
It’s the end of the day, and you want nothing more than to kick back and relax. You whip out your phone, turn on your Bluetooth speakers and start playing your favorite tunes in crystal-clear HD sound. Everything is working fine and dandy when all of a sudden your music is interrupted because you said something that sounded like “Alexa.” What gives?
5 smart thermostats to save you money this summer
For those of us who prefer to keep it cool indoors, technology is the best way to beat the heat. Whether it’s a high-end fan or freezable clothing pads, these summer gadgets will let you have it made in the shade. Tap or click here to see our favorite picks for cooling tech.
Smart locks and knobs that make it easy to keep your home germ-free
Every time you open your door, you leave behind a trail of microbes like bacteria that linger there until you clean it. And doorknobs are an easy way for a virus to make its way into your home.
As a result, people are obsessively cleaning anything that comes within six feet of their bodies. But as demand for cleaning products goes up, shortages of cleaning supplies are bound to happen.
5 best surge protectors to buy to protect your tech
It’s safe to assume most everyone has some high-priced tech around the house. From your smartphones and tablets to your big-screen TVs and surround sound systems, it can all cost a small fortune.
But, what steps are you taking to protect your investments? Some people don’t even consider the possibility of an electrical surge before it’s too late and their equipment gets zapped and no longer works.
Add peace of mind to your trips with these amazing dashcam deals
Accountability is everything when it comes to driving. That’s the reason cars come equipped with mirrors, turn signals and other non-verbal ways to communicate with other drivers.
But when an accident occurs, it’s your word versus the other person’s. Your insurance can mediate between both parties, but in a complicated crash, it ultimately becomes a game of he-said-she-said. Tap or click here to see how Google’s new app can detect car crashes and call 911.
10 headphones sure to make your favorite playlists and podcasts sound better
If you find yourself in the market for a new pair of headphones, you’ll probably notice there are options — a lot of them. From wired to wireless, over-the-ear to earbuds and other features like noise-canceling to take into account, choosing the pair that’s right for you can become a challenge.
11 household tech gadgets on Amazon you'll use over and over
Technology advances so fast these days; if you don’t pay attention you’ll get left behind. And it’s not just those $1,000 smartphones that are breaking ground, either.
Automobiles, smartwatches, Internet of Things (IoT) and appliances are just a few things to keep your eye on.
5 best LED bulbs that are worth the money
Your home has never looked so bright and beautiful. That’s because modern light bulbs are bright, clear, energy-efficient and smart.
It’s easier now than ever to dim your lights and control them from your smartphone or with your voice. These days, light bulbs truly transform your house into an inviting, beautiful home.
How to buy and install an HD antenna for free TV
Cable TV prices have skyrocketed over the years with many people feeling forced to pay outrageous prices to get live programming and specialty channels.
But times have changed dramatically and now many are asking, have you cut the cable TV cord yet?
5 reasons your next light bulbs should really be smart bulbs
Smart home devices are fundamentally changing the way we live. With connected appliances, the dream of controlling every single aspect of our homes with a virtual butler is fast becoming a reality. Simply put, science fiction is turning into science fact. That Jetsons lifestyle we’ve all been dreaming about is finally coming true!
5 gadgets to make you feel at home in your RV
RVs are awesome. They provide a mini (sometimes not so mini) house on wheels for us to enjoy while we travel. They give us a place to sleep, eat, shower and stretch our legs. What’s better than that?
The only thing that makes a house on wheels better is when it feels like a home. Since you can’t take all of your favorite items with you, we’ve made a list of gadgets that we think will improve the overall hominess of your RV. From practical to cozy, here are five gadgets that will make you feel right at home.