gift Archives

You or a loved one switched to an iPhone 15? The right and wrong chargers

OK, honesty time: I bought the new iPhone 15 Pro Max. I opened up my fancy $1,600 smartphone to realize … it was the same as the iPhone 14 Pro Max I was already using.

The big (only?) change I can spot is the charging port on the bottom. After all these years, Apple is ditching its Lightning cable for the one every other tech company uses for charging and data transfer: USB-C. Some new AirPod models are getting the same treatment.

The switch to a USB-C port spells a headache for the holidays if you have Apple fans on your list. If you want to gift someone a new charger, how do you know their iPhone will work with it? What kind of AirPods are the “right” ones now? What does “USB-C” even mean? I’ll help make your list and check it twice.

Don’t be a drain: Buy the right chargers!

While USB-C may be the sexy, new standard for the iPhone, everyone else has been using it for years, so your charging options abound.

With that said, I recommend sticking with Apple’s chargers or another very reliable brand when buying. This is also good to keep in mind if you plan to upgrade to an iPhone 15 soon. Yep, you’ll need a full charger refresh.

All iPhone 15 models (including the 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, etc.)

A new iPhone 15 has a USB-C cable but does not come with a charger. If you’re buying additional iPhone 15 cables, they’ve got to be USB-C.
It requires a USB-C charger with at least 20W for the best results. USB-C is smaller and rounder than USB-A, which is blockish.
Qi-standard wireless chargers will work with the iPhone 15 just fine, no matter their connections.
If you see a lightning-bolt icon, that represents Thunderbolt compatibility, a different kind of data standard that works with USB-C (and is not super important in this case).

All iPhone 14 models and earlier models

All older iPhones require Lightning cables, which typically end in a USB connector for a compatible charger, which can be USB-A or USB-C.
Lightning cable connectors are smaller and thinner than USB-C, and don’t have any icons.
Lightning cable connectors are easy to spot because they have clear pin markings on the outside of the connector.
Only Apple makes legitimate Lightning cables and chargers, no other brands.
Again, Qi-standard wireless chargers work fine with all these phones as long as they support wireless charging.

The good news is that USB-C has already come to iPad Pros, MacBooks and other devices, so it should be pretty familiar territory for your gift recipient if you just want to ask them for a handy Christmas list.

Don’t be that person …

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Privacy tip: How to wipe what you searched for in your browser and on social media

If you share a computer with others in your household, keeping a surprise vacation or gift a secret can be challenging. Saved searches, in particular, can rat you out.

After all, if your web browser defaults to Expedia every time someone types in an “E,” your plans will be found out. Are you traveling soon? Tap or click here for some travel safety tips. Plus, saved searches eat up memory on your hard drive.

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It’s a deal today

Yep, I’m still scouring the early Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sales. Hit this link if you want to see ‘em all.

Kasa smart light switches for less than $13, dang.
Gift yourself a snazzy, new iPad for under $200.
The Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet is only $60!
Ring video doorbells have HD video and are easy to install. Plus, right now, they’re as cheap as they get, at $60.
Electric lighters are the best. Only $7? Heck, yeah! I’m never going back to one that takes lighter fluid.
Pillow slippers are so comfy around the house and 43% off now.
A stone bath mat absorbs water without getting slippery. Uh, 90% off? Now’s the time.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

💳 Turning dollars into sense: Consolidate leftover gift cards with just a little bit of cash remaining on them using Amazon. Go to Account > Gift Cards > Purchase a Gift Card in the total of your remaining balance and send that electronic gift card to yourself. Now you can spend it. Easy‑peasy.

Get cash for your broken gadgets

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Got old gadgets just collecting dust? You can turn them into Amazon gift cards, and the best part — they don’t even have to work!

🧱 Keep calm and Lego on: Lego wanted to ditch paper instructions and go all digital, hoping to play their part in building a sustainable future. Fans said, “No way,” so paper instructions aren’t going anywhere … for now. Gift idea: If you haven’t seen the Lego sets for adults, these are amazing. I gifted some last year and everyone loved them.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

For the dad who DIYs

More sweet Father’s Day ideas … or handy stuff to get for yourself!

A magnetic wristband ($9.99) for holding nails, screws and bolts while he’s working. You know … dad jewelry.
Even the dad with the most kitted-out toolbox probably doesn’t have a damaged-screw extractor set ($9.99). Don’t forget to click on the coupon for an additional 20% off.
This universal socket adapter for his drill has nearly 20,000 five-star reviews, and it’s 10% off ($8.99).
If he’s ever smashed his thumb hammering a nail, this nail-holder ($9.99) will be a very thoughtful gift, as well as a nice little callback joke to the time he smashed his thumb hammering a nail.
A multitool ($11.99) that’s a screwdriver, hex wrench, cord cutter, ruler, box opener, bottle opener and a keychain. Phew!

Sometimes, a guy just needs a very good utility knife (50% off, $12.98).

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

💔 So very sad: A 73-year-old New Jersey woman lost over $50,000 in a romance scam. A man named “Henry” on Facebook wooed her. All she had to do was send him money and gift cards for travel, which he promised to give back and more. When her son found out, the money was gone. A detective confirmed the transfers went to Nigeria.

Check this recall: If you have an old Frigidaire or Kenmore electric range, it may be a fire and burn hazard. Full list of impacted models here. You’ll need your serial number, so open the bottom drawer and check the inside of the frame. Call Electrolux at 888-845-8226. You might get a free repair or a $50 gift card.

Quick Amazon privacy fix: Remove items from your browsing history to avoid revealing your gift ideas or embarrassing purchases. Hover your cursor over Account & Lists and click on Browsing History. For each item you want to hide, tap Remove from view.

Hackers’ new target: They’re tricking retail employees to get into their work accounts. Why? To make gift cards to use in stores and online. Stay safe, employers: Tell your team to avoid clicking random links, and make sure your antivirus software is up to date.

Amazon’s secret 25% discount: Send your old tech to Amazon through its Trade-in Program, and get a gift card for the value. Bonus: You’ll get an extra 20% off if you’re upgrading to a new Amazon device, like an Echo or Kindle.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

“Hi, sorry to bother. Do you shop through Amazon?” It’s a scam email, and it keeps ending up in Content Queen Allie’s inbox. If you respond, some jerk will try to convince you they have Amazon gift cards they’ll trade for cash. Hit “spam” and move on.

Shop on Amazon? It might be worth signing up for the Amazon Visa. You get 3% back on Amazon purchases (and lots more), plus a bunch of travel perks and a $50 gift card if you’re approved. My rule of thumb: Only put it on a card if you can pay it off at the end of the month.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Make your own custom T-shirts: Print photos, designs, logos — you name it — on special heat-transfer paper (50% off today). Then, place the image on a shirt using an iron, and just like that, you have a special gift!

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

It started off with a gift: Kids are renting out their spare computer power to AI companies. Not a hard sell, when they’re offering Fortnite skins and Roblox gift cards. Here’s what your kid won’t realize: Their machine is being used to create AI porn, and they’re automatically opted in. Make sure none of the computers in your home are signed up to sites like Salad.

Longest phone cables you can buy

Extra-long phone cables live in the tiny overlap of things that make both a hilarious gag gift and something the recipient will use and appreciate every single day.

Longest Lightning cable: For all pre-iPhone 15 models. Pick an outlet in the kitchen, then walk your phone way over to the couch with this 26-foot nylon-braided Lightning cable. Right now, it’s $18.99 with the 5% off coupon.
Longest USB-C cable: With 20 feet of braided nylon, you can plug in your charger next to your bed and bring your phone out to the balcony to FaceTime. After clicking the 5% off coupon, it’s just $14.99.
Longest multiport cable: For $15.50, divided households (iPhone and Android) that can make do with just a 10-foot stretch should get this cable, which has three charging options: Lightning port, USB-C and micro-USB.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Magnetic deals

There’s something about these products — they have a pull on me.

These magnets will hold anything on your fridge, even wedding invitations on thick paper stock.
Slightly less powerful but much cuter fridge magnets in fun colors.
For iPhones with MagSafe, a combination magnetic cardholder and phone stand.
Turn anything into a magnet with this tape.
Magnetic tiles are so cool and a great gift for just about anyone. Heck, I want some.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Look out for this new gift card scam

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Heads up, last-minute gift-givers! Be wary of a widespread scam when picking up gift cards this season.

Don't let your Amazon Echo ruin Christmas

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Gift snoops know where to go to find their presents — straight to Alexa.