From your children’s teachers to your ride-or-die co-worker, the holidays are the perfect time to show your appreciation for the people who go above and beyond for you all year long. But in this economy, treating everyone to a gift might be a stretch. I get it, so I created this list of tech gifts under $30.
For me, $30 is the sweet spot for holiday gifts that say thank you. You don’t have to spend more – if you shop smart. And I’m here to help. I’ve written thousands (yes, thousands) of gift guides, and in my large extended family it’s always someone’s birthday. Suffice it to say, budget-friendly gift shopping has become my hobby.
Do you want to test me? Check out the picks below.
Affordable tech gifts that get a lot of use
These aren’t audiophile headphones, but they get the job done—and do it well. All are affordable, recognizable and ready out of the box.
In-Ear Wired Earbuds
Philips Wired Headphones USB-C
The Philips USB-C wired headphones are my ultra-budget choice. No battery to die, no app, no pairing. They plug directly into the USB-C port on an iPhone 15 or later, an Android phone, a tablet or a laptop. Inside are 10 mm drivers, and Philips includes three ear tip sizes (S, M, and L). The built-in mic and the three-button remote handle calls, volume and play/pause. I like the light blue finish – it looks more polished than the usual black.
Best for: Backup listening to anyone who hates charging stations
Folding headphones for commuters and students
Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones
Not everyone likes things in their ears, myself included. The Sony ZX series are the folding headphones I get for the on-the-go people in your life – students, young professionals. They’re cheap enough to carry around, and the ear cups swivel flat so they slip into a backpack. With 4.5 stars on Amazon, reviewers found them comfortable and good value for money.
Open-ear wireless headphones for walkers and gyms
If someone on your list runs outside, the Anker Soundcore V20i lets them listen to music without tuning out the traffic. The hook design fits over the ears, and the headphones rest outside the ear canals. So the wearer can hear cars, employees or children. Interestingly, the hooks rotate in four positions for a snug fit.
Best for: Runners, walkers and anyone who wants to hear music in the their surroundings
Useful gadgets that make a room more interesting
Color changing LED strip lights for teenagers and gamers
Turn a teenager’s bedroom into a streamer setup for the price of a pizza with the Govee RGBIC LED Strip Lights. They show several colors along one strip at a time, which looks much more polished than a solid color. Preset scenes in the Govee Home app and built-in mic sync bring the room to life.
A streaming stick for an older TV
Roku Streaming Stick HD with Voice Remote
Have a family member still clicking through cable menus on an older TV? The Roku Streaming Stick HD plugs into an HDMI port and turns it into a smart TV with Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and free live channels. Its voice remote also controls the power and volume of the TV. The stick can draw power from the TV’s USB port, and it’s slim enough to block the HDMI port next to it.
Best for: Grandparents, guest rooms, and older HD TVs
Tech gifts that solve everyday problems
A bluetooth tracker for the friend who keeps losing his keys
The Tile Mate clips onto keys, a bag or a backpack. If something goes missing, the app shows where it was last seen and rings the tracker. Unlike an AirTag, it works with iPhone and Android. That’s important in a mixed phone family like ours. Tile claims a 350-foot range, but Tom’s Guide managed about 60 feet in testing, though it still called the Mate its top key finder.
Best for: Forget friends and frequent travelers
A flashlight for the key for every day fans
The Olight iMini 2 is a small 50-lumen flashlight without a button. Pull it out of its magnetic cap, and it turns on. Snap it back, and it turns off. This cap also hides a built-in USB plug for charging, so there’s no cable to lose. Expect about an hour of light per charge, plenty for dark drives and dropped earrings. It’s a much better keychain gift than another novelty bottle opener.
Best for: Practical people who like compact everyday carry gear
Tech socks for work, school, and everyday computing
A slim Bluetooth mouse for students and remote workers
Logitech Pebble Mouse 2 M350S
The Logitech Pebble Mouse 2 M350S is a slim mouse with quiet clicks that won’t annoy colleagues or a roommate. Its Easy-Switch button pairs with up to three devices via Bluetooth, helping anyone bouncing between a laptop and a tablet. Also, it runs up to 24 months on one AA battery.
Best for: Students, remote workers and laptop owners
A small quick charger for the bedside table
This is for anyone who owns devices, that’s everyone. The Anker Nano Charger (20W) is a 1.1-ounce cube with a 20W USB-C port. Anker says that 15 minutes of charging gives an iPhone 13 enough power for up to three hours of video. Its ActiveShield feature monitors the temperature while it is charging.
Best for: Travelers, night stands, and chronic chargers
Cheap tech gifts for people who love gadgets
A reusable notebook for list makers
Rocketbook Core Reusable Spiral Notebook
Do you know someone who thinks better on paper but has a drawer full of half-used notebooks? The Rocketbook Core is for them. They can write with the included Pilot FriXion pen, scan pages with the Rocketbook app and send them to Google Drive, Dropbox, OneNote and other cloud services.
Best for: Notes, students, and list makers
A stylish, wearable hand warmer
Orastone Rechargeable Electric Hand Warmer
Know someone who complains of cold hands from November to March? The Orastone Rechargeable Hand Warmer replaces these disposable packs. It’s a pocket-sized 60mm square that heats on both sides, so there’s no wrong way to hold it. Orastone says it reaches 42°C (about 108°F) in under two minutes and stays hot for 3 to 4 hours per charge. I love that it comes in patterns like floral and polygon. Also, it has a strap for a wrist or bag – how fun is that?
The best tech gifts under $30 still feel like a real gift
An appreciative Christmas gift doesn’t need a big price. It takes some thought and some research. Honestly, the right gadget becomes something your recipient uses every day, expensive or not.
Holiday prices move quickly, though, so check the current Amazon price before you head out. Do you have a bigger budget? Check out our best tech gifts under $50.