12 tech gifts that make perfect stocking stuffers
Sure, it’s fun to open a shiny new technology gadget on Christmas day that’s been sitting under the tree for weeks, but isn’t it more fun to find a shiny new technology gadget hidden in your stocking?
All of the tech gifts on this list are small enough to fit in a Christmas stocking but don’t let that fool you. These aren’t worthless pieces of tech junk. Rather, they are fun, practical and desired gifts. In fact, I’d be willing to bet that you can’t find a person on your holiday shopping list who wouldn’t be happy with at least one (probably more) of these gifts.
1. Fire TV Stick
Perfect for anyone who subscribes to Netflix, Hulu Plus or is an Amazon Prime member and wants an easy way to watch their movies and tv shows on the television. Even if you’re not a subscriber to any of these services, there are a ton of free apps to choose from to enjoy things like YouTube and Pandora. Plugs right into the HDMI port on your television (requires Wi-Fi and a nearby electrical outlet).
Alternative 1: Roku Streaming Stick
Roku has been around a lot longer than the Amazon Fire TV Stick but the Fire TV Stick is newer so it’s faster and it has voice search. Still, Roku boasts over 1,500 entertainment “channels” so it’s worth comparing to the Amazon Fire TV Stick as an alternative.
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Alternative 2: Chromecast
Google takes a different approach with their entertainment stick. Instead of offering software and apps on the stick, it’s designed to “cast” content from your compatible tablet or smartphone. Google figures you already have the apps on your device, you don’t need them on the television. It’s also the cheapest of the bunch.
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2. Jackery Mini Premium iPhone Charger 3200mAh Power Pack
The cheapest and easiest way to carry portable power with you. The 3200mAh will give you plenty of juice to fully charge your smartphone in a pinch. Don’t let the word “iPhone” in the title fool you. This device can be used to charge any device that normally charges with a USB cable (Apple, Android, pretty much everything).
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3. Sty-HD 9 pcs Rainbow of Colors Capacitive Stylus/Styli
Want more precision on your tablet than you can get with your fingers? Hate fingerprints? A stylus is the answer. This 9-pack ensures you’ll have enough for all of the tablet owners in your family. Different colors means they won’t argue over whose is whose.
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4. AmazonBasics 4.0 Amp Dual USB Car Charger for Apple and Android Devices
I don’t know a single person who hasn’t, at one time or another, wanted to charge their smartphone in the car. Plus your phone’s USB cable into this car charger and then plug the car charger into a compatible power adapter in your car. Charges two devices at once!
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5. Muku Shuttr – Selfie Remote / Camera Shutter
For the person in your life who can’t resist a good selfie. The Muku Shuttr acts like a mini remote control for your smartphone camera’s shutter. No more trying to hold your smartphone out in front of you while awkwardly trying to press the shutter button. Works with Bluetooth compatible devices like the iPhone, iPad, Samsung, LG, Android and Nexus (check Amazon description for full list).
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6. AmazonBasics Microfiber Cleaning Cloth (Pack of 24)
Tablet and smartphone screens get dirty with fingerprints. It’s a fact of life. A few swipes with a microfiber cloth and your screen will look brand new again. The 24 pack means you have enough to put one in the house, one in the car, one at the office, one in the… well, you get the idea.
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7. PowerGen Black 2.4-Amp (12 Watt) Dual USB Wall Charger w/flip down Plug
Sure your device probably came with its own power adapter but one is never enough. If you’re like me, you keep one plugged in in your bedroom, one in your home office and another in the kitchen. Buying one of these is easier than constantly unplugging and plugging the one that came with your device. Plus the PowerGen can charge two devices at once.
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8. Tile for iOS – For Finding Anything and Everything
You know that person in your life that’s constantly losing things? The Tile is the perfect solution. Stick the tile to your important gadgets and the accompanying app will always remind you where it’s located. If you do lose your device, mark it as lost and all of the other Tiles in the world will start looking for it. App currently only works on iOS (Apple devices). No word on Android yet.
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9. Belkin SurgePlus 3-Outlet Mini Travel Swivel Charger Surge Protector with Dual USB Ports
We all have too many things to plug in and never enough outlets. The Belkin SurgePlus is an easy way to expand one outlet into three. It also includes 2 USB ports for charging your devices via the USB cable. Great for home use. Even better when travelling and it cuts down on the fights for who gets to use the electrical outlet.
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10. SanDisk Cruzer CZ36 32GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive
Use it to back up your files. Use it to transfer files between computers. Use it as a portable hard drive to take your important files with you wherever you go. No matter how you use it, everyone always appreciates a little extra storage and 32GB means you can store a lot of stuff before running out of space.
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11. Joby GripTight GorillaPod Stand
Perfect for selfies or group shots. Use it in conjuction with the Muku Shuttr (mentioned earlier) or with the self timer feature of your smartphone. The wrappable legs mean you’ll always be able to position your smartphone to get the perfect shot.
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12. elago M2 Stand for all iphones, Galaxy and Smartphones (Angled Support for FaceTime)
Setting your smartphone on a table or desk is boring, and who wants to hold their phone in their hands the entire time they are watching a YouTube video or Netflix movie? Instead, prop it up on the elago M2 stand and sit back and enjoy.
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