Tech Gift Guide: Best-Selling Electronics Under $100
Whether tapping away at laptops, logging into Zoom on tablets, or streaming movies on our phones, we’ve logged more screen time than ever in 2020. In a climate in which tech rules as man’s best friend (or most frequent companion anyway), can you think of a more useful gift than gadgets that help make screen time (and life) more seamless?
SHOP: MORE BEST-SELLING ELECTRONICS UNDER $100
Don't worry — giving cool new tech doesn’t have to break the bank. While a few pricey new devices are sure to make a splash this holiday (we’re looking at you, PS5), there are also a host of far more affordable electronic options to delight the loved ones in your life. See plenty of proof ahead, with the coolest new gadgets that ring in under $100, including light strips that sync to the sound on your TV, a record player built for the streaming age, and yes, a top-rated phone case that’s sure to keep even the latest model in pristine shape.
For the commuter college student (even if the journey is just from the living room to the bedroom and back again), give a mouse made to maximize movement. It features vertical and horizontal scrolling capability, connects via bluetooth, and lays flat when stored in a computer bag.
SHOP: Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse, $69, available at Walmart
This new twist on the original Polaroid OneStep camera features two-lenses for sharper images, a self timer that allows the shooter to get in on the action, and kicks out the kind of instant gratification you can feel.
SHOP: Polaroid Now i-Type Instant Camera, $99.99, available at Polaroid US
Notice a clunky old mouse cramping a loved one’s style (not to mention your hands and wrists)? Send relief in the form of this ergonomic wireless mouse.
SHOP: Logitech MX Master Wireless Laser Mouse, $59.99, available at Staples
Staying at home means gamers are relying more heavily on MMORPG time to socialize with others. Upgrade their experience with this backlit keyboard, mouse, and headset made with ergonomic touches to keep the game going in low-light settings and after hours of play.
SHOP: SportsBot SS301 Blue LED Gaming Over-Ear Headset, Keyboard & Mouse Combo Set, $29.99, available at Walmart
If working or schooling from home has your loved one squinting for hours in front of a laptop screen, open their eyes with a sizable, 20” monitor equipped to deliver sharp contrast and nuanced color to better view spreadsheets and movies alike.
SHOP: Sceptre 20" 1600x900 HDMI VGA 75hz 5ms LED Monitor, $74.97, available at Walmart
Music and movies are always better when shared with someone else. This port splitter, compatible with iPhone 7 models or newer, can instantly enable a listening or watching party for two, or allow simultaneous charging and viewing.
SHOP: Mini Lightning Port Splitter, $9.95, available at Urban Outfitters
Finally ready to cave and give the kids a TV of their own? This LED model features 720p resolution and HDMI and USB ports, making laptop and tablet connectivity a snap.
SHOP: Sceptre 32" Class 720P HD LED TV X322BV-SR, $88, available at Walmart
After a long day of use, give your phone a bath and new life with this wireless quick-charging station, which is equipped with an ionizer technology-wielding UV light made to sanitize devices in just 20 minutes flat.
SHOP: Lexon OBLIO UV Sanitizing Wireless Charging Station, $80 available at Urban Outfitters
This prepaid smartphone will give the luddite in your life a taste of the 21st century without the commitment.
SHOP: AT&T Prepaid Samsung Galaxy A01,16GB Black-Prepaid Smartphone, available at Walmart
Make doing it all significantly more simple by giving the multitasker in your life the kind of personal assistant that’s never late for the job (or doesn’t charge for overtime). This one-stop shop powered by the Google Assistant allows users to follow along with YouTube tutorials, stream movies, or update shopping lists and accomplish so much more, thanks to a 7” touchscreen, hand-free use (with far-field voice recognition), bluetooth support, and a full-range speaker.
SHOP: Google Nest Hub Home Assistants, $89.98, available at Best Buy
As cute as it is versatile, this pistachio green portable record player is equipped to play LPs, 45s, and 78s and features built-in stereo speakers and bluetooth connectivity so you can stream music whenever you tire of getting up to flip the record over.
SHOP: Crosley Mint Cruiser Bluetooth Record Player, $69, available at Urban Outfitters
Equipped bluetooth 5, a 20-hour battery life, and bundled with a charging case, these touch-control earbuds also perform like headphones three times the price, thanks to excellent sound quality and ambient noise filtering.
SHOP: Anker Soundcore Liberty Air True-Wireless Earphones, $71.99, available at Fry’s
Forget a fresh coat of paint. The quickest way to brighten up a room is with this strip of 36 LED lights, which is made to stick to any surface and can be configured in four strips and with 16 color options. Cooler yet, the remote-operated device can be set to react to sound from TV for a truly immersive viewing experience.
SHOP: Brilliant Ideas 6 ft Sound-Reactive Strip Light, $19.95, available at Urban Outfitters
MORE: HONEY'S ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE
MORE: GIFTS UNDER $50
MORE: OUR FAVORITE THROWBACK GIFTS
For the friend who’s always finding his or her best light, this shatterproof lighted pocket mirror delivers wattage to rival backstage dressing room off Broadway, along with easy-to-maneuver features, like a retractable ring for holding with one hand and a kickstand for hands-free use.
SHOP: Riki Loves Riki Cutie Mirror, $55, available at Ulta Beauty
One of the biggest gifts to give this year is sure to be the iPhone 12 Pro Max. If giving the device itself falls outside your budget, then hook your early adopter up with the next best thing. This best-selling, ultra-rugged case meets military drop standards for shock protection and features a seamless inlay with padded corners to keep precious tech in pristine condition.
SHOP: Urban Armour Gear Metropolis LT Series iPhone 12 Pro Max 5G Case, $59.95, available at Urban Armour Gear
This sleek diffuser not only delivers mists of calming or energy-lifting aromatherapy to the atmosphere, it doubles as a tap-activated desktop lamp with three brightness settings.
SHOP: Saje Starry Night Aroma Light, $38, available at Saje
When Clarisonic announced earlier this year that the facial cleansing device would cease operations, fans mourned in mass. Thankfully, a new, top-rated cleansing tool has hit the market to deep clean pores with hundreds of non-abrasive silicone bristles.
SHOP: meejee Silicone Face Cleansing Massager, $79.99, available at Urban Outfitters
Typically, wireless charging is a painfully slow pursuit because charging stations tend to run on minimal power to prevent overheating. This wireless, universal charger delivers an elegant solve, thanks to 30 watts of power and a built-in fan. The result: ultra-fast charging (from zero to 100% in about an hour, which beats speeds for wired charging on iPhones), even for phones ensconced in cases up to 8mm thick.
SHOP: OnePlus Warp Charge 30 Wireless Charger, $69.95, available at OnePlus
Made to help improve air quality and soothe dry skin, this ultrasonic humidifier delivers 10 hours of cool misting in a single charge. But the gadget’s real genius is its size: made small enough to fit in your car’s drink holder, this USB-powered humidifier is a perfect desktop companion to help add moisture to the air that your skin breathes.
SHOP: Hey Dewy Portable Facial Humidifier, $39, available at Revolve
This year, give the gift of security to both loved ones...and that kind of annoying co-worker you're forced to buy for, thanks to the office holiday exchange. Everyone will find an extra safe and protected home comforting these days.
SHOP: 5-Piece Starter Kit, $79, available at Kangaroo