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Awesome and Affordable: 16 Stellar Tech Gifts For Under $50

If you're looking to gift a gadget that's excellent but not expensive, then you've come to the right place. Here's all the best tech gear you can get for $50 or less.

By Chandra Steele
Updated December 4, 2023
assortment of gifts from the story (Credit: Clutch, MoMA Design Store, Urban Outfitters)

Table of Contents

If you're the generous type and have a big family or a lot of friends, holidays can be a financially taxing time. Not many of us can afford to spend thousands on gifts for all our loved ones. For tech-savvy friends, there are a number of gifts in the $50 range, a sweet spot that says "I like you enough to buy something just a tad pricier than a candle." Companies like Amazon and Wyze have gadgets galore at prices that won't break the bank. Here are a few of our favorites:


For The Practical One

pink, white, and black Clutch chargers

Clutch Pro Lightning

$49.99 at Clutch
See It

Make sure they never have a low battery warning with the Clutch Pro charger. It has a built-in charging cable and comes in Lightning and USB-C versions.

For Anyone Without AirPods

phone with Tribit FlyBuds 3 next to it

Tribit FlyBuds 3

4.0
$39.99 at Amazon
See It

The TriBit FlyBuds 3 are our Editors' Choice for budget true wireless earphones. They're waterproof, secure-fitting, bass-forward true wireless in-ears with 95 hours of extra battery life in the case—all things their recipient will appreciate.

Tribit FlyBuds 3 Review

For a Supremely Clean Screen

set of three Keith Haring Touchscreen Mist Cleaners

Keith Haring Touchscreen Mist Cleaners

$36.00 at MoMA Design Store
See It

They can keep all the screens in their lives clean and carry Keith Haring designs along with them with this trio of touchscreen cleaners. Each spray container is wrapped in microfiber cloth for a complete cleaning solution.

For The Photographer

Social Print Studio Metal Prints on a wall

Social Print Studio Metal Prints

Starting at $21 at Social Print Studio
See It

Take their favorite photo and turn it into something longer lasting than a social media post with Social Print Studio. Its metal prints come in three shapes (round, square, and rectangular) and 35 sizes.

So They Can Breathe Easy

Pure Enrichment PureZone Mini Portable Air Purifier in black on a table next to a sofa

Pure Enrichment PureZone Mini Portable Air Purifier

$39.99 at Amazon
See It

The Pure Enrichment PureZone Mini Portable Air Purifier can go anywhere with them to remove smoke, pollen, pet dander, dust, and odors from their immediate environment. It's small enough to fit into a car cupholder, lasts up to 12 hours on a charge, and comes in five colors.

For The Nostalgic Nerd

blue Tamagotchi with gold moon and stars on it

The 90s are back in fashion so of course Tamagotchis are as well. This version is a little more sparkly than the original. Depending on their age, they'll appreciate either the nostalgia or the novelty.

Pac-Man 40th Anniversary Arcade Game

Pac-Man 40th Anniversary Arcade Game

$50.00 at Urban Outfitters
See It

They can enjoy Pac-Man in almost its original form with this 40th Anniversary Arcade Game version. Its super small size means they don't have to lose any floor space to it either.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

Roku Streaming Stick 4K+

4.0
$83.00 at Walmart
See It

They'll be able to stream their favorite shows and movies in 4K with the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. It takes up barely any space and is portable enough to bring practically anywhere.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ Review

So They'll Never Lose Anything

Tile Slim in Nordic Sunrise

The Tile Slim easily slips into those things they don't want to lose, like luggage and wallets. It has a three-year battery and is water-resistant.

Tile Slim Review

For The Video Caller

Camrola Auto Face Tracking Phone Holder with phone

Camrola Auto Face Tracking Phone Holder

$32.99 at Amazon
See It

Whether they're a frequent FaceTimer or TikTokker they'll appreciate the Camrola Auto Face Tracking Phone Holder. It tracks their movements so they don't have to stay in one place during calls or while filming videos and it works without having to download an app.

For The Artsy One

woman standing in the light from YouOKLight Sunset Lamp

YouOKLight Sunset Lamp

$17.99 at Amazon
See It

It's always golden hour with the YouOKLight Sunset Lamp. It casts a realistic sunset projection and can be rotated 180 degrees.

For The AI Enthusiast

Amazon Echo Dot on a table with a lamp and thermostat nearby

Amazon Echo Dot

4.0
$49.99 at Amazon
See It

They can get all the benefits and features of a smart speaker without having to set aside too much space with the Amazon Echo Dot. The little orb gives them access to all of Alexa's features, including smart home control.

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 Release) Review

For The Messenger

Logitech K380 Pebble Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard

Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard

$39.58 at Amazon
Check Stock

They can connect the Logitech K380 Pebble Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard to their phone, tablet, laptop, or computer and type away effortlessly. Its small size makes it easy to carry.

For The Automation Nerd

two Wyze Smart Plugs stacked

Wyze Smart Plug

4.0
$21.97 at Amazon
See It

Help them turn dumb devices into smart ones with this two pack of the Wyze Smart Plug. They'll be able to do things like turn on the coffee maker from bed or make sure their house is lit up at night from across the world.

Wyze Plug Review

For Charging in Style

Courant Catch:1 Essentials Charging Pad in linen

Courant Catch:1 Essentials Charging Pad

$32.00 at Courant
See It

The Courant Catch:1 Essentials Charging Pad is a much more elegant way for them to charge their phone than by lots of hanging wires everywhere. It comes in two textiles (linen and leather) and four colors.

For Effortless Security

Lexon Nomaday Lock

Lexon Nomaday Lock

$49.90 at Lexon
See It

The Lexon Nomaday Lock means never forgetting a locker combination. It uses biometric technology to secure bags, lockers, and more.


Holiday Gift Guide

cartoon of two people pulling open a huge gifts that's twice their size
(Illustration: Malte Mueller/Getty Images)

For more ideas, keep tabs on PCMag's full holiday gift guide.

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About Chandra Steele

Senior Features Writer

My title is Senior Features Writer, which is a license to write about absolutely anything if I can connect it to technology (I can). I’ve been at PCMag since 2011 and have covered the surveillance state, vaccination cards, ghost guns, voting, ISIS, art, fashion, film, design, gender bias, and more. You might have seen me on TV talking about these topics or heard me on your commute home on the radio or a podcast. Or maybe you’ve just seen my Bernie meme

I strive to explain topics that you might come across in the news but not fully understand, such as NFTs and meme stocks. I’ve had the pleasure of talking tech with Jeff Goldblum, Ang Lee, and other celebrities who have brought a different perspective to it. I put great care into writing gift guides and am always touched by the notes I get from people who’ve used them to choose presents that have been well-received. Though I love that I get to write about the tech industry every day, it’s touched by gender, racial, and socioeconomic inequality and I try to bring these topics to light. 

Outside of PCMag, I write fiction, poetry, humor, and essays on culture.

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