
The holidays are here, which means it’s time to unfurl those shopping lists, unfreeze your credit cards, and cast aside any concerns about cost or consequence. However, if you’re not feeling so cavalier with your capital—fear not. We’ve compiled a list of 50 great gifts, all under $50. We’re talking stocking stuffers, high-quality bargain-buys, and all-around great gear for a price that won’t cause your credit score to V-fib.
- Nothing’s worse than your phone (or tablet) dying while you’re out and about. That’s why the Belkin Boost Power Bank is the perfect gift for preventing premature powerlessness. With a hefty 20,000mAh capacity, the ability to charge two USB devices simultaneously, and up to 12W of total output, users will never run out of juice again.
- Speaking of portable power: Take advantage of long travel times by charging your devices during transit. The Scosche ReVolt USB Car Charger lets users charge two devices at once, thanks to its dual 12W USB ports. Simply plug the ReVolt into the 12V cigarette lighter socket and it becomes a portable power bank. It’s a great gift for users who spend any amount of time in a car.
- But if they need USB and AC power, gift them a Power Inverter from WAGAN instead. Along with your phone and other USB devices, this handy little converter plugs directly into a DC outlet (otherwise known as a cigarette lighter socket), allowing users to draw power from their car battery and output it to compatible devices, including computers, digital camera equipment, and more.
- A great gift for OTG workers and mobile creatives: the UGREEN 90889 USB Car Charger. This handy little device plugs into the lighter port, allowing you to charge up to three devices at once while you're on the go. It features two USB-C ports and one USB-A port.
- Giving a gift to someone who’s interested in photography? Consider one of the most iconic “toy” cameras of all time: the Holga 120N. Renowned for its distinct image quality—light leaks, vignetting, and soft focus—the Holga 120N is a nice, lo-fi camera that brings an element of “fun” back into photography.
- The Holga 120N accepts 120-format roll film. It’s a great stocking stuffer. Get some.
- Shopping for a little guy or gal who's interested in shooting action footage? Say hello to the SJCAM FunCam+ Action Camera for Kids. This compact, dual-screen camera is a solid introduction into the world of action film and photography. It records 1080p video at 30 fps and can capture 44MP action stills.
- Lens cleaners are kind of like socks: They’re not the most exciting gift in the world but, they are super useful, and a quality set will be greatly appreciated. Speaking of quality and usefulness, LensPen’s DSLR Pro Kit comes with three specialized anti-static pens for cleaning camera lenses, viewfinders, and filters.
- Another solid cleaning solution is the ZEISS Lens Cleaning Kit, which offers a total cleaning package that includes cleaning fluid, cleaning wipes, microfiber cloth, air blaster, and a retractable cleaning brush. It even comes with a handy carrying case for storage and travel.
- Favored by photographers, the versatile Joby GorillaPod 3K Flexible Mini-Tripod features multijointed legs that allow it to be wrapped around a variety of objects or used on uneven surfaces—allowing for new and creative angles in anyone’s photography.
- For the camera bug who loves to take pictures with their phone and wants a higher vantage, the Revo Selfie-Stick is a must have. Extendable to 37", the Selfie-Stick helps users hit those angles for the perfect selfie. It also supports action cams, select point-and-shoots, and compact camcorders—up to 2 lb maximum.
- Camera owners will appreciate the slim and sleek Ruggard Journey 24 Shoulder Bag, which, despite its modest size (and price tag), can hold an impressive amount of gear.
- But if you do need more room, the slightly larger Ruggard Journey 34 provides that extra space, and with an equally friendly sub-$50 price.
- If you’re gift-giving to someone who spends a lot of time with their gear out in the elements, consider getting a dry bag. OverBoard’s 5-liter Waterproof Dry Tube Bag protects equipment from rain, mud, and more. It’s easy to carry, easy to use, and can literally save thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment, for only the tiniest fraction of the cost.
- For photographers and filmmakers, protecting files and footage is paramount, which is why the Gepe All-in-One Card Safe Extreme is a great gift. This handy holder can store 8 microSD cards, 4 SD cards, and 4 CF cards. It’s watertight, durable, and protects against static-electricity damage. Plus, it floats, so even if you drop it in water or a vat of nog, you’ll be able to retrieve it.
- Speaking of memory cards, Transcend offers a wide range of quality cards for under $50. You can give a V90-rated 64GB card with read and write speeds up to 285 MB/s and 180 MB/s, respectively—enough for 4K Ultra HD video recordings.
- And don’t forget about PNY. They, too, offer a wide range of professional-grade memory cards for less than $50.
- Great for movie lovers and binge-TV buffs, Google’s Chromecast plugs into the HDMI port on your monitor, allowing users to stream online content via W-Fi. The Chromecast can also mirror content from compatible devices like laptops and tablets, putting all of your favorite shows and streaming services onto the big screen.
- Similar to the Chromecast, the Roku Express 4K+ plugs directly into any compatible display’s HDMI port (e.g., a TV) and converts it into a digital streaming superpower. Roku users can access content via Wi-Fi, including their favorite shows and movies from streaming services like Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and many more.
- Not everyone streams media. Some people prefer their content the old-fashioned way—from a disk or drive. If you struggle shopping for one of these neo-Luddites, consider a Progressive Scan DVD Player from Panasonic. It might not be able to stream media, but it does support multiple CD and DVD file formats, including MP3 and JPEG.
- Smart Smart speakers have officially taken over the tech space, and the Google Nest Mini is one of the most popular (and inexpensive) devices on the planet. Play music, check the weather, and get answers to all your most pressing questions with just the sound of your voice.
- Another popular smart speaker is the Echo Dot, which uses Amazon’s digital assistant, Alexa, to answer questions, order products from Amazon, and play music. It even has an 1/8" audio output, so you can stream audio through the Echo Dot to larger speakers—effectively turning them into Bluetooth devices.
- The GO 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker, from JBL, isn’t technically a “smart” device (unless you count its fashion-forward design), but it does sound great whether you line-in audio or stream it from a compatible device.
- Perhaps you’re shopping for someone who is more traditionalist than audiophile, harking back to simpler times. Consider the Sony AM/FM Radio. Users can listen to any of their favorite AM/FM stations while they’re on the go. No streaming, no syncing, just good old-fashioned radio waves.
- Virtual and augmented reality are still going strong in 2022 and, if you’re shopping for someone who wants in on all the mixed reality revelry, consider gifting them a virtual reality headset. The Spieltek VR-M2 Virtual Reality Headset is a great, inexpensive option. When used with a compatible smartphone, this headset allows users to access VR apps, games, and tons of exciting content.
- It’s hard to believe that in the age of high-dollar iPods and other costly portable music players, you can find a high-quality MP3 player for under $50—but it’s true! Just look at the SanDisk Clip Jam, an 8GB portable audio player that supports MP3, WAV, and FLAC audio files—just to name a few. It even features an integrated FM tuner, so you can listen to your favorite radio stations directly from the device.
- Skullcandy’s Indy True Wireless Earbuds are great for runners, fitness enthusiasts, and people who want a straightforward, no-fuss pair of Bluetooth earbuds. They’re true wireless, so uses don’t have to worry about getting tangled up in a cord, and they offer up to 16 hours of battery life with the included charging case.
- Holiday shopping for someone who is always losing their keys or misplacing their wallet? Consider gifting them the an Apple AirTag. These inconspicuous little trackers can be placed just about anywhere and, no matter where they go, the AirTags cab be located using Apple's Find My app.
- Drones are commonly thought of as a costly adult hobby, but the truth is there are plenty of inexpensive drones that are great for pilots of any age or experience level. Take, for example, the gesture-controlled Snaptain SP300. This innovative flyer comes with a standard-issue remote for conventional flying or you can use the included G-sensor to pilot the mini drone via hand gesture.
- Snaptain's other sub-$50 flyer is a neat little drone called the Snaptain SP350 Throw 'n Go Mini Quadcopter. Toss this acrobatic RC into the air and watch as it automatically takes flight! The SP350 can also perform cool acrobatics and other neat tricks.
- There are also plenty of drone replacement parts available for less than $50—in case you're shopping for a pilot who is prone to hard landings.
- Shopping for a Handyman or Ms. Fix-It? This Multipurpose Hex Key from Camvate gives you six different hex keys, a Phillips head screwdriver, and a flathead screwdriver, all for under $50—making it both handy and affordable.

- Eight tools not enough for you? Consider the Eclipse Tools Multi-Tool, a 12-in-1 multi-tool that includes everything but the kitchen sink (kitchen sink attachment coming soon). We’re talking a 2.25" blade, LED flashlight, scissors, screwdrivers, wire strippers, bottle opener, can opener, and more.
- If you’re shopping for someone who likes to keep things tidy and organized, consider the Brother PTD220 Label Maker. This handy little labeler features a ton of formatting features that allows users to personalize their lables and add their own creative spin.
- Good on the hunt or for panoramic vistas, the Celestron UpClose G2 Porro Binocular offers exceptional up-close detail, thanks to its large magnification and light transmission. Pick one up if you’re shopping for a sky scanner, bird watcher, or anyone who might enjoy magnified viewing of the great outdoors.
- The Celestron Nature Monocular is a great gift for the nature-lover in your life. A compact monocular that fits easily into a pocket, purse, or backpoack, this handy optic features a10x magnification that will give users a bright, crisp image of nature in all its glory.
- If you’re shopping for someone who likes to game on their smartphone, consider gifting them a HYPERKIN Clutch Gaming Controller. Featuring a classic design, with comfortable hand grips, a directional pad, face and shoulder buttons, and two analog sticks, this wireless controller is perfect for anyone who is serious about mobile gaming.

- If you’re shopping for a PC gamer who prefers a controller over mouse and keyboard, consider the Logitech G F710 Wireless Gamepad. This programmable, super-comfortable controller brings the joy of console gaming to the PC.
- Shopping for someone who dreams of a multi-display setup? Help them take that first step toward dual-screen delight with this Plugable USB Type-C & Type-A to HDMI Adapter.
- For mouse and keyboard players, consider gifting the Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED Gaming Mouse. With its 1 ms report rate, G305 is eight times faster than a standard USB mouse, so users can stay ahead of the competition. And its six programmable buttons and customizable side panels allow the user to personalize layout controls to their liking.
- If you’re shopping for an Apple aficionado, a good gift to consider is the Apple Remote. Simple, straightforward, and super handy, the Remote lets you control your compatible Apple devices without having to get up, walk over, and press a bunch of buttons. Being lazy never felt so luxurious.
- Guitar players need guitar strings. We got lots.
- And capos. More than 40 different options for under $50.
- We also carry a ton of drumsticks. From Vic Firth to Zildjian, oval shaped to acorn, and every size, style, and shape in between, we’ve got you covered.
- Shopping for someone interested in learning an instrument? Check out this Soprano Ukulele from Kala. This classic uke comes with everything budding musicians need to start playing right away, including free online lessons and access to a free tuning app.
- Great for beginners or hobbyists, the Alesis Harmony Keyboard is a 32-key karaoke keyboard that allows you to play music and sing along. It comes with everything you need for your very own karaoke party, including a wired microphone.
- The 3Doodler Start Essentials 3D Printing Pen Set is the perfect $50 gift for junior inventors. The kit comes with a 3D-printing pen, plastics, and activity guide with more than 12 different projects..
- There’s also a 3D Build and Play Set that comes with an interactive storybook.
- The Phillips VoiceTracer is perfect for students, reporters, or anyone who needs to record conversations or lectures. With 8GB of internal storage and advanced features likes hands-free voice activation, the Voice Tracer is the perfect digital note-taking tool.
- The Olympus Digital Voice Recorder is another quality recorder that falls below the $50 mark. It comes with 4GB of internal storage, which totals out to as much as 2080 hours of audio.
There you go: 50 great gift ideas for $50 or less! Do you have any suggestions we can add to our list? Let us know in the Comments section, below.
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