{"id":939503,"date":"2026-10-24T17:52:21","date_gmt":"2026-10-24T17:52:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/939503\/"},"modified":"2026-10-24T17:52:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-24T17:52:21","slug":"the-best-tech-gifts-under-100","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/939503\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Tech Gifts Under $100"},"content":{"rendered":"

Brace yourself: it\u2019s holiday shopping time. Okay, we haven\u2019t exactly hit snowy season just yet, but the best time to start planning your gift-giving is as early as possible, so Gizmodo\u2019s Consumer Tech team has started doing some of the leg work for you.<\/p>\n

While lots of top-tier gadgets might not exactly be in your price range for a casual gift (check out our best tech gifts under $25 for that<\/a>), there are also plenty that will hit your friends hard while doing far less damage to your bank account. You want your gift to make an impression on your family without making a huge impression on your wallet? We\u2019ve got you.<\/p>\n

(Product prices were accurate at the time of publishing.)<\/p>\n

16. Boox Picco
\n\"16best\u00a9 Boox \/ Gizmodo composite<\/p>\n

An e-reader makes an excellent holiday gift, but it\u2019s not easy to find one that\u2019s both well-made and inexpensive. The Boox Picco hits both of those notes and plenty more. It\u2019s super portable (just about the size of a deck of cards), runs Android (so the receiver of your gift can use whichever reading app they prefer), and it handles basically every e-book file type known to man.<\/p>\n

See Boox Picco at Boox.com<\/a><\/p>\n

15. Brick
\n\"8best\u00a9 Brick \/ Gizmodo composite<\/p>\n

We can all admit we spend a lot of time on our phones these days. Brick is a unique option for helping your friends and family members cut down on their screen time. You set a list of apps to block\u2014and then you can\u2019t unblock them unless you physically tap your phone against the Brick. Sure, there are plenty of software-based ways to block apps on your smartphone, but they\u2019re all pretty easy to work around. Brick takes this to the next level to really help minimize the distractions created by our favorite pocket tech.<\/p>\n

See Gray Brick at Brick.com<\/a><\/p>\n

14. Classic Super-Fast Thermapen
\n\"9best\u00a9 Thermapen \/ Gizmodo composite<\/p>\n

Anyone who\u2019s ever been served (or has served) undercooked chicken will understand the importance of keeping a thermometer in your home kitchen. The Thermapen is basically the best you can get: super accurate, well-built, and incredibly fast\u2014it provides readings in under two seconds. The cheap meat thermometer your friend replaces once a year or so could never compare. And next time you go over to your friend\u2019s house for dinner, you can rest easy knowing that meat will be cooked to perfection.<\/p>\n

See Classic Super-Fast Thermapen at Thermoworks.com<\/a><\/p>\n

13. JBL Clip 5
\n\"12best\u00a9 JBL \/ Gizmodo composite<\/p>\n

Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen these days, and there\u2019s a solid chance your friend or loved one already has one. JBL\u2019s Clip 5 is one they certainly won\u2019t mind adding to the collection, though. Its unique carabiner design makes it great for clipping to your backpack or belt loop, and it\u2019ll last you upwards of 12 hours of playback before it needs a charge. This is also a perfect shower or poolside speaker, given its IP67 waterproof rating.<\/p>\n

See JBL Clip 5 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

12. Tessan 65W Universal Travel Adapter
\n\"4best\u00a9 Tessan \/ Gizmodo composite<\/p>\n

A universal adapter is the gift that truly keeps on giving for anybody who\u2019s up in the air almost as much time as they spend on the ground. The Tessan 65W Universal Travel Adapter doubles up on the ports most devices actually use today with three USB-C and two USB-A ports to plug into. With its 65W power delivery natively, your giftee can keep most of your phone adapters at home and only have to take their larger laptop power bricks in their bag.<\/p>\n

See TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

11. Logitech Keys to Go 2
\n\"14best\u00a9 Logitech \/ Gizmodo composite<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll be surprised how often you need a keyboard, and in those moments when you\u2019re dragging around some massive wired 100% keyboard and numpad, you\u2019ll wish you had something like the Logitech Keys 2 Go 2. It\u2019s a small form-factor keyboard that\u2019s so skinny it doesn\u2019t even have a USB-C port. Instead, it\u2019s a battery-powered device that\u2019s handy for taking on trips or for using as a backup pad for an iPad or gaming handheld. Best of all, it folds up so slim that you can stick it into any bag and never have to remember to give it any more juice until its time to swap the battery after about three years.<\/p>\n

See Logitech Keys-to-Go Bluetooth Keyboard at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

10. Elgato Stream Deck Neo
\n\"2best\u00a9 Elgato \/ Gizmodo composite<\/p>\n

Despite its name, the Elgato Stream Deck Neo isn\u2019t just handy for wannabe Twitch streamers. The compact desktop shortcut device is great for practically any dedicated office or gaming space thanks to its small stature, minimalist eight-button layout, and handy heads-up screen that can display the date and time. You can integrate the Elgato Stream Deck Neo with various controls on apps like Photoshop or have it there as a quick and easy way to call up your smart home controls. There are also two page-turn keys if you want to have even more potential controls loaded on your Stream Deck.<\/p>\n

See Elgato Stream Deck Neo at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

9. Divoom FlowToo
\n\"5best\u00a9 Divoom \/ Gizmodo composite<\/p>\n

For people who can\u2019t ever seem to get enough sleep, a white noise machine may finally be the help they need. Compared to many white noise speakers, Divoom\u2019s FlowToo actually does triple duty as an alarm clock and tiny Bluetooth speaker as well. It\u2019s small enough to fit onto most desks and bedside tables, where it can play from a variety of 90 ambient audio tracks. Not to mention, it\u2019s also an incredibly cute device with its customizable retro time faces and physical knobs and buttons.<\/p>\n

See Divoom Flowtoo at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

8. Nothing Ear 3a
\n\"10best\u00a9 Nothing \/ Gizmodo composite<\/p>\n

If you want the best of the best, it can be easy to skate to flagship products, but in Nothing\u2019s case, you may get more bang for your buck by spending less. The Nothing Ear 3a give you good sound, solid active noise cancellation, and a look that\u2019s just a bit different from competitors. There are some quirky features for recording calls and such, but the mixture of style and substance is why these wireless earbuds should earn your consideration in a holiday gift budget.<\/p>\n

See Nothing Ear (3a) at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

7. Ikea Varmblixt
\n\"17best\u00a9 Ikea \/ Gizmodo composite<\/p>\n

Donuts aren\u2019t just for eating; they\u2019re also for inspiring cool lamps. The Ikea Varmblixt is eye-catching for its shape, but more importantly, it comes with smart features that let you pair it with Ikea\u2019s app to set different colors and create automations that turn them off\/on at specified times. As an added bonus, you can either mount the Varmblixt on the wall or lay it flat on a surface to accentuate the donut design of it all.<\/p>\n

See Ikea Varmblixt at Ikea.com<\/a><\/p>\n

6. Snowsky Echo Mini
\n\"7best\u00a9 Snowsky \/ Gizmodo composite<\/p>\n

Digital audio players (DAPs) are so back, and some of them, like the Echo Mini from Snowsky\/FiiO, are a hard shot of nostalgia. While it functions like an iPod of yore, its whole vibe is that of a cassette player, with an LCD screen that even makes the front look like a tape is inside. The tactile buttons on top control playback, too, and it has a 3.5mm\/4.4mm jack as well as Bluetooth, so you can use it wired or wireless. You\u2019ll probably want to get an additional microSD for storage (it supports a max of 256GB), which is a bit small, but what it lacks in space, it makes up for in vibes.<\/p>\n

See Snowsky Echo Mini at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

5. Polaroid Go Generation 3 Pikachu Edition
\n\"11best\u00a9 Polaroid \/ Gizmodo composite<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a sucker for Pok\u00e9mon branding like lots of us, then the Polaroid Go Generation 3 Pikachu Edition may be super effective at luring your gift consideration. This instant camera is built on the Polaroid Go Generation 3 platform and comes with a selfie mirror, self-timer, double-exposure mode, and built-in flash. All of that is good and fine, but let\u2019s be honest\u2014you\u2019re getting this thing because it looks like Pikachu.<\/p>\n

See Polaroid Go Generation 3 Pikachu Edition at Best Buy<\/a><\/p>\n

4. SmallRig Magnetic Phone Mount
\n\"1best\u00a9 SmallRig \/ Gizmodo composite<\/p>\n

Say you\u2019ve got your mirrorless camera or DSLR with you to take high-resolution photos and videos, but you also want to record with your phone so you can instantly post a video to the \u2018gram or the \u2018tok in real time. This SmallRig phone mount is the solution. It fits into your camera\u2019s hot\/cold shoe and holds a supported iPhone with either MagSafe or Qi2 magnets (i.e., Pixelsnap on Google Pixel phones). The metal design is sturdy and even tilts. Leave it on the top of your camera and hit record while you snap photos, and you\u2019ll be less likely to miss out on a moment.<\/p>\n

See SmallRig Magnetic Phone Mount at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

3. DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX)
\n\"6best\u00a9 DJI \/ Gizmodo composite<\/p>\n

There are newer versions of DJI\u2019s wireless microphones out there, but maybe all those bells and whistles aren\u2019t necessary for your giftee. This three-piece kit comes with two tiny wireless mics (TX or transmitters) that connect automatically to the included RX receiver when it\u2019s plugged into any phone with USB-C. Clearer audio is captured directly into the RX, which is then baked into your recorded videos or audio recordings. Whether for man-on-the-street interviews or a podcast, this set is basic, cheap, and still works great despite being several years old.<\/p>\n

See DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX) at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Copland Platinum Pad
\n\"0best\u00a9 Copland \/ Gizmodo composite<\/p>\n

Available in two versions (Chronology or Grid), these desk mats made by YouTuber Quinn Nelson, aka Snazzy Labs<\/a>, feature 24 Macs from 1984 to 2024. If you\u2019re a Mac fan or know someone who is, this dye-sublimated mat will not fade or peel. It\u2019s a nerdy little piece of history, and it\u2019s also quite spacious at 35 x 15 inches. You\u2019ll feel good supporting a small business owner instead of another billion-dollar corporation, too.<\/p>\n

See Platinum Pad at Copland<\/a><\/p>\n

1. Togconn Mini USB to USB-C adapter
\n\"3best\u00a9 Togconn \/ Gizmodo composite<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve still got some devices with an ancient mini USB plug that doesn\u2019t connect via USB-C to your computer because\u2014well, they\u2019re old AF\u2014get one of these adapters. They\u2019re super cheap and do one job only. Stick them onto your mini USB plugs and never worry about compatibility again when the time comes. If your device is an old hard drive, use this little adapter to finally download your files and move them to a faster hard drive, an SSD, or back them in the cloud.<\/p>\n

See Togconn Mini USB to USB-C adapter at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Brace yourself: it\u2019s holiday shopping time. Okay, we haven\u2019t exactly hit snowy season just yet, but the best…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":939504,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[64,63,182279,179047,505940,105],"class_list":["post-939503","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-technology","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-gift-guide","tag-holiday-gift-guide","tag-holiday-gift-guides-2026","tag-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/939503","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=939503"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/939503\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/939504"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=939503"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=939503"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=939503"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}