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Buying the right gift for a loved one is never as simple as it seems, especially if you have a long list and a short budget. While gift cards are a reliable and appreciated option, they're often a last resort and aren't nearly as personal as other gifts. If you want to present a more creative gift while staying financially conscious this year, we've got you covered.
Also: The best October Prime Day deals live now
ZDNET has rounded up the best tech gifts under $25 -- and called out any early deals to help you save even more money -- so your gifts this year are thoughtful for your family and friends without making too big a dent in your wallet.
Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers.
The best cheap tech gifts under $25
- Price: $20 (save $8)
- Features: Different colorways | SOS alert | 350-foot Bluetooth range
A Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker is a small tool that can be a big help in finding that misplaced key, wallet, or lost knick-knack. The compact design makes it ideal for attaching to a key ring, luggage, or wallet. Plus, the free app lets users activate Tile's sound feature, making it easier to track the item that perfectly wedges its way between two couch cushions.
Also: These Bluetooth trackers are handy, but AirTag isn't the only one
- Price: $17
- Features: 6 color options | Compatible with iOS and Android devices | Over 14 hours of battery life
If your recipient is a multi-tasking master who wants to scroll through social media and emails, this tiny remote that fits on your finger like a ring is the perfect gift. After going viral on TikTok, this handy device from Adzerd is appropriately dubbed the "TikTok" remote. It works for scrolling on any app when paired to your smartphone via Bluetooth. I love that while this is an arguably lazy device, it's a great multi-tasking tool and "game changer" for dreaded cardio workouts.
Also: Why this $20 remote control is a must-have for productive workouts (and more)
- Price: $15
- Features: Compatible with any phone model | Wide range of colors and designs | Removeable tops for wireless charging
PopSockets are perfect for busy people who need an extra grip. PopSockets are versatile, come in all sorts of colors and designs for different budgets, and even have wallets and MagSafe case options. You can also gift the recipient a personalized PopSocket with an image of their pet or a favorite photo of the both of you.
- Price: $24 (save $6)
- Features: 15 color options | 8-10 hours of playtime | Breathable and snug design
The sleep headphone mask has a battery that lasts for at least two nights, a charge time of one to two hours, offers up Bluetooth 5.2, and an adjustable Velcro head strap and eye cups to prevent any light from coming in.
Review: Trouble sleeping? I used this $19 wearable to fall asleep near instantly
If you sleep with a partner who snores, live next to a busy street, or have loud roommates, you will surely benefit from this headphone sleep mask.
- Price: $25
- Features: 8 hours of playtime | Built-in microphone | EQ Sound and touch controls
We've tested plenty of JLab earbuds, so we know it's a trusted brand. These earbuds feature EQ sound preferences you can change via touch control and have a built-in microphone for taking phone calls. These wireless earbuds also have a battery life of eight hours, with 32 hours of total playtime via the charging case.
Also: The best earbuds under $50 you can buy
Plus, they come in 14 colors like teal, pink, and lilac, so you can find a pair that fits your style.
- Price: $24 (save $6)
- Features: 5 color options | Compatible with Apple and Samsung phones | Foldable USB-C port
Anker is one of the most well-known cell phone accessory brands, and its Nano Power Bank lets you charge your smartphone on-the-go, with a 22.5W output. The 22.5W Power Bank packs a 5,000mAh capacity, which is enough to charge an iPhone 15 Pro to 68%, according to Anker.
Review: I've used this tiny, affordable power bank for over a year now -- here's why
The fun color options, effectiveness, size, and low price point also make it a good choice for gifting to that friend who always has a 10% phone battery.
- Price: $13 (save $12)
- Features: 60 watts | Multi-bulb control | Set scenes and schedules in your home
The GE Cync bulbs have completely changed my home's ambiance thanks to the millions of RGB color shades to choose from, brightness controls, and unique light shows. You connect each bulb to the GE Cync and can control them from anywhere including setting up schedules for when the lights turn on or off.
Also: Smart home starter pack: Top 5 devices you need
They work with the Matter smart home system -- i.e., Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, etc. Plus, you don't need a smart home hub for these to work, just Wi-Fi and the app.
With affordability at the top of my mind, I chose gadgets from reputable brands as well as products the ZDNET team has personally tested and recommend. All of these products are under the $25 price range, and we've noted if it's on sale, so you can save even more.
You can save on tech during deal events throughout the year like Amazon Prime Day and other retailers' simultaneous competing events, as well as Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.
This year, Amazon's October Prime Day falls on Oct. 7-8, and the deals are usually subject to just those days and are only available to Amazon Prime members.
Also: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day
However, during Cyber Week -- as we like to call it here at ZDNET -- you can find deals in the week leading up to Black Friday on Nov. 28 across all retailers with some of the highest discounts of the year.
ZDNET has been in the business of scouring the best deals and discounts for years. We have a few tips for you to keep in mind as you gear up for the holiday shopping season.
- Look for deals discounted 20% or more -- those ones are more worth your money
- If a deal is marked as a "Flash deal" or "Lightning deal," snag it ASAP, since it won't last that long.
- Only shop at reputable retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, etc. You may find a too-good-to-be-true deal at a random site, but "too good to be true" usually means it's a scam.
- Check for additional promo codes before checking out. A lot of retailers offer a first-time buyer discount, so be sure to cash in on that.
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