TPG Holiday Gift Guide: 10 Stocking Stuffers Under $10
Between all the decorations, food, travel arrangements and presents for loved ones, holiday shopping can really add up. But if you use your imagination and do enough digging, you'll find there’s a whole world of fantastic gifts for travelers out there that won’t break the bank. From colorful Moleskine notebooks and fancy pens to tech toys like Bluetooth trackers and headphone converters, here are 10 of our favorite items under $10 that'll help fill those stockings this year.
1. Bluetooth Headphone/Stereo Converter
This handy little device is a lifesaver for anyone with an iPhone 7 who wants to switch to wireless headphones but doesn’t want to eat the hefty fee to do it — it basically allows you to convert any pair of headphones into wireless ones simply by plugging in your existing pair. Once they're attached, just pair the device with your phone via bluetooth and boom, that’s it — your headphones will no longer require you to plug them directly into your phone. Sure, you'll still have to deal with your headphones' long wire dangling around somewhere, but at least you'll get to stick with your favorite pair without breaking the bank, right? Available on Amazon, from $8.
2. Moleskine Classic Notebook
10 years ago, there wasn't a single person who didn't carry a notebook in their travel bag. Though the concept of the travel journal may be lost on many these days, giving a loved one a fine-crafted notebook for the holidays will be sure to bring back their love of the non-digital world and give them an easy way to jot down their memories on the road. Compact, beautiful and timeless, Moleskine notebooks are a classy present to give to anyone. Available on Amazon, from $9.
3. Ideapool Natural Rosewood Pen
A brilliant notebook requires a brilliantly crafted pen, no? Why not pair that Moleskine you bought with an Ideapool Natural Rosewood Pen? While you may question the sanity of a person who buys a pen that costs more than a buck or two, investing in an upscale writing instrument is a great idea if you're ready to take your pen game to the next level. Like the Moleskine, a fancy pen makes a classic and timeless gift for just about anyone. Available on Amazon, from $10.
4. MicroUSB — or Lightning USB Cable — Keychains
How many times have you run into a situation where you desperately needed a charging cable for your phone, but there's none to be found? Avoid that problem with a portable charging cable, which is compact, magnetic and wraps around a keychain so you can have a phone cable on you at all times. While these aren't the best for daily use (as the wires are extremely short), you'll be glad it's there when you need a cable most. Micro USB cable available on Amazon from $8, Lightning USB cable from $10.
5. Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
Simple, but easily forgettable, microfiber cloths are an important addition to anyone's arsenal. Whether you’re home or on the road, far too many people let their glasses, phones and computer screens remain a smudgy, dirty mess. Do yourself (and your loved ones) a favor and grab a pack of these to always have around — you’ll thank us later. Available on Amazon, pack of 12 cloths from $8.
6. RFID Sleeve Protectors for Your Passport and Credit Cards
Sure, it might sound a little paranoid, but RFID theft is still very much a real thing. These little sleeves hold your passport and credit cards while keeping your info safe in a simple but effective way. It's better to be safe than sorry, right? Available on Amazon, from $10.
7. iPhone Screen Protector
Even the most delicate, gentle hands accidentally will let their $700 device slip freely to the ground from time to time. Rather than face the horror of picking up your cracked, broken mess, avoid the issue altogether by getting a glass screen protector. These are much better than the super-cheap, $0.99 plastic ones you'll find on eBay — rather than being a thin piece of sticky, flexible plastic, they're actually made of inflexible glass and are a bit thicker, meaning the next time you drop your phone, the glass protector will take the shatter instead of your expensive glass screen. Available on Amazon, from $6.
8. Sport Grips for Apple Earphones
Let’s face it: the free headphones Apple supplies with every iPhone are not that great. But their biggest flaw isn’t how they sound, but rather how they never seem to stay put. These little rubber grips help solve that problem by attaching to your headphones, giving you "wings" that press up into your ear to ensure a snug fit so they never fall out. While certainly the tiniest gift on this list, they might very well be the most useful. Available on Amazon, from $9.
9. A $10 iTunes Gift Card
Give someone the gift of music this season with a $10 iTunes gift certificate. The best part is you don't have to agree to any long-term contracts, just redeem your gift card and you're good to go. It's valid for music, movies, mobile apps, books and even desktop applications. Available via Apple, from $10.
10. Bluetooth Tracker Fob
“Keys? Check. Phone? Check. Wallet? Wallet..? Where's my wallet!?” If this sounds like your morning routine, then this gadget has your name on it. TwoBiu’s Nut bluetooth keychain tracker is a tiny, flat plastic square that pairs digitally with your phone and can attach to nearly anything you own. If you ever misplace an item that has the Nut attached, simply open the app on your phone and the device will announce its location by sending out a sound. While alternatives like the Tile do exist at higher prices, for a tracking device as simple as this, buying a "brand name" doesn't really matter — this one will get the job done for less. Note that this was originally available on Amazon in orange from $9, however that particular color is now sold out and only white is left for $29.
What gifts are you hoping to get for the holidays this year? Let us know in the comments, below.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.