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.
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