How-To Geek's Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Stocking Stuffers
Creative Stocking Stuffer Ideas for the Holidays
Beyond the typical small gifts, a wide array of interesting gadgets and novelties are perfectly sized for inclusion in Christmas stockings. There's ample opportunity to move beyond predictable choices and offer truly delightful surprises.
Defining the Ideal Stocking Stuffer
The definition of a stocking stuffer can differ between families. For the purposes of this guide, we’ve focused on two key criteria. All suggested items must physically fit within a standard-sized stocking, and they should be budget-friendly, costing $25 or less.
These parameters ensure practicality and accessibility for a broad range of gift-givers.
Part of a Larger Holiday Gift Collection
This article represents the fifth installment in the How-To Geek’s 2013 Holiday Gift Guides series. To stay informed about all the gift suggestions published throughout December, regularly check for articles tagged with GiftGuide2013.
We aim to provide a comprehensive resource for finding the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.
Discover a range of unique and affordable options to fill those stockings with joy and excitement this holiday season.
Durable Flash Drives for Tech Enthusiasts
Individuals with a passion for technology often require convenient access to portable applications and data while traveling. Flash drives are an ideal solution for this need, allowing for easy transport and keychain attachment.
Traditionally, flash drives were constructed from inexpensive plastic, making them susceptible to cracking or breaking at the keychain connection. This posed a significant problem for reliability.
Modern Ruggedized Options
Thankfully, the market now features a diverse selection of metal and ruggedized flash drives. These offer enhanced durability and protection.
The Kingston Data Traveler SE9, priced from $11, is a popular choice. Its compact size and lightweight design belie its substantial 32GB storage capacity, being smaller than a typical house key.
Another option is the LaCie PetiteKey, available from $19. This drive distinguishes itself with an exceptionally slim profile, intentionally resembling a traditional key.
Silicon Power also provides an aluminum and chrome model, costing around $19. It delivers similar robust construction and resilience, while offering a distinct aesthetic.
Value Proposition
Considering the comparable pricing – generally within a dollar or two – between these durable drives and their plastic counterparts, the benefits of choosing a waterproof, all-in-one, ruggedized model are clear.
There is little justification for opting for a plastic-bodied drive with a removable cap when a more resilient and dependable alternative is readily available.
Key advantages of ruggedized drives include:
- Enhanced durability against physical impacts.
- Resistance to water damage.
- Long-term reliability and data security.
Portable Power Solutions for Modern Devices
Modern mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, and handheld gaming consoles such as the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Vita, demand significant power. Running out of battery can be a frustrating experience. For individuals constantly on the move, a battery pack offers a convenient solution to ensure uninterrupted device operation.
How Battery Packs Work
These devices operate on a straightforward concept. They are pre-charged at a power source, similar to charging a phone or tablet. Subsequently, when away from a power outlet, a device can be connected to the battery pack using a standard USB cable to receive supplemental power.
Compact and Lightweight Options
For users requiring minimal supplemental power, compact chargers like the Anker Astro Mini, priced around $20, are ideal. These “lipstick-sized” chargers can provide one or two additional charges for a smartphone. The Intocircuit T5000, available for approximately $22, presents a comparable alternative, delivering extended battery life within a slightly larger form factor.
Powering Larger Devices
It’s important to note that charging larger devices, such as iPads, while actively in use requires a more powerful battery pack.
- To effectively charge these devices, a battery pack with a 2A output is necessary.
- Many smaller, less expensive battery packs feature a 1A output, which may not be sufficient to maintain power during active use.
For scenarios involving iPads or similar devices, the Anker Astro, costing around $30, represents a more suitable choice.
Investing in a higher-capacity battery pack ensures compatibility and optimal performance when powering larger, power-intensive gadgets.
Robots!
Acknowledging the seriousness of our previous recommendations, which focused on items like flash drives and batteries, it's time to introduce some fun: robots!
These automated companions are sure to bring joy, regardless of the recipient's age, whether they are five or fifty years old.
Hexbug: A Leading Innovator
Innovation Labs, the creator of the Hexbug line, is a major manufacturer and was instrumental in popularizing the tiny-robot trend nationwide last year.
They offer a variety of sizes, including larger models like the Hexbug Scarab ($10) and the Hexbug Ant ($9), alongside the incredibly popular, miniature Hexbug Nanos ($11 individually or $30 for a set of 5).
Exploring the Hexbug Range
Each of the larger Hexbug robots features unique functionalities.
For example, the Ants alter their course upon encountering obstacles, while other models react to light or sound.
The Appeal of Hexbug Nanos
The Hexbug Nanos are remarkably simple in design, utilizing pager motors and small rubber legs.
The motor's vibration causes the legs to oscillate, propelling the robots forward in a rapid and erratic manner.
These tiny robots were a significant success in our household last year, captivating both adults, children, and even pets.
If you are attending a holiday gathering or need to fill multiple stockings, a Nano pack is highly recommended.
Observing a group of Nanos interacting is considerably more entertaining than watching a single one move around.
Headphones for All Ear Sizes
Headphone cables are prone to damage, and the headphones themselves can easily be misplaced. Having a spare pair of earbuds readily available is often a welcome convenience.
The Appeal of Affordable Headphones
Considering the frequent gifting of portable electronics, a new set of headphones complements a new device nicely. While a high-end market exists for expensive audiophile earbuds, most individuals won't invest $300 in products like Etymotic Research Noise Isolating Earbuds as a stocking stuffer.
Thankfully, for those mindful of their budget, numerous highly-rated earbuds are available within the lower price brackets.
Budget-Friendly Options
Panasonic's RPHJE120K earbuds can be purchased for as little as $5-8, depending on the chosen color. These earbuds boast an impressive 4.5-star rating on Amazon, based on over 8,191 reviews.
Alternatively, Sony's MDR-ZX100 over-the-ear headphones are available for around $17 and also receive positive feedback, with a 4-star rating from 2,786 reviews.
Safety for Young Ears
If purchasing headphones for a child, a volume limiting attachment or headphones with built-in volume control is highly recommended. Children frequently set their device volumes too high.
Volume-limiting technology prevents them from reaching potentially damaging sound levels.
Kid-Specific Headphones
JLabs and Sony both offer kid-focused over-ear headphones in the $14-20 price range.
Finding in-ear headphones designed for children is more challenging, as over-ear models are easier to fit across a wider range of ear sizes. Furthermore, companies are cautious about promoting products that encourage inserting objects into children's ears.
However, options like dB Logic's EP-100 model are available for $15-20.
Magnets: Exploring the Wonders of Magnetic Force
The principles of magnetism represent a captivating scientific concept enjoyed by individuals of all ages. A wide array of engaging magnetic toys are readily available, offering both entertainment and educational opportunities.
Visualizing Magnetic Fields
The Mysterious Magnet Tube, priced at $15, provides a unique demonstration of magnetic forces. This sealed cylinder, measuring 5 inches in height, contains iron filings and a magnet, allowing users to observe the patterns of magnetic waves.
Interactive Magnetic Materials
For a more tactile experience, Crazy Aaron's Super Magnetic Putty ($15) presents an intriguing combination of traditional silly putty and ferromagnetic particles. This unusual material offers a playful way to interact with magnetic properties.
Constructing with Magnetic Power
CMS Magnetics offers building kits, starting at $9, that utilize the power of magnetic spheres. These kits include steel connector rods encased in plastic, enabling the creation of diverse and fascinating structures held together solely by magnetism.
Magnets in the Home
The refrigerator door often serves as a central hub for magnets within the home. Consider the possibilities for displaying creativity and personal interests.
LEGO and Magnetic Displays
For LEGO enthusiasts, a pack of magnetic LEGO bases ($4 for 5) provides a convenient method for showcasing their favorite LEGO figures or lighter-weight constructions on the refrigerator.
Character-Themed Magnetic Sets
These bases can also be purchased alongside popular LEGO series figures, such as Star Wars figures ($14) or Harry Potter figures ($24). The availability extends beyond LEGO, encompassing magnets themed around Doctor Who, Star Trek, and numerous other subjects.
Magnetic accessories offer a fun and practical way to personalize spaces and celebrate favorite hobbies.
Celebrating Passionate Interests
The discussion of LEGO figures, Doctor Who merchandise, and similar items highlights the greatest advantage of selecting geek-themed stocking stuffers. The opportunities to cater to the specific passions of your loved ones are virtually boundless.
A Universe of Options
Simply identify their interests, explore platforms like Amazon and Etsy, and a vast array of geeky stocking stuffers will become available. The selection is extensive, exceeding what could be contained in numerous stockings.
- Triforce Keychains are available for around $8.
- Star Wars Lightsabers can be found for approximately $15.
- A substantial bag of role-playing dice costs around $19.
If you are aware of your friend or family member’s preferences, you can discover numerous appealing items, even including themed socks, to present as gifts.
We encourage you to share your own ideas! Let us know in the comments section about the geeky stocking stuffers you've chosen, whether purchased from a store, crafted by hand, or obtained through other means.