Cool Gadgets for Geeks and Travelers This Christmas, Many of Them Bargains Under $20

by Mira

Popular and very useful gadgets that make great Christmas gifts for geeks and frequent travelers (and more). Bargain tech products and outdoors gear. Updated Nov. 23, 2021.

I know people who give the same kind of Christmas gifts over and over again, year after year. Some of them are useful, but why not infuse more fun into the gift-opening night or morning by getting your family and friends some gadgets that will surprise them and let them know that you personalized their gifts, tailored them to their interests and specific needs. Following are some such cool gadgets that I think pretty much every geek and traveler will be happy to receive this holiday season. They include electronic gizmos like a laser-projected keyboard, a mini foldable keyboard, and clipon camera lenses for smartphones, as well as some travel accessories that are needed more and more every day, like power banks, including a solar panel charger, a universal travel adapter with USB ports, and a digital luggage scale with lifetime warranty. For more fun and comfort I'm also presenting a popular bluetooth audio light bulb, sleep headphones, portable camping stoves, and more.

Fiotok Retro Phone Handset

There are many phone handsets around, and they’re very popular these days, not only with geeks, but also with people looking to reduce radiation from their mobile phones. You can buy a retro desk phone that docks your smartphone, or just the phone handset. This one comes with noise reduction technology and a hands-free function.

This Fiotek handset is a nice retro phone made for comfort, great sound, and allowing you to easily work on your iPhone or Android phone if you need to while you talk. I think it will make a great Christmas gift for many people. Better than retro phone that also work as docking stations, because those may not fit all types of smartphones.

Fiotok Retro Handset / Retro Cell Phone Receiver, Anti Radiation

#commissionsearned
Only $16.99

Camera Lens Kit for iPhones and Some Android Phones (Samsung Galaxy and others)

These camera lenses for smartphones have really taken off ever since they became popular on the market a few years ago. The Xenvo Pro lens kit is by far the most popular on Amazon at the time of my updating this article, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee. It includes a 0.45X Tru View Wide-Angle Lens and a 15X Clarus Macro Lens. The wide-angle lens captures 45% more elements in your images, and it does so with little distortions and no dark corners. The premium coated class also greatly reduces reflections and lens flares and other unwanted light effects.

The macro lens works best at half an inch from the object of your photograph.

The kit also includes a rechargeable natural LED light with three brightness settings. It also comes with a travel case and lanyard. A great Christmas gift for anyone who’s into high-quality mobile photography.

Xenvo Pro Wide-Angle and Macro Lens Kit for iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Note, and Other Smartphones

#commissionsearned
Only $39.99

Laser-Projected Virtual Keyboard

Another gadget that’s been popular lately, not only with geeks but also with people who travel a lot, is laser projected keyboards. They connect via Bluetooth and allow you to easily write long emails or posts about your trips as you travel light. What’s not to love? This virtual keyboard from AGS sells for $45.99 -- admittedly a little above $20, but worth it.

AGS Wireless Laser-Projected Keyboard

#commissionsearned
Only $42.99

Foldable Mini Bluetooth Keyboard

A cheaper novelty keyboard for geeks and travelers is the flexible silicone keyboard, but it fell out of favor with users since some people found that certain keys didn't work properly. So instead of foldable flexible keyboards, savvy users and companies have veered onto foldable plastic mini keyboards, like the one below from iClever.

(NB: It's more expensive than $20 but that's what you get for much better quality.)

iClever Foldable Keyboard, Portable, Mini

#commissionsearned
Portable Bluetooth Keyboard, iClever BK03 Mini Foldable BT 5.1 Wire...
Only $39.99

Digital Luggage Scale

The market is now flooded with digital luggage scales (no more trying to fit your luggage over your bathroom scales!), but they’re not all made equal. This luggage scale from Tarriss Travel Gear has a rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon, out of thousands of customer reviews. Some of its plusses are that it’s accurate (even above 30 pounds), weighs up to 110 pounds, has a durable stainless steel design, and the company provides great customer service should you need any. It sells for $15.97 and comes with a lifetime warranty, which makes it a great stocking stuffer for travelers!

Tarriss Jetsetter Digital Luggage Scale, Lifetime Warranty

#commissionsearned
Only $21.99

Universal Travel Adapter

This is not a new gadget by any means, but by its vary nature it's very popular with travelers. There are plenty worldwide adapters on the market, but they are not the same quality or with the same options. This one comes with four adapter plugs for more than 175 countries, and it's quite sturdy, compared to some other travel adapters, especially those with separate plugs. This one also includes 4 USB ports, which is very useful considering the scarcity of power sockets in most hotel and guesthouse rooms.

4.7 stars on Amazon from 1,121 reviews

Note that this plug adapter, like virtually all such travel adapters, is not a power converter, so you won’t be able to use things like hair dryers or irons, but you will be able to charge your phones, cameras, etc. Laptops are also generally fine to charge using travel adapters like this one. Available now from $19.95.

Universal Plug Adapter with 4 USB Ports, All-in-One

#commissionsearned
Only $16.95

Belkin SurgePlus Mini Travel Charger with 3 Outlets and 2 USB Ports

This mini charger from Belkin is a great gift for travelers within Type A countries (USA, Canada, Japan, and others) who need more outlets for their electronics and other gadgets, some of them chargeable via USB ports. This Belkin travel charger is also great because it comes with surge protection. It sells for $15.29, down from $19.99.

Belkin Surge Protector and Charger, 3 AC Outlets and 2 USB Ports

#commissionsearned
$18.84  $11.58

Cute USB Hubs

For those looking only for more USB ports, there are many fun USB hubs out there.The pink airplane and the Hubman have 4 USB 2.0 ports.

USB Hubman, 4 Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Ports

#commissionsearned
Only $9.99

Cute Multitasky USB Port Hub, 4 USB 2.0 Ports

#commissionsearned
Multitasky Cute USB Hub Fun, Mini USB Hub for PC, 4 Port USB Hub, C...
Only $25.0

Ultra Thin INIU Power Bank / External Battery 1,000 mAh

This power bank from INIU is one of the thinnest 1,000 mAh on the market. Its external battery charges 1.4 times faster than some others, due to INIU's UPower+ technology. It also includes a flashlight. It's especially friendly to lovers of dogs and cats and other fur babies as it comes with a lit paw indicator.

This portable charger can come in handy if you use WhatsApp or the Internet a lot on your phone, or if you go places with poor reception, which also tend to use up your battery. The solution to this power drain are these portable chargers. At $19.99, it's one must-have gadget for both serious travelers and those of you going away someplace remote for the weekend.

Ultra Slim INIU Power Bank

#commissionsearned

Waterproof, Lightweight and Foldable Nekteck Portable Solar Charger

This portable solar panel charger works on SunPower Maxeon solar cell technology, which makes it better than other similar solar power banks on the market. It's also waterproof and highly durable, a great choice for camping or traveling in all sorts of weather. The Nektech solar charger power bank also has 2 USB ports. It's lightweight (it weighs only 23 oz) and foldable, and it comes with hooks and eyelets so you can easily wear it on your backpack.

A power bank that you can charge at home before leaving on a trip is always great when traveling, and having a solar one that charges on the go is even better. Great gift for campers and hikers! It's now available at $49.99, down $10 from last Christmas season (2020).

Nekteck 28W Portable Solar Panel Charger, 2 USB Ports

#commissionsearned
Only $67.99

Audio Light Bulbs

There are many LED light bulbs with built-in speakers on the market nowadays. The TexSens ones appear to be the most popular right now. The one I'm showing below offers not only quality stereo music (with a nice bass), but it can also cycle or face through colors, or pulsate light in sync with the music. It's a nice gadget for late garden parties or for any parties at home, for that matter. Selling now at $15.99. Note that it's not waterproof.

TexSens LED Light Bulb Bluetooth Speaker, with White and RGB Colored Light

#commissionsearned
Only $17.99

Comfortable Sleep Headphones

Headphones are always a great gift for geeks, and these lycra headphones from CozyPhones are designed for extra comfort. They are wonderful for everything from plane travel to sports, meditation, relaxation, and snug drifts to the land of nod. No more aggravating earbuds! A great stocking stuffer, I’d say! Currently priced at $15.99.

CozyPhones Comfortable Sleep Headphones

#commissionsearned
Only $16.99

Camping Stoves

Camping stoves come in many shapes and forms. I'm showing two designs, one from Ohuhu and the another from Hike Crew. The first one, made in stainless steel, works with whatever twigs and wood you can find as well as with solidified alcohol tablets, and it's both lightweight (0.8 pounds in all!) and collapsible.

The second one, also in stainless steel, is a propane grill and stove burner. It's more compact but it weighs 12 pounds, which to my mind makes it better suited for RVers rather than occasional campers, who'd rather travel more light, especially if they also hike to their camping grounds. This Hike Crew one has the advantage that the lid, when open, protects from the wind. It also comes with a ceramic griddle pan, which can be quite useful.

Both have their advantages, and the price is also something to take into consideration. Take your pick!

Ohuhu Portable Wood-Burning Camping Stove

#commissionsearned
Only $19.99

Hike Crew 2-in-1 Portable Propane Gas Camping Stove

#commissionsearned
Only $99.99

Sawyer Mini SP128 Water Filtration System

#commissionsearned
$17.41  $17.24

Sawyer Mini Personal Water Filter

With more people going camping than usual this year and possibly the next ones as well (and into the future, as they discover more of the beauty of nature in the wild), a water filter becomes a must, as not all hiking places have all the necessary amenities, or you may want to camp by a remote place by the beach sometimes, where you don't have a faucet, a minimarket, or a vending machine. For a budget option (around $20) I recommend the Sawyer Mini water filter. It has a 4.7 average score on Amazon out of over 29,155 reviews.

Foldable or Collapsible Water Bottles

If you're traveling light by day as a backpacker, it makes sense to use a foldable plastic water bottle. While not as sturdy as a collapsible bottle, it does make more room in your backback when empty and weighs less. On the other hand, if you're going camping in a van, you may want to use a collapsible version. I'm showing both.

Nefeeko Collapsible Water Bottle

#commissionsearned
Only $9.99

Vapur Flexible Water Bottle

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$13.99  $10.21

Emergency Radio / Flashlight / Solar Power Bank

The latest version of the Esky all-in-one emergency radio and flashlight is an Amazon's Choice for "hurricane radio." It has a 1000mAh battery that charges via USB, solar, or by hand crank, and according to reviewers its design is indeed durable and water-resistant as advertised. All this for $17.49. Very useful not only in home emergency but also on travels, and it's only a little larger in length than a large smartphone. It gets a 4.6 average score on Amazon out of almost 7,5K reviews. Some reviewers note that sometimes the product doesn't work well enough but it's easily replaced by Esky is this is the case.

Esky all-in-one flashlight / radio / power bank

#commissionsearned
Only $17.99

BreakShield Emergency Tool 7-in-1 Device

#commissionsearned
LifeRescue 6 in 1 Auto Emergency Extraction Tool and LED ...
Only $34.95

6-in-1 Auto Emergency Tool

If you're going to travel in a car, it's a good idea to be able to get out of it in case of an accident. This auto emergency extraction tool from Life Rescue helps you to cut through your seat belt and easily break a side window. It can also be an emergency power bank for your phone, and includes a flashlight as well.

Possibly the Best Translator Gadget

On a happier note, here's a translator gadget for no less than 106 languages! That's 106 languages online and 8 languages offline. It uses both audio and text, and it comes with character-recognition online photo support for 44 languages.

It's a bit pricey at $139.99 but what a great gift for a globe trotter -- or simply for someone who looks to practice foreign languages at local ethnic stores, dance gatherings, you name it.

Birgus Language Translator Device

#commissionsearned
Only $12.0

Have a great holiday season!

Enjoy the holiday season! I hope you will give and receive great gifts!

Updated: 11/23/2021, Mira
 
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Mira on 02/20/2018

Thank you, Sandy and kimbesa! :)

kimbesa on 02/02/2018

These will work for the hard-to-buy-for relatives all year round...thanks!

sandyspider on 02/01/2018

Cool gadgets indeed.

Mira on 06/01/2016

Good question :)

mei on 05/31/2016

does anyone have $20, that i could borrow?

Mira on 01/31/2016

I do too :)

iggy on 01/30/2016

I love cool new gadgets

Mira on 07/26/2015

I would get those two too :)

CruiseReady on 07/25/2015

I could use a good luggage scale. That's the practical side of me. But the silly side says, "Oh, won't someone please, please get me one of those flexible foldable keyboards?"

Mira on 07/25/2015

Yes, I had fun looking at these gadgets, and I would want some of them for myself too :)


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