The holiday season is still several weeks out, but with fall sales and early holiday offers trickling in (October Prime Day starts Oct. 7), now is the time to start your shopping. But with tons of tech gadgets on the market, it can be hard to sort through all the giftable items available. As a tech editor who works with tons of different products, from mobile and MagSafe accessories to battery-boosting options, to chargers, cases, and beyond, I know a thing or two about tech items that make the perfect stocking stuffers this season for anyone on your list.
Also: Worried about rising tech prices? Try these 5 easy ways to shop smarter right now
That’s why I’ve rounded up several types of ZDNET-tested gadgets that are perfect for the holiday season and a great fit for inside a loved one’s stocking (or just under the tree). Rest assured, we’ve tested all of these products and would recommend them as gifts ourselves (or have already gifted them in the past). I kept these picks under $75, but keep in mind that the “limit” for stocking stuffers is truly a personal decision. Here are my favorite tech stocking stuffers that are perfect for gifting this year.
Also: Shopping this October Prime Day? Here’s how to use Amazon’s tools to find the best deals
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The best tech stocking stuffers to gift in 2025
If you know an avid reader or will be gifting a Kindle or Kobo to a loved one this holiday season, consider adding a set of Strapsicle hand straps. I purchased these last October after dropping my own Kindle Paperwhite on my face one too many times, and have never been more impressed with an e-reader accessory.
Also: This simple Kindle accessory made the reading experience so much better for me
These straps simply pop over the corners of Kindle and other e-reader devices, are made of silicone, come in lots of fun colors, and bonus, only cost $21. They’re super comfortable, and allow me to grip my Kindle from nearly any angle I want, which is a much better deal than being limited to the placement of one PopSocket, another popular way to add a grip to e-readers. Not only is this an excellent stocking stuffer, but it’s also a great gift to yourself if you’re a voracious reader looking to upgrade your experience.
As an editor who frequently tests MagSafe battery packs, wireless chargers, and other battery-boosting options, I firmly believe in always carrying some type of backup battery booster. There’s nothing worse than being without a functional phone than when you need it most, and as a chronically online Gen Zer, my iPhone 14 Pro is under 50% battery as early as midday.
Also: This Anker power bank solved my big problem with portable chargers
This ZDNET-favorite Anker Nano Power Bank is the size of a lipstick tube, and is just enough to juice your phone up in case of an emergency or unexpected situation. I keep one in my purse at all times (yes, it even fits in the tiniest of micro bags). Plus, if you have a Lightning charger on your phone, you can nab that version, too. It’s the perfect size for a handy stocking stuffer and is certainly a gift that I can guarantee will get used.
Give the gift of organization this year. If you know someone that’s a frequent traveler for work or in their personal life, a tech organizer is a nice upgrade from basic pouches and bags, and its something most of us may overlook and not purchase ourselves.
This 2-in-1 accessory pouch from Orbitkey is my absolute favorite for corralling my Kindle, chargers, cords, gear and more, and the removable smaller pouch that stands on its own is a nice touch for my most reached for items. It’s such a perfect organizer for a daily work bag or a travel tote, is very durable (I’ve had mine almost a year and it looks brand new), and simplifies the packing process. Since I WFH, I leave my Orbitkey organizer in my carry on tote so its always ready for me when I need to pack. Orbitkey also just launched several new colors, like Olive Green and Lilac. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s definitely a long term investment into caring for your gear.
Also: This organizer pouch is the life-simplifying tech accessory I didn’t know I needed
AirTags are great tracking accessories, but they’re not the slimmest or most practical option for wallets. This is where Bluetooth tracking cards come in.
Also: One of the best wallet AirTags I’ve tested isn’t made by Apple or Tile
Bluetooth tracking cards, like this one from KeySmart, mean you’re not chucking away handfuls of CR2032s every year because this one’s rechargeable (even via MagSafe). Plus, because there are no battery compartment covers, this key tag is robust and has an IPX7 rating for dust proofing and water resistance. It can survive up to 30 minutes of immersion in 3 feet of water.
ZDNET’s Adrian Kingsely-Hughes says the KeySmart Card is the best option for wallets right now. “AirTags are great, but they have those first-generation limitations that I’m sure that Apple will one day solve with a next-gen wave of AirTags. But for now, the KeySmart SmartCard is the best AirTag for those who want a thin solution for their wallet or as a luggage tag,” he says. You can grab a KeySmart card individually or in a three pack, making them great for gifting (so much so that I gifted these to my dad and brothers last year).
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Moft’s popular tripod stand makes watching your favorite shows or shooting content on the go easy. The MagSafe accessory has several adjustable, ergonomic positions to maximize your phone’s capabilities, and the newest iteration can hold credit or debit cards. This 3-1 wallet, stand, and tripod is the perfect nifty buy for any tech lover, and can be used with iPhones and Androids outfitted for MagSafe accessories, too.
Also: The best MagSafe accessories
I love using this tripod on vacations and trips for photo and video opportunities, and at home for a plethora of things from watching TV, following workout programs at the gym, to following a recipe while cooking. It’s truly multifunctional and one of my favorite accessories of all time, and the upgraded wallet model makes it that much better. This is a great holiday buy for any age.
Yes, give me 100. Seriously.
You cannot go wrong gifting charger cables this year, because everyone always needs them. This one from Statik has become one of my favorites, thanks to its interchangeable tip adapters, swivel head, and light-up cord. And if glow isn’t your thing, don’t worry. There are a few variations of this cable, so you can find the best fit for you (or a loved one).
World traveler? Don’t be without a handy travel adapter that works in over 200 countries. We love this one from Baseus for its built-in and retractable USB-C cable, it’s easy slide-in-and-out plugs for respective coutnries, and its 70W GaN capabilities. It’s not the fastest option on the market, but its more than enought to power up your tech essentials no matter where you are in the world. Plus, it comes with three added ports, too.
Also: My new favorite universal adapter for traveling has a hidden superpower
A large part of my job involves testing MagSafe battery packs for ZDNET, and as someone who’s tried tons, I recommend gifting a slim option, like this one from Torras this season.
Also: This ultra-thin battery pack I tested is a must-have travel gadget (and it works with MagSafe)
This 5,000mAh battery pack is a great, typical battery capacity for everyday power-ups as well as a backup boost during concerts, outings, day trips, commutes, and more. The big difference between this pack and other 5,000mAh options on the market is the size. The Torras MiniMag is ultra-thin, which is not typical of MagSafe battery packs.
Because of its slim design, it’s a lot more comfortable to carry around in bags or purses, as well as comfortable to use while holding your phone. If you’re going to gift a MagSafe battery this season, I highly recommend choosing this slim option due to the versatility it really gives you. So many times people buy battery packs only to realize they’re really too bulky for their daily needs, so I encourage both buyers and gifters to start small.
If there’s one thing about me it’s that I love a good charger. This 15W foldable charger from Anker keeps my iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods powered up wherever I travel, and it’s compact size is super functional (and cute)!
Also: My favorite 3-in-1 travel MagSafe charger is smaller than a cookie
Bonus is that it comes in four colors, so everyone in the family can have their own (and you’ll know when yours has been stolen by the family charger bandit). The charger comes with its own cord and USB-C wall charger too, so you don’t need to worry about any extra pieces. I leave this charger tucked into my tech travel pouch so its always where I need it when I start packing for a trip.
Looking for a stocking stuffer that’s under $50? Amazon’s smallest speaker, the Echo Pop, is a great option for bulking up an existing smart home system, or for starting out yours or a loved one’s collection. Thanks to it’s size, it’s great for kids rooms, smaller spaces, dorms, apartments, and more, and it also comes in four colors.
ZDNET’s Maria Diaz loves her family’s Echo Pop, which they fondly named “Ziggy.” “It’s the perfect starter smart speaker for anyone looking to get to know Amazon Alexa and dive deeper into a smart home ecosystem. At just over half the size of an Echo Dot, the Echo Pop doesn’t disappoint; it’s no Sonos speaker but packs a mean punch in a small package,” Diaz says.
Also: Echo Pop vs Echo Dot: Which Amazon Alexa smart speaker should you choose?
Another useful stocking stuffer that I would be thrilled to receive myself — smart plugs. These ones from Kasa are designed to allow you to fit two onto one outlet for maximum function, and they are so easy to set-up. This year I upgraded our Christmas tree by finally coupling a pair of smart plugs to it, and the joy of turning our tree on and off with our phones or Alexa is unparalled. Crawling under the tree is character building, but there’s no need.
Also: I test smart home devices for a living and the smart plug I use for my Christmas tree is $10
These also work great for other lighted holiday decor (hello Christmas village), as well as everyday household items like appliances, lamps, etc. These Kasa mini plugs were highly recommended to me by ZDNET”s smart home expert Maria Diaz, and now I am recommending them to you. Plus, when you can get two for under $20, you can’t really go wrong. They’re highly functional and perfect for making your home just a little smarter.
The Supcase MagFlip wallet attaches to your phone and doubles as a durable stand. It’s also got a dedicated spot for an AirTag Bluetooth tracker, so you’ll never have to worry about losing it. There’s also RFID protection for your cards.
Also: I’ve tested dozens of MagSafe accessories, and this is the one I keep on my iPhone
It also elevates into a stand similar to the Moft Tripod, which makes it even more functional for viewing and more. My Dad stole this wallet from me when he saw it, and he likes to use it as a standalone carry option seperate from his phone, too.
You can’t really go wrong with opting for everyday essentials for the holidays, especially in a loved one’s stocking. I use AirTags to track my keys, wallet, suitcases, totes, and more, so their usefulness is certainly not understated. They’re also easy options for tracking pets and children, as well as other incidentals like TV remotes and more.
Plus, this 4-pack isn’t likely to drop any lower than $70 throughout the holiday season based on last year’s sale trends and my daily deal experience, so you don’t have to worry about shopping too early and missing out on a ton of extra savings. The best thing about this AirTag 4-Pack is you can break it up to gift to multiple people, or keep the pack intact. It’s a smart, shareable, and useful stocking stuffer idea.
More gifts to consider
The Tire Hero gives you free air, anywhere. You’ll never be without a way to add air to your car tire, bikes, inflatables, and more. This is a great gift for anyone, and is the perfect addition to an at-home kit or an on-the-go emergency. It can also power your phone or tablet and comes with emergency lights. Plus, it’s not difficult to use.
This little mobile accessory plugs into your phone to deliver temperature-controlled treatments to itchy bug bites, and if you’re skeptical, take it from me: it does work. I’m sensitive to most bug bites and was surprised that Heat it cut down the healing time on bites I had on my ankles — no purple spots left behind for weeks.
Koala cleaner keeps my tech screens and my eyeglasses sparkling, and for $8, you can’t pass it up. It’s the perfect addition to any stocking, and it will actually get used.
I’m not sure how many times I’ve gifted this wallet myself, but it’s multiple. This is a great minimalist option for someone who wants to store 1-2 cards at most and have a handy stand built-in. It comes in tons of colors and is also a great buy for here and there events where you may want a MagSafe wallet. Nearly everyone in my immediate family has a Moft wallet at this point.
Nomad’s ChargeKey is the perfect keychain USB-C accessory, especially for a loved one that travels frequently or is always on the go. It features a durable braided cable and zinc cable tips that connect magnetically, plus it looks sleek and minimal on your keychain while powering all your Lightning or USB-C devices.
Also: I never leave home without this viral USB-C key ring accessory
ZDNET’s Adrian Kingsley-Hughes has been a loyal ChargeKey user for over 10 years, when he praised the functionality of the first generation model. Since then, a V2 model dropped last year, but the functionality remains the same. “Not only is ChargeKey the perfect size for a stocking stuffer, it’s also so useful and nice to have on hand when you need it most, so you can rest assured you’re not gifting something entirely useless,” he says.
If you prefer Anker, the MagGo 15W Slim Qi2 battery pack is a great option. It’s not as thin as the Torras MiniMag, but it’s still sleek in form and great for charging. It comes in four colors, including blue and pink, and I actually prefer the feel of this pack over the Torras MiniMag.
When is Black Friday?
Black Friday always falls on the day after Thanksgiving in the US. This year, Black Friday was on Nov. 28, 2025.
When is Cyber Monday?
Cyber Monday is the Monday following Thanksgiving weekend, and the end of the “Cyber 5” savings week. This year, Cyber Monday was on Dec. 1, 2025.
