Holiday Guide: Budget Stocking Stuffers

Tech trinkets perfect for stuffing in oversized socks

Whoopee cushions whose seams split the first time they’re called upon to do their duty, plush dolls prone to instant dismemberment, fun magnetic board games that are neither fun nor really that magnetic… You’d be forgiven if the first thing that comes to mind when we say “stocking stuffers” are a bunch of cheap-o junk items made in far-flung ports of call, imported to the shelves of your local dollar store. Mercifully, this need not be your home’s resident technology guru’s fate come the holidays, though. Think of it this way: Would you rather receive a massive stocking bursting at the seams with brightly-packaged, but altogether useless trinkets, or a smaller sock that’s filled to bursting with useful, neat and altogether cool gadgets? Yeah, same here, so here are a few great ideas that should provide wallet-friendly, last-minute gift-giving inspiration:

1GB memory card, $10 and less

Best for: Wii, netbook, digital camera, and MP3 player owners

The SD card slot has reached near ubiquity on modern laptops from the lowest-spec’ed netbook to the high-end desktop replacement PC. As such, SD cards represent an easy way to transfer files between systems or to boost the storage capacity of a netbook with a meager solid-state drive. Bonus points come if the recipient has a digital camera, smartphone, PDA, video camera or other piece of consumer electronics kit that uses these standard data archiving solutions. Your local camera or computer shop, electronics or big-box retailer will also have these in stock – an added plus that’ll save you time leading up to that one special day or eight crazy nights. Check price

Open source software, Free 

Best for: Geeks, college students

If your lucky recipient is a dweeb (and we say that with all due affection), a CD of open source software could be the ideal gift. Linux-based operating systems like Ubuntu, Damn Small Linux, gOS and Puppy Linux are fun to play around with, and have the added benefit of being live-bootable. That means your geek doesn’t have to make any permanent changes to his or her computer to try them out. Likewise, for the student geek on a budget, OpenOffice.org does just about everything Microsoft Office does without the hefty price tag. Finish off the package with a slick CD case folded from an 8.5×11" piece of paper from PaperCDCase, and you might even be considered thoughtful as opposed to cheap.

2GB Sandisk Cruzer Contour, $14.99

Best for: Students, businesspeople, just about anyone

Remember when solid state storage cost was measured in dollars per megabyte? Widespread acceptance of USB keys (a.k.a. thumb drives) as a replacement for floppy disks or other means of transporting files between computers means that the price of these handy items has now dropped significantly. Currently, we’re at the point that SanDisk’s excellent Cruzer Contour can be had at the low-end of the storage capacity spectrum for less than $15. This slick USB drive has a piano black finish, comes with a storage pouch that can clip onto your bag or keyring and has a click-clack sliding mechanism that can only be described as slick. www.sandisk.com

Bargain-Bin Software, $15 – $20

Best for: PC and Video Game Enthusiasts

The same jaw-dropping game that cost $60 and came with a neat, but useless branded keychain when pre-ordered this time just a year or two ago has by now likely made its way into the bargain-bin of your local game or computer retailer. For the widest selection, try rummaging through the bins at your local big box retailer – chances are, you’ll come away with at least one gem. For a more refined selection, head to a dedicated games retailer like GameStop or GameCrazy. You can even order bargain games online. You can also find used titles, complete with shrink-wrapped packaging, at most games retailers as well. Check out Metacritic’s games section to see what’s hot and not for the game system your lucky recipient owns. www.amazon.com

Belkin Geo Sleeve, $29.99

Best for: Road warriors, students

While your geek’s laptop may be a study in function over form, the case it’s carried in doesn’t have to be. The Belkin Geo Sleeve is an ideal meeting place of the two; it protects your notebook from scratches, dings and light impacts, and looks good doing it. An asymmetrical zipper means the laptop contained in the Geo Sleeve can be removed or inserted either vertically or horizontally as well. Those looking for more of a feminine touch should consider the Flora Sleeve; same concept and price but in a khaki/powder pink color scheme. www.belkin.com

Wii Classic Controller + 2,000 Wii Points card, $39.99

Best for: Nostalgic types, Gen X-ers

Given the runaway success of Nintendo’s Wii game console, chances are high there’s one in your house. One or the other – the card ($20) or the controller ($19.99) – would be great fit, but together, they’re a killer combo. Together, the duo unlocks the potential to play all the games in the Wii Shop and WiiWare libraries, including many classic titles from the NES to N64 days, with 2,000 Wii Points is enough to grab at least a couple of hot properties, e.g. Castlevania or Punch-Out!! www.nintendo.com

50mW Black Dimple Green Laser Pointer High Powered, $46.88

Best for: Astronomers, academics, the mentally stable

This 50mW green laser pointer laughs in the face of your puny red laser pointer. Speaking of face though, keep it well away from your or anyone else’s. While the "do not point at eyes" warning on those relatively feeble 5mW red laser pointers may seem a little overblown, this thing could do some serious damage. (It’ll melt a hole through a trash bag, but won’t ignite a match from across the room.) The gizmo’s primary use: For astronomers lining up their telescopes. But seriously, what blue- (or perhaps green-) blooded gadget fiend wouldn’t love one of these? www.amazon.com

Sony Noise-Canceling Headphones MDRNC7, $49.99 

Best for: Business travelers and stay-at-home moms (block those kids out!)

Noise-canceling headphones are a godsend for frequent travelers, office drones and commuters. At under $50, these Sony cans are one of the category’s better deals. They get rid of constant background noise like the roar of a redeye flight, the drone of a subway train or the ambient hum of a cubicle farm. Mind you, better noise-canceling headphones do exist – just none that approach this price point. These things effectively filter out annoying background noise while putting your music or movies front and center, giving any multimedia-loving dork greater piece of mind. Check price

Microsoft Explorer Wireless Mini Laptop Mouse with BlueTrack technology, $79.99

Best for: The budget-be-damned road warrior

Since mice lost their (track)balls, they have been faced with a real problem. Not a low testosterone count or separation anxiety, but rather a complete inability to track on anything other than an ideal surface. Both traditional optical mice and laser mice require use with textured surfaces like a mouse pad to provide top performance – even glossy or glass desks won’t cut it, not will ceramic, granite or other countertops. But Microsoft’s latest mice use a blue LED and an improved optical sensor that allows them to track on just about any surface. They’re also wireless and consume low battery, offering great reward for a slightly higher price. www.microsoft.com