Five Last-Minute Gifts Under $50 for Your Techy Friends

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As someone who tests smart-home technology, I have a house full of robots and sensors. In fact, there’s always a stack of boxes of things waiting to be tested In my home. Despite my access to all of this fun tech, there are still some items that I’d love to add to my daily routine. If you’re still trying to figure out what to get the tech lover in your life, here are my suggestions.

A scrolling ring

If you have a Kindle or TikTok habit, you know all too well the hand cramping that comes from having to hold and flip through with your thumb. There is a solution—the scrolling ring. Worn on your finger, you can press the forward, backward or select button on your ring and control your phone or tablet remotely. I have been eyeing one for my late-night TikTok habit; given the way healthcare is going, this $30 solution for future thumb joint issues seems like a wise investment. 

A mini thermal printer

Thermal printers have gotten smaller and smaller, and now they can fit in your pocket. Why a thermal printer? They can quickly produce stickers, notes, even temporary tattoos. I like the Notebuddy for its compact shape and easy to replace sticker paper. You connect via Bluetooth from your phone or laptop. 

A heated neck massager

There’s this neck massager that looks like a scarf you stretch around you, and put your arms through. I want one. I can see how the pressure from your arms would help the massager get right up against your neck to really dig in and work out your bound-up muscles. 

Super Mario Bros. brick lamp

I’ve been obsessed with this Super Mario Bros. question mark light up brick. It attaches to the wall or wherever else you’d like to stick it, and yes, you can actually punch it, and yes, it will make that deeply satisfying sound effect from the classic game. 

Desk vacuum cleaner

My desk is where everything goes—mail, projects, books, gloves and my purse—and so it often needs a cleaning. I love this cordless vacuum cleaner that I can keep nearby and grab as needed to vacuum my keyboard and mousepad if I need to, without needing to clear away pens and cords.