Buying the right gift for Father’s Day is never as simple as it seems — especially if you’re on a budget. While gift cards are a reliable and appreciated option, they’re often a last resort. If you want to present a more creative gift while staying financially conscious, I’ve got you covered.
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These gifts are sure to bring a smile to your dad’s face, and with all of them being $25 and under, all without making too much of a dent in your wallet.
- Price: $17
- Features: Compatible with wireless charging | 38.8 millimeter diameter | Top is swappable
PopSockets are perfect for busy people who need an extra grip, which is why it’s my choice for the best cheap tech gift under $25. PopSockets are versatile — they come in all sorts of colors and designs for different budgets (including under $25), and even have wallets and MagSafe case PopSocket options. You can even gift the recipient a personalized PopSocket with an image of their pet or a favorite photo of the both of you.
- Price: $25
- Features: Up to 140W of power | Up to 40gb/s data transfer | 24-pin connection | Dust-proof
Take it from ZDNET’s tech-tool expert, Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, this gadget has saved his USB-C ports from damage “countless times” as well as his laptop from crashing down to the floor upon tripping over a charging cable. Consisting of two main parts: a USB-C port that protects from damage, and another end that fits onto the respective charging cable, the 140W tool is an effective and powerful tool to gift this Father’s Day.
Review: My favorite USB-C accessory of all time scores a magnetic upgrade
- Price: $25
- Features: iOS or Android app | 200-foot Bluetooth range | Water-resistant
These days, there’s a lot to keep track of, and a Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker is a small tool that can be a big help in finding that misplaced key, wallet, or lost knick-knack. The compact design makes it ideal for attaching to a key ring, luggage, wallet, and more. Plus, the free app lets users activate Tile’s sound feature, making it easier to track the item that perfectly wedges its way between two couch cushions.
Also: These Bluetooth trackers are handy, but AirTag isn’t the only one
- Price: $20
- Features: 4 color options | 5 watts of power | 100-foot Bluetooth range
Cambridge Soundworks produces stellar audio devices without costing you a premium. The Oontz Angle Solo speaker is no exception. The portable music player has a projected 15-hour playtime, enhanced bass-pumping sound, and an angular design that makes it especially easy to carry. With summer finally here, a portable speaker can be a great accessory to blast music by the pool, beach, or backyard bash.
- Price: $22
- Features: 4 color options | Bluetooth 5.0 | 10 hours of playing time
Give the gift of peaceful sleep with these wireless sleep headphones. The headphones fit snugly around your head and can connect to your playlists via Bluetooth so you can listen to white noise, nature sounds, or whatever you want as you fall asleep. It also doubles as a sleep mask, blocking out unwanted light and sound.
- Price: $23
- Features: Fits like a ring | Comes in a charging case | USB-C charging port | Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
If your recipient is a multi-tasking master and wants to scroll through social media, emails, and more, then this tiny remote that fits on your finger like a ring is the perfect gift. After going viral on TikTok, this handy device from Adzerd is appropriately dubbed the “TikTok” remote, but it works for scrolling on any app when paired to your smartphone via Bluetooth. I love that while this is an arguably lazy device, it’s a great multi-tasking tool and “game changer” for dreaded cardio workouts.
Also: Why this $23 remote control is a must-have for productive workouts (and more)
- Price: $10
- Features: 7 color options | 3mm aluminum material | Can be adjusted 270 degrees
Remote workers and FaceTime fiends will appreciate this adjustable phone stand that makes a great addition to any desk, table, or nightstand. You can adjust the stand 270 degrees for ideal viewing angles. In addition, you can still charge your phone while it’s on the stand since there’s a slot in the back for a charging cord.
- Price: $10
- Features: Wireless charging compatible | Anti-slip coating | Fits AirPods Pro case
The Apple AirPods Pro, and more recently the 2nd-generation successor, have become an in-ear staple. Sadly, you can’t find a pair of AirPods for under $25, but I’ll make a case for an AirPods case — a fun one that is. These soft silicone 3D cover cases from WowChic mimic crowd-favorite soda cans, coffee drinks, and snacks, which is perfect for a personal touch.
If your loved one notorious for misplacing their AirPods or mistaking her own for someone else’s, a custom case with a built-in keychain is a personable, affordable solution. Plus, it can protect their AirPods from drops, dings, and scratches.
Also: The best AirPods of 2023: Pricing and features compared
- Price: $25
- Features: Open up to 30 bottles on a single charge | Foil cutter included | Single push button operation
Opening a wine bottle can be an unnecessary hassle, but this electric wine bottle opener makes it easier — believe me! It’s portable size is ideal for bringing to parties with a single push-button operation that can remove the cork of any bottle. Plus, it comes with a foil cutter and charging stand. I can easily say that this device has transformed my wine-opening experience from a complex battle and near disaster to a seamless pop and pour.
- Price: $20
- Features: 360 degrees rotation | 62 inches | Bluetooth remote shutter
For the dad that’s always taking group family photos, this phone tripod is compatible with any smartphone and can stretch up to 60 inches tall and fold back down into a compact 11-inch stick. And if self-timer photos aren’t their forte, the Bluetooth remote allows for snapping photos from up to 32 feet away.
It’s also super lightweight, making it perfect to tote around for travel at only 332 grams. ZDNET’s Sabrina Ortiz uses this tripod to capture vertical video content on the go and is impressed with its quality, reliability, and compact size.
- Price: $10
- Features: Dual stand and charger | Compatible with all Apple Watch Series models | Compatible with AirPods and AirPods Pro | 2.89 ounces | Nightstand mode
This Sokusin stand is a compact solution to Apple Watch and iPhone charger management, allowing users to lace their cords through, keeping chargers hidden and in place. At 2.89 ounces, it’s discrete and lightweight, making a nice addition to your dad’s desk, nightstand, or backpack for travel.
With affordability at the top of my mind, I chose fun product ideas for smaller gifts, but also items that are suitable — and budget-friendly — as larger gifts.
You can find the best cheap tech gifts at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon.
This year, Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 18th.
