Who says stocking stuffers have to be standard fare like snacks, everyday products, and knick-knacks? This year, try hanging some of these handy tech gadgets and accessories by the fireplace as well.
Here at CGMagazine, we’ve pulled together a list of our favourite everyday accessories and items we reviewed in 2023 to help spice up your gift-giving this holiday season. Given how stocking stuffers can quickly snowball and take up your holiday budget, we’ve limited our candidates to an MSRP of a maximum of $100 as well.
Here is our Christmas Gift Guide: Holiday Stocking Stuffers 2023!
MicroSD Cards
Everybody has at least one device in their home that uses a microSD, and the gift of expanded or alternate storage can always be helpful. To that end, SanDisk’s Extreme line of pro memory cards can make a dynamite stocking stuffer, and there are other brands like Lexar that are available as well. Large capacity cards with high reading speeds are gradually coming down in price, making it easier than ever to buff the storage on your loved ones’ Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, phones, or more.
- Read Speed: SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSD UHS-I Card features SanDisk QuickFlow Technology that optimizes performance for timesaving media offloads with quick read speeds up to 200MB/s
- Write Speeds of up to 140MB/s: Capture fast-action photos or shoot 4K UHD video with write speeds of up to 140MB/s. The SanDisk Extreme Pro microSDXC UHS-I Card lets you shoot more and faster
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, other portable gaming devices, smartphones and tablets
- Faster transfer speeds for quick loading time with up to 160MB/s read
GUNNAR – Spider-Man: Miles Morales Edition
GUNNARS are great for anyone who might be gaming or watching their tablet regularly. Blue Light glasses are meant to help block harmful light that might be keeping you up at night or hurting your eyes. GUNNAR launched their newest edition to the Marvel line recently, so now is a great time to pick them up in time for the holidays. The kid’s Cruz line is linked below, but they also make adult sizes because who doesn’t love Spider-Man?
- MARVEL COLLECTION – Unleash your inner Super-Hero with the GUNNAR Spider-Man Miles Morales Edition. Equipped with these blue light glasses, swing into performance and protection with glasses featuring everyone’s new favorite Web Slinger.
- DOCTOR RECOMMENDED — Protects against symptoms stemming from prolonged screen-staring including migraines, headaches, dry eyes, blurry vision, cataracts, macular degeneration (AMD) and negative effects of blue light exposure
Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Smartwatch
Smartwatches and fitness trackers are common peripherals these days, even for those who aren’t hitting the gym daily. Often, they can approach overkill for many users, offering an excess of features for a high price. Xiaomi’s Smart Band 8 Smartwatch finds a sweet spot in function, fashion, and cost, which makes a terrific stocking stuffer for someone who wants a less convoluted smartwatch experience.
Its durable face won’t shatter during your day at the office, and the body has a versatile yet simple design that blends into most occasions. The unique “pebble” mode even allows you to attach it to your shoe for more precise running data. It’s no slouch on fitness functions, but at its $60 MSRP, it’s a viable option for someone who could use a touch more functionality than a basic, analog watch.
As our own Dayna Eileen said in her review: “The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 brings everything I need in a standard smartwatch, adds an excellent battery, has a little flare and does it all at an incredible price point.”
- Quick charging and an extra-long battery life: Ready to help all day. With the fast charging upgrade, your Smart Band can be fully charged in just 1 hour. Typical usage extends the battery life to 16 days, whilst the watch can last up to 6 days in AOD mode, so you can just get on with life.
- 60Hz Refresh Rate: A higher refresh rate delivers a super smooth experience, with eye-catching operation and swipe motions. Stepless automatic brightness adjustment with precise adaptation to the ambient brightness. Whenever you raise your wrist, the brightness will adjust to the perfect level that is also gentle on your eyes.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 headset
The best place to start improving your gaming audio-visual experience is with a quality headset—and SteelSeries’ entry-level offering, the Arctis Nova 1, has all the hallmarks of a great stocking stuffer.
While cheaper than wireless offerings like the high-end cousin, the Arctis Nova 7, the Arctis Nova 1 packs the same high-fidelity drivers that make this product line great. The gamer on your shopping list can utilize 360° Spatial Audio in comfort thanks to the ultra-lightweight ComfortMAX System, while the Discord-certified microphone packs AI noise cancelling tech to keep their coordination with friends clear. This affordable headset would be a great fit either as a stocking stuffer or right under the tree.
- Almighty Audio — Custom-designed Nova Acoustic System features best-in class audio for gaming with High Fidelity Drivers. Fully customize your ideal sound experience with a first-in gaming Pro-grade Parametric EQ.
- 360 degree Spatial Audio — Immersive surround sound transports you to the gaming world, letting you hear every critical step, reload, or vocal cue to give you an advantage. *Fully compatible with Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 / Microsoft Spatial Sound
SteelSeries Nova Booster Packs
If you do go the SteelSeries route, or are shopping for someone who owns part of the Nova line, the SteelSeries Nova Booster Packs are a great addition. These colourful addons come in Cherry Red, Lilac, Rose Quartz or Mint, allowing users to add a little flair to their standard black and white headsets. You can pick these Booster Packs up for under $50! There is also a special Pride version on Amazon, but it is currently unavailable.
- “For Pride” Limited Edition
- Replacement nylon headband with a retro rainbow design
Jlab JBuds Mini True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
If your family doesn’t have a stocking quite big enough for a full headset or likes to listen on the go, the Jlab JBuds Mini True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds are the perfect alternative. The same price at the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1, the JBuds Mini can easily slip into your pocket or clip to your keychain—or maybe the toe of a stocking, making for a perfect stocking stuffer!
- 🤏 BIGGER ISN’T BETTER / PLENTY OF PLAYTIME: These compact little marvels are ready for life’s adventures with a 50% smaller case and 30% smaller earbuds than the GO Air POP – and the smallest of any major headphone brand. Enjoy 5.5 hours of playtime in each earbud or 20 total hours with the charging case for an all-day listening experience where size doesn’t compromise performance.
- 📱💻 CONNECT TO MULTIPLE DEVICES / EVERYDAY PROOF IP55: With Bluetooth Multipoint you enjoy the versatility of transitioning seamlessly from device to device. Hop from podcast on your computer to a call on your mobile. You can connect simultaneously to two devices – mobile, laptop and/or computer. You want an earbud that can keep up with you. The JBuds Mini are sweat and dustproof for your life on-the-go with an IP55 rating. That’s durability for all life’s adventures.
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2
If the special someone on your list travels, takes public transportation or just loses everything all the time, the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 is perfect for keeping track of your stuff! Coming in black and white, as well as individually for around $22 or a pack of four these are the perfect fit for this year’s stocking. With an IP67 rating, making it water and dust-resistant, you can protect your things anywhere you go. Grab them in time for the holidays today!
- REDESIGNED TO DO MORE: The redesigned Galaxy SmartTag2 is made so you can keep calm and keep track; Its design makes it easy for you to tag and carry your belongings
- EASY TO USE: It’s IP67-rated water- and dust-resistant, activates your compatible IoT devices and stays powered for up to 500 days or even up to 40% more on Non-Power Saving Mode
- REDESIGNED TO DO MORE: The redesigned Galaxy SmartTag2 is made so you can keep calm and keep track*; Its design makes it easy for you to tag and carry your belongings
- EASY TO USE: It’s IP67-rated water- and dust-resistant**, activates your compatible IoT devices****** and stays powered for up to 500 days*** or even up to 40% more on Non-Power Saving Mode*******
- REDESIGNED TO DO MORE: The redesigned Galaxy SmartTag2 is made so you can keep calm and keep track; Its design makes it easy for you to tag and carry your belongings
- EASY TO USE: It’s IP67-rated water- and dust-resistant, activates your compatible IoT devices and stays powered for up to 500 days or even up to 40% more on Non-Power Saving Mode
KontrolFreek Thumbsticks
These are an affordable addition to the Stocking Stuffer guide—especially when hunting down gifts for gamers—and fit inside any size stocking perfectly. KontrolFreek thumbsticks pop onto your controller for added grip and come in a variety of shapes and colours. There are different versions for Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch and even for different playstyles, so make sure you grab the right pair!
- INCREASED ACCURACY – Mixed height combo for faster target acquisition and increased precision on the right, as well as better control and maneuvering on the left
- IMPROVES COMFORT & GRIP – Non-slip, proprietary rubber compound offers exceptional grip and requires less force which reduces wrist, hand and thumb fatigue
- INCREASED ACCURACY – Mixed height combo for faster target acquisition and increased precision on the right, as well as better control and maneuvering on the left
- IMPROVES COMFORT & GRIP – Non-slip, proprietary rubber compound offers exceptional grip and requires less force which reduces wrist, hand and thumb fatigue
- INCREASED ACCURACY – Mixed height combo for faster target acquisition and increased precision on the right, as well as better control and maneuvering on the left
- IMPROVES COMFORT & GRIP – Non-slip, proprietary rubber compound offers exceptional grip and requires less force which reduces wrist, hand and thumb fatigue
Ravensburger’s That’s Not a Hat
Small card-based games are always the best fit for stocking stuffers. They are inexpensive, they fit perfectly, and frankly, they’re a ton of fun. Ravensburger’s That’s Not a Hat comes with 110 cards, is easy to learn, and each round only takes 15 minutes. Quick, simple games are great to play while everyone is sitting around waiting for Christmas dinner!
- High Quality Components – A rulebook and 110 cards with simple illustrations for maximum memorization chaos.
- Ideal for Families and Travel – Whether you’re playing at home or on the go, That’s Not A Hat’s simple rules and compact packaging make it easy to play anywhere at any time. Accommodating up to 8 players, bring That’s Not A Hat to your next gathering!
Funko Bitty POP!
If your shopping list is full of collectors, Funko Bitty POP’s are perfect. Bitty POP’s are packs of four teeny tiny Funko Pops—only 0.9 inches tall. Each pack comes with three that you can see and one mystery Bitty POP! Sitting at just $15, they come in almost any fandom you can think of, including Marvel, Friends, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Five Nights at Freddy’s, Disney, and so many more.
- Your favorite Disney Princess Pops! have been transformed into Bitty Pops!
- Expand your collection with this assortment of Bitty Pop! figures featuring your most beloved, royal heroines as miniaturized figures! This 4-pack includes Bitty Pop! Cinderella, Bitty Pop! Snow White, Bitty Pop! Aurora, and a mystery Bitty Pop! figure.
- Your favorite Marvel Studios Pops! have been shrunk into Bitty Pops! Expand your Marvel collection with this assortment of Bitty Pop! figures featuring your most beloved super heroes! This 4-pack includes Bitty Pop! Loki, Bitty Pop! Black Panther, Bitty Pop! Iron Man (VII), and a mystery Bitty Pop! figure
- The possible mystery Bitty Pops! are Rare (1/3) Iron Man, Rare (1/3) Captain America, Hyper Rare (1/6) Doctor Strange, and Hyper Rare (1/6) Scarlet Witch
- Your favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pops! have been mutated into Bitty Pops!
- Expand your collection with this assortment of Bitty Pop! figures featuring your most beloved half-shell heroes as miniaturized figures! This 4-pack includes Bitty Pop! Leonardo, Bitty Pop! Michelangelo, Bitty Pop! April O’Neil, and a mystery Bitty Pop! figure.
- Your favorite Friends Pops! have been shrunk into Bitty Pops! Expand your collection with this assortment of Bitty Pop! figures featuring your most beloved sitcom characters as miniaturized figures! This 4-pack includes Bitty Pop! Phoebe Buffay, Bitty Pop! Monica Geller, Bitty Pop! Chandler Bing, and a mystery Bitty Pop! figure
- The possible mystery Bitty Pops! are Hyper Rare (1/6) Joey Tribbiani (Cowboy), Hyper Rare (1/6) Phoebe Buffay (Music Video), Rare (1/3) Phoebe Buffay (Halloween Costume), and Rare (1/3) Joey Tribbiani (in Chandler’s clothes)
Turtle Beach Atom iOS Controller
Today’s smartphones are starting to make a bigger push into the gaming industry, with Apple eager to make a name for themselves in the space with the newest generation of iPhones. One thing holds phones back from being a true contender, however—the lack of a proper gamepad. That’s where Turtle Beach’s Atom iOS controller comes in.
This Bluetooth gadget cradles your iPhone, allowing you to play supported mobile games or Remote Play from Steam, PlayStation, or Xbox with full, physical buttons and thumbsticks. It’s an even better stocking stuffer fit for the gamers in your life if they like to play on the go—the Atom disassembles and folds into itself for better storage and transport. It’s one of the better-priced controllers on the market, with a unique functionality that could be the talk of Christmas morning.
- Convenient, Compact Shape Magnetically Fuses Together
- Low Latency Bluetooth Connection to iPhones
Subscription for Switch Online, PS Plus, or Game Pass
Everything has a subscription service nowadays, but fortunately, when it comes to gaming, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The console manufacturers offer very worthwhile services to enrich their systems, and any gamer on your list would surely appreciate unwrapping a few months or a year of their preferred service.
Our top pick when it comes to stocking stuffer options, is Nintendo Switch Online. This simple subscription unlocks online capability for Switch games, as well as whole libraries of timeless retro games. The base level offers NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, while the Expansion Pack tier expands to include N64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis games. It’s the cheapest option of the three, as well, which gift-givers can appreciate.
Either way, chances are if you know someone who owns a console, they’d likely love to find their next subscription term covered on Christmas morning. PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass offer similar benefits but at a bigger cost.
![Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack 12-Month Individual Membership – [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ymOZ0eCCL._SL160_.jpg "Christmas Gift Guide: Holiday Stocking Stuffers 2023")
- Library of classic Nintendo 64 games
- Collection of classic and colorful Game Boy Advance games
- Professional-grade construction
- The Ultimate Entertainment Card
![Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – 3 Month Membership – Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41DFaqKiuTL._SL160_.jpg "Christmas Gift Guide: Holiday Stocking Stuffers 2023")
- XBOX GAME PASS ULTIMATE: Be the first to play Starfield and Forza Motorsport on day one so you never miss a thing and enjoy hundreds of high-quality games like Minecraft Legends and more with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.*
- DAY ONE RELEASES: Enjoy new games on day one from Bethesda Softworks as well as iconic franchises from Xbox Game Studios, indie games, blockbusters, and more. With games added all the time, there’s always something new to play.*
Gaming Gift Cards as Stocking Stuffers
For the gamer who seems to have it all, video game gift cards make a perfect gift. Whether they game on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or PC, gift cards let them choose new titles and downloadable content to continue their gaming adventures. With so many options, you can find the ideal gift card for any gamer’s preferred platform. Video game gift cards give the gift of choice, allowing gamers to select their next digital adventure.
![$20 Nintendo Eshop Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41XOVFRcBIL._SL160_.jpg "Christmas Gift Guide: Holiday Stocking Stuffers 2023")
- This item can be redeemed on eShop only. This item cannot be redeemed on the Wii Shop
- The perfect gift for anyone who loves to play—including you. Choose from over 1,000 new, classic and indie games – delivered directly to your Nintendo Switch, Wii U or Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- Get an Xbox gift card for games and entertainment on Xbox and Windows
- Buy the latest games, map packs, movies, TV, music, apps and more*
- Add money to your Steam Wallet and enjoy allof your favorite PC, Mac, and SteamOS games.
- Instant Access to Thousands of Games
Roku Ultra HD 4K
The Lamborghini of our tech stocking stuffer guide, at the upper limit of our budget restriction, is the Roku Ultra HD 4K media device. This entry-level streaming box serves as a multimedia hub for your television—perhaps above and beyond the options provided directly on your screen if you own a smart TV. HDR10, Dolby Vision, 4K video, and Apple AirPlay 2 are all supported.
Having a designated box attached to your TV for media can seem like an outdated notion. However, it can still prove beneficial if you need to swap from one TV to another or even bring your media with you on a work trip or vacation. Many savvy media consumers would benefit from finding this handy hub stuffed in their stockings this holiday season.
As CGM’s Zubi Khan wrote in his review, “The Roku Ultra offers a good selection of free content and a no-frills user experience, making it a viable alternative to built-in options.”
- Outrageously powerful: Enjoy a lightning-fast interface and channels that launch in a snap with the fastest, most powerful Roku player ever
- Super-fast startup: Stream your favorite channels like Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video, and more in a snap
There are so many great stocking stuffer options out there for the tech lovers on your list, and we hope that this list has shown you the range of what could be possible and maybe made your shopping burden a little lighter.
