Stocking-Sized Gadgets for Less Than $200

There’s nothing better than finding an unexpected electronic item in your Christmas stocking. You had no idea you’d been so good this year. If you still haven’t sent your wish list to the North Pole, cast your eye over these little beauties. They’re smart, they’re affordable, and they won’t test the seams of a small stocking:

AAXA P2 Jr. Pico Projector ($198)

This pocket-sized projector hasn’t sacrificed a thing in the name of portability or affordability. Simply plug in a USB or microSD card with the content you want to project and the 55-lumen light output will deliver compelling, vibrant 720p videos to your wall. Battery life is around 90 minutes, and it’s compatible with all major brands of smartphone and popular file formats.

Cogito Classic Smartwatch ($180)

The Cogito Classic connects via bluetoth to both Android and Apple devices. It brings notifications – whether email, social media, text or phone call - straight to your wrist. But what’s even better is the Cogito’s ability to control your music, trigger your camera and find your phone. For anyone who carries their phone in a bag or hard-to-reach pocket, it’s the perfect quick-glance solution. Unlike many smartwatches, this doesn’t require a daily recharge - the batteries last for months. And it tells the time.

Orbotix Sphero 2.0 Smart Ball ($130)

The Sphero is a plastic ball full of electronics and sensors. Using a smartphone or tablet, you can make the ball spin, swim, dance, chase the cat – anything fun-sounding that you would ordinarily have to physically move the ball to achieve. It comes with a couple of jump ramps which are pretty thrilling to hit at top speed.

NuForce Mobile Music Pump ($60)

The amp in your smartphone isn’t powerful enough to support the highest quality headphones available. For audiophiles, this portable headphone amplifier is the perfect solution. The size of a matchbox, NuForce’s Mobile Music Pump gives you clarity and increased volume, whilst limiting distortion and noise.

There you have it. The best in cute, affordable, stocking-sized gadgets for the last minute Christmas shopper. So what are you waiting for? It’s Christmas Eve! Get out there and find some of these bits of kit! And Happy Holidays!