Especially given the higher prices on almost, well, all you can do is frequent your local “dollar store” to pick up snacks, school supplies, kitchen supplies, and greeting cards.
But also go down the electronics aisle while you’re at it. You might just be surprised what you find.
After all, why spend upwards of $20 on a gadget – like a smartphone case, tablet holder or colorful LED light strips – at a big box store or mall kiosk, when you can pick it up for $1.25, $2, or less?
As long as you have reasonable expectations about quality and longevity, you won’t be disappointed with the digital devices you can get on the cheap – if my recent trips to discount stores are any indication.
While I visited Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, 99¢ Depot, and Dollarama (in Canada), be aware that not all stores have the same products or brand names.
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Smartphone mount for car
With Aduro’s Solid Grip Mag Clip, securely mount your smartphone in your car’s air vent, so you can safely view it for maps and directions, music playback, and more.
In the box you will find two magnetic mounting plates, which you place on the back of your smartphone using 3M adhesive, and then magnetically affix them to the base cut out of your air vent (rubberized to reduce vibrations on the road and reduce of slippage).
Aduro says its product can still work with most smartphone cases because of the strength of the magnetic connection.
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Decorate your dorm room
While it’s a bit more – but still for $3 – you can get a 3-foot (1-meter) multi-color LED Light Strip.
And it includes a wireless remote that will change between 16 colors, or a combination of them (additional effects such as flashing, strobe, and pulsation).
In one store location, the company is Tech-1, while in another, the light strip is from Xtreme.
Perfect for teenagers to place around a bedroom mirror, desk, or dorm room TV (or use on a Christmas tree), this adhesive LED light strip is USB-A powered, meaning it can be plugged into a USB computer port, or an AC outlet (power cube not included).
Wet the bed, without disturbing your partner
Speaking of lights, instead of using a lamp on a nightstand, a no-name LED Clip-On Book Light from Dollar Tree ($1.25) clamps onto your paperback, hardcover or not— illuminated ereader.
Just place the flexible arm where you want it and the (amazingly) bright LED will light up the page.
Three small and mercury-free LR44 Alkaline batteries are included and are replaceable (and yes, the store sells these batteries, too).
Depending on the store, a few different clamp-on lights can be found, with slightly different shapes and colors, but also for $1.25.
Get your mobile gaming on
This smartphone accessory is great for gamers on the go. Aptly named Mobile Gaming Grip Handle ($1.25) from E-Circuit, secure your smartphone in its retractable center and grab two comfortable handles on each end, to play with any virtual “dual stick” games (many racing, action, and sports. titles).
Compatible with most iPhone and Android devices, this product also doubles as a phone stand, if you want to place your device on a desk, table, or airplane tray.
Back-up power for your phone
Found at a Dollarama for $4 in Canada (under $3 US), the Tylt slim boost power bank can charge a typical smartphone to more than half of its full power, with its 1350mAh battery .
A built-in arm with a connector means you don’t need to schlep around a separate cable, but be sure to buy one that fits your phone; I found a version with a microUSB cable (for older Android devices), but a quick look online shows that there are Lightning and USB-C options, too.
An integrated power indicator shows the amount of battery life remaining based on the number of LED dots.
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Cable guy, for less
Are you hooking up a new video game console? Pick up a 5-foot HDMI cable at your local dollar store for $1.25 or more – versus $32 at other retailers or online.
For uncompressed, high-definition video and sound, simply connect the Vibe Axcess HDMI cable from the output port of your console (such as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, or Nintendo Switch) or other home theaters. component (whether it’s a cable box, Blu-ray player or media streamer) and plug the other end into the input jack of your television or audio-video receiver that supports HDMI.
You won’t notice a difference in audio or video quality between this inexpensive solution and more expensive HDMI cables elsewhere.
Follow Marc on Twitter for his “Tech Tip of the Day” posts: @marc_saltzman. Email him or subscribe to his Tech It Out podcast. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.