24 Last Minute Gift Ideas Under $150

By Frank Völkel
published

Pocket Chess

For about $35, we think the Excalibur Pocket LCD Chess handheld is a real steal. This device offers 73 different levels of play, works via keypad or touch screen, and plays up to an international tournament ranking of 1750. Buy one at Comfort1st.

USB Turntable

Those old-timers who still have vinyl LPs kicking around can now convert their old analog audio into WMA or MP3 formats through a USB-connected turntable. The Sony LX399YUSB Turntable makes it easy to rescue old 33/45/78 RPM recordings (you might do better to use audiophile gear from the old days, though). Pick one up for $115 at Buy.com.

External Antenna

The ZyXEL ANT-1106 is a plug-in external antenna that you can affix to your wireless access point at home, and extend the range and transmission distance by up to 174%. Works with 802.11 a/b/g/n networks; screws into a WAP thorugh a standard RP-SMA coaxial connector. Pick one up for $44 from Keenzo Electronics.

Performance USB Storage

The Patriot XPorter USB drives are among the fastest sticks around. At Newegg, pick up a 64 GB version for $130 (opens in new tab), 32 GB for $70 (opens in new tab), or 16 GB for $36 (opens in new tab).

30 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Most of this is overpriced trash.
    Reply
  • cangelini
    I'd take an alarm clock that takes off if I don't get out of bed :-P
    Reply
  • LAN_deRf_HA
    What kind of moron would down thumb the guy speaking undeniable truth? Probably the same kind that pays $65 for a 4 GB thumb drive or alarm clock, or maybe that really shitty quality Creature II speaker set. Yeah, no I totally prefer spending 3-10 times more money for a gimmick.
    Reply
  • joebob2000
    IhadtosayitMost of this is overpriced trash.LAN_deRf_HAWhat kind of moron would down thumb the guy speaking undeniable truth? Probably the same kind that pays $65 for a 4 GB thumb drive or alarm clock, or maybe that really shitty quality Creature II speaker set. Yeah, no I totally prefer spending 3-10 times more money for a gimmick.Welcome to Christmas, you must be new here. The point of gift giving isn't what you got or even how much thought you put into it, it's how much you *overspent* on it that really shows your loved ones you care.
    Reply
  • joebob2000
    Wow, TomCode backfires again. Let's try this:
    IhadtosayitMost of this is overpriced trash.LAN_deRf_HAWhat kind of moron would down thumb the guy speaking undeniable truth? Probably the same kind that pays $65 for a 4 GB thumb drive or alarm clock, or maybe that really shitty quality Creature II speaker set. Yeah, no I totally prefer spending 3-10 times more money for a gimmick.Welcome to Christmas, you must be new here. The point of gift giving isn't what you got or even how much thought you put into it, it's how much you *overspent* on it that really shows your loved ones you care.
    Reply
  • Tindytim
    joebob2000Welcome to Christmas, you must be new here. The point of gift giving isn't what you got or even how much thought you put into it, it's how much you *overspent* on it that really shows your loved ones you care.Maybe in your family. Having not started that well off in life, I much prefer someone put some thought into a gift, and pay less, then giving me some novelty garbage, and paying more.

    I'd much prefer a nice pair of thick woolen socks over, over a 4GB flash drive shaped like a lego block.

    And as such, if I really don't know what to get, I go with cash.
    Reply
  • ERName
    JoeBob was being sarcastic. No one really thinks that way, no matter how well off you are. At least I hope so.
    Reply
  • ERName
    It IS mostly overpriced junk, though :)
    Reply
  • ilovebarny
    that is a cool keyboard! i doubt i would never get one, but it does look cool.
    Reply
  • One man's junk is another man's treasure.
    Reply