11 boring tech products that are actually great gifts

This year give the gift of utility.
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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

A lot of extravagant tech products came out this year, but you probably can't buy everyone in your life a new iPhone 7 or MacBook Pro this holiday season. Alas.

So, why not ditch luxury altogether and buy gifts that are guaranteed to make a difference? These products might seem "boring" next to a sleek smartphone, but your friends will thank you. We promise.

A spare phone charger ($10)

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If you claim you've never lost a phone charger, you're lying. Let your friends know you have their backs by getting them that backup charger they'll be very thankful for in the near future.


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A portable battery ($30)

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For the friend who's really serious about their phone not dying. Give them the gift of never needing to look for an outlet again.

A power adaptor ($28)

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

We all have that one jet-setting friend/family member who's a little too comfortable dropping off the grid. Let them know you want them to stay connected by getting them a good power adaptor. Now they have no excuse not to post their food pics from abroad immediately.

An aux cord ($8)

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

If you drive, or take Ubers regularly, you know that the auxiliary cord is sacred. Get your friends their own as a symbol of trust in their DJ skills.

A Wi-Fi dongle ($46)

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Who wouldn't be happy to receive the gift of portable Wi-Fi? Get your loved ones a USB Wi-Fi dongle so they can stream seamlessly wherever they go.

A wireless router ($40)

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

For your homebody friends, the gift of a Wi-Fi router is no less exciting. Get them a wireless router so they can have their own home wi-fi without the mess of wires.

A keyboard protector ($7)

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Sometimes your loved ones are klutzes. So make sure they're protected the next time they accidentally spill their coffee all over their laptops.

An earbud splitter ($4)

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

It's always sweet to see couples sharing one pair of earbuds, but this is a much better way to do it.

Cheap earbuds ($7)

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Fill your loved ones' stockings with cheap earbuds. They'll never have to worry about losing theirs again because they'll have replacements for days.

A flash drive ($6)

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

The more GB you give, the more loved they'll feel.

A screen protector ($8)

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

We all know how intricate screen cracks can get. Make sure your loved ones never have to see your messages through a spider web of glass again, by getting them a tempered glass screen protector.

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