Our favorite Prime Day gadgets under $100 you don’t need but will really want
Govee’s floor lamps are just $60. | Image: Govee Prime Day has a funny way of convincing you to buy things you weren’t shopping for
Govee’s floor lamps are just $60. | Image: Govee Prime Day has a funny way of convincing you to buy things you weren’t shopping for in the first place. You sign on intending to buy something sensible you actually need, like a pack of USB-C cables, and an hour later you’ve also added a gadget that can press your coffee maker’s power button and a color-changing smart lamp that syncs to music to your cart. They aren’t exactly essentials, but they’re the kind of gadgets you never knew you wanted until you saw them and often end up being the most delightful to own. From a pocket-size gaming controller and a tiny crafting machine that lets you make stickers and cards to a cordless barcode scanner that lets you catalog your home library like a real librarian, these are the Verge approved small gadgets you probably don’t need but will totally want anyway, most of which cost less than $100. SwitchBot Smart Switch Button Pusher If you’ve ever wished you had a robot that could push a button for you, that’s precisely what SwitchBot’s Smart Switch does. It’s simple, smart, and works on anything with a button. Stick it on the device you want to turn on or off, and you’re set. Where to Buy $29.99 $19.99 at Amazon $29.99 $20.09 at SwitchBot (with code PDDAY33) VidaBay Snap E Ink fridge magnet VidaBay’s Snap is the best kind of retrofuturism. It looks like a classic instant photo, but instead of relying on an actual print, it uses a color E Ink screen you can change at any time using the NFC chip inside your phone. The magnetic digital Polaroids don’t need to be charged, either, which is always a plus in our book. Where to Buy $35.99 $25.45 at Amazon $35.99 $29.99 at Vidabay $99.99 $86.99 at Vidabay (three-pack) Philips Hue smart bulb starter kit The Philips Hue smart bulb starter kit comes with color-changing bulbs that can be controlled with Alexa, Google Assistant, or the companion app. The included Hue Bridge lets you set custom lighting routines and expand your setup to 50 lights. Where to Buy $142.99 $67.99 at Amazon (two bulbs) JisuLife Handheld Fan Life8 JisuLife’s portable, folding USB-C fan has a rechargeable battery that will keep you cool for hours, whether you’re holding it or using its built-in stand to prop it up on a table. Plus, it looks like a cute little bear when packed up to throw in your purse or bag. I don’t think you can ask for much more from such a cool cub. Where to Buy $25.99 $11.7 at Amazon $25.99 $11.7 at Walmart $25.99 $17.99 at JisuLife GamesSir Pocket Taco mobile controller Whether you grew up with a Nintendo Game Boy or not, GameSir’s Pocket Taco is a lot of fun. The wireless mobile controller clamps onto the bottom of your phone, turning it into a tiny handheld console with real buttons and a physical D-pad. It makes playing retro titles feel better than using a touchscreen.
The BriefWire