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01Two checks before you buy
The best phone accessory gifts under $25 are the ones that fit the phone they already own. Most gift fails come down to the wrong plug or a magnetic accessory on a phone with no magnets.
If you can't find out which phone they have without spoiling the surprise, our guides to telling which iPhone someone has and which Galaxy they have work from a quick look at the back.
02Gifts for the always-on-the-go
The one whose phone is always at 5%
Lipstick-Size 2,600mAh Mini Power Bank, $18.99. Small enough to live in a coat pocket or handbag. It won't fully charge most modern phones, but it's enough to get someone home with maps and a ride app working. For a full charge you'd need to spend more.
The one who borrows your charger
Pocket Retractable 3-in-1 Charging Cable, $15.99. Three tips on one cable, and it reels in so it doesn't tangle in a bag. The safest gift if you don't know their phone. Prefer a cable that also props the phone up? The Macaron Retractable 3-in-1 Cable with Phone Stand is also $15.99.
The driver
45W Four-Device Fast Car Charger, $19.99. Four devices at once means no more passing one cable around the car on a road trip. Check whether their car has a 12V socket; most do.
The festival and concert goer
Touchscreen Window Crossbody Phone Bag, $17.99. Keeps the phone at the front of the body in a crowd, and they can use the screen through the window. More ideas in our festival phone packing list.
Power, cables and carry gear for busy days.
03Gifts for the desk and nightstand
The work-from-home colleague
Everyday Desk Phone Stand in 6 Colors, $20.99. Holds the phone upright for notifications and video calls, and suits most phones. Pick a color that suits their desk.
The iPhone owner who charges by the bed
15W MagSafe-Compatible Wireless Charger, $20.99. Snaps onto the back of an iPhone 12 or later. One honest note: iPhones only reach top wireless speeds on Qi2-certified or Apple chargers, so treat this as an overnight charger rather than a fast one.
The tidy one
5-in-1 Screen & Earbud Cleaning Pen Kit, $13.99. Pocket-size kit for screens and earbuds. Cheap, useful and something people rarely buy for themselves.
Stands, a magnetic charger and a cleaning kit.
04Gifts for creators, gamers and iPhone fans
The selfie and video maker
Rechargeable Clip-On Selfie Fill Light, $18.99, or the Mini Desktop Tripod with Pan-Tilt Phone Clip, $18.99. Light makes the biggest difference to phone video, and a small tripod frees up both hands.
The phone photographer
3-in-1 Fisheye, Wide & Macro Clip-On Lens, $17.99. A fun way to try close-up and fisheye shots. Clip-on lenses work best on phones with a single main camera that's easy to line up; on big camera bumps, alignment takes some fiddling. Our take on whether lens kits are worth it is honest about the limits.
The mobile gamer
9-Blade Snap-On Gaming Phone Cooler, $24.99. Clips to the back of the phone to fight the heat that slows games down. See our mobile gaming accessories guide for more.
The iPhone owner who has everything
Camera-Style MagSafe Grip & Desk Stand, $17.99, or the Faux Leather MagSafe Card Wallet with Stand, $18.99. Both snap onto an iPhone 12 or later with no glue. More ideas in gifts for iPhone users.
For creators, gamers and iPhone owners.
05All 15 picks at a glance
| Gift | Price | Works with |
|---|---|---|
| 5-in-1 Screen & Earbud Cleaning Pen Kit | $13.99 | Any phone |
| Pocket Retractable 3-in-1 Charging Cable | $15.99 | Most phones |
| Macaron Retractable 3-in-1 Cable with Phone Stand | $15.99 | Most phones |
| Camera-Style MagSafe Grip & Desk Stand | $17.99 | Magnetic iPhones or cases |
| Touchscreen Window Crossbody Phone Bag | $17.99 | Check phone size |
| 3-in-1 Fisheye, Wide & Macro Clip-On Lens | $17.99 | Most phones |
| 240W Braided USB-C Cable with Foldable Stand | $17.99 | USB-C phones |
| Lipstick-Size 2,600mAh Mini Power Bank | $18.99 | Check the plug type |
| Faux Leather MagSafe Card Wallet with Stand | $18.99 | Magnetic iPhones or cases |
| Rechargeable Clip-On Selfie Fill Light | $18.99 | Any phone |
| Mini Desktop Tripod with Pan-Tilt Phone Clip | $18.99 | Most phones |
| 45W Four-Device Fast Car Charger | $19.99 | Cars with a 12V socket |
| Everyday Desk Phone Stand in 6 Colors | $20.99 | Most phones |
| 15W MagSafe-Compatible Wireless Charger | $20.99 | Magnetic iPhones or cases |
| 9-Blade Snap-On Gaming Phone Cooler | $24.99 | Check phone size |
Cheap no-name wall chargers and phone cases bought without knowing the exact model. A case has to match the phone precisely, and a charger is worth spending a little more on. Read how to spot a fake charger before you buy one anywhere.
Questions people ask
What is a good phone accessory gift under $25?
A retractable 3-in-1 charging cable is the safest, since it fits almost any phone. A desk stand, a small power bank or a magnetic grip for an iPhone owner are also popular picks under $25.
What can I buy someone who has an iPhone for under $25?
A magnetic grip, a magnetic card wallet or a magnetic wireless charger all snap onto iPhone 12 and later, except the 16e and SE models. A USB-C cable suits iPhone 15 and newer.
Is a phone case a good gift?
Only if you know the exact model, including whether it's a Pro, Plus or Max. Cases are made for one phone shape, and a near miss won't fit. If you're unsure, choose a grip, stand or cable instead.
Are small power banks worth it as gifts?
Yes, as an emergency top-up. A 2,600 mAh bank won't fully charge most modern phones, but it's enough to get someone through the end of a long day. For full charges, look at 10,000 mAh.