Even if you're on a budget this holiday season, clever gadgets aren't out of reach. Want proof? Here are half a dozen tech gift ideas, at under $20 each.

Building Block Speakers (buy it now price, $19.99; above, left) These little Lego looking speakers simply snap right onto the bottom of your iPod.

Mini Webmail Email Notifier (buy it now price, approximately $17; above, center)  In case you can't be in front of your computer all day, this envelope-shaped box beeps every time you receive an email.

Hamburger Phone (buy it now price, $11.99; above, right) If you don't remember these phones from the '80s, maybe you recall the one in the hit movie «Juno»? For someone retro enough to still have a land line, get this phone to match.

Wii Battery Packs and Controller Charger (buy it now price, $19.99; above, left) If the Wii is in as heavy rotation at your house as it is at mine, you'll agree that the controllers seem to constantly need new batteries. But not if you have this charger set, which comes with two rechargeable batteries.

Digital Tape Measure (buy it now price, $12.90; above, center) Just roll this gadget along the surface you want measured, and a digital screen will show the results. This is a great gift for a new homeowner.

USB Car Cassette Tape Adapter and SD Card Reader for MP3 (buy it now price, $4.69; above, right) This tape cassette comes equipped with an SD card reader slot, so you can insert your music-filled memory card and listen through your stereo.  You can also connect your iPod right up using the USB cord that's included in the package.

Cat Schwartz is eBay's technology expert.