Dec. 13--Gadgets make great gifts, whether they're big-ticket items or simple stocking stuffers.

And to satisfy your high-tech shopping needs, the Journal Sentinel's Tech Labs have collected an eclectic array of devices in a variety of sizes, styles and prices to suit a diversity of needs and tastes.

Gifts under $25

Yes, this is Milwaukee, and yes, we love our deals, and yes, there is nothing wrong with that. Our tech-friendly suggestions that can be acquired cheaply are:

1: The iKaraoke. This iPod accessory from Griffin zeroes in on the lead vocal tracks in your songs and muffles them so you can sing without having to share the spotlight. The device also plugs into your stereo's line-in jack so you can truly perform, and the microphone lets you start, stop, skip and repeat songs, as well as control the volume. It costs $24.99 at www.griffintechnology.com.

2: BudFits. Apple's white earbuds are iconic, but anyone who has ever worked out in them knows they slip out when the sweating starts. BudFits are loops that attach to Apple's earbuds, transforming them into over-the-ear headphones so you don't have to corkscrew them into your ear canals when you perspire. For $8.99 at www.amazon.com, they're cheaper than a second set of earbuds, and you can take them off when you leave the gym.

3: Laptop sleeves. Some laptop owners insist on traveling light, and these sturdy neoprene laptop sleeves from Case Logic are slim, come in a variety of sizes and colors, and have enough cushioning to guard against that accidental drop. They start at $24.99 at www.caselogic.com.

4: The Touch EcoShield case. There are countless cases for Apple iPods, iPod Touches and iPhones, and many of them are poorly designed and overpriced. The EcoShield cases from Agent 18 for the Touch are rock-solid and reasonably priced starting at $24.95 at www.agent18.com. These cases are thin and light but still protect, and they offer easy access to all of the connectors and buttons on your player or phone. For another line of fantastic iItem cases -- including iPhones and iPods -- check out iSkin at www.iskin.com.

5: Mobigrip. Even the best cases can't protect delicate devices from the chronic butterfingers, and the Mobigrip offers another layer of protection. This leash tethers you to your high-tech toy using an adhesive disc with an elastic finger loop that links to mobile phones, digital cameras, portable gaming systems and other droppables. It's simple, straightforward and cheap, ranging from $7.95 to $9.95 at www.mobigrips.com.

"Low-tech" high-tech items

Techy gifts shouldn't be complicated, pretentious or obnoxious. Simple is good, easy is better and useful is best:

1: Freehands finger-optional gloves. It's cold here, and trying to text or even place a phone call can be a finger-freezing task when you're exposed to the elements. Freehands gloves let you reclaim the ability to press the buttons or touch screen on mobile devices without exposing all of your hands. The thumbs and forefingers on these gloves break away, and small magnets stop them from flopping around when disconnected. The gloves come in leather, stretch and fleece and cost $20 to $40 at www.freehands.com.

2: Balanzza. The more you travel, the easier it is to get burned by overweight luggage surcharges, which can be avoided using this portable digital luggage scale. Attach this gadget to your bag, lift it and wait for the beep to check the heft of your bags up to 100 pounds. The Balanzza weighs only 10 ounces itself, and it costs $24.95 at www.balanzza.com.

3: CoolIT Systems USB Beverage Chiller. Among the myriad frivolous USB-powered computer accessories, this is one you might actually use, especially if co-workers delight in distracting you away from your tasty beverage. This "coldplate" plugs into the USB port of any computer or video game system and chills out to 45 degrees.