Good Things Come with Small Price Tags

Finding the perfect holiday gift can be tricky, especially for that one person who seems to have everything. Fortunately, New Product Events had a few ideas.

The Holiday Gifts Under $100 Media Event, held at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, brought together brands showcasing everything from smart-home gadgets and entertaining essentials to cozy comforts and clever inventions.

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GE Lighting, a Savant company, showed off its smart lighting products, including the Cync Dynamic Effects Smart Bulb, proving that even a light bulb could be the life of the party. The bulb can display multiple colors simultaneously and create light shows that dance along to music.

The Cync Indoor Smart Plug is equally clever, turning ordinary plug-in devices into smart ones that can be controlled remotely or scheduled to turn on and off. And the GE LED+ Speaker & Color Bulb combines lighting and music in one fixture. Talk about a bright idea!

"The energy at the LA holiday media showcase was electric!" said Mary Ann Milo, Senior Communications Manager at GE Lighting. Milo welcomed the opportunity to feature the company's products, emphasizing that the event gave GE Lighting "the perfect stage to demonstrate that premium, festive smart lighting doesn't have to carry a premium price tag."

Game night may never be the same, thanks to Very Special Games and its unpredictably wacky Ransom Notes, a party game that challenges players to answer hilarious prompts using random words. The results? A collection of wonderfully nonsensical sentences that are often funnier than anything you could have written on purpose.

The company also brought along Abducktion, a game featuring aliens, a miniature UFO and a collection of unsuspecting ducks. The company's Out of Orbit adds another dose of competitive fun with a tabletop space adventure.

For anyone who appreciates a good glass of wine, Il Piccolo Sommelier introduced its hand-blown glass Wine Aerator, designed to enhance aromas and soften tannins in approximately 45 seconds. The company says independent testing found it delivered 50 percent more dissolved oxygen than certain competing aerators. It gives an everyday glass of wine the VIP treatment, minus the sommelier.

Particula's GoBalance Sport proved working out can be fun, turning balance training into an interactive experience with a smart board connected to an app that offers games, fitness challenges and real-time feedback. It's exercise cleverly disguised as entertainment. They also showcased GoCube, a high-tech twist on the classic Rubik's Cube, only this one tracks your moves, teaches solving techniques and lets you compete with other players.

For Chris Herbert, CMO at Particula, the event provided an opportunity to demonstrate the company's technology and connect directly with the media. Herbert highlighted the value of being able to "dive deep into the demos of our products and get press feedback," calling the event "a great intimate setting."

For those who prefer a cozy night in, Faribault Mill brought a little extra comfort. Its Snoopy "Joe Cool" Throw, featuring the beloved beagle in his signature sunglasses, adds a playful touch to any sofa, while the Penobscot Cotton Throw, woven in Maine, offers timeless comfort with a little understated luxury.

Meanwhile, Clovi Designs brought festive flair with its Peppermint Frost Wreath and Gilded Woodland Teardrop. Beautifully decorated doors may not guarantee a perfectly organized holiday season but they certainly make a convincing first impression.

Looking polished shouldn't mean sacrificing comfort. Haggar Clothing Co. displayed its collection of Sport Travel Performance, Stretch Corduroy and Modern Khaki Pants, offering versatile wardrobe options for everything from holiday gatherings to long travel days.

For anyone who considers the kitchen their happy place, Tramontina offered a little culinary inspiration with cookware that's as attractive as it is practical. Its Mesa Enameled Cast Iron Cookware brings color and versatility to the stovetop, while its other enameled cast iron offerings provide durable options for everything from slow-simmered sauces to hearty winter meals.

For the grilling enthusiast, Typhur offered some high-tech assistance. Its Electric Grill Brush takes some of the elbow grease out of cleanup, while the Sync One Pro helps monitor cooking temperatures. Because even the most confident grill master could use a little backup.

One of the event's most heartwarming finds came from Petco Love, the national nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless animals find loving homes. The organization showcased its Plush Mystery Charm Adoptable Pet Collection featuring miniature plush animals inspired by real adopted pets, each tucked inside a surprise box with an adoption certificate. With six regular characters and two rare ones to collect, the $15.99 charms are irresistible little gifts that give back to animals in need.

Hammer Fist, an eight-in-one tool, combines hammering, measuring, leveling and even bottle-opening capabilities in one compact design. Winner of Best New Hand Tool at the 2025 National Hardware Show, it's a practical gift for DIY enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a gadget that earns its keep.

O&H Danish Bakery brought some sweetness to the mix with its signature Danish Kringles, available in tempting flavors like Holly Berry and Snickerdoodle.

For gamers and content creators, HyperX brought some serious gear, including its Cloud III Gaming Headset, Haste 3 Gaming Mouse and SoloCast 2 Pro USB Microphone. From clearer communication to more responsive gameplay, these accessories offer plenty of ways to upgrade a gaming setup.

Rounding out the event, SIX13 introduced its award-winning Fig & Apple Liqueur, a premium cocktail modifier that pairs rich fig flavors with bright apple notes and subtle spice. It's an intriguing addition to the home bar and a creative way to put a fresh spin on holiday cocktails.