by Marc Saltzman

Just because you’re tight on cash doesn’t mean you can’t afford some great gadgets.

Most local dollar stores have a tech section, believe it or not, and you might be pleasantly surprised at what you can buy with loose change found in your pocket or purse.

As long as you have reasonable expectations when it comes to quality and longevity, you can’t go wrong with most of these tech toys that you can get for just a few dollars.

The following are a few bargains found at Dollar Tree, Family Dollar and 99¢ Depot, as well as Dollarama for you Canadians.

Tech-1 Monopod

Available in black, blue or pink, the Tech-1 Monopod is an extra long “selfie stick” that expands from 7 inches when collapsed to nearly 40 inches when extended. Simply snap your smartphone or point-and-shoot camera into the spring-loaded adaptor and then use a wireless shutter or the phone’s timer to take wide group shots.

Other features include an adjustable two-way tilt knob, hand strap and standard-size port on the bottom of the stick to add a tripod.

Credit Card USB Cable

Don’t you hate it when your smartphone’s battery is petering out and you didn’t bring your charger cable with you? At Dollar Tree, we found a no-name microUSB charging and sync cable that’s roughly the size of a credit card, so you can conveniently keep it tucked into your wallet.

An 8-inch cable is coiled up inside the gadget. It’s ideal for Android phones as it has a microUSB connector on one end and a full-size USB cable on the end that you can plug into any available USB port to give your phone some needed juice.

GE LED Book Light

Unless you’re using a tablet with a backlit screen, reading an ebook or paper book in a dimly lit environment can be a pain — unless you turn on a lamp or use a book light. If you prefer the latter, you can pick up the GE LED Book Light in blue, pink and other colors, and clamp it onto your e-reader, paperback or hardcover.

This inexpensive GE product is bright, durable, adjustable, and includes an LED bulb with a 10,000-hour life.

XtremeMac iPad Case

Why spend upwards of $70 for a protective iPad case when you can find one for a buck or two? There are multiple options to decorate and protect your tablet, including ones from brands like XtremeMac and BYO. The durable and form-fitting silicone XtremeMac case is available in multiple colors and designs for different iPad models, and has textured sides and backs for added grip.

The stretchy BYO (“Bring Your Own”)-branded neoprene sleeves, on the other hand, can fit anything from a 7-inch tablet all the way up to a 16-inch laptop depending on the case you buy. Both options can protect your tech from the bumps and knocks of everyday life.

Motion Sensor Light

Ideal for closets, bathrooms, porches, garages, stair and other dimly lit areas, the aptly named Motion Sensor Light from Dollar Tree is an LED light with a motion sensor that can sense movement from up to 2 ½ feet away. The light has an auto-off function after 30 seconds, so it won’t stay on long enough to drive you nuts. An included two-way adhesive is lets you affix the light where you need it. You’ll need your own batteries, though.

Hype Audio Rechargeable Compact Speaker

It’s rewarding enough to find a $2 speaker for your favorite music player, smartphone or tablet — but the kitschy Hype Audio Rechargeable Compact Speaker cleverly doubles as a small mirror to apply makeup, too.

While not wireless, this clamshell speaker includes a 2-foot cable that plugs into the music source and can be recharged via an integrated USB connector.

Tech-1 Retractable Mouse

Are you thinking of hitting up a big-box store if you need a spare computer mouse? Instead of paying more than you need to, for a couple of bucks you can find a Retractable USB Mouse from Tech-1. Available in white and gray or black and gray, this small right- or left-handed mouse plugs into an available USB port on your PC or Mac. A 30-inch retractable cord means you won’t be struggling to move the mouse if you get too far from your computer.

RCA 4-in-1 Universal Remote

While this universal remote doesn’t have any bells and whistles, it can let you control up to four home theater components, or replace a broken remote for your TV, cable box or DVR. Requiring two AA batteries (not included), the black wireless remote is easy to program (code book included) and offers dedicated buttons for TV, DVD, VCR, CBL/SAT and AUDIO. In addition to your standard channel and volume buttons, the remote offers Sleep, Mute, DVD Menu, Picture-in-Picture, Guide options.