There are so many gadgets today that charge via USB.  This is great, but it’s also messy.  It got to the point that my computers’ ports were filled with more dangling charging wires than anything else.  Maybe you’re in the same boat, or have different USB charging blocks crammed into a wall sockets all over the house or office. 

Neither of these options is particularly appealing, which is why I recommend picking up a USB charging station. These small adapters plug into a wall outlet and charge multiple devices at once and in one location.  I keep mine in the kitchen.

The Lenmar ACUSB4 is my pick at the moment.  It’s less than $18, can charge up to four USB devices simultaneously, and ships with three international plug adapters.  Plug in a smartphone, a Bluetooth headset, an iPod, and a Kindle – or allow each member of the family to charge his or her phone in one location. 

Another recommended USB charging station is the Belkin mini Surge, which includes three standard sockets and two USB ports.

Those of you already doing early holiday shopping, either of these products would make a nice gift for the gadget wranglers in your life. 

Have an alternative you’d like to recommend?  Post it.

–M. Nichols, Products Editor