Why spend $10 on a plastic kick stand for your phone when you can make your own universal stand out of cardboard for free in minutes? It’s perfect for watching video, like on Hulu Plus Netflicks, or video chatting on Skype or Gtalk with friends.

This is what it looks like. I didn’t use scissors, so it’s a little extra ghettotastic. But if you want a classier version, you could break out a ruler, some wrapping paper, markers, and tape.

And this is basically how it’s constructed. Fold in the middle, and then 2 more folds on the ends in the same direction So basically the shape you’re trying to make is this: /_\_. The little tabs on the end help to keep the stand and your phone from sliding.

This is the stand from an angled side view:

This simple little stand is compatible with most Android and Apple smartphones that can lay horizontally on their sides. I think you might have some trouble with Blackberries, since it might be harder to balance them on their sides. Oh, and on the upside for you greenies out their this thing is 100% biodegradable, recyclable, and upcycled.