Anyone have a recommendation on a fairly low-cost small sander for small
items around the house? Are belt sanders still in use today, or are
there better alternatives ?

I am talking about items like sanding off a rough edge of something (wood)
or shortening a scraping door, and stuff like that around the house.

Would Craftsman be a good brand to look at for this ?

Look for a decent brand 1/4 sheet palm sander, about $40 or less on
special.

Jeff