If you’re on a budget this holiday season, don’t stress. There are plenty of
useful
, exciting gifts under $25 you can buy without having to compromise on holiday cheer. Even when capping my spending, I try to gift things I know the recipient will use and love. For kids, that usually means interactive toys. For my boyfriend, I look for cozy clothing and accessories he’ll actually wear, and for my
parents
, the
latest tech
that’ll make their lives easier. Even though they’re thoughtful and practical, none of these
foolproof gift ideas
cost more than $25.
SKIP AHEAD
The best gifts under $25 in 2024
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Best overallLeatherology Leather Cord Wrap
$undefined$15.00Leatherology
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Best tech giftSoundbot Bluetooth Shower Speaker
$undefined$14.99Amazon
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Best kids’ giftLego Lotus Flowers Building Toy Set
$11.99$12.99Amazon
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Most useful giftUniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag
$undefined$19.90Uniqlo
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The best gifts under $25 in 2024
To find the best gifts under $25, we sourced NBC Select editor-favorites, products we’ve written about before and highly rated bestsellers from past gift guides. Since your gift list likely contains people with various interests, we curated items in a broad range of shopping categories, including beauty, fashion accessories, tech, food, housewares and toys.
Bonne Maman Assorted Preserves
Bonne Maman Assorted Preserves
This assortment of jam preserves comes with eight flavors: strawberry, wild blueberry, raspberry, orange marmalade, apricot, muscat grape, honey and cherry. “I’m very loyal to Bonne Maman jams — they have the best flavor and consistency, and I collect the jars they come in,” says NBC Select associate updates editor
Zoe Malin
. “I love gifting sets like this because it introduces my loved ones to a couple flavors, letting them discover their favorites so they can buy full-size jars the next time they’re at the grocery store.”
Kitsch Satin Pillowcase
Kitsch Satin Pillowcase
This
NBC Select Bed & Bath Award winner
is made from satin, which is gentle on hair and skin, according to the brand. “I must own at least six of these pillowcases at this point and I sleep on them every single day,” says Malin. “They prevent my curly hair from getting super frizzy overnight, and I never wake up with sleep lines on my skin. The material is soft and smooth against my skin. I also love that the pillowcase has a zipper so it never slips off my pillows.”
JLab Go Air Pop True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
JLab Go Air Pop
These are the best budget
wireless earbuds of 2024
. Despite their low price tag, we were impressed with their steady Bluetooth connection and surprisingly good sound quality. The built-in microphone lets you make hands-free calls and the battery life lasts up to 32 hours with the included charging case, according to the brand.
After Dinner Amusements: Family Time: 50 Conversation Starters
After Dinner Amusements: Family Time: 50 Conversation Starters
These conversation starters are a great, technology-free way to reconnect with family members. Each portable tin has 50 cards with thoughtful, playful questions that are designed to spark meaningful discussions, inspire nostalgia and bring family members closer together, according to the brand.
Octobuddy Adhesive Phone Case
Octobuddy Silicone Suction Phone Case Adhesive
Octobuddy mounts have silicone suction grips on them so that once your giftee attaches it to the back of their phone, they can stick it to mirrors, windows and smooth surfaces. “I use this to film videos, take pictures and when I’m feeling lazy, I’ll stick it to whatever surface is nearby so I can scroll on my phone without having to hold it,” says NBC Select associate reporter
Bianca Alvarez
.
It comes in more than 10 colors and you can buy a single-sided or double-sided case.
Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat
Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat
“Gaiam’s one of my go-to
yoga
brands,” says NBC Select editor
Lindsay Schneider
. “Everything is always fairly priced and their mats last me for years. This one is supportive without being too thick and is also really easy to clean. I also like that I don’t slide around too much when using it.” Buying this also comes with a little bonus gift for your recipient: With every mat purchase, they’ll get a free downloadable yoga class.
Warmies Junior Sloth
Warmies Junior Sloth
This Warmies Sloth may look like your average plushie, but it’s weighted, microwavable and chillable to help both
kids and adults relax
. It’s filled with grain and lavender, which retains temperature to soothe cramps and headaches and gives off a relaxing fragrance, according to the brand. Junior Sloth has a 4.7-star rating from over 3,300 Amazon reviewers, but the brand makes plenty of
other designs
, too. I have a
Warmies mushroom
and I love it.
Leatherology Cord Wrap
Leatherology Leather Cord Wrap
Leatherology is one of our favorite brands for
practical, personalized gifts
, and this cord wrap is no exception. Made from full-grain leather, its magnetic closure secures around wires and charging cords to keep them neat, organized and tangle-free. It comes in two sizes and 12 color options, plus you can add a custom deboss for $10 that showcases your giftee’s initials.
Uniqlo Knitted Gloves
Uniqlo Knitted Gloves
These knitted gloves are a part of Uniqlo’s HeatTech line, so they’re designed to absorb heat and keep hands warm without being too chunky, according to the brand. “These are the only pair of gloves I need,” says NBC Select’s editorial intern Aksha Mittapalli. “Despite being thin, they keep my hands warm and dry in the winters — even if it’s windy or snowing.” At $15, they’d be a great
gift for someone you don’t know well
, too.
Dash Mini Waffle Maker
Dash Mini Waffle Maker
One of the
top-rated kitchen gadgets of 2024
, the Dash waffle maker heats up in minutes and automatically turns off after it thoroughly cooks a 4-inch personal waffle. I love mine because it doesn’t require any guesswork to use, its nonstick plates are easy to wipe clean and I can store it compactly in my small kitchen. You can buy it in a number of colors and patterns, too.
Carhartt Men’s Knit Cuffed Beanie
Carhartt Men’s Knit Cuffed Beanie
This beanie is made from stretchy rib-knit acrylic with a Carhartt logo on its fold-over cuff. It’s one of the
best gifts for men
— especially those who spend ample time outside — because it’s warm, comfortable and durable, plus it comes in just about any color you could want.
Tower 28 Beauty LipSoftie
Tower 28 Beauty LipSoftie
“The best gift I could ever give or receive is lip balm, and this softie from Tower 28 is one of my favorites,” says Alvarez. “My lips feel moisturized and so much softer when I use them. They leave a subtle tint on my lips that’s universally flattering and gives them a nice shine that isn’t sticky or tacky.” The formula has shea butter, jojoba oil and lysine for moisture, and it’s paraben-free and vegan, according to the brand.
Spot It Party Game
Spot It Party Game
“My cousin gifted this card game to me right before I left for college, and it was the perfect way to make new friends,” says Mittapalli. “It only takes two minutes to explain the rules and half as much time to finish a single round, so there’s always a place and time to play it.” Each card has several images that only have one icon in common with any other card. A player must identify these icons and put down their cards before the others, so expect the game to go by quickly.
Quince Flex-Poly Dog Collar
Quince Flex-Poly Dog Collar
Quince won multiple
NBC Select Bed and Bath awards
due to its quality materials and reasonable prices. This pet collar is no exception. Available in four sizes to fit both cats and dogs of various breeds, it’s made from flexible, coated nylon to prevent chafing and irritation, plus it’s waterproof and odor-resistant, according to Quince. Get it in five color options, each with a zinc alloy buckle.
Zab’s Datil Pepper Hot Sauce
Zab’s Hot Sauce
Zab’s is a simple yet thoughtful gift for those who put hot sauce on everything. This two-pack includes the brand’s Original and St. Augustine Style flavors, both of which have Datil peppers for sweet heat and a slow burn, according to the brand. Each glass bottle is 6 ounces and both recipes are keto-friendly and vegan.
Bombas Men’s Vintage Rib Calf Socks
Bombas Men’s Vintage Rib Calf Socks
This brand makes some of the best socks I own due to their durability, softness and stay-put design. These socks may look vintage thanks to their calf-high ribbed design, but they’re made from long-staple cotton with built-in arch support for comfort, according to Bombas. They’re designed to go with both sneakers and dress shoes, and they come in four color options and three sizes. Bombas also donates one pair for every pair purchased.
Magna-Tiles Magnetic Construction Set
Magna-Tiles Magnetic Construction Set
“When I was teaching pre-school this was the toy my students fought over the most and it’s easy to see why,” says
Rebecca Rodriguez
, NBC Select editorial projects manager. This set of Magna-Tiles comes with 26 magnetic tiles that kids can use with other Magna-Tiles sets to create and manipulate structures. It’s safe for kids age 3+ and they can store all the pieces inside the included tin.
Warby Parker Glasses Pouch
Warby Parker Glasses Pouch
The inside of this Warby Parker pouch is lined with soft polyester to ensure that your glasses don’t get any scratches as they move around in your bag. The pouch can fit two pairs of glasses, so you can keep your prescription glasses and your sunglasses in them at the same time. It comes in six different colors and patterns, all of which are made with faux leather.
Squishmallows Pale Blue Jellyfish
Squishmallows Pale Blue Jellyfish
“My young siblings love Squishmallows, so this is always a success with them,” says Alvarez. “They’re soft and plush and they love to either cuddle with it or use it as a pillow when we watch movies. The best part is that they’re easy to clean and despite washing them multiple times, they stay soft and keep their shape.” Each one comes with its own name and bio and measures 12 inches tall.
Rayonner Electric Candle Lighter
Rayonner Electric Candle Lighter
Available in four colors, this rechargeable, Butane-free electric candle lighter doesn’t use gas or lighter fluid to spark a light. It’s smoke-free and wind-resistant, and one charge gives you up to 60 uses, according to the brand. Plus, it has a built-in automatic power-off feature for safety.
ExcelMark Custom Engraved Nameplate
ExcelMark Custom Engraved Nameplate
Upgrade their workspace with this engraved nameplate. In addition to their name and title, you can customize the font, size, background color, letter color, holder color and attachment accessories. It’s made from acrylic and metal, and has a 4.8-star rating from more than 1,700 reviews on Amazon.
Kuruwa Teal and Amber Hammered Old-Fashioned Glass
Kuruwa Teal and Amber Hammered Old-Fashioned Glass
No matter how much drinkware they own, the cocktail enthusiast or entertainer in your life probably doesn’t have anything like this old-fashioned glass. Designed by chef Eric Adjepong and inspired by West African markets, the teal body sits on an amber pedestal, both of which have a subtle hammered texture, according to the brand. The glass holds 12 ounces, and while it’s sold individually, you can create a matching set for under $25.
Weezie Spa Headband
Weezie Spa Headband
The beauty lover on your holiday list can wear this spa headband while applying their makeup or washing their face at the end of the day. Its tightly woven microfiber is designed to stay put and minimize friction on hair, while its Velcro closure is adjustable for a comfortable fit, according to the brand. It comes in three colors, and like our
favorite Weezie towels
, you can add a custom monogram for $15 to create a one-of-a-kind gift. “I use mine nightly, and I love the personalization element — it just makes it feel a little more special,” says Schneider. “I definitely reach for it more than any other Velcro towel headbands I have because of it.”
Soundbot Bluetooth Shower Speaker
Soundbot Bluetooth Shower Speaker
Because it’s
IPX4
water-resistant with a suction cup base, this Bluetooth speaker lets your giftee listen to music or podcasts in the shower. It also has buttons and a built-in microphone on top, so they can play and pause their music, skip songs, adjust the volume and take hands-free calls. The speaker comes in six color options and has a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to six hours, according to Soundbot.
Lego Lotus Flowers Building Toy Set
Lego Lotus Flowers Building Toy Set
This Lego lotus set functions as both a toy and decor. This three-flower set is suitable for ages eight and up. When your giftee is finished assembling the 220 pieces, they can display their creation in a vase thanks to its 12-inch stems. Plus, unlike real flowers, it’ll never die.
Dreampark 3×3 Megaminx Speed Cube
Dreampark 3×3 Megaminx Speed Cube
A 12-sided take on a Rubix cube, this Dreampark Megaminx toy, which has 4.-7-star average rating from more than 1,000 reviews on Amazon, is a fun challenge for any puzzle lover. The dodecahedron has PVC stickers and anti-pop bearings for durability and smooth turning, according to the brand.
“Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear
“Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones”
I’m an avid nonfiction reader, and “Atomic Habits”
is one of the most useful self-help books I’ve ever read. Using neuroscience research and actionable steps, the author teaches you how to break bad habits and create new ones with tiny behavior shifts that compound over time.
Bagsmart Toiletry Bag
Bagsmart Toiletry Bag
“I take this toiletry bag whenever I travel — it’s large, has multiple compartments and keeps all of my makeup, brushes and travel containers securely in one place,” says NBC Select updates editor
Mili Godio
. “I love that the compartments are transparent, so I can see exactly what I’m reaching for. It also has a hook that I use to hang it from a bathroom door, which makes it easier to access all my stuff while I’m getting ready.” It’s available in more than 10 colors and is made with water-resistant material, should anything leak, according to the brand.
Areaware Little Puzzle Thing French Fry Puzzle
Areaware Little Puzzle Thing French Fry Puzzle
Areaware makes some of our favorite
puzzles for adults
— and since they’re compact, they also make
great stocking stuffers
for the holidays. Available in a french fry design, this 70-piece puzzle is both interactive and decorative. The glossy paper comes on 2-millimeter chipboard pieces, and the 12-by-12-inch puzzle takes about an hour to complete, according to the brand.
Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag
Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag
Godio used this Uniqlo mini shoulder bag while traveling in Italy on a vacation and loved its stylish, pickpocket-resistant design. It has an adjustable crossbody strap, a textured nylon exterior that repels water and a roomy crescent interior with a zipper to keep your stuff secure, according to Uniqlo. It’s a great gift for travelers, especially since it comes in 12 color options. “It’s one of my favorite travel purchases I’ve made,” she says. “It’s a great size to fit my passport, phone, portable charger and other travel essentials without being too bulky. I love that it stays close to my side and doesn’t have a buckle like many other crossbody bags do, so I don’t risk becoming a pickpocketing victim.”
Bibliophile: 50 Postcards
Bibliophile: 50 Postcards
Author and illustrator Jane Mount created 50 literary-inspired
stationery cards
in a gift box that looks like a book itself. The foil-accented designs include book stacks, popular titles, literary icons and libraries, making it a great gift for avid readers, librarians and English teachers.
Sonia Kashuk Pencil Makeup Case
Sonia Kashuk Pencil Makeup Case
This Sonia Kashuk case holds makeup brushes, small toiletries or art supplies. To suit your giftee, you can choose from six stylish design options, including transparent blue, puffy yellow and shimmery pink. It’s made from polyurethane with a gold-tone zipper for durability and security, and it’s roomy yet compact for on-the-go convenience, according to the brand.
Lamicall Adjustable Cell Phone Stand
Lamicall Adjustable Cell Phone Stand
This adjustable phone stand is one of the most practical gifts on this list. Its aluminum design holds most phones and tablets and it has cut-outs for the charging cord. Your giftee can rotate it to provide them the best viewing angle while streaming shows, reading recipes or video chatting with a loved one. It comes in nine colors and has a 4.7-star average rating from nearly 40,000 Amazon reviewers.
“Hunt A Killer: The Detective’s Puzzle Book”
“Hunt A Killer: The Detective’s Puzzle Book”
If someone on your list loves true crime podcasts and murder mystery shows, “Hunt A Killer” is a no-brainer gift. This interactive book lets them play lead detective with its brain-teasing puzzles and code-cracking challenges. It has a 4.6-star rating from almost 150 reviews on Amazon.
Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer
Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer
If it takes them hours to finish their coffee or tea, then this drink warmer, which has a 4.2-star average rating from more than 56,000 reviews on Amazon, is the perfect gift. It heats mugs from underneath to keep its contents hot, plus it has a simple on/off switch with an indicator light, according to the brand.
Chums Surfshorts Wallet
Chums Surfshorts Wallet
With a 4.6-star rating from more than 3,500 reviewers, this Chums wallet is perfect for travelers, fishermen, boaters and water athletes. Unlike most wallets, it’s made from water-resistant nylon with zippered compartments to keep cards and cash dry, plus it blocks RFID signals to prevent identity theft, according to the brand. Get it in nine color options, each with a metal keyring and transparent ID slot.
Allura & Arcia 52 Stress Less & Self Care Cards
Allura & Arcia 52 Stress Less & Self Care Cards
Created by a team of therapists and yoga professionals, each of the 52 cards has an exercise to promote mindfulness and relaxation, according to the brand. They come in a standard card box so your giftee can take them with them as they travel or always keep them around in their bag for use.
Why trust NBC Select?
-
I’m an
e-commerce writer and editor
whose written gift guides for Bustle, Elite Daily, Food & Wine, Allure, The Zoe Report and more. This is my third year writing holiday shopping content for NBC.
-
Bianca Alvarez is an
associate reporter
for NBC Select who curated the gifts in this article. She chose items based on NBC Select’s previous coverage and reporting, NBC Select-staff favorites and highly rated items from brands we love.
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