Gifts Under $25
Great gifts that don't cost much. Every pick here is usually under $25.
How to pick
- Prices change often, so check the current price before you buy. We list a typical range, not an exact price.
- Pick one nice small thing over several random ones. It feels more thoughtful.
- Consumables, like snacks, coffee or candles, are safe picks when you don't know someone well.
50 gift ideas
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Crayola Art Kit with Neon and Metallic Supplies
Markers, crayons and colored pencils in bright neon and metallic shades, all in one case. For ages 5 and up.
- Best for
- Kids who draw every day and like bright colors
- Skip if
- You need it to be totally mess-free
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Crayola Art Kit with Neon and Metallic Supplies (opens in a new tab) -
Squishmallows 12-Inch Ilene the Unicorn
A super soft, squishy unicorn plush that's perfect for hugging and collecting.
- Best for
- Kids and teens who collect plush or want a cuddle buddy
- Skip if
- They want a toy that does something
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Squishmallows 12-Inch Ilene the Unicorn (opens in a new tab) -
UNO Card Game
The classic family card game for 2 to 10 players. Cheap, quick and always a hit.
- Best for
- Families and friends who want a quick game anyone can learn
- Skip if
- They already own a deck, as most families do
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for UNO Card Game (opens in a new tab) -
Personalized Birthstone Necklace
A dainty necklace with the birthstones and initials of the people she loves. Great for moms and grandmas.
- Best for
- Moms and grandmas who love something personal
- Skip if
- You're short on time, since custom orders take longer to arrive
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Personalized Birthstone Necklace (opens in a new tab) -
Scented Candle Gift Set, 4 Pack
Four soy wax candles in different scents, boxed and ready to give.
- Best for
- An easy, cozy gift for almost anyone
- Skip if
- Strong scents bother them or they have curious pets
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Scented Candle Gift Set, 4 Pack (opens in a new tab) -
Cholula Hot Sauce Variety Pack
Six bottles of Cholula in different flavors, for the guy who puts hot sauce on everything.
- Best for
- People who add hot sauce to everything
- Skip if
- They don't like spicy food
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Cholula Hot Sauce Variety Pack (opens in a new tab) -
Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie
The classic warm work beanie. Fits almost everyone and lasts for years.
- Best for
- Anyone who works or plays outside in the cold
- Skip if
- They want a fashion-forward hat
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie (opens in a new tab) -
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch
A pre-seasoned skillet that sears steaks and lasts a lifetime.
- Best for
- Home cooks who want a great sear and a pan that lasts decades
- Skip if
- They want something light, or that goes in the dishwasher
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25 Inch (opens in a new tab) -
Fisher-Price Baby's First Blocks and Rock-a-Stack
Two classic baby toys in one set: chunky blocks to sort and rings to stack.
- Best for
- Babies starting to grab, stack and sort
- Skip if
- The child is past the baby stage
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Fisher-Price Baby's First Blocks and Rock-a-Stack (opens in a new tab) -
Franklin Pickleball Starter Set
Paddles and balls to start playing pickleball, the sport everyone's trying.
- Best for
- Beginners who want to try the sport with a friend
- Skip if
- They already play seriously and own good paddles
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Franklin Pickleball Starter Set (opens in a new tab) -
Wilson NFL Super Grip Football
A grippy, durable football for backyard games.
- Best for
- Backyard and park games of catch
- Skip if
- They already have a good football
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Wilson NFL Super Grip Football (opens in a new tab) -
Fiskars 3-Piece Garden Hand Tools Set
A sturdy trowel, transplanter and cultivator for the gardener in the family.
- Best for
- Gardeners who plant pots and small beds
- Skip if
- They already have a set of hand tools
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Fiskars 3-Piece Garden Hand Tools Set (opens in a new tab) -
Chuckit! Classic Ball Launcher
Throws the ball farther with less effort. Every dog's favorite gift for their human.
- Best for
- Dog owners whose dog lives for fetch
- Skip if
- Their dog isn't into fetch
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Chuckit! Classic Ball Launcher (opens in a new tab) -
Gaiam Thick Yoga Mat
A cushioned, non-slip mat for yoga, stretching and home workouts.
- Best for
- Beginners and anyone who wants extra cushion for the knees
- Skip if
- They do lots of balance poses, where a thinner mat is steadier
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Gaiam Thick Yoga Mat (opens in a new tab) -
Play-Doh Modeling Compound 10-Pack
Ten cans of bright dough for squishing, rolling and building whatever they dream up.
- Best for
- Young kids who love squishing and shaping
- Skip if
- You don't want to pick crumbs out of the carpet
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Play-Doh Modeling Compound 10-Pack (opens in a new tab) -
National Geographic Gemstone Dig Kit
Chip away at a brick to uncover real gemstones, with a guide to what each one is.
- Best for
- Kids who love rocks, digging and treasure hunts
- Skip if
- You want a toy they'll play with over and over, since it's mostly a one-time dig
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for National Geographic Gemstone Dig Kit (opens in a new tab) -
Kinetic Sand Sandbox Set
Moldable sand that never dries out, with a tray and tools that keep the mess contained.
- Best for
- Kids who love sensory play indoors
- Skip if
- You don't want sand on the floor
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Kinetic Sand Sandbox Set (opens in a new tab) -
Stomp Rocket Ultra Launcher
Kids stomp the pad and send foam rockets flying high into the air.
- Best for
- Active kids with a yard or park nearby
- Skip if
- You don't have outdoor space
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Stomp Rocket Ultra Launcher (opens in a new tab) -
LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Mighty Dinosaurs
Builds a T. rex, a triceratops or a pterodactyl, so one box makes three toys.
- Best for
- Dinosaur fans who like building three models from one set
- Skip if
- They want a big, long build
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Mighty Dinosaurs (opens in a new tab) -
Melissa & Doug Water Wow! 3-Pack
Mess-free coloring pads that reveal pictures with water, then dry to color again.
- Best for
- Toddlers and road trips, with no mess at all
- Skip if
- The child has outgrown simple coloring
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Melissa & Doug Water Wow! 3-Pack (opens in a new tab) -
Klutz Clay Charms Kit
Everything kids need to sculpt, bake and string their own tiny clay charms.
- Best for
- Crafty kids who like making jewelry and small figures
- Skip if
- There's no adult to help bake the clay in the oven
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Klutz Clay Charms Kit (opens in a new tab) -
Rubik's Cube
The original 3x3 puzzle that keeps hands busy and minds working.
- Best for
- Puzzle lovers who like a challenge
- Skip if
- They get frustrated easily
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Rubik's Cube (opens in a new tab) -
Exploding Kittens Card Game
A fast, silly card game that's easy to learn and loud to play.
- Best for
- Families and friends who like silly, fast card games
- Skip if
- They prefer longer strategy games
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Exploding Kittens Card Game (opens in a new tab) -
Codenames
A team word-guessing game that's quick to set up and great for groups.
- Best for
- Parties and groups of four or more
- Skip if
- They usually play with just two people
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Codenames (opens in a new tab) -
JLab Go Air Pop Wireless Earbuds
Light, colorful wireless earbuds with a pocket-size charging case.
- Best for
- Kids, teens and the gym, at a low price
- Skip if
- They want noise canceling or top sound
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for JLab Go Air Pop Wireless Earbuds (opens in a new tab) -
Dash Mini Waffle Maker
A tiny waffle iron that makes one crispy waffle in minutes, in fun colors.
- Best for
- Quick breakfasts and college dorms
- Skip if
- They're feeding a crowd, since it makes one small waffle at a time
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Dash Mini Waffle Maker (opens in a new tab) -
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Board Book
Eric Carle's classic in a sturdy board book with holes little fingers love to poke.
- Best for
- Babies and toddlers, and a classic for baby showers
- Skip if
- They likely already own it, as many families do
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for The Very Hungry Caterpillar Board Book (opens in a new tab) -
Govee Smart LED Strip Lights
Color-changing lights for a bedroom that sync to music and run from a phone app.
- Best for
- Teens and gamers who want colorful room lighting
- Skip if
- They rent and can't use the sticky backing on walls
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Govee Smart LED Strip Lights (opens in a new tab) -
Spirograph Deluxe Design Set
Gears and pens that draw endless swirling patterns, the same fun parents remember.
- Best for
- Patient kids and adults who like drawing patterns
- Skip if
- The child gets frustrated with fiddly tools
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Spirograph Deluxe Design Set (opens in a new tab) -
PAVOI 14K Gold Plated Huggie Earrings
Small hoop earrings that go with everything and look far pricier than they are.
- Best for
- Everyday earrings that go with everything
- Skip if
- They only wear solid gold
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for PAVOI 14K Gold Plated Huggie Earrings (opens in a new tab) -
Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask
A smooth mulberry silk eye mask that blocks light without pressing on lashes.
- Best for
- Light sleepers, travelers and shift workers
- Skip if
- They already sleep in a dark room
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask (opens in a new tab) -
Twinings Tea Variety Sampler
An assortment of black, green and herbal teas to try one cup at a time.
- Best for
- Tea drinkers who like trying different flavors
- Skip if
- They only drink fancy loose-leaf tea
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Twinings Tea Variety Sampler (opens in a new tab) -
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The best-selling guide to small habits that add up to big changes.
- Best for
- Anyone starting fresh, like a grad or a new year
- Skip if
- They've already read it
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Atomic Habits by James Clear (opens in a new tab) -
Spalding NBA Street Outdoor Basketball
A durable rubber ball made for driveway and park courts.
- Best for
- Driveway and park courts
- Skip if
- They mostly play indoors
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Spalding NBA Street Outdoor Basketball (opens in a new tab) -
ThermoPro Instant Read Meat Thermometer
Reads in seconds, so steaks and chicken come out just right.
- Best for
- Any cook who wants meat done right, at a low price
- Skip if
- They want to watch the temperature with the lid closed
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for ThermoPro Instant Read Meat Thermometer (opens in a new tab) -
Vacu Vin Wine Saver Pump
Pumps the air out of opened bottles so wine stays fresh for days.
- Best for
- Wine lovers who don't finish a bottle in one night
- Skip if
- Their bottles never last past dinner
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Vacu Vin Wine Saver Pump (opens in a new tab) -
Ravensburger 1000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
A well-cut, glare-free puzzle for slow, cozy afternoons.
- Best for
- Puzzle lovers and slow winter nights
- Skip if
- They don't have a table to leave it out on
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Ravensburger 1000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle (opens in a new tab) -
Moleskine Classic Hardcover Notebook
A sturdy notebook with an elastic closure for lists, ideas and sketches.
- Best for
- Writers, planners and list makers
- Skip if
- They use fountain pens, which can show through the pages
Typical price: Under $25
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Sharpie S-Gel Pens
Smooth gel pens that make jotting notes feel good again.
- Best for
- Anyone who writes a lot by hand
- Skip if
- They're left-handed and smudge gel ink
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Sharpie S-Gel Pens (opens in a new tab) -
KONG Classic Dog Toy
A tough rubber toy to stuff with treats that keeps dogs busy.
- Best for
- Dogs who need something to keep them busy
- Skip if
- Their dog destroys toys, so pick the tougher black version
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for KONG Classic Dog Toy (opens in a new tab) -
Da Bird Feather Cat Toy
A feather wand that flutters like a real bird, a favorite of even lazy cats.
- Best for
- Cat owners who want to play with their cat
- Skip if
- They want a toy the cat plays with alone
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Da Bird Feather Cat Toy (opens in a new tab) -
BAGAIL Packing Cubes, 8-Piece Set
Zip cubes in several sizes that keep a suitcase neat.
- Best for
- Anyone who travels with a suitcase
- Skip if
- They only travel with a small backpack
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for BAGAIL Packing Cubes, 8-Piece Set (opens in a new tab) -
Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light
A hands-free book light that wraps around the neck for reading in bed.
- Best for
- People who read paper books in bed
- Skip if
- They read on a tablet or backlit e-reader
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light (opens in a new tab) -
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Pocket Set
A palm-size set of quality watercolors and a brush for painting anywhere.
- Best for
- Beginner painters, travel sketching and journals
- Skip if
- They want big tubes for large paintings
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Pocket Set (opens in a new tab) -
Mario Badescu Facial Spray Trio
Three refreshing face mists with rose, cucumber and lavender.
- Best for
- A refreshing skincare treat at a low price
- Skip if
- They prefer fragrance-free skincare
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Mario Badescu Facial Spray Trio (opens in a new tab) -
Death Wish Coffee Whole Bean
A famously strong dark roast for people who take their coffee seriously.
- Best for
- People who like very strong, dark coffee
- Skip if
- They're sensitive to caffeine
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Death Wish Coffee Whole Bean (opens in a new tab) -
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Bands
Five color-coded exercise bands for home workouts and stretching.
- Best for
- Home workouts and travel
- Skip if
- They want heavy strength training
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Bands (opens in a new tab) -
BrüMate Hopsulator Slim Can Cooler
Keeps slim cans and seltzers cold far longer than a foam koozie.
- Best for
- People who drink slim cans, like hard seltzer
- Skip if
- They mostly drink standard 12 oz cans
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for BrüMate Hopsulator Slim Can Cooler (opens in a new tab) -
Scrabble Classic Board Game
The crossword game for word lovers of every age.
- Best for
- Word lovers and family game night
- Skip if
- They already own a set
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Scrabble Classic Board Game (opens in a new tab) -
Bluey Talking Plush
A soft 13-inch Bluey that says nine phrases from the show.
- Best for
- Young Bluey fans
- Skip if
- They don't watch Bluey
Typical price: Under $25
Check price on Amazon for Bluey Talking Plush (opens in a new tab)