60 Christmas Gift Ideas Around $25 This Year

The holidays can take a toll on your budget.

Fear not—we’ve got you covered with 60 gift ideas for everyone on your list. The best part is that each Christmas gift idea on this list costs $25 or less.

From toys for your kids to the perfect present for the office white elephant gift exchange, our list will make this year’s holiday shopping easy and affordable.

You can certainly find great gifts under $25. Everything from food, to experiences, to household items. All this and more can be found without breaking the Christmas budget.  

Cash Back on Holiday Shopping

Before we get into the specific gift ideas, I’d like to share several great ways to save money on any kind of shopping. Each of these companies and apps lets you save money on purchases you were going to make anyway!

The companies below compensate us when you sign up using the links we provide.

DollarSprout Rewards

This uncomplicated browser extension, which works with both Chrome and Safari browsers, seamlessly alerts users to cashback opportunities offered by over 15,000 merchants.

Not only that, but it automatically applies any coupons or codes to ensure you get the best deal each time. Your rewards are paid out each month via PayPal when your balance reaches $5 or higher.

As an extra bonus, DollarSprout Rewards is compatible with other cashback cards for added savings – all without needing to share any user data with retailers.

Setup is a breeze – just click ‘Activate’ and you’re good to go! Plus there’s an FAQ page on their website in case you have any questions or want to contact customer service.

Get started now so you can start earning your rewards right away!

Rakuten (previously Ebates)

Rakuten (which you may remember as Ebates), is one more way to make the most of your Christmas shopping list.

You can earn up to 40% cashback on purchases from over 2,500 retailers.

If you sign up for Rakuten here, it’s a fantastic way to get more bang for your buck as you prepare for holiday gift-giving.

Fetch Rewards

Fetch will give you points for scanning any receipt, digital or paper, into the app. Most receipts will get you 25 points, which translates in to 2.5¢. 

If you happen to hit on an item that has a bonus you can get as much ast 5,000 points for your purchase.

The great feature of Fetch Rewards is that you can use it with either of the two cash back rebate sites above.

Gift Ideas for an Uknown Person

These ideas are great for ther person who is hard to shop for or when you don’t know the person you are getting the gift for( think office party or family white elephant exchange).

1. Alcohol!

Most folks enjoy a drink or two around the holiday season – so why not make it a special one?

For beer lovers, visit a specialty store like World Market to find unique selections that make easy gifts (just put a bow on it!).

If your recipient is more of a wine person, then it’s easy to find bottles of wine for less than $25, but what about giving them something they might not buy for themselves?

Like this totally awesome Electric Wine Opener by Ozeri

2. Healthy Popcorn Popper

Popcorn is a naturally gluten-free snack that your health-conscious friend probably loves. I tried this popcorn popper and am so impressed with its freshness!

I feel better serving this to my kids instead of highly processed microwave popcorn from a bag.

Plus, we can prepare it however we want: salty, sweet, using ghee, coconut oil, etc.

Check out The Original Salbree Popcorn Popper.

3. A Flask

For those that like to imbibe, why not buy them an alcohol-smuggling flask they can take to their next ball game, concert or poolside outing?

We compared a few and like this one.

4. Holga Camera

Do you want physical photos that print with an Instagram filter? Believe it or not, the Holga camera can do that.

Made in Hong Kong, these popular cameras are a perfect gift for the photographer on your list. And lucky for you, they cost nowhere near the price of today’s high-end digital SLRs.

This one is a bit higher than $25, but it’s the cheapest Holga I could find: Holga Camera.

5. Omaze Experiences

With Omaze, you donate $10 for a chance to win experiences like attending a movie premiere with one of the film’s stars, or trips to coveted sporting events where you also get to meet an athlete you admire. There are also sweepstakes to win cars, vacations, and more. 

Now, here’s the thing: giving an entry to an Omaze campaign obviously is no guarantee they’ll win anything.  But it’s definitely a neat twist on donating to a charitable cause they believe in!

Lots of people would love a chance at meeting one of their idols or attending a premier event, so it’s a really thoughtful gift. 

6. Gift Cards

Gift cards are great because they allow the person some flexibility. I love giving gift cards to restaurants in hopes I will get invited (I like to eat!), but gift cards to the movies, Amazon or a local store would all work.

Oh, and I’ve got a tip for you!

If you watch a couple videos or complete a few surveys, a company called Swagbucks will reward you in FREE gift cards (that you can re-gift to your friends).

Plus they give you $5 cash just for signing up!

7. Passport Holder

Every international traveler needs a passport protector.

Let your loved one travel in style with this: Zoppen Multi-purpose Rfid Blocking Travel Passport Wallet (Ver.4) Tri-fold Document Organizer Holder. They come in a wide variety of colors.

This is especially appropriate for someone with a big trip coming up soon!

8. Mini Doodle Kit

Doodling can be a relaxing exercise. After a stressful day or during a commute on the bus, doodling may help calm anyone’s nerves. Kikkerland Mini Doodle Kit

9. Burt’s Bees Gift Set

The winter chill leaves your skin feeling itchy and dry, especially your lips, hands, and feet.

This Burt’s Bees kit can rejuvenate your loved one’s lips and skin for the cold winter months. Burt’s Bees Tips and Toes Kit Gift Set.

10. Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans

Chocolate and espresso…need I say more? Yep, this decadent treat will be a terrific gift for just about anyone!

This 2-lb package from Hill Farm looks absolutely mouth-watering!

11. Mindfulness Cards

Everyone needs a little pick-me-up now and again. Using these Mindfulness Cards will give anyone the boost they need.

Check out these: Mindfulness Card Set.

12. Herbal Tea Gift Set

If you don’t have outstanding gift wrapping skill, this herbal tea set can do most of the work for you. It’s beautifully designed and only needs a bow for a finishing touch.

Tea lovers will swoon over this box of assorted teas: Tea Forte Tea Tasting Assortment Petite Presentation Box Tea Sampler. 

13. Money!

Here’s another nerdy idea. Investing is something we should all do, so why not give the gift of investing this Christmas?

There are many investing apps that have taken down the high barriers to investing.

All you need these days is a smartphone, and the stock market is your oyster.

We like Stash Invest (and did a full review recently).

Another idea is Acorns. With Acorns, you can “gift” the app to 11 friends for Christmas and pocket $120 for yourself! Click here to sign up for Acorns.

14. Handmade Jewelry or Box

Instead of a necklace or earrings from a big box jewelry store (that anyone can get), go for a unique, handmade piece of jewelry to give as a gift.

Along the same lines, you could look for a gorgeous handcrafted jewelry box.

Here’s a nice one: Wooden Jewelry Box with Brass Metal Inlay.

15. Books

Gifting books does not get old. Whoever thought electronics would replace books was dead wrong!

And most books easily fall under the $25 price tag; fiction, non-fiction, biographies, guides, cookbooks, etc.

We have some ideas for you:

• Young Person: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Good with Money
• Artists: Artists: Their Lives and Works
• Adventurers: 500 of the World’s Greatest Trips
• Music Lovers: 1,000 Record Covers
• Anyone: Humans of New York

16. Slippers

Lots of people love slippers. And can you really ever own too many pairs of comfy slippers?

I highly recommend investing a few dollars towards keeping your loved one’s feet warm and cozy all season long.

The reviews seem to be very positive for these reasonably-priced Shearling Women’s Slippers from Tamarac.

17. Theme Baskets

If you know what interests those on your gift list, it’s easy to design a gift to suit them. Why not create a gift basket around a theme?

For the fitness junkie, throw together a gym bag’s worth of workout gear and equipment.

For the aspiring cook, get a set of mixing bowls, some utensils and maybe even a cookbook (try Half Price Books).

This gift says you respect them for their interests and want to encourage their efforts.

18. Journal

So many people write poems or short stories or keep diaries. If your friend or family member is one of these people, then a truly thoughtful gift would be a unique new notebook.

There are beautiful journals and notebooks sold online for less than $20.

I highly recommend the popular Soft Cover Notebook from Moleskine.

19. Travel Mug / Coffee Shop Gift Card

Coffee drinkers will appreciate this gift. Grab a stylish mug, toss in a gift card to your local coffee shop, and you’re set!

Even if they’re anti-coffee, they can use the mug for all types of beverages and the gift card for delicious coffee-shop pastries.

Here’s a super popular, high quality Thermos to keep their coffee hot: Thermos Stainless Steel Beverage Holder.

Inexpensive Gift Ideas for Kids

20. Board Game

Games bring the whole family together. There is no a better time for board games than the holidays, when people have more free time to hang out as a family.

There are tons of cool games to choose from, but we highly recommend the very popular Quirkle from Mindware.

21. Hat, Gloves, and Scarf

Cold-weather gear is a safe bet because most places get cold during the holiday season. Who can’t use a new cozy hat, scarf or pair of gloves?

Find something in neutral colors if you want to play it safe, but animal hat and scarf combos can be fun, if you’re giving to someone on the quirky side.

We found this one that even includes matching mittens—Husky Animal Hat with Mittens.

22. Money Maze Bank

Here’s a creative way to give cash or a gift card – enclose them in a money maze and have a grand ol’ time watching the recipient get to their gift.

After the fun of the initial gifting, the Money Maze can be turned into an actual piggy bank with built-in security feature.

Here’s one for about $10.

23. Earbuds

Have a friend who is always losing their earbuds? Almost everyone has an iPhone, iPod, or some other hand-held digital device these days.

Why not upgrade their listening experience this holiday season by giving them a nice pair of earbuds?

These look sleek: Tozo Wireless Bluetooth Buds.

24. Scratch-off Map

Do you know someone who loves to travel?

Help them keep track of their adventures with a Scratch-Off Map.

This can be a great gift for kids, helping them remember the names and locations of the states they’ve visited (or countries). If you’re buying for a well-traveled older person, there are sleek Scratch-Off maps that make for great conversation starters to hang in their home.

This one is a good place to start your search: Scratch-Off Map.

And here’s another option, with scratch-off maps of both the USA and world. 

Gift Ideas for the Home

25. Soap and Lotion Bundles

The weather outside is frightful…and your skin suffers, too! Soaps and lotions are great gifts for the ladies as they can never seem to own too many skin-pampering items.

There are endless options for around $25.

This one I’ve gifted received very high reviews, Lavender Bath and Body Gift Basket which includes body lotion, bubble bath, shower gel and bath fizzer. If you happen to know the scent your loved one prefers, you can impress them even more by choosing their favorite one.  

26. Personalized Towels

Whether you order personalized beach towels for kids, or family name hand towels for the kitchen, personalized towels of any kind make a great gift.

The recipient will know you put a bit of thought into their gift!

This set of towels has plenty of color options and look well-made: Personalized Hand Towels.

27. Bamboo Cutting Board with Wooden Spoon

This is a perfect gift for the newlywed couple or someone who loves to entertain.

Anyone can cut and serve their food with style using this: Bamboo Cutting Board (With Bonus 3-Piece Utensils).

28. Fireplace Scented Candle

Not every home is built with a fireplace, but any home can smell like it is!

Purchase a fireplace-scented candle, and you’ll give that cozy feeling with no fire required.

This one’s reviews say it’s legit: Firewood Crackling Candle.

29. Chat Books Photo Book

There is an app that will take photos from your friends’ or family members’ Facebook, Instagram or camera roll and convert them into a chic, colorful photo book.

Each book contains 60 high-quality photos.

Check out Chat Books.

Once the books are printed they can be mailed to you or your recipient. It’s a great gift for grandparents.

Easy and creative!

30. Crock-Pot

Share your love of easy-to-make, no-mess home-cooked meals by giving your friend or loved one a slow cooker. A three-quart size is plenty big for a family and makes cooking SO easy.

You could even include a Crock-Pot cookbook! I use this one and love it: Stainless Steel Slow Cooker by Crock-Pot.

31. Garden in a Bag

Every chef loves their own herbs. Let the chef in your family grow and tend their own basil with this: Potting Shed Creations Garden in a Bag—Basil.

32. Vertical Photo Holder

A picture is worth a thousand words. Grandparents are especially likely to fall for updated pictures of their adorable grandkids.

Be sure to print off some great photos to include, and keep lasting memories close with this: Kikkerland Photo and Card Holder with 8 Magnets, Black.

33. Cocktail Recipe Book

Selecting the same cocktail every evening can become boring.

Let your loved ones spice up their taste buds with this: Let’s Bring Back: The Cocktail Edition: A Compendium of Impish, Romantic, Amusing, and Occasionally Appalling Potations from Bygone Eras.

34. Personalized Christmas Ornament

Start a new tradition within your family. Give a personalized ornament to a family member for their Christmas tree.

Get started here: Personalized Christmas Ornament.

35. Blanket

The best thing about a blanket is that it’s practical and one-size-fits-all. Keep your family or friends warm this holiday season with something stylish and warm.

Blankets are easy to customize to the person’s interests, with themed designs from favorite TV shows or pop culture references. If you are feeling a bit silly, give them a Snuggie or Slanket instead.

Here’s a nice All-Purpose Blanket from JJ Cole Collections. Sorry, it’s a little above our limit, so here’s another under $25: Bedsure Fleece Blanket.

That one comes in a bunch of different colors, too!

36. Flowers and Vase

This gift is great because it combines a temporary item with a permanent one. Win, win!

The flowers will look beautiful for a time, and when they fade, the vase or planter will be around to enjoy for years.

37. Stationery

Some people still love to write letters the old-fashioned way. Beautiful stationery is a great gift idea, but don’t settle for something average.

Find a unique option like this old-fashioned Kraft paper set. 

Who knows, the recipient may even write you a thank-you letter on the stationary you’ve gifted!

Gadget Gift Ideas

38. Lost and Found Tracker

Know someone who is always losing their keys, phone, or wallet?

Then look no further than the gift of a Bluetooth tracker. I discovered this thing and it changed my life.

You just put the tiny ring on any object and you’ll never turn the house upside down again. I got this one from Tile Mate and love it.

39. Keychain Phone Charging Cable

Seriously, who couldn’t use one of these? This gift has mass appeal.

Keychain phone charging cables fit onto your keys, can be recharged using a USB and will keep your charge going all day.

Prices range from $5 to $75 but we found this one for iPhones for and this one for Androids for.

40. A Multi-Tool

Guys love gadgets (and lots of ladies do, too)!

The ultimate gift for anyone on your list is either a multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife. These are perfect for the kitchen drawer, glove box, toolbox, tackle box, garage, etc. We can all use a multi-tool for quick repairs on the fly.

Entry level tools and knives can be found for around $25 and we think you can’t go wrong with this Suspension Opening Multi-Tool by Gerber.

41. Mini Steamer

Steaming your clothes can be a challenge no matter where you are.

This mini-steamer can help you eliminate all the pesky wrinkles from any outfit: PerfectDay Garment Steamer. 

42. Self-Correcting Golf Balls

Have an avid golfer in the family?

Get them more of what they need to help improve their game. As an occasional golfer myself, I can tell you I appreciate having plenty of golf balls handy for my next round.

I’m not sure these are PGA legal (okay, they’re definitely not), but I like the looks of the Self-Correcting Golf Balls by Polara.

I know that’s a bit over the $25 limit, but here’s a lower-cost alternative: LazerDrive Anti-Slice Golf Club Aid 

43. Travel Shave Kit

If your loved one is on the go and travels often, this is a perfect gift. Carrying all of your favorite shaving supplies can be a hassle for a globetrotter.

The solution, the Proraso Travel Shave Kit.

44. Ring Holder

Finding a place to put your jewelry can be a challenge.

This whimsical elephant ring holder provides the perfect location to store your favorite jewelry pieces while hopping in the shower or heading off to bed.

Check out this Umbra Zoola Elephant Ring Holder.  

45. Gadget Case

Everyone has some type of smart mobile device these days, but they don’t all have a nice case or cover to properly protect it from accidents. There are all kinds of accessories for the people in your life with an iPhone, Droid, Kindle, or iPad.

Check out this Pink Incipio Clarion Folio Fire Case.

46. Wallet / ID Case

Wallets make a great gift because they tend to wear out every few years or so and you have to have someplace to hold all that cash!

I prefer a money clip style slim wallet, but both that style and the traditional trifold can be found for under $25.

This Nautica Men’s Milled Passcase Wallet is a great deal from a great brand. Designer ID cases for women are popular right now, too.

I’m eyeing this Vera Bradley Zip ID Case because I know enough to know Vera Bradley is a top-notch brand and you can’t beat the price.

47. Toiletry Bag

Maybe someone has an upcoming trip planned?

A great gift idea is a travel bag that makes their life on the road easy and convenient. Let the frequent traveler in your life know you want them to travel in style.

This travel bag from Ogio seems to have all the necessary bells and whistles at a very reasonable price.

48. DVD Sets

Know someone who loves movies?

There are a million DVD titles on Amazon.com to choose from, increasing the chances that you’ll find something perfect for the movie buff in your life. You can find plenty of movie and TV sets for less than $25.

We love the Peanuts Holiday Series DVD Set which includes A Charlie Brown Christmas!

49. Cell Phone Speaker Amplifier

I just received one of these as a gift and I love it! It works perfectly with my Republic Wireless phone.

We keep it in the kitchen and it turns our Pandora or Spotify listening into something the whole family can enjoy. I swear, it’s magic!

Here’s one for just over budget.

Subscriptions/Experiences

50. Theater Tickets

I’m not talking about the movies; although the cinema’s great too. I mean the real deal theater for an off-Broadway production, opera, ballet, or other fine arts performance.

Smaller, local theaters may offer production tickets for less than $25. It will surely be a one-of-a-kind experience for your friend or family member.

51. Museum, Art Show or Tour Tickets

Isn’t it better to gift an experience? Being a tourist in your own city can be so much fun.

If the person you’re buying for lives in a big city, it’s likely they haven’t experienced all there is to do. Whether it’s museums or city bus tours or even that aquarium downtown they went to once when they were a kid—perhaps tickets to an experience is the perfect gift?

CityPASS tickets cost more than $25, but the site itself can give you of ideas of what to buy. Explore CityPASS for ticket ideas.

52. Workout Inspiration

Do you know someone who always talks about their plan to start exercising but then never does it?

Give them the push they may need!

If you go to the App Store and search “Workout Videos” you’ll see dozens of options, many of them free. Then select the one you like and click “Share app.”

If you want to give something physical, I recommend introducing them to calisthenics. This is working out where the person only uses their own body, nothing else.

No weights, no equipment, nada. It’s too easy not to do if they want to start exercising!

This guy is awesome for that.

53. Annual Magazine Subscription

If your friend or loved one has a hobby, odds are there is a magazine for that.

Pick up a hard copy of the current issue from the drugstore and you’ll have something to wrap and give along with the subscription. Magazine subscriptions are cheap!

• For the Photographer: National Geographic
• For the Interior Designer: HGTV Magazine
• For the Chef: Food Network Magazine

54. Specialty Food or Coffee

Treat your family or friends to box of authentic New Orleans beignet mix. Add in a can of Café du Monde coffee and chicory and you have the perfect gift for the foodie in your life.

If they don’t already know how fabulous New Orleans beignets and coffee are, they need to!

Here’s the Cafe Du Monde Coffee & Chicory and Beignet Mix Set.

55. Meal Kit Delivery Service

Does your friend or family member love to cook but can never make it to the grocery store?

Or they want to branch out in their culinary skills, but aren’t sure where to begin?

Several subscription food services exist that will deliver to your door the exact ingredients (pre-measured) required for a variety of recipes. All the person has to do is open the box and follow the instructions to cook a quality meal.

The convenience is hard to beat. I tried and liked Blue Apron.

56. The Gift of Education

This is for grandchildren, nieces and nephews. How do you give the gift of education? Easy!

Just contribute to the child’s 529 Plan. You’ll need to check that the parents have set one up, and if so, you can contribute towards the child’s college tuition.

Given the cost of school these days, any bit will help. A 529 is a tax-advantaged savings account where the funds are invested until the time comes for the child to pay tuition.

If the child doesn’t have a 529 in his/her name, you can actually set it up yourself (but again, talk to the parents since you’ll need the child’s social security number).

To learn more, check out 529 Plans: The Smart Way to Save for College.

57. Sports Game or Concert Tickets

For the sports fan in your life, there are all sorts of college bowl games and other sporting events around the holiday season. You’ll have no problem finding tickets and they will love the experience.

For the music lover in your life – take them to a show!

Don’t know what kind of music they are into? Check out their Spotify or social media accounts; usually you can find ideas there.

Or better yet – surprise both of you!

Check out www.sofarsounds.com and select your city. There are three acts and what kind of music you’ll hear is anyone’s guess—that’s the fun of it!

58. Premium Seats USA

In keeping with the trend of prioritizing experiences over “stuff”, you can try Premium Seats USA. They’ve got an impressive selection of sporting events (pro and college-level), concerts, and theater performances.

You’ll find plenty to appeal to all ages and all interests. That includes kids since Premium Seats also has tickets to kid-friendly programs like “Beauty and the Beast” and Paw Patrol Live. 

You could select specific tickets to give your family member or go the easy route with a Premium Seats gift card.

When you give a gift card, it lets your loved one choose the best seats to the live event of their choice. Many of us won’t splurge on event tickets for ourselves, but might secretly love to receive them as a gift! Try out Premium Seats USA here. 

Use the coupon code PTMONEY for 10% off your next order!

59. Donation In Their Name

For the person that has everything they need, consider giving a charitable gift in their honor.

Most charitable organizations will give you something nice to present to the recipient. This is an especially terrific gift for your minimalist friend; you won’t clutter up their home with more stuff.

Pair this with a thoughtful card and you’re done.  

60. A 401(k) Analysis

This might seem boring to some, but for the money nerd in your life, this could be a great gift!

A company called Blooom analyzes 401(k) accounts by detailing what is in your portfolio, what fees you are paying, what are the expected returns, and more. It’s impressive and helps your loved one stay on track for retirement. Give the gift of retirement with Blooom.

Related: 24 Fantastic Financial Christmas Gift Ideas for Children

Final Thoughts on Inexpensive Chirstmas Gift Ideas

No matter which direction you go, let’s all make sure that when we give and receive gifts we are thankful for how great life is and to remember to put a little thought to let each person know how special they are.