59 Gift Ideas Under $25 That Work for Any Occasion

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When the occasion arises to offer a loved one a present, there are a few musts to consider, starting with the budget. So we took it upon ourselves to round up the best gifts under $25 that work for anyone on any occasion. After all, with so many gift-giving holidays on the horizon, we could all benefit from a fail-proof list of carefully curated picks that are wallet-friendly. Whether you’re in the market for something practical, sentimental, or laugh-out-loud funny, you’ll surely find it here. The best part? Because the only real connection between the items ahead is their price (remember, everything is less than $25), you can revisit this list just before Christmas, Mother's Day, or any other special occasion that requires a thoughtful present.

From a nightlight shaped like a dumpling to a coffee table tome filled with quaint Manhattan moments (that’s New Yorker-approved), there are so many routes to take. We’ve even got plenty of last-minute options for anyone who may have forgotten about whichever holiday is upon them. Our advice? Go ahead and bookmark this list because you’ll never know when you may need it. Be sure to check it every so often because we’re constantly updating with newer and better products that are sure to make anyone smile. You may even be tempted to snag a little something for yourself. Why not, right? Everything is inexpensive (and some products, in fact, are as low as $10).

Rechargeable Dumpling Lamp

At nearly five inches wide, this adorable nightlight is a bit bigger than your typical soup dumpling, but that doesn't mean it won't make you smile. Available in this sunny yellow shade or a pale blue, it will definitely light your way to the bathroom.

Japanese Natural Rock Texture Matcha Bowl

"Amazon actually has some cute matcha bowls, if you dig deep enough, and they're surprisingly durable," Senior Commerce Editor Marina Liao says. "I have a few myself, and think they would make for the perfect affordable gift for the matcha lover in your life. I would buy this one with a little built-in spout because it'll make pouring the tea from bowl into a cup much easier."

Makeup Perfume Organizer

Whether you use this to store your perfume bottles, lipsticks, hair scrunchies, or even keys, you'll love the elevated vibes on whatever surface it lives on. Personally, we're into this atop a bathroom vanity. There's something about the fluted glass, gold-toned legs, and muted jewel color that feels a bit Old-World.

Tinted Glass Candlestick Holders

Nothing makes a dinner party feel more sophisticated than candlelight. That said, scented candles just won't do. Instead, opt for a long tapered candle (shop our top affordable pick here) in pastel-hued glass holders. Sadly, they don't come in a set, but at just $10 per holder, you can snag a few mis-matched ones without spending too much.

Iridescent Champagne Glass

We know what you're thinking: Who buys just one Champagne glass? We hear you, but because they're finished in a subtle iridescence, we'd consider these special occasion glasses that you'd break out to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or anything else with the people closest to you. There's no need to buy them in a set of six or 12. If, however, you want more than one, buy them in a set of four for only $43.

Walk With Me: New York by Susan Kaufman

If you know someone in the market for some escapism, skip the beach- and ski-centric tomes. Opt for a special book about one of the most celebrated cities in the world, New York. This one, however, doesn't capture tourist destinations like the Statue of Liberty or Times Square; its pages are filled with cozy corners, small business storefronts, and blossoming parks that locals love.

Original Sponge

This nifty little sponge has revolutionized the way we apply makeup, and if you know someone who hasn't had the pleasure (and ease) of stippling their foundation or tinted moisturizer onto their face, give them the gift of flawless application.

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza On Flip Side

"I like easy board games that don't require much explaining (on my part) and this one is definitely a crowd pleaser! You can play it with six year olds—my baby cousins love it and feel so proud when they beat the adults—or with your very adult friends as a Friday night drinking game," Liao says. The rules are simple: Each person takes a turn flipping a card face-up on a pile in the middle while saying the words: taco, cat, goat, cheese, pizza—in that order. If the card in the middle matches the word being spoken, players race to slap their hands down on top of all the cards. Whoever is last must add the entire stack to their own set of cards. The winner is the person who gets rid of all their cards first.

Vanity Makeup Mirror

Anyone brave enough to face their pores up close and personal will love this magnifying mirror that's attached to a beautiful bamboo tray and hidden acrylic drawer. It's the perfect size for jewelry, makeup, or anything you'd need while getting ready for a day out.

Hi Bye Doormat

It is our personal belief that anyone with a front door (ahem, everyone) could use a doormat. Not only is it a sweet way to incorporate some style outside your home, but it's also a good method for keeping the inside dirt-free. Plus, how sweet is the message?

Sushi Making Kit

If you've ever gone out for a sushi dinner with a friend who watched the chef slice, roll, and serve delectable maki and thought, "I could do that," now is their chance. This all-in-one sushi-making kit comes with everything they'd need to whip up a few tasty rolls, including bamboo rolling mats, chopsticks, a rice spreader, and even an avocado slicer.

Dimmable Desk Lamp

This dimmable desk light pairs with an app on your phone, so feel free to change the brightness and color according to what you're doing at the moment. If you're working late, you may want to try the yellow hue on a bright setting. On the other hand, if you're trying to set a peaceful mood before bed, opt for the red shade on a dim setting.

Movie Night Popcorn and Seasoning Variety Pack

It's not movie night without snacks—namely, popcorn. This variety pack includes three types of kernels and four popcorn seasoning, making each flick a delicious experience. There are two savory options and two sweet ones, so there's something tasty for everyone.

Wireless Charger

Sadly, a phone that never dies hasn't arrived on the market yet, so until then, we're forced to plug our devices into unsightly chargers that can ruin the aesthetic of our space. Enter this beautiful rosé-colored charger that props your phone up (vertically or horizontally) and charges it at lightning speed. Now that's a style upgrade!

Rapid Egg Cooker

Hard-boiled eggs are hard to make, bar none. If you leave them in the boiling water for one second too long or drop them in ice water too fast, they're ruined. That's where this nifty gadget comes in: Just pour hot water in the proper spot, pop in up to six raw eggs, and press the power button. You'll end up with a delicious snack or salad addition in no time.

Apple AirTag Case

"I have a horrible anxiety of being separated from my luggage when I'm traveling, but the invention of AirTags has helped ease my mind," Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner says. "I always attach one of these stylish cases to my bag."

Monogram Old Fashioned Glass

We don't think this monogrammed cocktail glass needs any explanation or convincing because it's just so adorable, but if you need a reason to wrap it up for someone special, we'll say this: They will make any dinner party that much more stylish.

Scented Soy Wax Candles, Set of 4

The only negative to candles is having to replace them when you inevitably burn through all the wax. That's why buying scented candles in a set is smart shopping. As soon as the recipient runs out of one, they can light another.

Plant Life Support Self-Waterer

Water is as much a lifeline for us as it is for our plants. Luckily, this refillable IV set isn't quite as complicated to handle as the real thing, so feel free to use it without a medical degree. That said, it does share a big benefit with the original: It hydrates at the perfect rate depending on what the recipient needs.

Small Space Heater

This looks like a tiny space heater from the Space Age era, which is why we love it. After all, if you're cold, you may as well warm up in style, right? This is the perfect gift for anyone working in an ice-cold office, whether it's at home or, well, at an office.

Golf Ball Whiskey Chillers, Set of 2

I know what you're thinking: "These are cute, but they're just going to melt and dilute my drink." Wrong! They look and feel like ice, but they're a unique combination of glass, canvas, foam. They freeze to the optimal temperature and they'll stay like that until long after you take the last sip.

Cashmere Socks, Set of 3

Three sets of cashmere socks for $25? Yes, please! These beautiful and cozy finds are like luxurious foot warmers. The soft colors and fuzzy insides don't hurt.

Initial Heart Necklace

Simple and elegant, this monogrammed necklace is complete with a sweet little heart that slides along the chain. Wear it on its own or layer it with other necklaces for a more dolled up look.

Exfoliating Dry Brush

"I am a big Gwyneth Paltrow fan, so when I noticed her using a dry brush more than once, I figured I'd do some investigating and find out what all the fuss is about," Cherner explains. There are a lot, but the two most obvious and immediate ones are that it removes dead skin cells, which makes your skin feel instantly soft, and boosts circulation.

Rechargeable Hand Warmers

Keep your hands toasty with these electronic hand warmers that are small enough to tuck right into your gloves. They're just a tad smaller than a traditional computer mouse, so you'll have plenty of surface area to hold on to.

Serving Utensils

Serving utensils—especially pale gold-toned ones—always make for a great gift. They're perfect for dinners at home, whether it's with friends or just family.

City Totes

Claudia Pearson designed these charming regional bags as what was supposed to be a limited collaboration, but they sell so well that the partnership has lasted more than three years. So if you have a friend who loves their city, you've just found the perfect present. Yes, we know these are technically not under $25, but at just one dollar over, we're making an exception.

Self-Draining Soap Dish

Anyone who prefers bar soap over the liquid alternative knows that a soap dish is a must. It lets the soap dry and keeps your counters clean. That said, sometimes the suds can pool in the dish, causing the soap to go a bit mushy. That's where this ceramic one comes in: it features a little spout that drains into the sink.

Shatterproof Coupes

These vintage-inspired coupes have the look, feel, and weight of glass ones, but they're actually made of a durable acrylic, so even if you get a bit carried away and drop one, it won't break.

Furry Throw Blanket

There's no such thing as too many throw blankets, in our opinion. This one is an easy favorite because it's so cozy. Because it's white, though, this may not be the best blanket to bring out for wine night.

Car Air Freshener

Available in 23 shapes, including a tiger and vintage car, these air fresheners are much chicer than anaything you'd pick up at the local gas station.

Rondo Rechargeable Bluetooth Speaker

We're big fans of vintage-looking technology that is much more advanced than it looks. Case in point: this charming Bluetooth speaker that is small enough to bring anywhere. It comes in four colors, three of which are under $25. For some reason, the teal shade is $30, so maybe skip that one!

Initial Cute Blue Makeup Case

These monogrammed makeup cases are the perfect size because they fit plenty of products without feeling too heavy or big. Get any letter on a blue, pink, black, purple, or green case.

Embroidered Brushed Cotton Hat

For all the non-sports fans, this is the baseball hat for you. It features that perfect well-worn look, but it's brand new.

Ice Facial Roller

Ice may be a little overhyped when it comes to skincare, but it does have some useful benefits, including its ability to depuff and stimulate blood flow. If you want to get the most out of your ice, roll it over your face first thing in the morning.

The Cheese Board Card Deck

The one appetizer that works for every occasion is a cheeseboard. That said, creating them—arranging them beautifully and pairing flavors well—is no easy feat. This non-traditional card deck shows you exactly how to do it so that your guests will eat every last crumb.

Stoneware Pie Bird

"This is such a cute hostess gift," Executive Editor Eleni Gage says. "It lets steam escape from the pie and prevents sagging crusts and soggy bottoms. They also look so cute!" She's not wrong! If they already have a Le Creuset pie dish, feel free to snag a matching bird.

Hella Awkward Card Game

As its name implies, this conversation game is not meant to inspire meaningless small talk. Rather, the 140 cards will have you and your crew laughing or crying by the end of it.

Happy Face Slippers

Senior SEO Manager Rachel Crocetti says, "I just bought these cute slippers for my sister, and she's obsessed!" They come in 15 colors featuring various motifs, including rainbows, clocks, and stars.

Travel Jewelry Organizer

"Nobody wants their jewelry jingle-jangling freely in their suitcase,” Oprah said in 2022 when she declared this organizer one of her favorite things. "This jazzy velvet travel case keeps your prized pieces stylishly contained with spaces for rings, bracelets, and necklaces. And it’s small enough to stash in your purse."

Glass Cup With Bamboo Lid and Straw

This may not be a cup you'd want to toss in your gym bag, but it is one you'll want to reach for every day. Not only is it sleek and easy to drink from, courtesy of the bamboo lid and glass straw, but it's non-toxic and won't leech into your beverages no matter how long they're in there.

Satin Pillowcase

A satin pillowcase doesn't just look sleek and glossy on the bed. It protects your hair and skin from damage caused by friction often inflicted by traditional cotton pillowcases.

Imitation Fried Chicken Nugget Keychain

"Someone gave this to me as a joke because I am chicken finger-obsessed, but I actually use it. Every time I go to toss my keys in my purse, I can't help but smile," Cherner says. "It's also so real looking that it makes me a little hungry."

Book Vase for Flowers

Whether you tuck it between a set of books and let the blooms peak out or let it shine on its own atop your coffee table, this unique vase is an instant conversation-starter. "After seeing this on a friend's Instagram story, I immediately asked for the link. It's my best impulse buy of the year and a perfect gift for book lovers," says digital deputy editor Katelyn Lunders. The unique vase also made our famed Live Better Awards list this year.

One Line a Day Journal

Of course, it's easy to remember what you were doing "on this day" if it was a special occasion, but what about when you want to remember the core memories you made on regular days? Enter this five-year journal. If you have a friend who likes the idea of journaling but is a little daunted by the commitment, they'll love this one since it requires only one sentence per day.

Travel Passport Wallet

This ultra-organized wallet is perfect for travelers with a tendency for losing their important documents. It has space for boarding passes, a passport, a pen, and just about everything else they could need aboard.

Monogram Oak Wood Cheese Board

Charcuterie boards—especially monogrammed ones—are always a good gift because they feel personal. Plus, if they like to entertain, they'll definitely be breaking this out for guests.

Infuse & Pour Alcohol Kit

For the fans of any and all things DIY, this alcohol kit is the perfect gift. Each jar is sold individually, but it comes with farm-grown dehydrated fruits and spices. All they have to do is pour in their favorite liquor, wait a week, and enjoy.

Handheld Milk Frother

For anyone who likes their morning beverage on the frothier side, this $12 gadget will end up saving them tons of time and money at the local coffee shop because they can whip up their favorite sips at home.

Rotatable Ring Light

Whether they're taking selfies for a living or for fun, this rotatable ring light is essential. It basically provides the perfect, diffused lighting for less than $20.

Half Baked Harvest Cookbook

If you follow Half Baked Harvest on Instagram, you already know Tieghan Gerard is a genius in the kitchen. Her cookbook puts all of her best recipes in one place.

Micro-Pop Popcorn Popper

This microwave popper melts butter as it pops the kernels, making at-home movie nights better than ever.

Stainless Steel Stemless Wine Tumbler Set

These double-walled, vacuum-insulated tumblers make it easy to pack and enjoy your favorite wine for picnics in the park. They'll keep it chilled, and they're shatterproof, too.

Floral Stitched Notebooks

A notebook always comes in handy, so why not opt for a chic one that's covered in oversize flowers?

100 Movies Scratch Off Poster

Shopping for a cinephile? After watching one of the 100 iconic movies featured on this poster, scratch off movie-related artwork under the film's title.

Beer Soap

Hear us out: This soap is handmade using all natural materials, including ground hops and beer. We'll admit, it does smell like a chilled glass of brew, but that's the point, right?

10-oz. Rambler Tumbler

"These YETI tumblers are the best," Cherner says. "I fill one up with iced coffee, leave it in the gym locker for an hour, then bring it to work and, by the time I sit down, the coffee is still cold."

Camo Print Blanket Scarf

With temperatures dipping below freezing every so often, there's no better excuse to build a scarf collection. This one, covered in a stylish camo print, is monogrammable, making it even more stylish.

Cross Band Slippers

"I buy these for myself every few months and am obsessed," Cherner admits. "They definitely last way longer than a season, but I like to get a fresh pair once the fluff starts to deflate a bit. I have had these in white, pale pink, lavender, and sky blue."

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