Some of my favorite gifts I have ever received cost less than $25. A really good lip balm, a cozy hat, a box of cookies I could actually eat. A great gift doesn't have to be expensive. It just has to feel like you were thinking of them, and that is especially true this year, when most of us are shopping a little more carefully.
So I rounded up the best gifts under $25 for everyone on your list: beauty favorites and pretty accessories for her, little luxuries for the self care lover, kitchen helpers for the home cook, and fun picks that work for anyone. I also added a section for your gluten free friend, with certified gluten free treats and a few things that make eating out and packing lunches easier. These are perfect for coworkers, teachers, gift exchanges, or anyone you want to spoil without blowing your budget.
Jump to:
- Shop the Graphic
- Gifts Under $25 for Her: Beauty Favorites
- Gifts Under $25 for Her: Jewelry and Accessories
- Gifts Under $25 for the Self Care Lover
- Gifts Under $25 for the Home Cook and Coffee Lover
- Gifts Under $25 for the Gluten Free Friend
- Gifts Under $25 for Everyone
- How to Make a Gift Under $25 Feel Special
- Gifts Under $25 FAQ
- Before You Go
Shop the Graphic
Short on time? These are my top gifts under $25 from the guide.
- Glossier Balm Dotcom
- Clinique Almost Lipstick
- Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler
- PAVOI Love Knot Earrings
- Case-Mate Beaded Phone Charm
- Patchology Patching All The Way Gift Set
- L'OCCITANE Almond Ornament
- Saltair Santal Bloom Holiday Kit
- Zulay Milk Frother
- Gold Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Tate's Bake Shop Gluten Free Cookies
- Rechargeable Book Light
Keep scrolling for why I love each one, plus 18 more ideas.
Gifts Under $25 for Her: Beauty Favorites
Beauty gifts are one of the easiest ways to give something that feels luxe on a budget. These are the cult favorites she will actually use up.
Glossier Balm Dotcom
A thick, nourishing balm for lips and dry spots that has a loyal following for good reason. It is the kind of little luxury people love to receive but rarely buy for themselves.
Clinique Almost Lipstick
A sheer, tinted lip balm with just a wash of color that flatters almost everyone. It is an easy gift even if you aren't sure of her makeup style.
NYX Butter Gloss
Smooth, non sticky lip gloss in pretty, wearable shades. A fun pick for teens, college students, and anyone who loves a glossy lip.
essie Holiday Nail Polish Duo
A festive two pack of essie polish that is ready to give. Perfect for the friend who loves an at home manicure.
Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler
A detangling brush that glides through wet or dry hair with less pulling. It is one of those everyday upgrades she will reach for every single morning.
Gifts Under $25 for Her: Jewelry and Accessories
A little sparkle or a pretty accessory always feels special, and these look much more expensive than they are.
PAVOI Love Knot Earrings
Gold plated knot studs that are classic, dainty, and easy to wear every day. They come in a gift ready box, too.
Kitsch Claw Clips
Strong, comfortable claw clips that actually hold thick hair. A practical gift that every woman seems to need more of.
Case-Mate Beaded Phone Charm
A detachable beaded strap that clips onto her phone case. It adds a pop of color and makes her phone easier to hold and harder to lose.
Travel Jewelry Box
A small zip case with spots for rings, earrings, and necklaces. Great for the friend who travels or just wants her jewelry organized.
Gold Heart Charm Bracelet
A dainty gold plated bracelet with heart charms. Sweet for a daughter, sister, or best friend.
Gifts Under $25 for the Self Care Lover
For the person who loves a long bath, a face mask night, and lotion that smells amazing.
Patchology Patching All The Way Gift Set
A holiday set of hydrating under eye patches that feel like a mini facial. Fun for a girls' night or a slow Sunday morning.
L'OCCITANE Almond Ornament
A travel size almond shower oil and body lotion packaged in an ornament. It doubles as a gift and a tree decoration.
Weleda Skin Food
A rich, cult favorite cream for dry hands, elbows, and winter skin. A little goes a long way during the cold months.
Saltair Santal Bloom Shower Rituals Holiday Kit
A body wash and lotion set in a warm, cozy scent, packaged for the holidays. It turns an ordinary shower into a treat.
Cleverfy Aromatherapy Shower Steamers
Set one on the shower floor and it fills the room with a spa worthy scent while she unwinds. A shower lover's version of a bath bomb, and a pretty, ready to give gift box.
Gifts Under $25 for the Home Cook and Coffee Lover
These are the kitchen tools I reach for constantly, and they make great gifts for anyone who loves to cook or start the day with a good cup of coffee.
Zulay Milk Frother
A handheld frother that whips milk for lattes, hot chocolate, and protein coffee in seconds. A small gift that makes every morning feel a little fancier.
OXO Good Grips Scraper and Chopper
A stainless steel bench scraper for chopping, scooping, and working with dough. Once you have one, you use it every day.
Gold Measuring Cups and Spoons
A pretty gold measuring set that looks lovely sitting out on the counter. A thoughtful upgrade for the baker in your life.
OXO Brew Tea Infuser Basket
A fine mesh infuser for brewing loose leaf tea right in the mug. Pair it with a favorite tea for a cozy gift.
Glass Cups with Glass Straws
A set of ribbed drinking glasses with glass straws, perfect for iced coffee and smoothies. They look so pretty on an open shelf.
Gifts Under $25 for the Gluten Free Friend
Shopping for someone with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance? These are gifts that show you get it, from certified gluten free treats to things that make eating away from home easier.
Gluten Free Translation Card
A durable card that explains gluten free needs in several languages, so restaurants understand exactly what to avoid. A truly useful gift for anyone who travels.
Tate's Bake Shop Gluten Free Cookies
Tate's famous thin, crispy cookies in a certified gluten free version. A treat they can enjoy without reading every label.
Partake Soft Baked Cookies
Soft baked, certified gluten free cookies in classic flavors like chocolate chip. Great for gift exchanges and cookie trays where everyone can grab one.
Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers
Certified gluten free rosemary and sea salt crackers that are perfect with cheese. Tuck a box into a snack basket or a cheese board gift.
Bento Lunch Containers
A set of divided containers for packing safe lunches and snacks. Packing your own food is a big part of eating gluten free, and these make it easier.
Gifts Under $25 for Everyone
These work for him, her, teens, grandparents, and the coworker you drew in the gift exchange.
Rechargeable Book Light
A clip on book light with warm and cool settings for reading in bed. Great for anyone who loves to read at night.
1000 Piece Puzzle
A colorful jigsaw puzzle for cozy winter evenings. Families love working on one together over the holiday break.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
A fast, silly card game that has everyone laughing. Perfect for family game night, and it fits right in a stocking too.
Knit Slouchy Beanie
A soft, slouchy knit beanie that keeps ears warm on chilly mornings. An easy gift that works for just about anyone.
The Advanced Productivity Planner
An undated A5 planner with daily, weekly, and monthly pages, plus time blocking, goal setting, and habit tracking. Since it is undated, they can start it any time, which makes it a great gift for the person who loves a fresh start in the new year.
How to Make a Gift Under $25 Feel Special
- Pick for the person, not the price. Think about what they do every day: their morning coffee, their skincare routine, their commute. A gift that fits their routine gets used.
- Choose the nice version of an everyday item. A great lip balm or a good kitchen tool feels luxe because most people never splurge on the upgrade.
- Pair two small gifts. A tea infuser with a favorite tea, or a book light with a paperback, feels like a thoughtful bundle.
- Wrap it well. A pretty bag, a ribbon, and a handwritten tag go a long way.
- For gluten free friends, check the label. Look for a certified gluten free label on any food gift, and skip homemade treats unless you bake in a dedicated gluten free kitchen.
Gifts Under $25 FAQ
Pick something useful and easy to like: a nice lip balm, a tea infuser, a book light, a card game, or a cozy beanie. Skip anything too personal, and choose certified gluten free treats if you are giving food to a group.
Certified gluten free cookies or crackers, a gluten free translation card for travel, or containers for packing safe lunches all make thoughtful gifts. For more ideas, see my Gluten Free Gift Guide.
Yes. Most gift exchanges set a limit around $20 to $25, and every gift in this guide fits. Games, cozy accessories, and kitchen tools are always popular picks.
Pair it with a small extra, like a treat or a handwritten note, and use nice wrapping. Holiday sets and ornament style beauty gifts already come gift ready.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are usually the best time. Many of these items go on sale that week. Holiday beauty sets can sell out by December, so grab those early.
Before You Go
What is the best gift under $25 you have ever received? Tell me in the comments, I would love some new ideas. If this list helped, save it to your Christmas board on Pinterest so it is ready when you start shopping.
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