The 14 Best Gifts Under $25 That Still Feel Special

There’s no need to fret if your budget feels tight this holiday season. Celebrate your fiscally responsible decision with this variety of thoughtful, pretty gifts that don’t cost a pretty penny—so you don’t need to panic-buy a stack of gift cards at the grocery store checkout. To bring you the ideal low-cost gift under $25, we consulted an array of experts including fashion stylists, personal shoppers, influencers, boutique owners and more to make your shopping experience even easier.

Durable yet stylish glassware

As a personal shopper for Saks Fifth Avenue, Bonner knows the retailer’s inventory inside and out—and reaches for this acrylic, stemless wine glass to gift. “Everyone can enjoy it,” she says. While the glass itself features the subtle, eye-catching detail Juliska’s known for, the acrylic material makes it a suitable choice for dinner parties, late nights on the porch or even a housewarming gift for a new adult who doesn’t yet understand the fragility of drinkware that’s not a red Solo cup. Better yet, it’s dishwasher safe, too. Looking for other stemless options? We have you covered in our guide, with recommendations from sommeliers and other wine professionals.

Cold weather lifesaver

YouTuber and DJ Keltie O’Connor splits her time between Vancouver and Sweden and has 540,000 YouTube subscribers tuning in for her verdict as she tests various wellness trends and products. Her under-$25 gift recommendation? Nécessaire hand cream, her godsend in cold weather. “Nothing says winter like dry, chapped hands,” she says. The hand cream is “not greasy, and it looks chic whether it’s in a purse or bathroom cabinet.” As a plus, she notes it’s wonderful for even the most sensitive of hands. This hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested cream contains five ceramides, five peptides, niacinamide, and marula butter and oil; in layman’s terms, it’s packed with good, lightweight ingredients that make it a crowd favorite.

For the sentimental giftee

One can never go wrong with a thoughtful, personalized gift, and what’s better than a sentimental memory? The analog effort to print out a set for a family member or loved one speaks louder than the price tag. As Eiting says, “In the digital age where we snap a thousand pictures, post a majority to social media and then forget about them all together, these high-quality prints are great for remembering moments shared with loved ones.” She suggests the gesture for its adaptability; you can print out a specific set for somebody or purchase a variety of prints to bundle with another gift for an extra, personalized touch. If you’d rather collect those memories in a printed photo book, see our Buy Side rated guide to the best options.

Wellness essential

“Dry brushing is a great self-care habit everyone should add to their morning routine,” says Meredith Bonner, a Boston-based personal shopper who’s worked with both Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys New York. Dry brushing your skin has become an en vogue habit to stimulate the nervous system and effectively exfoliate, so it’s no wonder that the personal shopper recommends it to clients. This Goop brush, one of Bonner’s favorites, stands out with its long handle ideal for pinpointing hard-to-reach spots.

A journal they’ll actually use

Many people long to make journaling a more frequent habit, whether it’s to monitor moods, track progress to a goal or cherish memories over time. Still, “I don’t have the time” is a frequent excuse. It can undoubtedly be difficult to pencil in. Start your giftee off on a new habit by purchasing a modern one-line-a-day journal which allows them to capture a quick snapshot of their days as they pass and build the routine with minimal effort. “For the person who has everything, this journal can be a thoughtful way to inspire the cathartic habit of writing at a level they can actually commit to,” says Bonner.

Viral silk hair scrunchies

“These hair ties have a cult following,” notes Bonner. Designed to avoid hair creases both in sleep and while awake, these scrunchies are crafted from 22-momme thick long-fiber mulberry silk, with exacting quality guidelines. The brand notes that the silk fabric was developed over 10 years for the purpose of reducing friction on hair.

Quirky packable bags

For the traveler who always finds themselves bringing home something a little “extra” from their trip, Denver-based expert Madeleine Eiting suggests gifting an attractive, packable bag. As founder of the outdoors-focused online boutique and social club Plein Air, she’s an avid traveler, hiker and adventurer. “These prints are so colorful and fun, it will almost feel like a treat to bust this out at the end of a trip,” she says. Although this foldable tote can shrink to fit a tiny pouch, it’s strong enough to support up to 50 pounds and it comes in six flashy colors and prints.

Luxury “crowd-pleaser” candle

Atlanta-based design publicist Brody Gaultney swears by Lafco New York’s Feu de Bois Ski House candle as his go-to for any gifting occasion. “I like to give these as a hostess or housewarming gift as the scent tends to be a crowd-pleaser and not overpowering,” he says. “With notes of sandalwood, leather accord and frankincense, this candle works for any type of recipient.” The candle’s clean-burning soy wax can burn for up to 20 hours, and just like Gaultney, other reviewers note that “everyone comments on the scent.”

Chic chunky earrings

“These teardrop earrings are my favorite accessory right now,” says New York City-based fashion stylist Aisya Washington. She curates the wardrobe for a gamut spanning Broadway actresses to magazine editorials, but claims these low-price earrings are “perfect for [everything from] casual wear to cocktail attire,” and are “both millennial and Gen Z-approved.” The gold-plated earrings walk the line between bold statement jewelry and everyday hoops, making them a stylish selection sure to please.

Accessible, delicious cookbooks

The bestselling “Half-Baked Harvest” cookbook meets you where you are in your culinary journey, delighting everyone from the most whip-smart chef to the five-minute-meal desperado. As a gift, a cookbook can be a sincere gesture; you can cook alongside a friend or loved one, leave them notes in the margin or simply indulge in any creation they attempt from its pages. “[The author] Tieghan Gerard is the queen of comfort food. Her recipes are some of my favorites to share with friends, especially on a snowy winter day after a full day of skiing,” says Eiting, calling it an excellent choice for dinner party aficionados. “Her cookbook is full of exclusive recipes not shared on the blog, so it makes a great gift for the friend or family member.” Or consider an in-depth, authentic dive into a culture’s food they’d like to learn more about, such as Rick Martínez’s love letter to Mexico, “Mi Cocina.”

Unexpected beauty pick

Gifting someone a deodorant might not be first on your list, but hear Eiting out: This surprising essential walks the line between functionality and the unexpected and can be great for the natural-beauty junkie in your life. Formulated for sensitive skin, the indulgent Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant Gel features an invisible formula, seaweed extract and hyaluronic acid for moisture, and notes of santal, vetiver and amber. “What do you get the friend who already has every cleanser, moisturizer, exfoliant and SPF under the sun?” argues Eiting. “It’s luxurious and surprising. Just include a disclaimer that it has nothing to do with their personal hygiene.”

Personalized cocktail napkins

Custom cocktail napkins are stylish and thoughtful, says Gaultney, who recommends these handmade, hemstitch table linens. “The recipient will be able to use them for years to come, and a personal touch always elevates the gift.” Use these bespoke napkins as a gift for a hostess, newly engaged couple or simply the friend who adores styling their home or bar cart.

No-fuss basic tee

Bonner also raves about this versatile softspun tee in a women’s cut, crafted from organic cotton in a fair-trade factory. Available in nine colors and ranging from sizes XS to XXL, this crew neck shirt makes an effortless layer or go-to in the closet. “Start with one and you’ll end up with one in every color,” warns Bonner, noting that these essentials wear well over time. “They’re an excellent choice for the jeans-and-T-shirt lover in your life.” The tee itself has a semi-fitted body with short sleeves and hits at the hip with a straight hem.