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The 37 Best Gifts Under $30

Stick to your holiday budget with these unique, inexpensive finds.

Thoughtful Gifts Under $30
amazon / anthropologie

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The holiday season calls for parties, age-old traditions, and plenty of presents. It's easy to let the growing number of people on your Christmas shopping list steal your holiday spirit ... until you realize that there are tons of creative, budget-friendly options out there. Start by looking through this list of hand-picked Christmas gifts under $30 to get inspiration for everyone on your list.

1
Perfect for Busy Bees

Nylon Rucksack

Nylon Rucksack
Credit: Amazon

Great for the person always on-the-go, this nylon and leather backpack is the perfect size to store all of her daily essentials. While this two-toned beauty isn't big enough to fit her laptop, its six pockets will keep all of her books, beauty products, and accessories organized.

2
Perfect for Mom

Mini Maker

Mini Maker
Credit: Amazon

Up their breakfast game by gifting them this nifty round griddle. Waffles are just the beginning: This countertop-friendly gadget can make pancakes, cookies, eggs, grilled cheese, and other comfort food favorites.  

3
Makes a Great Hostess Gift

Warming Joy Sampler Gift Set

Warming Joy Sampler Gift Set

This gorgeous gift set comes with 10 festive tea varieties — ginger snap, raspberry ganache, to name a few — perfect for any palette. And since the tea bag goes straight in the water, it doesn't require any extra strainers or tools. 

4
Unique Gift for Foodies

Pizza Socks

Pizza Socks
Credit: Amazon

A hot slice of pizza, while amazing and all, won't last beyond Christmas day. Luckily, this box of six well-decorated sock slices will. 

5
For Outdoorsy Folks

Portable Campfire

Portable Campfire

This portable campfire gives him more than three hours of burn time at the campsite without wasting any time hunting for twigs and logs. That means he can focus his time and energy on making a hearty feast ... of s'mores and roasted marshmallows. 

6
For the Internal Being

A Year of Mindfulness: A 52-Week Guided Journal

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A Year of Mindfulness: A 52-Week Guided Journal
Credit: Amazon

Make 2020 their most mindful year yet with this 52-week guided journal. Each weekly spread prompts them to answer key questions about their thoughts, feelings, and behavior to help them bring added peace and purpose to their life. 

7
Best Intuitive Tech

Smart Plug

Smart Plug

Even the not-so-tech-savvy can use this gadget. Once they stick this smart plug in an outlet, they can connect it with Alexa to schedule and control lights, fans, appliances, and more. 

8

The Ultimate Bar Book

The Ultimate Bar Book

Help your hostess with the mostest throw a party with top-of-the-line drinks with he help of this cocktail book. From bar cart essentials to pairings with wines and spirits, the Ultimate Bar Book will make your friend an expert (even if their only prior knowledge is just how to drink it)!

9
Trendy Amazon Find

Pearl Headbands

Pearl Headbands
Credit: Amazon

Help them stay on top of the latest accessories trend with this six-pack of velvet and faux pearl headbands. Amazon reviewers even gave this variety pack a perfect five-star rating because they are soft, comfortable, and totally Insta-worthy.

10
Funny Secret Santa Gift

Cookies and Milk Mug

Cookies and Milk Mug
Credit: Amazon

This mug, which has three compartments to hold cookies, is made specifically for people who believe Oreos and milk are better together. Pair it with a package of Oreos (or their other favorite cookie) to get 'em started. 

11
Made for the Tech-Obsessed

Rose Gold Desktop Charging Stand

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Rose Gold Desktop Charging Stand
Credit: amazon

For your far-away FaceTime buddy, this iPhone stand will charge his phone and keep it upright. It looks great propped on a desk or night stand. 

12

Night Light Bluetooth Speaker

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Night Light Bluetooth Speaker

Besides playing your favorite music, this touch night light has voice prompts and flashes six bright colors.

13

Breakfast Sandwich Maker

On Sale
Breakfast Sandwich Maker

You simply add your own ingredients, press down, and your sandwich is done in five minutes. Dad can make his own sandwich now. 

14

Corgi Planter Flower Pots

Corgi Planter Flower Pots
Credit: amazon

These tiny little flower pots, perfect for a crazy plant lady or dog mom, come with a hole on the bottom of the vase for your plant to breathe.

15

Mini Essential Oil Diffuser

Mini Essential Oil Diffuser
Credit: amazon

If he practices self-care, he can use this mini device as an essential oil diffuser or as a humidifier. 

16

Smiley Face Pancake Pan

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Smiley Face Pancake Pan

So your middle schooler isn't so into helping helping you cook breakfast yet. When she has her very own emoji skillet, however, she'll start telling you she can handle the pancake portion of her sleepovers from here on out. 

17
Great Tech Buy

Gear Ties (Pack of 4)

Gear Ties (Pack of 4)

Keep anything from earphones to office supplies tangle-free with these nifty little gear ties.

18
Personalized Idea

Homesick Scented Candle, Southern California

Homesick Scented Candle, Southern California

Each of these soy wax candles is scented to evoke a special state.

19
Best for Trips

Hydro Flask 16-Ounce Tumbler

Hydro Flask 16-Ounce Tumbler

If he's the type to always enjoy a cold one, this double-wall insulated pint will ensure that he never has to suffer through a warm beer again. Plus, it's extra durable and portable with a press-on lid, so he won't have to worry about glass breaking at the beach or tailgates.

20

Expert Cocktail Shaker Home Bar Set

Expert Cocktail Shaker Home Bar Set
Credit: amazon

For the hostess with the mostess, this cocktail shaker set include a 14-piece stainless steel bar tools kit with shaking tins, a flat bottle opener, double bar jigger, shot glasses, strainer, and six pour spouts.

Headshot of Amanda Garrity

Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more. 

Headshot of Shanon Maglente
Shanon Maglente
Contributing Editor

Shanon is a writer and editor who specializes in best-of product roundups and deals. She has over six years of experience, including almost three years as a Good Housekeeping product and reviews editor, covering the best sales and products across home, appliances, health, beauty, parenting and more.

Headshot of Sanah Faroke
Sanah Faroke
Associate Editor
Sanah is the associate editor at Prevention.com focusing on all things commerce within the health and lifestyle space. She scours the internet for the best finds money can buy, and pretends to shop for herself in the process. This Boston University grad loves to sip coffee, read during her commute (without falling over), and binge Gilmore Girls reruns until she’s memorized every line. Follow her on social media as she tackles cooking in the kitchen and see what she’s currently obsessing over.
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Thoughtful Gifts Under $30