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41 Best Gifts Under $25 That Prove Inexpensive Doesn't Mean Cheap

Perfect for your upcoming White Elephant party!

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Picking out the perfect gift is a skill that just comes naturally to some people. You know the ones: Your favorite aunt who somehow always knows exactly what was on your wishlist or your best friend who gifted you that one pair of earrings you mentioned to her only once before. Some people just have that — pun intended — gift. But if you're someone who happens to need a bit more help, our list of the best gifts under $25 is filled with affordable and fun ideas.

It's always good to stick to a budget when shopping, especially this time of year when you're looking for something for everyone: from co-workers to the special ladies in your life. Here, you'll find a gift that works perfect for a White Elephant party (the Shot Glass Roulette was GH reader favorite last year) or Secret Santa with the family (a mug warmer that won't break the bank), as well as presents for all the men who say they want nothing, but are definitely look for something to open come Christmas or Hanukkah morning.

What's wonderful is that nothing on here screams "stocking stuffer" just because it's inexpensive (we do have a ton of those right here, though). What we mean by that is anything on here can be the main gift you give this season, and we promise, they'll be thrilled.

Check out more of our top gift guides that will help you stick to your budget:

The Best Gift Ideas Under $5 | Presents Under $10 | Ideas for $20 or Less

1
Best White Elephant Gift

Shot Glass Roulette

Shot Glass Roulette

Good Housekeeping readers showed up to every White Elephant party with this fun game in tow. The best part? You don't even have to use alcohol to have fun. It also comes in a cheaper, 6-shot version.

2
Best Secret Santa Gift

Mug Warmer

Mug Warmer

When it comes to Secret Santa, you can have fun like with White Elephant gifts, but you usually want to go with something that's less of a gag gift — this mug warmer fits that bill. Any size cup or mug can stay at the perfect temperature for hours.

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3
The Ladies Are Going to Love

Memgift Layered Gold Necklaces

Layered Gold Necklaces

A great way to make a gift personalize without spending a lot of money is going the initial route. These pretty necklaces can be worn together or separate, and one of them features a striking initial pendant.

4
Cool Gadget for Him

Instant Read Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer

 Instant Read Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer

Because every season is grilling season. The thermometer doesn't just give the temperature, it also has a chart right on it so he knows just how high the heat should go.

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5
For All the Tweens and Teens

Initial Jewelry Box

Initial Jewelry Box

Also available in baby blue, pink, purple, green and black, the case can hold all of their jewelry in one safe place. The fuzzy initial adds a dose of fun, making it ideal for teens.

6
Coolest Tech Gift

Phone Remote Control

Best Seller
Phone Remote Control

You're probably thinking, what is this thing?! Well, it's a remote that can control their phone for them. That means, they can take a photo (not a selfie), turn the page on their audiobook, skip a song and much more without having to touch their device (a.k.a get distracted).

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7
Can Be for Anyone

Bits and Pieces Secret Puzzle Box

Secret Puzzle Box

You can slip a crisp $5 or $10 bill inside, but make them work for it. They'll have to figure out the puzzle before they get the loot. Afterwards, it can be used as a safety bank.

8
Thoughtful Gift

A Year of Mindfulness: A 52-Week Guided Journal

A Year of Mindfulness: A 52-Week Guided Journal

Help them incorporate mindfulness into their everyday routine with this guided journal. It's filled with tips, quotes and prompts to encourage being present and cultivate peace.

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9
Definitely on Her Wishlist

Watermelon Glow Dew Drops

Watermelon Glow Dew Drops

Everyone is obsessed with this hydrating serum that aims to treat hyperpigmentation, as well as "support the skin barrier and minimize pores," according to the brand.

10
For Your Favorite Co-Worker

Guajolote Prints Funny Novelty Memo Pads Bundle (4 Items)

Funny Novelty Memo Pads Bundle (4 Items)

Make your favorite co-worker (or four!) laugh out loud with these clever notepads. They're useful and fun, which TBH, makes the best gift. "These were a hit in the office White Elephant at our Christmas party. I paired them with some marker pens and they were stolen twice," one Amazon reviewer wrote.

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11
Luxury Without the Price Tag

UGG Women's Cozy Chenille Sock

Women's Cozy Chenille Sock

There are socks, and then there are Ugg socks. This pair is warm, cozy and comes in a few great colors to match her style.

12
For the Guy Who Has Everything

Extendable Magnetic Flashlight

Extendable Magnetic Flashlight

Another top-seller, our readers love how versatile this nifty gadget is. It's a flashlight that's also magnetic, so it can pick up everything from change to nuts and bolts.

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13
Top Gift for Mom

Small Wallet for Women

Small Wallet for Women

During Mother's Day, you couldn't beat this gift. If you didn't get to grab one for your mom or grandma, now's the perfect time. It's mad from genuine leather and is compact, but can still it all of her cards and bills.

14
As Seen on Shark Tank

The Cut Buddy PLUS

The Cut Buddy PLUS

Grooming products for men aren't always met with delight. But he's going to absolutely love the ease and precision the Cut Buddy offers when it comes to shaping and styling his hairline, beard and mustache.

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15
#1 Gift for Toddlers

Hide & Squeak Eggs

Hide & Squeak Eggs

If a toddler is on your list, you can't go wrong with these adorable little eggs. For less than $15, they get six colorful eggs that can chirp, be used to shape and color recognition and more.

16
Jewelry That Doesn't Cost Too Much

4K Gold Plated X Ring

Best Seller
4K Gold Plated X Ring

Further proof that a nice piece of jewelry doesn't have to break the bank, this ring is a real statement piece. Also available in rose gold and silver, it's adorned with cubic zirconia.

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17
Teens Will Love

Touch Bedside Lamp with Bluetooth Speaker

Touch Bedside Lamp with Bluetooth Speaker

Add this colorful night lamp to any teen's room, and you'll be dubbed the coolest parent of the year. The touch activated lamp changes colors — red, green, blue, purple, yellow and pink — and operates as a Bluetooth speaker to play all of their favorite songs or podcasts.

18
Over 40,000 5-stars on Amazon

Micro-Pop Microwave Popcorn Popper

Best Seller
Micro-Pop Microwave Popcorn Popper

Popcorn lovers can enjoy their favorite snack with this microwavable popper. It is made of glass, and features a dual function lid that can measure popcorn kernels and be used to melt butter. Yum!

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19
Now This Is a Wallet

Wallet Case with Card Holder

Wallet Case with Card Holder

Amazon reviewers have raved that this multi-use case protects their phones while being able to hold three to four cards. It also comes in multiple colors to match their vibe.

20
Great Gift for Any Coworkers

Desktop Vacuum Cleaner

Best Seller
Desktop Vacuum Cleaner

If you have ever eaten lunch at your desk, you know it can get a little messy. That's where this desktop vacuum cleaner comes in. It effortlessly scoops up crumbs, dust or whatever else may make its way onto their desk.

Headshot of Cameron Jenkins
Cameron Jenkins
Staff Writer

Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.

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