The best holiday gifts under $25
You don’t have to spend a ton of money to find good, practical gifts that won’t end up in the ‘return’ pile.
Leatherology Leather Cord Wrap
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$15.00
To find the best gifts under $25, we sourced NBC Select editor-favorites, products we’ve written about before and highly rated bestsellers from past gift guides. Since your gift list likely contains people with various interests, we curated items in a broad range of shopping categories, including beauty, fashion accessories, tech, food, housewares and toys.
This assortment of jam preserves comes with eight flavors: strawberry, wild blueberry, raspberry, orange marmalade, apricot, muscat grape, honey and cherry. “I’m very loyal to Bonne Maman jams — they have the best flavor and consistency, and I collect the jars they come in,” says NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin. “I love gifting sets like this because it introduces my loved ones to a couple flavors, letting them discover their favorites so they can buy full-size jars the next time they’re at the grocery store.”
This NBC Select Bed & Bath Award winner is made from satin, which is gentle on hair and skin, according to the brand. “I must own at least six of these pillowcases at this point and I sleep on them every single day,” says Malin. “They prevent my curly hair from getting super frizzy overnight, and I never wake up with sleep lines on my skin. The material is soft and smooth against my skin. I also love that the pillowcase has a zipper so it never slips off my pillows.”
These are the best budget wireless earbuds of 2024. Despite their low price tag, we were impressed with their steady Bluetooth connection and surprisingly good sound quality. The built-in microphone lets you make hands-free calls and the battery life lasts up to 32 hours with the included charging case, according to the brand.
These conversation starters are a great, technology-free way to reconnect with family members. Each portable tin has 50 cards with thoughtful, playful questions that are designed to spark meaningful discussions, inspire nostalgia and bring family members closer together, according to the brand.
Octobuddy mounts have silicone suction grips on them so that once your giftee attaches it to the back of their phone, they can stick it to mirrors, windows and smooth surfaces. “I use this to film videos, take pictures and when I’m feeling lazy, I’ll stick it to whatever surface is nearby so I can scroll on my phone without having to hold it," says NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez. It comes in more than 10 colors and you can buy a single-sided or double-sided case.
“Gaiam’s one of my go-to yoga brands,” says NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider. “Everything is always fairly priced and their mats last me for years. This one is supportive without being too thick and is also really easy to clean. I also like that I don’t slide around too much when using it.” Buying this also comes with a little bonus gift for your recipient: With every mat purchase, they'll get a free downloadable yoga class.
This Warmies Sloth may look like your average plushie, but it’s weighted, microwavable and chillable to help both kids and adults relax. It’s filled with grain and lavender, which retains temperature to soothe cramps and headaches and gives off a relaxing fragrance, according to the brand. Junior Sloth has a 4.7-star rating from over 3,300 Amazon reviewers, but the brand makes plenty of other designs, too. I have a Warmies mushroom and I love it.
Leatherology is one of our favorite brands for practical, personalized gifts, and this cord wrap is no exception. Made from full-grain leather, its magnetic closure secures around wires and charging cords to keep them neat, organized and tangle-free. It comes in two sizes and 12 color options, plus you can add a custom deboss for $10 that showcases your giftee’s initials.
These knitted gloves are a part of Uniqlo’s HeatTech line, so they’re designed to absorb heat and keep hands warm without being too chunky, according to the brand. “These are the only pair of gloves I need,” says NBC Select’s editorial intern Aksha Mittapalli. “Despite being thin, they keep my hands warm and dry in the winters — even if it’s windy or snowing.” At $15, they’d be a great gift for someone you don’t know well, too.
One of the top-rated kitchen gadgets of 2024, the Dash waffle maker heats up in minutes and automatically turns off after it thoroughly cooks a 4-inch personal waffle. I love mine because it doesn’t require any guesswork to use, its nonstick plates are easy to wipe clean and I can store it compactly in my small kitchen. You can buy it in a number of colors and patterns, too.
This beanie is made from stretchy rib-knit acrylic with a Carhartt logo on its fold-over cuff. It’s one of the best gifts for men — especially those who spend ample time outside — because it’s warm, comfortable and durable, plus it comes in just about any color you could want.
“The best gift I could ever give or receive is lip balm, and this softie from Tower 28 is one of my favorites,” says Alvarez. “My lips feel moisturized and so much softer when I use them. They leave a subtle tint on my lips that’s universally flattering and gives them a nice shine that isn’t sticky or tacky.” The formula has shea butter, jojoba oil and lysine for moisture, and it’s paraben-free and vegan, according to the brand.
“My cousin gifted this card game to me right before I left for college, and it was the perfect way to make new friends,” says Mittapalli. “It only takes two minutes to explain the rules and half as much time to finish a single round, so there’s always a place and time to play it.” Each card has several images that only have one icon in common with any other card. A player must identify these icons and put down their cards before the others, so expect the game to go by quickly.
Quince won multiple NBC Select Bed and Bath awards due to its quality materials and reasonable prices. This pet collar is no exception. Available in four sizes to fit both cats and dogs of various breeds, it’s made from flexible, coated nylon to prevent chafing and irritation, plus it’s waterproof and odor-resistant, according to Quince. Get it in five color options, each with a zinc alloy buckle.
Zab’s is a simple yet thoughtful gift for those who put hot sauce on everything. This two-pack includes the brand’s Original and St. Augustine Style flavors, both of which have Datil peppers for sweet heat and a slow burn, according to the brand. Each glass bottle is 6 ounces and both recipes are keto-friendly and vegan.
This brand makes some of the best socks I own due to their durability, softness and stay-put design. These socks may look vintage thanks to their calf-high ribbed design, but they’re made from long-staple cotton with built-in arch support for comfort, according to Bombas. They’re designed to go with both sneakers and dress shoes, and they come in four color options and three sizes. Bombas also donates one pair for every pair purchased.
“When I was teaching pre-school this was the toy my students fought over the most and it’s easy to see why,” says Rebecca Rodriguez, NBC Select editorial projects manager. This set of Magna-Tiles comes with 26 magnetic tiles that kids can use with other Magna-Tiles sets to create and manipulate structures. It’s safe for kids age 3+ and they can store all the pieces inside the included tin.
The inside of this Warby Parker pouch is lined with soft polyester to ensure that your glasses don’t get any scratches as they move around in your bag. The pouch can fit two pairs of glasses, so you can keep your prescription glasses and your sunglasses in them at the same time. It comes in six different colors and patterns, all of which are made with faux leather.
“My young siblings love Squishmallows, so this is always a success with them,” says Alvarez. “They’re soft and plush and they love to either cuddle with it or use it as a pillow when we watch movies. The best part is that they’re easy to clean and despite washing them multiple times, they stay soft and keep their shape.” Each one comes with its own name and bio and measures 12 inches tall.
Available in four colors, this rechargeable, Butane-free electric candle lighter doesn’t use gas or lighter fluid to spark a light. It’s smoke-free and wind-resistant, and one charge gives you up to 60 uses, according to the brand. Plus, it has a built-in automatic power-off feature for safety.
Upgrade their workspace with this engraved nameplate. In addition to their name and title, you can customize the font, size, background color, letter color, holder color and attachment accessories. It’s made from acrylic and metal, and has a 4.8-star rating from more than 1,700 reviews on Amazon.
No matter how much drinkware they own, the cocktail enthusiast or entertainer in your life probably doesn’t have anything like this old-fashioned glass. Designed by chef Eric Adjepong and inspired by West African markets, the amber body sits on a clear pedestal, both of which have a subtle hammered texture, according to the brand. The glass holds 12 ounces, and while it’s sold individually, you can create a matching set for under $25.
The beauty lover on your holiday list can wear this spa headband while applying their makeup or washing their face at the end of the day. Its tightly woven microfiber is designed to stay put and minimize friction on hair, while its Velcro closure is adjustable for a comfortable fit, according to the brand. It comes in three colors, and like our favorite Weezie towels, you can add a custom monogram for $15 to create a one-of-a-kind gift. “I use mine nightly, and I love the personalization element — it just makes it feel a little more special,” says Schneider. “I definitely reach for it more than any other Velcro towel headbands I have because of it.”
Because it’s IPX4 water-resistant with a suction cup base, this Bluetooth speaker lets your giftee listen to music or podcasts in the shower. It also has buttons and a built-in microphone on top, so they can play and pause their music, skip songs, adjust the volume and take hands-free calls. The speaker comes in six color options and has a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to six hours, according to Soundbot.
This Lego lotus set functions as both a toy and decor. This three-flower set is suitable for ages eight and up. When your giftee is finished assembling the 220 pieces, they can display their creation in a vase thanks to its 12-inch stems. Plus, unlike real flowers, it’ll never die.
A 12-sided take on a Rubix cube, this Dreampark Megaminx toy, which has 4.-7-star average rating from more than 1,000 reviews on Amazon, is a fun challenge for any puzzle lover. The dodecahedron has PVC stickers and anti-pop bearings for durability and smooth turning, according to the brand.
I’m an avid nonfiction reader, and “Atomic Habits” is one of the most useful self-help books I’ve ever read. Using neuroscience research and actionable steps, the author teaches you how to break bad habits and create new ones with tiny behavior shifts that compound over time.
“I take this toiletry bag whenever I travel — it’s large, has multiple compartments and keeps all of my makeup, brushes and travel containers securely in one place,” says NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio. “I love that the compartments are transparent, so I can see exactly what I’m reaching for. It also has a hook that I use to hang it from a bathroom door, which makes it easier to access all my stuff while I’m getting ready.” It’s available in more than 10 colors and is made with water-resistant material, should anything leak, according to the brand.
Areaware makes some of our favorite puzzles for adults — and since they’re compact, they also make great stocking stuffers for the holidays. Available in a french fry design, this 70-piece puzzle is both interactive and decorative. The glossy paper comes on 2-millimeter chipboard pieces, and the 12-by-12-inch puzzle takes about an hour to complete, according to the brand.
Godio used this Uniqlo mini shoulder bag while traveling in Italy on a vacation and loved its stylish, pickpocket-resistant design. It has an adjustable crossbody strap, a textured nylon exterior that repels water and a roomy crescent interior with a zipper to keep your stuff secure, according to Uniqlo. It’s a great gift for travelers, especially since it comes in 12 color options. “It’s one of my favorite travel purchases I’ve made,” she says. “It’s a great size to fit my passport, phone, portable charger and other travel essentials without being too bulky. I love that it stays close to my side and doesn’t have a buckle like many other crossbody bags do, so I don’t risk becoming a pickpocketing victim.”
For those who prefer to skip tea bags and use loose leaf tea powders instead, this infuser is the perfect practical kitchen gift. The infuser basket is made to optimize the flavor of the tea, but its fine holes also act as a sieve to prevent any leaves from getting into your mug. It also has silicone on its lid that stays cool to prevent any burns while handling it, according to the brand.
This skin care kit comes with one pair of vitamin C eye gels for brightening, two sheet masks and one lip treatment. “Compared to other options, including the fancy expensive ones, Patchology products have the best staying power in my experience and don’t slide down my face minutes after placement,” says NBC Select SEO Editor Nikki Brown. “I especially love the under eye gels because they’re on the thicker side and leave the perfect amount of essence on my skin after I remove them.”
Author and illustrator Jane Mount created 50 literary-inspired stationery cards in a gift box that looks like a book itself. The foil-accented designs include book stacks, popular titles, literary icons and libraries, making it a great gift for avid readers, librarians and English teachers.
This Sonia Kashuk case holds makeup brushes, small toiletries or art supplies. To suit your giftee, you can choose from six stylish design options, including transparent blue, puffy yellow and shimmery pink. It’s made from polyurethane with a gold-tone zipper for durability and security, and it’s roomy yet compact for on-the-go convenience, according to the brand.
This adjustable phone stand is one of the most practical gifts on this list. Its aluminum design holds most phones and tablets and it has cut-outs for the charging cord. Your giftee can rotate it to provide them the best viewing angle while streaming shows, reading recipes or video chatting with a loved one. It comes in nine colors and has a 4.7-star average rating from nearly 40,000 Amazon reviewers.
If someone on your list loves true crime podcasts and murder mystery shows, “Hunt A Killer” is a no-brainer gift. This interactive book lets them play lead detective with its brain-teasing puzzles and code-cracking challenges. It has a 4.6-star rating from almost 150 reviews on Amazon.
If it takes them hours to finish their coffee or tea, then this drink warmer, which has a 4.2-star average rating from more than 56,000 reviews on Amazon, is the perfect gift. It heats mugs from underneath to keep its contents hot, plus it has a simple on/off switch with an indicator light, according to the brand.
With a 4.6-star rating from more than 3,500 reviewers, this Chums wallet is perfect for travelers, fishermen, boaters and water athletes. Unlike most wallets, it’s made from water-resistant nylon with zippered compartments to keep cards and cash dry, plus it blocks RFID signals to prevent identity theft, according to the brand. Get it in nine color options, each with a metal keyring and transparent ID slot.
Created by a team of therapists and yoga professionals, each of the 52 cards has an exercise to promote mindfulness and relaxation, according to the brand. They come in a standard card box so your giftee can take them with them as they travel or always keep them around in their bag for use.
Moleskine makes some of our favorite notebooks. This hardcover 2025 journal comes in three sizes and four colors, with the option of daily or weekly planners. It’s also designed with an elastic band, a ribbon to hold your place in the book and stickers to label the cover and pages.
The mist is fabric safe for most linens and upholstery, according to the brand, and is a great way to elevate your giftee’s sleeping experience. “I always get compliments when I use the lavender scent; it makes my home smell fresh and clean,” says Mittapalli. “I also find that the scent stays on the fabric for several hours.” Your giftee can also use this light mist on their hair and body.
I’m an e-commerce writer and editor whose written gift guides for Bustle, Elite Daily, Food & Wine, Allure, The Zoe Report and more. This is my third year writing holiday shopping content for NBC.
Bianca Alvarez is an associate reporter for NBC Select who curated the gifts in this article. She chose items based on NBC Select’s previous coverage and reporting, NBC Select-staff favorites and highly rated items from brands we love.
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