The gift guide that is always the most fun to put together isn’t the luxe guide or the gifts “for her”, where I get to slip in dream gifts or ones that are on my list – it’s this one.
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Although prices climb steadily year after year, there are still so many great things you can wrap for a loved one for less than the cost of a movie date. As of the date of original publication, all of these items are $25 or under, and they’re all sure to brighten someone’s day.
TOP BUDGET GIFTS UNDER $25
1. The Sustainable Travel Handbook. Sustainable travel looks a little bit different today than it did just two years ago, but this book from the travel guide empire Lonely Planet still has some helpful tips. Leave a note inside informing the recipient that they are free to re-gift it once they’ve finished; that way they can pass along sustainable hints, well, sustainably.
2. Berenice Print Tote Bag.* I know, I know. Saying “Gifts Under $25” and including something for $24.99 isn’t the greatest, but you know what is the greatest? This beautiful tote.
3. Coffee Bean Sampler. Last-minute budget gifters, this one’s for you. You can order a half-pound coffee sampler for your recipient, and have it delivered right to their email. They’ll have the chance to try four different coffees from some top roasters.
4. Linen & Room Spray. This travel-size non-aerosol spray will freshen up any stale-smelling room, whether it’s a less-than-desirable Airbnb or just a spare bedroom after guests overstayed their welcome. Come to mention it, you may want to pick up a second bottle for yourself!
5. Go Bag. I recently sang the praises of these reusable silicone bags, and I couldn’t let a gift guide go out without one on the list. I feel like silicone bags are that sort of item that people think is too expensive to buy for themselves, but would gladly receive as a gift.
6. Harissa. We’ve gone through jars of this harissa since first ordering it a year ago. My favorite so far has been the spicy version, although the smoky sounds delicious. Your friend isn’t a spicy person? Not to worry, the mild is quite tame.
7. Recycled Denim Socks. Socks are the most underrated gift, in my opinion. They’re practical – who doesn’t get cold feet? – and they need replacing every so often. This pair from Organic Basics is also sustainable and pretty cool looking [save 10% with code WAYWARDBLOG].
8. Wordwise Dice Game. Compact enough to travel with and quick to learn, this game puts your vocabulary to the test. Want to make things more interesting? Challenge the recipient to a round with words in another language, or come up with fun alternate rules.
9. Ceramic Espresso Cups Set.* Can you believe such treasures can be had for less than $25? These beautiful ceramic espresso cups will make their morning coffee just a bit more special. Not into coffee? That’s okay – this size vessel is great for small portions of ice cream or even dunking chicken nuggets into ketchup (yep – I said it. Parents, I see you, and I acknowledge you).
*This item is no longer available and a similar product is linked
Still looking for more inspiration? Head to the archives for more great gift ideas: 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017
What is the cheapest – yet most incredible – gift you’ve ever given?
