Travel Products, Wish Lists and Gift Ideas

2021 Holiday Gift Guide: Budget Gifts Under $25

A red gift bag with white snowflakes

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. 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. All of these items are $25 or under, and they’re all sure to brighten someone’s day.


This post is not sponsored by any of the brands mentioned here and I selected all products personally; however, this post does contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support in keeping wayward ad-free!

BUDGET GIFTS UNDER $25

collage of all gifts
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9* |

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? Check out these past gift guides: 2022 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017

What is the cheapest – yet most incredible – gift you’ve ever given?

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