45 Holiday Gifts Under $25 That Are Just Delightful
With many major holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah basically here, ’tis the season to treat your loved ones (including yourself, you overworked person) without exhausting your bank account. Since it’s an unusually stressful season this year, thanks to the pandemic and politics, let us help. We’ve kept our eyes open for gifts that comfort, relax, and generally delight, all for $25 or less. (Pro tip: Act on these fast, so you won't have to lose sleep over whether it's arrived in time.)
For the people you care about most, we’ve rounded up useful, thoughtful products that will hopefully bring a smile to their face and remind them that you care, even if you are not able to be with them in person. From scalp massagers to terrarium kits, below are 45 awesome gifts under $25 that promise to lift any pal's or loved one's spirits and create excitement even in this strangest of years.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- Nordstrom1
Dusen Dusen Stripe Oven Mitt
Help them swap out their dull potholders for this cute color-blocked mitt, which is part of a special Dusen Dusen collaboration with Nordstrom.
Buy it: $24, shop.nordstrom.com
- Madewell2
Dream Decoder Cards
For your friend who has vivid dreams (or has started to during the pandemic), this set of 60 cards from Chronicle will help unpack their hidden meanings.
Buy it: $17, madewell.com
- Urban Outfitters3
World's Smallest Vacuum
This adorably miniature vacuum looks like a gag gift, but it's more useful than you might think. It's USB rechargeable and even comes with different inserts, like a brush and crevice tool, so you can suck up snack crumbs and stray hair (and perhaps other, let's say, plant-related things) from your desk and keyboard instead of using a gross dustpan.
Buy it: $16, urbanoutfitters.com
- Backcountry Gear4
Puffin Beverage Parka
This tiny, beverage-size parka fits your favorite chilly drink, ensuring your holding hand is left as warm as the inside of your human-size parka. Plus, it's just cute. Look at it!?
Buy it: $16, backcountry.com
- Amazon5
W&P Popper
The best popcorn is homemade—and I'm not talking the kind that comes in bags. Throw some kernels into this bowl, stick it in the microwave, and have fresh popcorn within seconds. Best of all, it's collapsible for easy storage.
Buy it: $20, amazon.com
- Amazon7
Pando: The Trivia Game About Us
Trivia night could use a refresh. A very personal refresh. This game tests your knowledge about other players in the game with silly questions like “When I have to sit on the can in public, do I: Sit, hover, or cover?”
Buy it: $25, amazon.com
- Nordstrom8
Baggu Cactus Organic Cotton Adult Face Masks (3-Pack)
These Baggu face masks are as affordable and attractive, on top of being well-made. Crafted with durable quilter's cotton, they have adjustable ear loops and a filter pocket for added protection.?
Buy it: $24 (originally $32), shop.nordstrom.com
- Papier9
Papier 2021 Calendar
You either know someone who could use some cheer come New Year's, who loves dogs, or both. Most likely the latter. This 2021 calendar features a painting of a pup every month—sure to bring a smile to their face. If dogs aren't to their liking (we can't relate), Papier's got a bunch of other pretty options to choose from too.
Buy it: $25, papier.com
- Glossier10
Glossier Sunshine Yellow Duffel Bag
With its front pocket and detachable shoulder strap, this sunny duffel is perfect for weekend trips, toting workout gear, and more.?
Buy it: $20, glossier.com
- Artifact Uprising11
Artifact Uprising Color Series Photo Book
In a year where travel is limited and so many events have been called off, give your loved one the thoughtful gift of a collection of photos to remind them of memories past (of any theme of your choosing).
Buy it: $20, artifactuprising.com
- Nordstrom12
Kinto Unitea Unimug
A wonderful self-soothing ritual is drinking a steaming cup of tea. With your standard ceramic or porcelain mug, you drop a tea bag in and walk away. With this lovely, glass pot, you can watch your loose leaf tea steep, coloring the water beautifully—a great gift for any tea lover.
Buy it: $16, shop.nordstrom.com
- Nordstrom13
Printworks The Wonders of Nature Beach 500-Piece Puzzle
With travel out of the question but puzzles very much on trend for a pandemic winter, here's a 500 piecer that transports you to the sands of an exotic beach. When you're done, gloss it with glue, frame it, and gaze at it when in need of a vacation (every day, essentially).
Buy it: $25, shop.nordstrom.com
- Nordstrom14
Nordstrom Bliss Plush Tassel Throw
Everyone could use a soft, cozy throw in winter (between you and your pet, it will serve multiple parties). Whether serving as a layer or thrown over a couch, you can't go wrong gifting this blanket, which one shopper says is “so soft, you don't want to let it go.”
Buy it: $20 (originally $40), shop.nordstrom.com
- Amazon15
Joseph Joseph BarWise Twist-Lock Wine Stoppers
For wine lovers, here's a set of handy stoppers which easily twist lock so you can keep air out and prevent any accidental spills.?
Buy it: $10, amazon.com
- Bed, Bath & Beyond16
HoMedics Bubble Mate Foot Spa
After a long, cold day, spoil yourself or someone you love with this spa-grade foot spa (or a foot massager), which features massage jets and vibrating notes along the base. It also comes with a massage roller and a pumice attachment for exfoliation, if you want to give yourself an at-home pedicure.?
Buy it: $20, amazon.com
- Athleta17
Topo Designs Taco Bag
This cute, taco-shaped purse clips onto a belt or bag and fits life’s little odds and ends—like coins, keys, and lip balm.
Buy it: $19, athleta.gap.com
- REI18
She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild, by Gale Straub
For your friend who is a big fan of Wild, here’s a collection of stories from more than 40 women about their adventures in nature, from backpacking across the country to sleeping solo under the stars. Your friend will find inspiration and helpful advice for their own explorations—down to checklists of what to bring.
Buy it: $25, rei.com
- Amazon19
Mind Reader Bathroom Shower Organizer
For anyone who loves a good, long soak, we recommend a bamboo tray like this that lets them settle in, with all of their self-care essentials (salt scrub, wine tumbler, novel, whatever they need) close at hand.
Buy it: $17 (originally $20), amazon.com
- REI20
Black Diamond Moji Lantern
Here’s a gift for friends who have gotten into camping or backyard hangs during the pandemic: a powerful, dimmable lantern that is water-resistant and has handles, making it easy to tote around.?
Buy it: $20, rei.com
- TUSHY21
Tushy Bamboo Bum Towels (5-Pack)
If you’ve got a friend who recently invited a bidet into their bathroom (congrats!), take their posterior pampering one step further which these absorbent, antibacterial towels from Tushy.
Buy it: $19, hellotushy.com
- Sephora22
Bread Beauty Supply Hair Oil Everyday Gloss
For silky-soft hair (a rarity in winter), here’s a best-selling lightweight oil from the new, Black-owned brand Bread Beauty Supply that uses kakadu plum oil to leave hair glossy, no matter your curl type.
Buy it: $24, sephora.com
- P.F. Candle Co.23
P.F. Candle Co. Golden Coast Soy Candle
We rounded up the best candles for fall, and one reviewer likened the notes of eucalyptus and palo santo in this one to the “warm glowing feeling of spending time outside in the sun.” Sign us up ASAP.
Buy it: $20, pfcandleco.com
- Urban Outfitters24
Serene House Ranger Essential Oil Diffuser
This sleek diffuser is perfect for your desk setup. It’s powered by a USB, so just plug it into a laptop and let your favorite essential oil waft around you.
Buy it: $25, urbanoutfitters.com
- Dermstore25
Slip Sleep Mist (0.34 fl. oz.)
When your friend’s feeling their most stressed (which is probably every day these days), they can spray this gentle, lavender-and-honeysuckle-scented mist above their bed, lie down, inhale, and hopefully feel a few sweet minutes of relaxation.
Buy it: $19, dermstore.com
- Amazon26
Newgo Cooling/Heating Eye Mask
Here’s an easy fix for the friend who complains of puffy eyes or headaches: a gel-packed mask that can be frozen or microwaved for a cooling refresher or heat therapy.
Buy it: $8 (originally $14), amazon.com
- 27
Peggy Sue Pink Bath Brew Pockets
Designed like bags of tea, each handmade Peggy Sue satchel contains pink clay and pink Himalayan salt. Just drop one into a warm bath and let these soothing ingredients ease your sore muscles.
Buy it: $23, anthropologie.com
- Tula28
Tula Nourishing & Brightening Hydrogel Mask (4-Pack)
Spa visits may be in question, but spa care isn’t. Give your friend the gift of these hydrating masks, which our senior commerce editor loves for the way they make her skin look “dewy and supple.”?
Editor’s note: Tula has donated to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and 100% of proceeds from these hydrogel masks are also going toward getting more PPE to frontline health care workers.
Buy it: $20, tula.com
- Omsom29
Thai Larb Starter (3-Pack)
- The Incense Match30
The Incense Matches (16-Pack)
Each matchbook in this set of 16 contains 30 tiny, magically aromatic sticks in fun fragrances like Rain and Goddess of Egypt. These are perfect for your friend who loves a lovely scent wherever they go (or has a bathroom that needs to freshen up a bit).
Buy it: $25, amazon.com
- Briogeo31
Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager
Nothing feels quite as soothing as a scalp massage, which helps boost circulation. Here’s one super-gentle handheld massage brush, from culty Black-owned hair-care brand Briogeo, recommended by our editorial assistant, who says it has become an essential part of her self-care routine.
Buy it: $16, briogeohair.com
- Nordstrom32
Kiehl’s Hydration Starter Set
Treat your pal to clear, glowing skin with this limited-edition set that includes travel sizes of Kiehl’s gentle, high-quality cleanser and SELF award-winning facial cream.
Buy it: $20, ulta.com
- Amazon33
TriggerPoint Performance Foam Massage Ball
A great massage ball is key for easing tightness after a tough workout, and this foam one is specifically designed to target smaller muscles, like the pecs and calves.
Buy it: $15, amazon.com
- Amazon34
Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Pot
For your friend who is a cold-brew addict but doesn’t realize how dang easy it is to make their own, here’s an easy-to-use cold-brew coffee pot that we’ve raved about before. All it requires is a couple of scoops of coarsely ground coffee in its filter, cold water, a soaking overnight, and bam. Iced coffee.
Buy it: $21 (originally $24), amazon.com
- Amazon35
Ohygge Sandwich Cutter and Sealer
Making cute, crustless PB&Js (or whatever kind of sandwich your friend’s heart desires) is a breeze with this handy tool that our senior health writer calls “the best $13 she’s spent this year.”
Buy it: $10, amazon.com
- Amazon36
Gaiam Restore Muscle Massage Therapy Foam Rollers
Whether you’re looking to warm up your muscles or recover from a grueling HIIT class, this cushy marbled foam roller will help relieve any tight spots that need loosening. Plus, it’s available in 18-inch and 36-inch sizes, just in case your friend is a fan of a double-roll massage.
Buy it: $18 (originally $20), amazon.com
- Amazon37
Luminam Fully Dimmable Book Light
And for anyone struggling to get to sleep, there’s this handy little SELF-approved book light that one writer credits for getting her to bed at a decent time. It has an adjustable neck to illuminate your book at various angles and is easily transportable, no matter where you’re reading.?
Buy it: $16, amazon.com
- Amazon38
The Five-Minute Journal
This gift is right at the $25 mark, but as one of the most well-known gratitude journals out there it’s a super-approachable option for any friend who always talks about wanting to start a journal but never makes the time. This slender journal has short, guided gratitude prompts that will hopefully inspire some positivity without zapping their emotional energy.
Buy it: $25, amazon.com
- Amazon39
The Original Vacu Vin Wine Saver With 2 Vacuum Stoppers
When it seems almost impossible to finish off a bottle of wine in one go, this best-selling Vacu Vin wine saver will help reseal it with an airtight close, so your Merlot can stay fresher longer.
Buy it: $12, amazon.com
- Bando40
Bando Feel Better De-Stress Ball
We definitely recommend keeping a squishy stress ball at your desk to help channel frustrations during the most intense days working from home. No matter how hard you squeeze this cheery rainbow one, it will always expand back into its original shape (which is extremely comforting in itself).
Buy it: $8, bando.com
- Lululemon41
Lululemon the (Small) Towel
For any yogi or athlete on your list who frequently works up a sweat, this small towel is sure to delight (and you can never have too many on hand for your practice).
Buy it: $22, shop.lululemon.com
- Amazon42
Mindfulness Cards
This colorful deck of cards features mindfulness exercises that can help prompt a friend to find peace of mind when life gets hectic.
Buy it: $15, amazon.com
- Etsy43
DIY Terrarium Kit
Here’s a tiny terrarium kit to add a spot of cheer to a grim winter. This includes everything any plant-parent-to-be needs to create their own miniature forest, including moss, river rocks, activated charcoal, and more.?
Buy it: $10, etsy.com
- Etsy44
Reuven Designs Gold Face Mask Chain
- 45
Coil Rope Bowl Kit
Here’s a DIY kit for a bright, beautiful basket that’s perfect for serving as a catchall in any room of the house, because sometimes the best gifts are the ones they get to make themselves.
Buy it: $7 (originally $9), etsy.com
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