What to give as a gift when the budget is $25 or less per person? Sometimes it takes a bit of creativity, but gifts given when our budgets are limited can be still be seriously luxurious. Our correspondent Abbie Martin Greenbaum has curated a great list of ideas and inspiration for our luxury gift guide of the best gifts under $25 for everyone on your list.
what to give with a budget of $25 or less
Sometimes it doesn’t take much to make someone feel special and loved on their big day. Some of the most thoughtful and meaningful presents we’ve ever received didn’t cost much. And many of life’s best luxuries are free! So $25 gives us plenty of room. And we won’t be drowning in debt when it’s all over.
Join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.
The perfect gift for $25 or less could be a useful gadget, a cute piece of kitchenware, or a quirky activity to pass the time.
One development we love is that more and more of the best gifts under $25 are available with your gift recipient’s initials. Which is a great way to make your present feel personal. Others are little joyful items designed to make them smile. Some are clever stress-reducers, or great for travel. Books, plants, and sweet treats are all in the mix.
You could give a charitable contribution in your recipient’s name. Or purchase a gift certificate at their favorite restaurant (sadly, it the eatery is in New York or London, $25 will probably only cover a cocktail, but hey, it’s a start).
Come to think of it, the hardest part of shopping for luxury gifts under $25 could very well be deciding from all the options available for everyday luxuries that will make your gift recipient glow.
the luxury gift guide of the best under $25
1. A personal coffee mug
The coffee lovers on your list will be thrilled with these stylish vintage letter mugs ($3.99) from West Elm. There are different patterns for the letters A to Z, meaning you can easily mix and match. And even stock up on presents for a few people at once without repeating yourself!
2. A disposable camera
With the rise of Instagram, the power of the picture is stronger than ever. But don’t underestimate the timeless appeal of physical photographs. Because disposable cameras are trending. Give this daisy-patterned disposable camera ($16) to someone at the start of a party and make their night. They’ll be able to document the experience and keep the memories forever.
3. A portable speaker
Add a little bit of retro charm to someone’s life with this super cute, miniature Pink Bluetooth Speaker ($16.89). The perfect size for portability, it can nestle into a shelf at home or come along on an activity that needs some tunes.
4. A Breakfast helper
They do say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and we know it’s many people’s favorite. Who doesn’t love bacon, eggs, and of course: waffles! This Smiley Face mini-waffle maker ($18.99) looks smart in silver. And it makes waffles that have a smiley face etched into the top. Here’s to making breakfast a little more festive.
5. A salt lamp
In addition to their alleged air-cleansing properties, Himalayan Salt Lamps ($8.99) are beautiful additions to any room. They emit a warm glow that is soothing and easy on the eyes. Get this for a friend, and help them fall asleep more easily at night with their newly-enhanced bedtime ambiance.
6. A decorative ice tray
If you know someone with a passion for cocktail preparation, this fun Flower Ice Tray ($12) will help them make the best summery drinks anyone has ever seen with flower-shaped ice cubes! Perhaps throw in some patterned paper straws to complete the set, and aid them in all their mixology dreams.
7. An acupressure mat
For someone who is prone to headaches, has trouble sleeping, or just needs to relax, the gift of an Acupressure Mat ($23.99) will alleviate some of their nagging issues. The perfectly-placed spikes will hit their pressure points, helping them to unwind and feel much better than they did before.
8. A pencil set
There is always something a little extra special about receiving a gift with your name on it, and these are no exception. These lovely customizable pencils ($10) can be embossed with a name or phrase of your choice. Writers and teachers in particular will love them!
9. A mini-plant
This tiny Mini Hanging Succulent ($18) says I love you, and so will your gift if you give a lucky someone this sweet plant. Being small and easy to care for, succulents are fabulous plants to help start a home garden.
10. Birthday cake on the go
Perfect for a birthday! Give this Birthday Cake in a Mug ($15) to someone who has to celebrate on the go, and make their day more special than they ever thought possible. With chocolate cake mix, sprinkles and a candle-covered mug, they will be ready to make a wish anytime, anywhere.
11. Look to the stars
Perhaps you’ve noticed that astrology has returned to the stratosphere as one of the most popular topics of conversation. The Astrology of You and Me ($24.99) by Gary Goldschneider and Camille Chew is an excellent companion to our current obsession with the stars. It focuses on compatibility, which makes it a great piece of entertainment for any person or gathering.
12. New York coasters
These Metropolitan Museum of Art Coasters ($15.95) are a pitch-perfect gift for someone visiting New York, missing New York, or just a New Yorker who wants to rest a cold drink on a beautiful work of art.
13. Tiny Tool Kit
This Teeny Tiny Tool Kit ($11.99)may be the most adorable entry on our luxury gift guide of the best gifts $25 or under. It’s ideally suited to anyone who spends a lot of time managing paper goods. A tiny pair of scissors, stapler and post-it notes are all stored neatly in this little pouch, and can hide easily inside a desk or a handbag.
14. Cards for introspection
For those not familiar with the School of Life, they are an organization designed to help people lead happier and more fulfilling lives. This box of Know Yourself Cards ($15) is filled with affirmation cards with prompts designed to help with self-exploration and understanding. If you know someone who is having a hard time or struggling to find themselves, they will definitely appreciate these useful little cards.
15. Personalized keychain
From everyone’s favorite online store, Etsy, these personalized keychains ($25) are hand painted rainbow letters with the flourish of a tassel. They are bright and colorful and will help to spruce up a handbag year round.
16. A party game
Made by Wild & Wolf, this What Would You Rather ($13.50) game is a stack of pocket-sized cards that can easily be taken on a trip, to a party, or anywhere else that needs a little livening. The questions are appropriate for ages 6 and up, so this can be a great pastime for just about anyone.
17. A Personal journal
This Written in the Stars Journal ($12.95) is so beautiful that it is downright inspiring. Anyone would love to write inside its gorgeous pages.
18. Stress putty
Almost everyone could use a little bit of Stress Putty ($14.99). “Pinch Me” makes a therapy dough that is a pretty purple, and designed to help you let go and relax. Give this to someone who could use a little bit of a break.
what to give on a $25 budget: stress relievers and personal journal.
19. An emergency beauty kit
This emergency beauty kit ($17.50) has safety pins, earring backs, stain remover, hair spray, clear nail polish and so much more. Basically everything you could possibly need to leave the house feeling ready for your day. Whoever receives it will never have to worry about a fashion emergency again!
20. A magnetic puzzle
If you know someone who is both a frequent traveler and an avid puzzle solver, they’ll love this New York Magnetic Puzzle ($9.95). They can take it with them and play anywhere, or put the puzzle on their fridge at home and turn late-night snacks into a favorite pastime.
what to give on a $25 budget: puzzles and emergency beauty kit.
21. A Smiley face
This smiley face emoji enamel lapel pin from designer Gelareh Mizrahi ($15) is sure to bring a smile to your gift recipient on a grey day.
The smiley face emoji enamel lapel pin from designer Gelareh Mizrahi. Courtesy Photo.
the luxury gift guide of the best under $25
There you have it! Thoughts and ideas about how to give a luxurious and thoughtful gift for a budget of $25 or less. Good luck and have fun!
join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
Abbie Martin Greenbaum grew up in New York City and currently lives in Brooklyn, where she drinks a lot of coffee and matches roommates together for a living. At Oberlin College, she studied English and Cinema, which are still two of her favorite things, along with dessert and musical theater. She believes in magic.
Join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.