12 Unique Gifts You Can Get for Under $25

Whether you’re searching for low-tech gifts, in need of a few clever stocking stuffers, or you’re just frugal and proud of it, let our guide to the best gifts under $25 below help you find the right surprises for everyone on your list.

1. AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge; $10

Flat tires are no fun, regardless of whether one strikes your giftee’s car or bike. This popular tire pressure gauge from AstroAI can help them monitor the pressure on their wheels and stay prepared, no matter what. The device has a simple on/off button and will power down automatically between 30 to 40 seconds after use, to better conserve battery power. If you’re on the hunt for a practical stocking stuffer, this item is one that will surely get a lot of use over time.

Buy it: Amazon

2. OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin; $23

With its convenient size and removable lid, this bin from OXO is a terrific way for those new to the composting game to get started with it. The lid flips up, so dumping in food waste is relatively simple; it also latches shut, helping to lock in odors so they won’t seep out and make your gift recipient’s home smell like the bottom of a dumpster. Because of the sleek yet compact size, this compost bin should fit on most countertops and won’t take up a ton of room, either.

Buy it: Amazon

3. Gilded Agate Coaster; $11

When your giftee unboxes one of these beauties from Anthropologie, chances are they’ll be left wondering which is prettier: The agate coaster or the coffee table they’re trying to ostensibly protect from stains. The glory of this gift is that they can enjoy both (sans the watermarks) and get a delightful new centerpiece for their table to boot. Choose from six varieties, including rose quartz, amethyst, white quartz, and more.

Buy it: Anthropologie

4. Glider Gloves Touchscreen Gloves; $14

As brisk fall breezes give way to the harsh winds of winter, bundling up with the right cold weather gear is essential. Gloves are a go-to, of course, but not all sets are created equal, and sometimes even the coziest picks aren’t a great choice because they're not meant for touchscreen use. These Glider Gloves are the exception, not the rule: Available in five different sizes, they’ll be touch-sensitive for your giftee’s whole hand (not just the tips of their fingers), so they can text, navigate across different websites, and more with their hand still sheathed inside. These are also made with a special copper microfiber yarn that promotes touchscreen usage, and will keep their mitts cozy even as temperatures dip lower.

Buy it: Amazon

5. The Ringer: The Original Stainless Steel Cast Iron Cleaner; $18

The appeal of using cast iron for cooking isn’t just the food one prepares within skillets made from the material; it’s the durability of the material itself, which promises longevity over time. That said, cast iron requires some unique upkeep, and if someone special in your life struggles with it, an item like this could be just what they’ve needed to scrub away set-in stains without turning to soap, water, and a traditional sponge. This stainless steel chainmail is machine soldered and rust resistant, and can be used on pizza stones, baking sheets, and other hardened surfaces (not just cast iron).

Buy it: Amazon

6. Vanavazon 6-Inch Self Watering Planter Pots, Pack of 3; $17

Maybe your giftee is a plant lover with tons of greenery on display around their home, or perhaps they’re a self-professed black thumb who is always forgetting to water their buds. Either way, these 6-inch self-watering pots can help them take a load off and ensure their vine-sprouting buddies don’t get left in the lurch. Choose from three shades, and because this set actually comes with three planters, you could even set one aside for yourself, in case your own flowers are seeming a bit parched these days.

Buy it: Amazon

7. ODISTAR Desktop Vacuum Cleaner; $13

Folks work from home more than ever now, which means their personal offices are getting more use than ever. If you’re gift shopping for someone who lives at their desk during the work week, consider surprising them with this handy (and totally adorable) little desktop vacuum. Available in three colors, the basic model runs on AA batteries and has 1000-pa suction power, so it can zip around their work surface and make crumbs from their mid-day snack break seem like ancient history.

Buy it: Amazon

8. Chef’n FridgeFork Condiment Fork; $9

Speaking of snack breaks, your giftee won't end up in a pickle the next time they try to fish one out of a full jar, thanks to this innovative kitchen gadget from Chef’n. It offers a fun twist on the ol’ do-I-use-a-fork-or-my-hands struggle that plagues many olive and pickle lovers when it’s time to chow down. The three-prong fork is held in place by a caddy and secure band, the latter of which fits around the rim of their jar. When it’s time to grab a treat, they can pluck the fork from its resting place, and then once returned to it, the caddy is designed to easily catch any excess drips.

Buy it: Amazon

9. Sleek Socket Ultra-Thin Outlet Concealer with Cord Concealer Kit; $24

Are ugly cords snaking their way around your giftee’s home, making their own personal paradise look more like a jungle where electronic devices go to collect dust and take up the scenery? If so, introduce them to a solution by way of this useful present. Sleek Socket’s ultra-thin outlet and cord concealer kit discreetly conceals both, so that means less clutter and fewer potential trip hazards. According to the brand, this 3-foot version is specifically good for kitchens and bathrooms, but you can also find options for wall-mounted TVs and more.

Buy it: Amazon

10. SGVAHY Tissue Box Cover Retro TV Phone Holder Stand; $16

This super-cute tissue box is more than meets the eye: Designed to look like a classic ’60s-era TV set, its retro feel makes it a conversation starter for sure, and you can choose from stunning colors like pink or green, which only add to the throwback vibe. But look a little closer, and you’ll see that that’s not all this tissue box offers. It has a built-in card slot separate from where the tissue box fits, and that slot can fit smartphones, including iPhones. In effect, it looks (and functions) like a mini TV, which is sure to delight your giftee, especially if they love to watch YouTube videos or other streaming content on their devices.

Buy it: Amazon

11. Moon Phase Wall Hanging; $19

Help someone special add a little whimsy to their interior design with this eye-catching hanging garland. Featuring hand-hammered, golden metal moons that dangle from delicate chains, this wall accent hangs horizontally and traces all the lunar phases. For the person who loves the Boho chic aesthetic, this lightweight pick will be an easy way to please them come Christmastime.

Buy it: Amazon

12. Anker Portable Charger, 313 Power Bank; $22

It might not be the most glam gift option out there, but in 2022, there’s virtually nothing more useful to the average person than a portable power bank. Your gift recipient can slip this slim gadget from Anker in their purse or backpack and have a reliable way to charge up their most essential devices throughout the day. Compatible with iPhones (including the iPhone 12) and most Samsung Galaxy models, it’s a versatile investment that can work on tablets and other electronics as well, and it makes an excellent stocking stuffer.

Buy it: Amazon

This article was originally published in 2018; it has been updated for 2022.