I'm back with yet another gift guide! Just tuning in? You can check out my picks for stylish travelers, travel gifts for kids + teens, and gifts from North Carolina as well.
It’s time to share what is both my favorite and most difficult gift guide to write: Budget Gifts $25 and Under! Thanks to inflation, writing this year’s guide was a particularly tough challenge, but I’m so glad to see there are still so many gifts on the market that provide bang for your buck.
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Heading to a White Elephant exchange, or have a low threshold for your Secret Santa? I’ve got you (note: prices for items shown were marked under USD 25 at the time of publication, but are subject to change):
BUDGET GIFTS UNDER $25
1. Crystal Watering Stake | One thing they won’t need to worry about while they’re gone is plant care. This handblown watering stake holds three to four days of water and is actually cute.
2. Slouchy Cashmere Beanie | This fiber is typically expensive for a reason, but this brand has managed to source it to create a luxury product at a reasonable price (even as a knitter, I can’t find yarn this cheap!). Shopping for a few people? You can save $20 on your first purchase when you sign up via my referral link.
3. Compact Travel Towel | You never know when a towel could come in handy – perhaps your Airbnb doesn’t offer them or perhaps you knocked over your coffee cup. This one folds up super-small and can absorb up to 2.3 times its weight in water.
4. Luggage Charm Bundle | Each of these luggage charms is designed to attach right onto a luggage tag, helping to add a little flair to their suitcase (and to distinguish it at baggage claim – although I encourage you to share my packing list post series to help them travel light. Consider it a free bonus gift!). There are three in the bundle, so you can split ’em up or gift them all together.
5. Collapsible Cup | For the eco-minded traveler, a collapsible coffee cup is a must. This one shrinks down to just two inches tall.
6. Mini Fragrance Trio | Travel is a great time to try a new fragrance and create a new scent memory – and this set offers three at a spectacular price.
7. Handmade Gold Filled Ring | Traveling with expensive jewelry can be nerve-racking, but at the same time, it feels weird to go without. The solution? Beautiful yet inexpensive pieces that won’t hurt too much if they get lost or stolen.
8. Packable Backpack | I have a similar packable backpack (no longer available) and I can attest to its utility. You never know when you may need a smaller day bag during your trip, so gift them a super cute and durable one like this – it folds down to a small pouch!
9. Ankle Compression Socks | I’m a huge advocate for wearing compression socks in transit, for both health and aesthetic reasons – but I also know that not everyone can handle wearing constricting knee-high socks for ten or more hours straight. This pair of ankle socks offers some of the same benefits but in a lower profile.
Still looking for more inspiration? Check out these past gift guides: 2023 | 2021 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017
Which of these gifts would you say offers the most bang for your buck?
Amazing holiday gift guide! These are the best gift guide. Thanks a lot for sharing nice post.