If you’re like me, you love gift giving. Whether it’s Christmas, graduations, or birthdays, I love taking the time to pick the perfect present for my friends and families. But at the holidays, buying all those “perfect presents” at once can take a toll on my bank account. It doesn’t have to, though! There are many nice, thoughtful gifts out there for anyone on a budget.
Here, we’ve selected our favorite gifts that come in at $25 or under. Scroll through the gallery below and let us know in the comments if you have any thrifty gift ideas!
There is nothing that says “I really thought about this gift” than something personalized. Pick up a set of 12 notecards from Etsy for only $14. You can pick the ink and envelope color to truly make it the gift recipient’s own.
Purchase from jojostudios on Etsy.
Inspired by ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet, this six-piece set of nail polishes come in wintery shades reminiscent of sugarplums and evergreens. Plus the mini nail polishes come nested in a limited edition box designed by artist Gretchen Röehrs. (And did we mention that Julep is vegan? Because it is!)
Purchase from Julep for $24.
We think an adorable, dainty olive branch bracelet would go perfectly on almost any wrist. The band is brass and the olive branch is gold plated. It’s delicate enough that you can stack it with other bangles on your arm. Best of all, it’s only $14.95 (you can purchase other metal options for an additional cost).
Purchase from FrostedWillow on Etsy.
Purses and handbags are typically very personal choices by the wearer, but it’s hard to go wrong with this versatile crossbody from Baggallini. It’s lightweight for traveling and can be converted to a wristlet for dressier occasions—plus, it comes in three colors. And best of all, it’s normally $48, but it’s $23.40 (plus shipping) for Grok Nation readers.
Purchase the Limited Edition RFID Bryant Pouch on Baggallini using code GROK.
Sure, it’s easy to pick up an extra bottle of bubbly or red at the wine shop before rushing to a party. But show you truly care by selecting a bottle that looks as nice on the outside as it tastes on the inside (and they won’t even know it’s below the $25 price point)! The Astoria Prosecco D.O.C., sourced near Venice and a Gold Medal winner at the 2018 International Wine Challenge, provides a floral aroma with pear and apple accents.
Purchase on Drizly for $14.99 or less (depending on your area).
Artist Edwin Huasacca Condori crafts these ceramic ornaments in Lima, Peru. His wife and other locals paint the miniature farm animals. The llama, rooster, cow, pig and sheep are perfect to hang on a tree or display on a table top. Plus, with your purchase, you’re helping lift a family out of poverty through Heifer International.
Purchase ornaments for $15 each.
This ceramic trinket tray is sure to bring “joy” and a smile to whomever unwraps it as a gift. It’s perfect for holding rings on your dresser, for holding wine charms on a bar, or even mints on a dinner table—the options are endless!
Purchase from Draper James for $18.
Know someone who loves The Golden Girls and board games? We’ve found the perfect gift. This special edition of Trivial Pursuit will truly test their knowledge of Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, Sophia and all the hijinks they got up to in their seven season run.
Purchase from Amazon for $13.80.
A labradorite stone wrapped in gold-colored wire, this beautiful necklace is handmade in India and is perfect for your friend, sister, or any other lover of jewelry. This necklace is crafted by artisans with the Tara Project, which build stronger communities through fair trade opportunities.
Purchase from Ten Thousand Villages for $18.99.
Made of 100 percent copper, this tumbler from United by Blue is perfect for sipping beer, soda, or anything chilled! And best of all, for every cup purchased, the company will remove one pound of trash from the world’s oceans and waterways.
Purchase the Evergreen Copper Tumbler for $24.
We’re not sure when hard holiday candy became retro and cool again, but it has! This winter-themed tin is filled with handmade hard candy straws filled with either sweet cream or chocolate (made with Guittard cocoa). You’ll find lime, green apple, cinnamon, and clove flavors.
Purchase from The Vermont Country Store for $22.95.
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