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Our favorite stylish, thoughtful, and (very) affordable holiday gifts.
It’s always nice to find eye-catching items for under $20 that can be used as stocking stuffers, gift exchange items, or a “little something just because”. We searched high and low to find a handful of unique finds this season. The hardest part will be deciding which ones you don’t want to buy.
Zebra Cocktail Napkins
There is no better way to dress up a table or add a conversation piece to the bar than with playful cocktail napkins. This beautiful zebra print comes from The House of Scalamandré, known for their intricate wall coverings and fabrics. Bright, exotic and fun – these pack a punch.
Microwavable Black Truffle Popcorn
Truffles and budget-conscious typically don’t go together. This fun little treat, however, is great for foodies or you could prepare this for a family movie night over the holidays. Casual yet indulgent. Familiar yet interesting. Trying these as a group can be an event in and of itself.
Music Genius Playing Cards
Ever played cards and, well, conversation was a bit slow? These music genius playing cards – featuring the likes of Madonna and Marvin Gaye – build conversation topics into your hand. The illustrations by Rik Lee might just help you build a playlist during the game as well. Maybe music isn’t someone’s thing. Check out the other decks that feature artists, movie stars, writers or TV stars.
Cold Brew Coffee Maker
A daily kitchen essential for a $20 spot? Sign us up! Easy and fast to use, this money-saving gift is such a hack, especially for those who work from home. A little quick prep of combining cold water with grounds and throwing this in the fridge allows one to have a cold brew on hand whenever needed. Consider bundling this up with a bag of your favorite beans.
Crossword Page-A-Day Calendar 2025
Encourage and enable a healthy habit with this crossword calendar gift from The New York Times. From newbie to expert, this calendar is accessible to all with the puzzles getting more difficult throughout each week. While certainly a fun gift for you to give someone, buy one for yourself too and then communicate about the puzzles throughout 2025.
Electric Wine Opener
Corkscrews can be tricky and there’s not a more convenient way to open a bottle than this electric wine opener from COKUNST. This addition to someone’s home bar is something they’ll use time and time again. Consider pairing with a favorite bottle.
Apple AirTag Holder With Key Ring
Tech lovers and the forgetful unite for this gift. The AirTag provides peace of mind and, occasionally, so much more. But how do you make sure the AirTag doesn’t get dumped out of a backpack or lost in the luggage? Throw it in one of these key rings and find it a secure home.
Electronics Organizer Travel Case
The dopp kit for electronics. Why didn’t we think of this? Perfect for vacation luggage or the daily commute bag, this electronics organizer will get your cords in order. Phone, battery pack, cords, chargers, headphones, stylus – we carry more of this stuff than we realize.
Mini Maker for Individual Waffles
Completely unnecessary, entirely indulgent. That’s a sign of a good gift. Perfect for someone in an apartment with limited space. This option from DASH comes in a variety of colors and is likely less expensive than a plate of waffles from your favorite brunch spot. Throw it in a gift bag with a waffle mix (our favorite is also under $20) and you have a complete, fun gift.
Electric Candle Lighter
Saving our least expected and most mind blowing gift for last, say hello to your new best friend. This electric candle lighter will make you forget about the dark days of sticking a match or lighter into a half-burned candle for a perilous moment. Of the 10 things we found, this one might be the least expected by the receiver of your gift and it also happens to be the most affordable.
The Bottom Line
Great gifts don’t have to cost a lot of money. It truly is the thought and care that goes into something that makes it special. Who on your list might light up when receiving one of these affordable gifts this holiday season?