They’re here, all in one post for you: our 2025 Holiday Gift Guides! They include everything from the things that we’re getting our own family & friends this year (from small businesses and Black-owned shops to big box stores) as well as things that we already own and love. Nothing has been gifted, nothing is sponsored, and they don’t know us from Adam – these are all just things we genuinely like.
We arranged all of our gift ideas into the following three categories for you:
- Gift Ideas for Grown-Ups
- Gift Ideas for Kids & Teens
- Gift Ideas that are $15 & Under
So whether your budget is $8 or $99, we’ve got you covered. And all of these items are priced as they were on the exact moment we made these boards (but prices definitely fluctuate).
Gift Ideas For Grown-Ups
Up first, we have ideas for fellow grown ups. Although who are we kidding, some of the stuff on the kids board looks fun to us, and I’m sure many teens (or even younger kids) might love some things on this board. So take our categories with a grain of salt.
Let’s get a little closer and break down why we love each item on the list:
1. Deck of Cards With Personal Photos ($22+)
You can put your own photos on this personalized deck of playing cards (you can add a different photo on each suit or even choose to add a unique photo on each of the 52 cards). It’s such a personal and cool family gift for a relative who loves cards, or a friend that you have a lot of hilarious photos with.
2. Signet Custom Initial Ring ($32+)
This signet ring comes in gold & sterling silver, and feels handmade and timeless all at the same time. I want one with each of my kids’ initials on them so I can stack them! And a J in there for John too. I hope Santa is reading this ;)
3. Paper Clip Chain Necklace ($99)
This bold chain necklace is one that I have owned and loved for over a year! Not only is it still looking just as good as the day I got it, I have been so happy with the weight of it and how beautiful it looks. It’s the perfect color and thickness, and definitely looks a lot more expensive than it is!
4. Ice Coffee Glasses ($10+)
John got a pair of these 16oz ribbed glasses as a Christmas gift last year and uses them daily for his cold brew coffee. They’re easy to clean, convenient to take on-the-go, and satisfying to stir (it’s like beverage ASMR). Highly recommend for anyone in your life who likes smoothies, shakes, iced matcha or coffee, root beer floats, etc.
5. Wavelength Game ($35)
Friends have raved about this award-winning party game for years, and we’re finally adding it to our collection. Each round, a player gives a clue to help their team guess where a dial landed between two ends of a spectrum, like delicious to disgusting. It’s a game of opinions, mind-reading, and knowing your fellow players (ex: a clue like “pickle” would mean different things in our household).
6. Sea Glass Mini Hoops ($25)
I own and love these delicate hoop earrings and many other sets of hoops that they make. I’m a huge fan of this brand, and have always been really happy with everything I’ve ordered. Quality is great, never too heavy, and so unique in a sea of more basic hoops. Don’t get me wrong, I love simple gold and silver hoops too – but their jewelry really feels special!
7. Mini Bluetooth Boombox ($30)
This retro bluetooth speaker comes in two colors and feels ten times cuter than a basic old wireless speaker. Like hello, the vibes are so good. This is a great gift for anyone who listens to music at their desk, or to make a family room into a fun lounge full of tunes. Can’t get over how cool it looks.
8. Dumpster Fire Zen Garden ($28)
Who doesn’t need a little extra zen these days? This funny take on a desktop zen garden is a great coworker gift or fidget for someone you love who likes to always be playing with something. Plus, it comes with two raccoons and a possum! Like… I want one right now.
9. Insta360 Camera ($300)
This compact waterproof action camera is tied as one of John’s favorite gadget purchases this year (that’s him on his paddleboard above using the “invisible selfie stick” to get a full 360-degree shot). One of our neighbors got one too after seeing John’s videos – and he uses on hikes and for his real estate business!
10. Rainbow Ring ($22)
This delicate stackable rainbow ring has stolen my heart. So many rainbow rings and necklaces seem to have jarringly bright colors that don’t blend or feel subtle, but this has such a nice and light vibe that doesn’t compete with itself. As someone who has looked at about 12 other rainbow rings, this one is by far my favorite!
11. Meowsterpiece Puzzle ($17)
Having recently seen the real Birth of Venus in preson, I was beyond tickled by this “meowsterpiece” puzzle. I’ve already ordered it for 3 art-loving friends! *And if you know who I’m referring to, don’t you dare tell them.
12. Birthstone Locket Necklace ($25)
This customizable locket necklace comes in 3 metal finishes, can be personalized with your birthstone, includes an engraving, and – of course – can feature a personal photo inside! Talk about a customized gift. I love it, and especially love the emerald and gold version above. Just beautiful, and such a great price.
13. Outdoor Projector ($99)
This is the other item that tied as John’s favorite gadget of the year. This easy-to-use portable projector that we purchased this summer for outdoor movie nights is our family’s favorite way to entertain friends or family members. It’s sp simple to set up, and we host so much more because we have this! It also works inside – and can be set up behing or in front of a screen (this is our screen), so it’s totally flexible for your space.
14. Fragrance Sampler ($25) or My Favorite Perfume ($37)
If you want to get someone some fragrance this year (or have someone asking you for gift ideas for yourself), this 7-pack of perfume samples is such a fun option. I love the idea of sampling so many and picking one you love most to go all in on. And if you’re worried it’s too hard to make a decision, this is my favorite fragrance I’ve ever found. I wear it every day and never want to run out.
15. Vintage Still Life Print ($10+)
This still life painting of oranges is so charming to me and can be ordered in several sizes (frame not included – but you can grab one at Ikea or Michael’s). I can think of a few friends specifically who’d love this color combo and cheerful subject. This can be hung in a kitchen, bathroom, literally anywhere.
16. Little Cat Snack Dishes ($27)
These adorable stonewear dishes would make a great gift as a set – and you can even split them up to get THREE gifts out of one. They could be really cute as a jewelry dishes given with a pair of earrings to friends, or filled with gold paperclips for three coworkers!
17. Rose Gold Earbud Headphones ($37)
Our teen daughter got these affordable AirPod alternatives so she wouldn’t feel as worried about losing something more precious (aka: expensive) like the name brand ones. She loves the color and the power indicator on the case is helpful too. Literally, zero complains and SO much more affordable. She has used them for months without issue – and miraculously they haven’t gone missing at all!
18. Lucite Dangle Earrings ($32)
I love these colorful dangle earrings that come in several colors (the pink are my fave). We all have that fun bold friend or family member who would LOVE how un-basic these are. Literally each one is a work of art! Ok now I think the orange onces are my favorites. How can I choose?!
19. NYT Games’ Puzzlemania ($38)
Do you know someone who loves crosswords, Wordle, Connections, or other New York Times Games? This is their annual mega-collection of puzzles, including fun analog spins on their digital games, a GIANT fold out crossword, and more. Literally my dad and John’s mom would love this.
20. Personalized Library Stamp ($32)
This cute “from the library of” stamp is a great gift for the reader in your life. It’s such a great example of a persoalized gift you wouldn’t think to get for yourself, but if you know a reader… it’s such a cool thing to receive! Also don’t sleep on this as a teen gift idea. I think our daughter would love this – both the idea of having a personalized stamp of her own, and the act of getting to lay out all her books and use it.
21. Suminagashi Craft Kit ($34+)
This Japanese Marbling Craft Kit is something both of our kids would love… and that John and I would also have so much fun using! So it really works for both lists. If you know anyone who is crafty and likes to make things, this would be such a hit. You might even get a marbled thank you card from them ;)
22. 50 States Water Bottle ($58)
This “bucket list” water bottle comes with a sticker for every state, so the traveler on your list can track their journies. They also sell versions for National Parks, NFL stadiums, and MLB ballparks. John and I each have relatives in mind who would love this. Can’t say any more, because we don’t want to ruin the surprise.
23. Bread-Scented Candle ($18)
I feel like the smell of bread baking in your house is up there as one of the most amazing scents – which is why this rosemary foccacia bread candle literally made my mouth water. Like, I want this candle for myself, and know that two of my besties would also be addicted. It comes in two sizes and as wax melts too. Such a good idea for that person who already has everything.
Gift Ideas For Kids & Teens
Ok, here we are at a board we love making every year, because it includes things we’re actually getting for our kids (and some items they already own and love). There are such cool things for kids and teeens these days, so let’s dive right in.
To save you from having to scroll up a ton, let’s zoom in on each thing on the list:
1. Felt Charcuterie Board ($40)
This intricate felt meat, cheese, and fruit platter is such a fun kids gift… and also I want one?! Like for real, let me play with this for an hour and I’ll be thoroughly entertained. Kitchens and play food for kids have just gotten amazing lately. Shh, don’t tell her but our niece is getting one of these.
2. Speks Fidget Toy ($16)
This magnetic fidget toy had me at “like putty without the mess.” It comes in tons of surprisngly stylish colors, meaning it’s a great fidget for kids, teens, and even adults! Yes I’m adding the obligatory magnet warning here (def not for smaller kids or pets who might want to eat these!) – but for a tween’s desk… especially our 11 year old who loves to interact with things and create shapes – he’d love it!
3. “Retro” Digital Camera ($30)
Did I feel 1,000 years old when our daughter came home raving about the “vintage digital camera” she’d just bought? Yes, yes I did. But she and her friends are obsessed with these “old school cameras” – the grainy quality, the bad flash, and even the corded upload process! She has this exact one and it has held up really well, getting toted on trips, to the movies, to school on half days, etc. She really loves it.
4. Paper Owl Mobile ($8)
This pop-up barn owl is such a cool gift for any smaller kids on your list… and also, who am I kidding… some adults would love this for their bedroom or office. Our smaller niece would watch this rocking from her crib with delight. And that price!! Actually I’d love to see a kids’ room with a bunch of these hung at diferent heights. Send me pics.
5. “Grilled Cheese Destroyer” Shirt ($13+)
This vintage-style party raccoon shirt comes in 4 colors and sizes for kids and adults and let’s face it, we all know someone who loves a grilled cheese more than anyone else in the room. I have literally two different relatives who’d love this and wear it like a badge of honor.
6. “Smells Like Six Seven” Candle ($11+)
Beat your teens at their own game with this “6-7” themed candle that is sure to make their eyes roll AND their rooms smell fresher. And yes, it’s intentional that it’s #6 on the list.
7. Custom Charm Necklace ($46+)
Our 15-year-old wears a charm necklace almost daily and this one has tons of fun charms to choose from – letters, animals, birthstones, sports, foods, and more. This is such a special gift to give or receive, and you can get more charms over time, which is a core childhood memory of mine.
8. Wobaba Flungle ($25)
We have lots of Wobaba outdoor toys (this is one of our faves) so we were excited to see their take on Bocce. The sand-filled balls are kid-friendly and great for yards, beaches, or sidewalks. These are definitely going to end up under our tree so we can try them out on the sand soon!
9. Grilled Cheese Warmie ($30)
Warmies are heatable stuffed animals that are soothing for kids and adults alike. They come in tons of shapes and animals, but there’s something so charming about this plush grilled cheese sandwich. Yes, grilled cheese is becoming a theme of this year’s gift guide – but really, how comforting is a warm grilled cheese?
10. Makeup Palette Tin ($25)
This clever makeup gift set comes in a little “sewing tin” complete with button shaped eye shadows and even a pin-cushion shaped blender! I love the idea of my teen opening this and thinking it’s biscuits or crackers and then realizing it’s full of makeup and just disguised as a kitchen item!
11. Starface Skincare Set ($20)
Here’s another fun gift set for teens (especially those who proudly wear their pimple patches in public – I wish that was trending when I was a kid!). This Starface gift set comes with 60+ patches, a lip balm, and a fuzzy makeup case.
12. Ramen Lovers Box ($18)
Every family has at least one voracious ramen fan. At least, that’s true in ours. So here’s a fun way for your noodle-lover to sample authentic ramen flavors from different regions. You can choose from 5 or 10 item boxes, as well as spicy, non-spicy, or a mix. I actually think both of our kids would love the “choose your own Ramen adventure” aspect of a box full of different options to work their way through!
13. Collage Books ($19)
Our kids are both into journaling these days, so these Extraodinary Things To Cut & Collage books have been well-loved (and well-cut-apart). They’re packed with stuff both of our kids like, and use! Literally they get BEAT UP from use, which I love. Gift one with a journal, some scissors, and glue sticks to a creative kid that you know and love. You can even get both books as set!
14. Cooling Face Mask ($16)
For the teen who loves a spa day, this cooling gel face mask is a fun idea. And also, I, a full grown adult would love one too. Calming, cool, and sure to scare whoever walks in on you wearing it. Ha!
15. Programmable Rope Light ($39)
This colorful rope light is great for gamers or any other kid who wants to add some customizable color to their room – it can even be syned to music! Works great as a hidden accent light (think around a frame or under a desk). It also comes with wall clips to create a bendable piece of art.
16. Mini Microphone ($12)
This miniature microphone plugs right into the USB-C port on a phone or computer for kids to record videos, and both of our kids would absolutely LOVE it. They both enjoy making and editing videos, and I actually think they might both find one of these in their stockings.
17. Liar’s UNO ($12)
We love a good twist on classic UNO (this one has been our fave so far). And this new Liar’s UNO incorporates poker-style bluffing that may force you or your opponents to draw cards if anyone gets caught! We love a small game like this that’s easy to bring on trips, and toss into the car if there’s going to be a lot of waiting around. And the price is great too.
18. Light Up Drawing Shirt ($24)
This glow-in-the-dark shirt lets kids “draw” with light using a flashlight or the included torch light (it even comes clipped on a rope for convenience). I know at least three kids in our family who would flip for this, and would redesign their shirt at every family event. So fun!
19. Festive Furballs Puzzle ($14)
These 500-piece Galison puzzles are our favorites to do with our kids, and we can’t wait to do this hilarious kitty one. It’s such a fun family activity over a holiday break. Just put a puzzle out on a table (preferably by a fireplace or in a cozy corner) and watch people mosey up and work on it over time.
20. Custom Stuffed Animal ($40+)
This Etsy seller turns kids’ drawings into custom crocheted stuffies. I mean, talk about a memorable keepsake gift! Especially if one of your favorite little ones has made an iconic drawing. There’s a very old sketch of a UFO with a rainbow coming out of the bottom that my kids made that I’d love to get as a stuffed creation!
21. Mini Brand Create ($10)
Our son loves these Mini Brand balls, especially the create kind. They’re literally interactive little kits that come with a few small parts and you combine them with some good old fashioned easy-DIY. For example, his blind bag had a beautiful tiny blue & white china bowl with dumplings and you add the dumplings to the bowl with a tiny spoon and then pour “resin” into the bowl, which hardens into “broth” in the sun. So cute!
22. Teen Cash Holder ($7)
As a gift, cash never fails. And snagging one of these sacarstic cash holders to spice up your monetary gift (cash not included, obviously) is a fun way to make them laugh. I love this idea for older teens who just want money towards thrifting or gas or new sneakers that they’re saving up for. It’s a fun delivery method for a tried and true gift (good ol’ cashola).
Gift Ideas $15 And Under!
You all know this is my FAVORITE board to make each year, because I love finding deals and figuring out ways to break out gifts across a group (for neighbors, friends, teachers, etc) that makes them super affordable per item. So some of these gifts have a higher ticket price than $15, but would actually create many gifts that can be dispersed to many people – always resulting in an under $15 total per gift.
Let’s look a little closer at everything in the board above:
1. Stovetop Simmer Potpourri ($8)
Give the gift of a festive-smelling house with one of these ready-to-simmer stovetop potpourri packs. I would LOVE to receive this! Or buy this simmer pot supply kit that makes 10 baggies for less than $6 each! They’d make a great teacher, neighbor, or coworker gift! Literally the price is SO GOOD too!
2. Gold Fish Earrings ($14)
I wear these fish earrings a lot, which come in gold and silver (mine are gold) and even with 6 piercings, they look great (I usually do small hoops in the other holes and the fish are the stars). They’re a good gold color, and not too heavy. Just delightful – especially since sardines and little fish seem to be trending right now.
3. Rise & Sigh Mug ($15)
This vintage pedestal mug says it all, amiright? I love this for a coworker stuffed with candy or Hershey’s Kisses. Or you could give it to a friend full of hot cocoa mix or fancy tea bags.
4. Cherry AirTag Keychain ($15)
This cute cherry keychain has a secret superpower: it can conceal an AirTag too (not included). So it’s a fashionable & functional gift someone can put on their keys or purse. I love this idea for keeping track of things that sometimes go missing (like luggage!) or just adding cuteness to a bag or backpack.
5. Cowboy Boot Bud Vases ($8 each)
So technically this is a set of shot glasses, but I think they’d work amazingly as cute little vases. I’d split the up and give a friend, teacher, or coworker one with a small flower or propagation cutting in them! This couldn’t be easier to execute (literally cut a few stems off your current pothos and put them into water in each little boot). Total cost: just $8 each!
6. Holiday Syrup Sampler ($10)
This 5-pack of holiday syrups are a great treat for coffee, cocktails, or hot cocoa. It includes Macadamia Nut, Peppermint, Dark Chocolate, Toasted Marshmallow and Gingerbread. John would love something like this (he’s a novelty “try everything” person, so he would get such a kick out of customizing his coffee). Actually anyone you know who buys all the flavors of Oreos instead of sticking with the classics would likely love these (that’s also John).
7. Mini Owala Keychain ($13)
For all of those Owala lovers, this tiny water bottle keychain acts as storage for Chapstick, cash, or other small items. Our daughter literally wants one (they’re SO CUTE!) and they come in tons of colors (check the seller’s shop for more). They’ve also got Stanleys, Yetis, and even KitchenAid mixers.
8. Snack Socks ($4)
This fun sock shop seems to have every snack, drink, and candy under the sun… in sock form. And at this price, you can gift somone a whole “pantry-worth” or pair a set of socks with the same food item. I’d love Cheez-It socks with a box of Extra Toasty Cheez-its (they’re so good if you haven’t tried them!).
9. Compact Book Light ($13)
Everyone knows someone who loves to read – and this slim reading light is recharage, dimmable, and comes in a bunch of colors. It’s a great small item to pair with a book, cute bookmark, or gift card to a local bookstore.
10. Reading Journal ($10)
Another great gift for readers is this stylish book tracker, which includes all sorts of fun ways to record the titles you’ve read (and want to read). You can also compile reviews, daily reading goals, and more. This would be a big hit for anyone who loves charts and visual ways to quantify things (like John!). Comes in a bunch of colors too!
11. Bubble Initial Neckalce ($15)
This monogram necklace is sweet and pop-art-ish. It’s made for kids, but I think cool grown ups can definitely rock it too. It doesn’t take itself too seriously (each letter resembles a solid gold balloon letter) and at that price you can even get two or three with each kid’s initial and wear them all layered together.
12. “Color of the Day” Pin ($13)
This clever enamel pin turns whatever you’re wearing into an (unofficial) Pantone Color of the Day. So you know that we (your resident paint nerds) love that. I think on a backpack or even a blazer, it’s a great conversation starter. Just don’t tell me the color of the year is “hot dog.”
13. Wood Car Air Fresheners ($10 each)
These natural car air fresheners come in a 3-pack with scents like amber, teak, pine, and “cabana.” They’re a cool alternative to those dangle-from-your-mirror trees, they’re made of sustainable wood with chemical-free natural scents, and they have great reviews.
14. Nintendo Classic Coasters ($15)
This pack of NES catridge coasters features eight classic games from Donkey Kong, Zelda, and Duck Hunt. How fun are these for a coffee table to get the conversation going and reminisce about the 90s? My favorite game was Mario Kart by the way, thanks for asking.
15. Wooden Phone Speaker ($15)
This bamboo speaker acts as both a phone stand and a sound amplifier for a cool analog alternative to bluetooth speakers. You can also pay extra to get it engraved with a name or message. This is so cool for a workshop or office space – anywhere someone would want to listen to some tunes on something a little less expected than a high-tech device.
16. Pocket Dream Reader ($10)
This pocket-sized dream decoding book is something I’d love to receive (it has a section on “dreams where you’re naked” that I need to consult asap). I definitely think tweens, teens, and many adults would be entertained to read the categories of dreams, and what they might mean. Anyone else ever had the teeth-falling-out one?
17. Grow Your Own Salsa Kit ($14)
This kit that helps you grow six salsa ingredients is a great gift for any chef, teen with an interest in gardening or cooking, or tortilla chip enthusiast (hi, it’s me). I love the clever recycled packaging, the price is great, and it’s a unique and fun interactive gift that someone can open and actually have an experience with (and then eat). Love it.
18. Glazed Donut Soap ($6 – $12)
Looing at that picture you probably thought these were real glazed donuts… well the big reveal is that they’re actually soap! It’s such a cute gift to get for neighbors and friends. And an entire dozen of these glazed donut soaps are just $12! Amazing.
19. Criss Cross Earrings ($10)
I own and love these gold earrings and have had them a while without any issues. They don’t irritate my sensitive ears, they’re a nice gold color, and they look very cool indeed with that crisscross design. I love that half of them is that smooth solid gold color while the other half has tiny diamond-esque sparkles. I always get asked where they’re from when I wear them, and people are shocked at the price.
20. Pasta Puzzle ($7)
This 1000 piece puzzle is so much fun for any pasta enthusiast (hi, it’s also me). I love the color palette and this would be so much fun to do as a family becsause it’s challenging but also a really fun subject. And this is such a great price (many other places have it listed at over $26!).
21. Illustrated Bird Playing Cards ($10)
Come on, you know someone who loves birds, their birdfeeder, birding, maybe they even have a pet bird. So… for that bird friend… I give you: these stunning bird playing cards. There is beautiful art on each one by reknowned artist Erikas Chesonis, along with the name of each creature (ex: mallard, osprey, blue jay, roadrunner). They’re great for everything from a game of solitaire to a rousing round of poker or 21 – but truly they’re art in their own right!
22. Teeny Town Mini Golf ($10)
This adorable mini game of mini golf is so much fun for any age (ok, not babies, we don’t want them to eat it). But literally any teen or adult would take a few swings if that were on a desk or a counter. And that price makes it such a fun and inexpensive stocking stuffer. They also have bowling, football, and even pickeball versions!
More Gift Ideas
If you’re still on the lookout for extra ideas, you can check out the guides below that we’ve put together (many things on our guides from previous years are still sold):
- Black-Owned Businesses
- Our Favorite Family Board Games
- 2024 Holiday Gift Guides
- 2023 Holiday Gift Guides
- 2022 Holiday Gift Guides
- 2021 Holiday Gift Guides
- 2020 Holiday Gift Guides
- 2019 Holiday Gift Guides
- 2018 Holiday Gift Guides
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