The 50 Best Gifts Under $30 To Grab Before Christmas

“When shopping on a budget, a good rule of thumb is to look for a 'nice version' of something that's within that budget—in this case, kitchen utensils. GIR kitchen tools are quality and super functional, plus this cute confetti mini set is totally giftable.” —Karen Tietjen, senior updates editor

“I've been avoiding buying champagne flutes because they only have one use and my NYC apartment needs multitasking products. I love that I can use these for all sorts of drinks, not just bubbly.” —Dana Holmes, branded content editor

“I’ve always loved the sweet simplicity of the Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume and now I can easily take it with me on the go with this Daisy Drops set. It comes with 30 single-dose capsules that deliver just the right about of floral fragrance—perfect for when you’re traveling and need an instant pick-me-up.”—Jennifer Ferrise, special projects editor

“Priced so cheap, Apple AirTags make a great high-tech gift that virtually anyone can find some use for. You can attach them to anything you worry about losing—your luggage, backpack, even your wallet or TV remote, and then zero on them using the Find My app on your iPhone. You can make your AirTag play an audible tone when you get really close, and you only need to worry about swapping out the battery about once a year.” —Dave Johnson, deputy editor

“There are those purists who would never deign to open a bottle of wine with anything but a waiter’s corkscrew, and then there are the gadget people. This electric wine opener is for both of them! It’s impossible not to get addicted to the ease with which this little contraption (smaller than those Buick-size Rabbits from back in the day), opens a bottle. Literally as easy as pressing a button. I gave my dad one last year, and he hasn’t stopped talking about it since.” —Jenny Rosenstrach, NYT bestselling author of Dinner: A Love Story

“I bought this for a one-year-old’s birthday gift and it has gotten rave reviews. This lo-fi toy is excellent screen-free and guilt-free entertainment for extended periods during road trips or at restaurants.” —Dana Holmes, branded content editor

“This stalwart Anker battery provides a slim, stylish companion for any smartphone and has enough juice to charge a phone at least two times. Its convenient size makes it easy to hold the charger and phone in hand at the same time, or to slip it into a pocket. This makes a great affordable stocking stuffer, as does its upgraded version.” —Melissa Perenson, tech editor

“With this little gadget, you can transform any electrical outlet into a ‘smart outlet’ that lets you control whatever is connected to it from your smartphone. Simply insert an Amazon Smart Plug into an outlet, then plug in any device that you want to turn on and off remotely, such as a lamp, fan or appliance. You can also control the device using voice commands via an Echo Smart speaker or the Alexa mobile app. Use the app to set up routines or schedules for when the plugged-in device should automatically turn on or off. This is an easy, low-cost way to start transforming anyone’s home into a smart home.” —Jason Rich, tech writer

“Plants are a creative, thoughtful gift to give (or send to) hard-to-buy-for recipients. If you’re on a budget, BWH has an assortment of greenery for as little as $10, including easy care, pet friendly and more exotic rare species. This Florida-based company delivers nationwide, and while you can expect to pay $10 to $15 for shipping, you can easily keep the total cost under $30, depending on the plant you choose.” —Karen Tietjen, senior updates editor

“Any beauty lover will appreciate unwrapping a Rare Beauty gift—especially one that includes the TikTok-viral Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. I ditched my holy grail blush in favor of this one and I haven't looked back. It gives me a natural, flattering flush that has impressive lasting power.” —Kara Cuzzone, senior deals editor

“This pocket-sized thermal label printer lets you create catchy labels on the fly. It can use continuous labels or pre-sized labels and has a label cutter, too. You design the label's text and accompanying graphics via a mobile app on your phone, then transmit the text and design wirelessly via Bluetooth. The process is quick, easy and handy.” —Melissa Perenson, tech editor

“Perfect for the budding photographer, the Kodak M35 hearkens back to the days of 35mm cameras. Just point and click and you can capture those favorite family moments. Plus, it comes in a bunch of different colors so you can cater it to your recipient's personal flair.” —Rebecca Isaacs, consumer tech and electronics editor

“Unique drinkware is one of those ‘can’t go wrong with’ gifts, and these Dragon Glassware glasses are way cooler than your average beer mugs. At $30 for a pair, they would make a steal-worthy White Elephant gift. Plus, they’re especially great for gifting to men, who (in my opinion) can be particularly tricky to buy for.” —Karen Tietjen, senior updates editor

“Sugarfina’s candy bento boxes are sophisticated yet whimsical; they’re the perfect present for anyone with a sweet tooth. This particular set includes champagne-flavored gummy bears and decadent milk chocolates filled with popping candy (yum)! I also adore the packaging, as it makes the box easy to gift without any wrapping paper.” —Claire Epting, updates writer

“At some point, everyone needs a notebook, so why not gift them a set of three beautifully designed ones to have on hand when they do? This set comes in a few different color varieties, all ruled and large enough (with 64 pages each) to feel substantial for efficient note-taking or making to-do lists.” —Emmy Favilla, managing editor

“I have multiple pennants and banners from Oxford Pennant around my house, from my son's nursery to the converted shed that I use as a home office. They have an old-school charm that give these spaces a sense of personality and a pop of color. Plus, they have so many collaborations—from Sesame Street to Minor League Baseball to The Rolling Stones—meaning you're bound to find something for anyone special.” —Spencer Dukoff, director of audience development

“I regularly get together with friends to play cards, and would love a deck like this for game night.” —Christina Poletto, senior home and kitchen editor

“If you’ve been on girl dinner-Tok or tinned fish-Tok, Tin To Table is the chic little recipe book you’ve been looking for. Part aesthetically pleasing photobook, part cookbook, it covers everything from pairing suggestions to recipe mains. Whether you’re new to tinned fish and looking for a little direction or a veteran snack board lover who wants to expand their repertoire, Tin To Table will make a gorgeous addition to your coffee table or cookbook collection.” —Jordan Thomas, deals writer

“I recently got back into puzzles with my 10-year-old daughter (she's much better at them than me!). Piecework's puzzles are modern and so cool—definitely worth displaying once you finish.” —Kari Molvar, senior fashion editor

“These air fresheners from P. F. Candle Co. are a sophisticated alternative to those little trees that hang from your rearview mirror. The Golden Coast fragrance, which combines notes of eucalyptus, redwood, sea salt and palo santo, gives off a California coastal vibe that’s really lovely. Besides car interiors, these scented cards are also great for freshening up closets, bathrooms and other small spaces.” —Claire Epting, updates writer

“I'm determined to learn how to play chess! This is such a beautiful, travel-ready set from Hay that only adds to my motivation to figure out the rules of the game.” —Kari Molvar, senior fashion editor

“I received this Soundbot Bluetooth shower speaker as a Christmas gift last year and I’ve used it almost every day since. It attaches to your tub with a simple suction cup, provides rich sound quality for music, podcasts or phone calls and is delightfully water resistant, so it can withstand any splashes. And at only $15, it makes for a great stocking stuffer.” —Jennifer Ferrise, special projects editor

“Roku's Voice Remote Pro is one of the most accessible streaming accessories on the market—and it's my go-to accessory for streaming. Set up personal shortcuts or use the voice controls to bring up your favorite TV shows. From personal experience, the rechargeable battery lasts a long time, and when you need to charge it, it uses fast charging so you can get back to enjoying your TV shows and movies. Plus, it's super easy to pair with your Roku streaming device.” —Rebecca Isaacs, consumer tech and electronics editor

“While I (generally) live and die by the calendar on my phone, there's something so satisfying about the tear-off desk models—especially one from the mega-popular Instagram and Twitter account, WeRateDogs. This calendar makes me look forward to waking up every morning and seeing what truly adorable and absurd dog is on display for that day. I got it as a gift from my mother-in-law during the 2022 holiday season and will gladly pay it forward to friends and family for years to come.” —Brinda Ayer, executive managing editor

“With each spring and summer seemingly getting hotter than the year prior, this folding electronic fan is a lifesaver during sweltering days on the beach or an unexpectedly warm European vacation. It's an incredibly useful gift for the traveler in your life, especially since it also doubles as a portable charger.” —Astrid Taran, senior travel editor

“I am delighted by this oversized tea cup, which comes with a strainer that fits perfectly inside, plus a snug-fitting lid for steeping. All in all, a cute, creative and useful gift for the tea-drinkers and homebodies on your list—especially if you're on a budget.” —Karen Tietjen, senior updates editor

“When it comes to stocking stuffers, I always look for something playful that will make my friends and family smile. These happy-go-lucky socks by cult fashion brand KULE are the perfect find, plus they'll keep everyone's feet warm on those cold, wintery nights.” —Jennifer Ferrise, special projects editor

“The budget-friendly Bowie Baseus MA10 earbuds come packed with great sound—and can last up to 140 hours with the included charging case. With an IPX6 waterproof rating, you can wear them out in the rain and not worry about damaging them. Plus, with the Baseus app, you'll get 10 noise canceling levels, 12 equalizer modes and a ‘Find My Buds’ feature for when you misplace them around the house.” —Rebecca Isaacs, consumer tech and electronics editor

“I love doing my own makeup, but I really struggle when it comes to applying eye makeup—especially eyeliner and mascara. However, these eyeshadow sticks are a total game changer. The formula glides onto my eyelids and stays put, even when I’m not using eyeshadow primer. All of the colors are beautiful and shimmery, but ‘Coffee Date’ is my personal favorite. I’ve been using this as my everyday eyeliner and it really makes my brown eyes pop!” —Katherine Louie, commerce lifestyle editor

“My little one is big on cars, trucks and basically anything with wheels. And I recently discovered the Wimmelbook series that feeds his interest while helping develop his language skills. These are wordless picture books filled with richly detailed drawings of various scenes. We take these with us to restaurants, on airplane trips and just about everywhere. It helps keep our toddler calm and engaged for a full 15 minutes!” —Sholeen Damarwala, home and kitchen editor

“My dog has a habit of inhaling her food like a Dyson vacuum, but a slow feeder forces her to pump the brakes and consume all that kibble a bit more mindfully. We've used this slow feeder from Outward Hound for years, and while it's certainly seen better days, it's still going strong.” —Cam Vigliotta, gear editor

“For the beginner traveler or even the tried-and-true road warrior, packing cubes are always a welcome gift. This set is a solid option at a great price, and even includes a laundry bag.” —Astrid Taran, senior travel editor

“As a baseline anxious person, I benefit a lot from mindfulness practices like yoga, gratitude and meditation. But sometimes I just don't have the patience or time. This particular journal has been so helpful in keeping me on track with my gratitude practice. It has helpful prompts (specific ones for the morning and evening) and all I need is 5 extra minutes in the morning and 5 at night to do them. Plus, there are really interesting research-based facts and famous quotes about gratitude sprinkled throughout.” —Francesca Sales, updates writer

“This is my all-time favorite lip balm. The texture is the perfect amount of smooth and soft, and all the scents are great. I also love that this company’s ingredients meet extremely high health and environmental standards.” —Margaret Badore, commerce editor

“I usually find myself ravenously hungry in the morning but with very little motivation to whip up a healthy meal. Cue: these adorable jars that are perfect for prepping overnight oats, chia puddings or even mini salads for quick lunches. Each comes with a lid and extendable band that holds a spoon. I love taking the time to prep my meals the night before (the set of two lets me prep for two days) and my mornings are so much more relaxed now that I know I have a nutritious, filling breakfast waiting for me in the refrigerator.” —Sholeen Damarwala, home and kitchen editor

“The ESW Beauty Revitalizing Raw Juice Mask is easy to use and leaves your skin feeling soft, hydrated and refreshed. If you have specific skin concerns, such as anti-aging or large pores, the brand offers a range of sheet masks with different ingredients. I also love that these masks are perfect for traveling (just slip them into your dopp kit or travel bag) and they’re an excellent stocking stuffer!” —Katherine Louie, commerce lifestyle editor

“This sweet monster-themed puzzle from Petit Collage is perfect for tots and preschoolers. The pieces are chunky enough for them to handle, but the 100-piece size is big enough to challenge them. What's unique about this puzzle is that it comes with 3D glasses that reveal a second puzzle within the puzzle: a search-and-find for specific objects. I love this brand, too. It puts out so many thoughtful, well-designed toys and games for kids.” —Rose Gordon Sala, senior baby and kids gear editor

“This playful gift is a great way to show your love for someone—you’re literally giving them the moon! It looks hyper-realistic when it’s lit up, and the accompanying remote allows you to adjust the color and intensity of the light. I have one of these in my bedroom, and I love the glow it creates as I’m winding down for the night.” —Claire Epting, updates writer

“This is hands down my favorite nontoxic detergent in sustainable packaging that is clean and actually effective. The jar lasts a long time, and I like that I can refill it. I also like how the lavender-scented one smells a lot better than any store-bought detergents I've used in the past.” —Francesca Sales, updates writer

“A treat they probably wouldn’t buy for themselves, this premium olive oil is an excellent host gift or stocking stuffer at just $19 for a 100-milliliter bottle. I was able to get my hands on a sample and have been drizzling it on olives and cheese.” —Karen Tietjen, senior updates editor

“I recently got myself this planner that I think is perfect for any Type A person. It has extra pages for budgeting, goals and more. It even comes with stickers!” —Dawlat Chelby, SEO content strategist

“It’s been a little while since I’ve been to Disneyland—I love this cookbook because it allows me to create a bit of Disney magic at home. From Mickey-shaped beignets to the iconic Dole Whip, this book is loaded with parks-inspired recipes that are ridiculously accurate. It makes a great gift for kids and kids at heart.” —Claire Epting, updates writer

“This ‘escape room puzzle in a box’ was designed by Neil Patrick Harris (or, at least he helped design it) and it's a captivating way to spend an afternoon or two. The puzzles are challenging without being overwhelming, and it includes a few surprising, exhilarating twists along the way. Harris insists this is a game for one person, but I solved it with a friend and didn't get into trouble. A great gift for the person (or couple) in your life who loves challenging their brains.” —Dave Johnson, deputy editor

“Insulated drinkware is generally a crowd-pleaser. I use this toddy myself for hot drinks like coffee and tea, as well as the perfect portion of cold drinks like seltzer or cocktails. The locking lid makes it spill-proof and suitable for travel.” —Karen Tietjen, senior updates editor

“I've actually gifted this a couple of times to coffee lovers, especially ones who like it strong. I like that you can make authentic slow-drip Vietnamese coffee with this kit, which comes with a unique stainless steel press and a bag of your choice of Vietnamese coffee.” —Francesca Sales, updates writer

“Know someone who doesn’t usually love Christmas music? This is the album for them. I’m very picky when it comes to holiday tunes, and when December rolls around, Andrew Bird’s HARK! is pretty much the only record I want to listen to. It’s a collection of folk songs with subtle Christmas-y flourishes, perfect for setting the right ambiance without being too in-your-face. The red-hued vinyl is so festive, and the pop-out paper ornaments make their way onto my tree each year.” —Claire Epting, updates writer

“I’ve been using Rhode’s Peptide Lip Treatment for the past several months because I needed something extra moisturizing, and I’m happy to report that the formula really delivers. I use this product throughout the day and before bed (I apply a thick layer as an overnight lip mask), and it does a great job of hydrating my lips and imparting a natural shine. It doesn’t feel goopy or sticky, either! I plan on gifting this to my skincare-obsessed friends and family members.” —Katherine Louie, commerce lifestyle editor

“Ideal for giving—and using—during the holidays, Party Drinks is a recipe book full of nonalcoholic concoctions that partygoers of all ages can sip. It’s filled with vibrant photography by author Rebecca Hubbell, founder of the food blog Sugar & Soul (which I’ve personally followed for years).” —Karen Tietjen, senior updates editor

“Put it on popcorn, sprinkle into sautéed vegetables—either way, this Fly By Jing spice mix is irresistible. The salty, zippy blend helps level up all kinds of dishes, and it lives permanently on my kitchen counter.” —Anna Perling, reviews editor

“I love (love love) Kitsch, particularly because its products are both sustainable and feel good on my thin hair. I've tried Kitsch’s shampoo bars as well as its scrunchies, claw clips and silk pillow cases. I love this gift bundle because it has a hodgepodge of some of my favorite products in holiday colors.” —Francesca Sales, updates writer