Finding great holiday gifts doesn’t have to mean putting yourself into debt. Whether you’re shopping for kids, teens or grown-ups, there are plenty of thoughtful, fun and useful picks that fall into the inexpensive — but great! — gifts category. I’ve found 15 of the best new gifts to help you check off everyone on your list without the stress or the splurge. Happy shopping!
Gifts for kids
Beanie Bouncers (starting at $12.99)
GenX and Millennials are sure to remember the Beanie Baby craze that swept the nation in the 1990s. Meet the 2025 version — Beanie Bouncers. Part stuffy, part bouncy ball, these big-eyed cute critters are sure to be on everyone’s wish list. From animals to superheroes to Minecraft characters, there is something sweet and bouncy for everyone. You can pick up a starter pack of three for $17.99, or search and find the perfect match your child will adore.
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LED gloves ($12.99)
During the Big Dark, I am always looking for ways to bring a little light into our lives. And bonus points if that light also results in increased safety and visibility during evening walks and play time. These glowing LED gloves are fun and just odd enough to get my kids’ interest. They come in three sizes, perfect for growing, glowing hands.
Nighttime reading accomplice booklight ($14)
We all want to encourage our kids to put down their screens and pick up a book. This sweet bookmark pulls double duty as a book light, allowing your little bookworm to read just one more chapter. Choose between a sloth or cat design.
Digital Care Bears ($20.99)
Remember the joy of watching episodes of the Care Bears cartoon? Remember the stress of keeping your Tamagotchi pet alive? Well your kids can combine both with these new Care Bear digital pets. They come in five colors modeled after different Care Bears, including my childhood favorite, Cheer Bear. Kids can play mini games and take care of their pocket-size digital pets, no actual feeding or walking required.
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Imaginary creature air clay creation kit ($20)
Looking for a gift that will provide hours of creative play without the mess? This air clay kit is just what you need. It includes 36 colors of air clay, a step-by-step instructional booklet with links to video lessons, two sculpting tools and storage bags to keep everything neat and ready for your kid’s next creative burst. You can model anything you want, from adorable animals to colorful plants — anything your kids can imagine. The best part about air clay? It air-dries in 24 hours, no baking needed.
“Selfie Slumber Party” puzzle ($25)
Puzzles of Color, a Black-owned family business run by a sibling duo, was founded to offer frameable art by talented artists of color, celebrating diverse experiences and creativity. The puzzles they offer are beautiful, and they have an impressive variety. While this puzzle is sure to engage your kids, check out the artists page and find the perfect puzzle to keep your family entertained throughout the holiday season, and beyond.
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Gifts for teens
Designer fragrance cologne sampler (10 samples, $23.90), or perfume sampler (10 samples, $17.99)
As the mother of two teenage boys, I can tell you one thing: They like cologne. A lot. And while I am not about to spring for a full-size bottle of designer cologne, this sampler has been a huge hit. They get access to fancy colognes and are able to change their smell daily, depending on the mood. Bonus — there is enough in each sample to use, but not enough to bathe in, which seems to be my youngest’s application method of choice.
Personalized sequin pouch ($14.95)
Who doesn’t love something with their name on it? These pouches are sparkly, adorable and can be personalized with up to 10 characters. The sequins flip, allowing you to reveal the personalization or keep it a secret. Fun!
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Visoone’s gamer glasses ($18.99)
If you’ve got a teen who can’t get enough gaming, at least you can help them protect their eyes from all that blue light. The chunky frames look cool, come in a variety of colors and the yellow lenses will help ease eye strain and block 99 percent of harmful blue light from LED screens.
Origami cats ($9.99)
Has your teen been begging for a cat? Well why not give them 50, no litter box required? These adorable paper cats take a little skill to fold, but since there are 50 your teen is sure to become an expert in no time. Now they can have a cat in their room, on their desk, in the kitchen and everywhere else.
Gift cards to places they like to eat with their friends (and gas cards for drivers)
Another popular teen activity — eating. If your kids have specific places they like to go with their friends, pick up a few gift cards. You know they will get used and it will give your kids a chance to stop asking for money for food every single day. Bonus — some gift cards can be transferred to their phone, super convenient!
Gifts for adults
Keeki cloth ($15)
A great gift doesn’t always have to be flashy. Sometimes an item that simply makes life easier for the recipient is the best choice, such as these cleaning cloths by Keeki. They are, quite simply, a game changer. If you are shopping for someone who likes to bake, you’ll want to check these out. They somehow magically clean up dough from bowls, utensils and countertops without getting sticky and gross like a sponge or kitchen towel. Simply rinse them with cold water and your cleanup is done.
“This Life of Mine: A Legacy Journal for Grandparents, Parents and Anyone to Preserve Memories, Moments & Milestones (Keepsake Legacy Journals)” by Seattle author, Anne Phyfe Palmer ($19.95)
This gift is not only thoughtful and interactive, it’s also absolutely beautiful. The journal is filled with a mix of fill-in-the-blanks, short-answer questions, list-making prompts and ideas for simple sketches or photos, allowing the recipient to capture their memories and experiences for future generations to read. This makes a thoughtful gift for a friend, partner, parent, grandparent or in-law.
Ceramic animal cups (starting at $24)
The holidays are a great opportunity to get something for your partner that they will love, but might not get themselves. Art often fits the bill. Pick up one of these adorable ceramic animal cups from the Seattle Art Museum gift shop (where you will find tons of cool stuff, most of which is a little too pricey for this gift guide). You can use it to hold things on your desk, as a small vase or to sip water while you work. No matter how you use it, these cups are sure to bring a little beauty and whimsy to any space.
Mzoo luxury sleep eye mask ($22.99)
What does every parent want most of all? Sleep! Whether you are blocking out the sun or the glow from your partner’s phone, an eye mask is a simple tool that really works when it comes to getting some quality shut-eye. Thanks to memory foam, this mask is soft and comfortable and blocks 100 percent of light. It has a rating of 4.6 with over 96,000 reviews on Amazon — hard to argue with that!
More inspiration to help you find the perfect gift: |
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