How to use this guide
The budget groups below are starting points. Prices change from store to store and day to day, so we list ideas that often fit a range rather than quoting prices. When a product page is tracked on RipePrice, it shows today's lowest price and whether it is a good time to buy.
Under $25
- A warm hat, gloves or a pair of thick socks
- A candle or small gift set
- A small board game or card game
- A coffee or tea sampler
Warm winter basics
Easy to size, easy to like, and useful from December to March.
Bath gifts also fit this budget. See our bath bomb and bath gift set guide.
Under $50
- An insulated tumbler or travel mug
- A good set of kitchen gadgets
- A portable power bank or wireless charger
- A family board game
Coffee lovers
Compare by price per ounce, and check roast dates when they are shown.
Under $100
- Wireless earbuds or headphones
- A small kitchen appliance such as an air fryer or blender
- A game controller or gaming accessory
- A space heater for someone with a cold desk or home office
Headphones
Previous-year models are often a better value than the newest release. Check the price history.
Kitchen appliances
Capacity and wattage matter more than brand. Check the size against your kitchen counter.
Gaming accessories
Check that it works with the console or PC the person actually owns.
By person
- The home cook: one well-made pan is often better than a boxed set. See our PFAS-free cookware guide.
- The coffee drinker: a sampler of whole beans, or a better kettle. See coffee prices.
- Someone who is always cold: thermal layers, a heated blanket or a desk heater. See space heaters.
- A new parent: diapers and wipes are never wasted. Pick a size they will use soon, since babies outgrow them. See diapers.
- A pet owner: good treats, or a food they already buy. See the pet supplies guide.
- A small gift or stocking stuffer: a single bath bomb or a small packet of bath salts. See bath bombs and gift sets.
- A toddler or young child: choose by the age label first. See our guide to eco-friendly toys by age.
- The gamer: accessories rather than consoles, unless you know exactly which one they want.
- The person who has everything: something consumable: good food, a candle, or coffee.
Gifts for pets and pet lovers
Pets are easy to buy for if you keep to toys, treats made for them and a good bed, and owners tend to like practical gifts. Holiday plants, decorations and table scraps cause real problems for pets, so read the safety notes first. See the full Gifts for Pets & Pet Lovers guide, and our pet supplies guide for comparing food and treat prices.
More gift guides
- Gifts under $25: small, useful ideas and how to choose
- Gifts under $50: practical gifts that get used
- Gifts under $100: larger gifts and how to compare them
- Gifts for parents: practical, comfortable and easy to use
- Gifts for kids: choose by age label and how they play
- Gifts for coworkers and teachers: small, useful, no awkwardness
- Gifts for new parents: useful for them and the baby
- Eco-friendly gifts: how to choose and read the claims
Timing
Buy early for items that sell out, like popular toys and sizes of winter clothing. Wait for the November sales for items that are discounted most then, like TVs and headphones. See the Black Friday guide for the dates and what tends to be worth buying then. Check shipping cut-off dates at each store, since they differ.
Early deals
Dropped since yesterday
Price tracking is rolling out category by category. The biggest drops will be listed here as categories are covered.