Gift guides
Stocking Stuffers and Cool Gifts Under $25
From the editors
Small gifts are surprisingly hard to get right. You want something fun and useful, not a pile of stuff headed straight for the junk drawer. These are our favorite stocking stuffers and budget-friendly gifts for kids, teens and grown-ups, perfect for teachers, coworkers, gift exchanges, or filling those stockings without blowing the budget.
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47 guidesThe guides
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From the archive · May 28, 201930 amazing Father's Day gifts under $15: For when the thought counts, but so does the gift | Father's Day Gift Guide
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From the archive · January 27, 201716 creative, inexpensive Valentine's Day gifts for him, all under $35 | Valentine's Day Gift Guide 2017
From the archive · February 12, 202324 cheap, easy, sexy ideas for date night at home. Because shockingly, parents can't always get out.
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From the archive40 seriously cool holiday gifts for adults under $15. They're out there!
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From the archive · March 17, 2024One Cool Thing: A thoughtful gift under $10 for an avid reader, teacher, or a new grad
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From the archive · June 8, 201823 great Father's Day gifts all $20 and under - that don't feel like it | Father's Day Gifts 2018
From the archive · June 9, 201517 very, very cool Father's Day gifts under $25 | 2015 Father's Day Gift Guide
From the archive28 Special Mother's Day Gifts Under $25 | 2016 Mothers Day Gift Guide
From the archive · September 19, 2017Hot trend: 15 hipster cat accessories and school supplies
From the archive · November 28, 2023Amazing gifts under $15 for adults: More than 60 VERY cool finds for everyone on your list
From the archive60+ cool gifts for kids under $15 because breeders amirite
From the archive · August 11, 2015The coolest affordable small appliances for college | Back to school guide
From the archive · May 18, 2016Keepsake jewelry under $75 that makes a meaningful gift for your favorite grad.
From the archive50+ cool gifts under $15 because who knows WTF is happening with interest rates
From the archive · April 25, 2017We found 13 amazing Mother's Day gifts under $20 that don't feel cheap at all | Mother's Day Gift Guide 2017
From the archive · February 4, 201612 romantic Valentine's gifts for him under $50 | Valentine's Day Gift Ideas 2016
From the archive · June 5, 201622 seriously fantastic Father's Day gifts under $25 | Gift Guide 2016
From the archive · January 28, 201815+ fun, affordable Valentine's Day gifts for kids all under $15 each
From the archive · February 1, 201514 romantic Valentine's gifts for him under 50: Valentine's Day Gift Guide
From the archive · August 14, 201729 very cool, very affordable back-to-school finds for tweens and teens
From the archive · March 25, 20159 adorably modern Easter dresses for girls, all under 50.
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From the archive · March 17, 202324 cool, creative Easter basket ideas for kids all under $20. (We love them all!)
From the archive · June 7, 201413 cool gifts for dad under $20: 2014 Father's Day Gift Guide
From the archive · February 2, 2012Sweet, but not-sugary, Valentines gifts for under $20
From the archive · January 30, 2010Love notes you'll love
From the archiveGifts under $15 for adults: 50+ gifts that are cool, whatever your budget
From our stories & Selling now
4 picksEditors' top picks
All-Weather Soccer Ball
$7Shop at Target (opens in a new tab)From: More than 60 amazing holiday gifts for kids under $15: Like, GOOD gifts. Not stocking stuffers.
5-pack Hot Wheels Die Cast Cars
$5.00Shop at Target (opens in a new tab)From: More than 60 amazing holiday gifts for kids under $15: Like, GOOD gifts. Not stocking stuffers.
Art of Tea Sachet Sampler
$7.99Shop at Art of Tea (opens in a new tab)From: 15 Mother's Day gifts under $30 that are seriously great gifts
Gap Factory: Even better prices on the same look
$6Shop at Gap Factory (opens in a new tab)From: Smart back-to-school picks for families on a budget
Good questions
Frequently asked
What are good stocking stuffers?
The best stocking stuffers are small but genuinely useful or fun: a great book, a cool gadget, a favorite treat, craft supplies, or something tied to the person's current obsession. Our rule of thumb: if it'll end up in the junk drawer by New Year's, skip it.
What are good stocking stuffers for adults and men who have everything?
Grown-ups love consumable luxuries they wouldn't buy themselves: fancy snacks, good coffee, nice socks, a quality pen, or a clever little tool. For the person who has everything, go for experiences (tickets, a class) or a really good version of something they use daily.
Do you wrap stocking stuffers?
Totally up to you. Many families leave small items unwrapped for easy digging, while others wrap a few favorites for extra suspense. Tissue paper or small bags are a good middle ground.
What are good stocking stuffers for toddlers?
Think chunky crayons, bath toys, board books, stickers and small figures that are safely sized for little ones (no choking hazards). Our kids gift guide has plenty more ideas.