The Best Holiday Gifts Under $25

We’re in a whole pandemic.

It’s the middle of November, so I think it’s safe to say that it’s time to start shopping for holiday gifts. Even if you aren’t ready to start shopping, it’s still wise to start budgeting for gifts if you and your family are still committed to gift exchanging this season. In my family, no matter how many times we say we’re going to do a singular gift exchange, (pick a name/only buy gift a for the name picked), someone in the family (cough my aunt) always decides to get everyone in the family a gift despite the dramatic pick a name antics that’s always served with constant pleas of sticking to the one gift. It’s the most annoying thing ever, so we just stopped pretending to be a one gift giving family and went back to our everyone’s broke after Christmas roots. I kid. I kid. Well not kidding about the gift giving, but I have learned a little something about making my dollars stretch. If you refrain from waiting until the last minute, you can score some relatively inexpensive gifts for your loved ones that they won’t forget in the corner of their backseat in that Dollar Tree gift bag.

Before we get into my recommendations, let me give you a little advice on gifts not to give to loved ones.

1) Do not gift adults clothing. If you’re reading this, more than likely, you’re not a stylist. So you’re not qualified sis. Even if you are very stylish and can put together a dope look at the drop of a hat, you don’t know people’s sizes, their problem areas or insecurities. Then you’ll call yourself offended if you never see them wearing said clothing. Just let them pick out their own clothes unless you have first hand knowledge a specific item (I’m talking style number and all) that they are coveting. This is rarely the case, so I think we can move on.

2) Do not gift food. Alcohol yes. Food no. Listen. It just wreaks of low effort to gift someone a basket of food. That’s only acceptable from vendors at work. Other than that, don’t go gifting your aunt a big ass tub of popcorn.

3) Cosmetic Value gift sets. So first, you give me a big tub of salty popcorn and now you want me to put cheap makeup on my face to cover up the break out from all of that trans fat, causing me to break out even more. Nah.

4) Now I realize that this is going to be triggering for some people, but for the love of baby Jesus, please do not gift Bath and Body Works sets to anyone with melanin in their skin. Listen, I use to gift the hell out of these sets too back in the day. But how are you still using BBW lotion in 2020. That lotion is like water. I mean do they have a new line of lotions with a new formula? if not, I don’t want it, so don’t you gift it. There are a million more options available if you insist on gifting bath products.

5) Coloring Books. I don’t want it. I don’t need it.

Now let’s get into these gift recommendations, that are cheap, practical and useful.

*BOB = black owned business

COCO + HONEY BEAUTY (BOB)

Sharren, the owner of COCO + HONEY started this company because she has sensitive skin and she was tired of using bath products that were filled with harmful ingredients that left her with irritated skin. So she formulated her own bath and body products made with all natural ingredients. I can attest that these products are amazing. I started out with the lotion stick, which is the perfect on the go moisturizing stick available in multiple scents. A new favorite are these whipped body butters in the Coconut Bergamot or Lovely Lemongrass Scent. The whipped body polishes, fairly to new to her collection, is simply divine and makes your skin baby smooth. The best part is that these products are all $20 and under! These would make perfect gifts and you would also be supporting a black owned brand.

Faux Fur Slippers

This is a no-brainer. If you received these slippers as a gift, these are the first gift you’re going to want to put on as soon as you get back to your house. You literally can never have too many and given how popular faux fur is in outerwear, a faux fur slipper only makes sense. There are two different version, a open and closed toe option for $18.

BSGO Jewelry, (BOB)

If you’re reading this, more than likely you already know that BSGO is my jewelry brand, which is a collection of gemstone bracelets for both Men’s and Women’s. I just released a new bracelet, called the Ryann, which comes in a multitude of colors. These bracelets are high quality with semi-precious stones and retails for $18. And because this is a brand that I own, this is obviously a black owned brand (BOB). Contact me directly for inquiries or to purchase.

Anthropologie Mugs

Anthro mugs are definitely one of my favorite things. They are just so freaking pretty. I feel so bougie whenever I use these mugs. They are pricier than the average mug, but a perfect gift that someone might not necessarily buy for themselves. I mean who wouldn’t want to drink coffee in a pretty mug. My favorites are the alphabet mugs and there are about 3 different styles to choose from.

Elli Scents (BOB)

Elli Scents is a black owned candle company that makes the most amazing soy hand poured candles. Some of my favorite scents are Man Cave and Butt Naked, which are everyday staples. But I’ll be sure to check out some of her newer fall scents, such as Sweater Weather and Black Beauty. A 9 oz. candle retails for only $14 and the 16 oz. candle retails for $24. These make perfect holiday gifts. And yes, this is a black woman owned business.

Coffee Mug Warmer

Okay, now we’re going into a different lane, as most of my content revolves around fashion, wine and travel. However, your girl is sort of a techie and I like having nice techy things. I came across this gadget that everyone needs if you’re an avid coffee and tea drinker like myself. Check out this coffee mug warmer for under $25! I absolutely hate that I rarely finish my coffee before it turns cold when I don’t have my Yeti tumbler handy. And lets face it. Sometimes, the Yeti keeps that sh*t entirely too hot for too long. This is perfect and I immediately it added to my cart for myself. If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, you need this in your life.

Yeti Tumbler

Speaking of Yeti, if your loved one doesn’t own a Yeti tumbler, this is the perfect gift, especially for the that person who already has everything else. It’s life changing if you live in a hotter climate, as it keeps drinks both cool for long periods of time. I can vouch that a drink made with a little ice stays cold pretty much the entire day. The newer versions with the handle retail for $25 and they are available in a multitude of colors.

Wine Tumbler

Did someone say wine? Oh well since you asked, the next gift on the list is a handy dandy wine tumbler. We’ve all been drinking too much during this pandemic, as most responsible adults are still quarantining outside of work. You know you’ve spilled a glass or two of wine after maybe one or two extra glasses of wine you didn’t need. Oh so that’s just me? Or maybe you were reliving your younger days as you reminisced over numerous Versuz battles. A wine tumbler would have kept that wine safe and sound until it entered your mouth. This $14 wine tumbler is the perfect gift for pretty much anybody and it’s cheap AF. We love to see it. Like the Yeti, this can keep beverages both hot and cold, so if you don’t have Yeti money, this may be an affordable alternative as this is about $10 cheaper. These are perfect for gift exchanges or when you need gift ideas and really need to make that dollar stretch during these pandemic economic times. These are also packaged in a pretty box as well, which is an added bonus.

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

This is one of those items that I actually really need, but never think to buy for myself. The one I have linked below has gotten excellent reviews. It’s super small, which makes it easy and compact enough to travel with. And the sound is great. This is another gift for someone who has almost everything. Even if they already have a portable speaker, you really can never have too many. This speaker is only $16. Trust me when I say that this will sell out.

Personalized Necklaces

I like this next gift so much that I’m hoping someone from my tribe gifts me this for my birthday. Cap season IS approaching. This personalized necklace is stunning and the price is even more unbelievable. You can personalize the length and the metal color, choosing from gold, rose gold or silver. It’s just so elegant and elevates your entire look. Right now, this small business is running a sale on these necklaces for $20, Reg, $34. This is the perfect stock stuffer for mom or your daughter. You’re welcome.

Novelty Gift

With the year we’ve had, who wouldn’t want to own this? This is a little over budget, (technically there is a smaller size for under $20), but the item speaks for itself. They are almost sold out of this item, so add to cart sooner rather than later. Unless you just don’t want to give AF.

Automatic Pan Stirrer

I will acknowledge that I was forced to find my way around the kitchen a lot more often than before during this pandemic. So I find this next gift intriguing. This is the perfect gift for the chefs of the house as it allows you to save arm strength as well as multitask. I would imagine that someone with arthritis would find this useful as well. Once again, this is the perfect gift for someone or that couple that has everything. Lets be real. This contraption may actually save marriages.

Bourbon Infused Coffee Beans

Need I say more.

Drink More Water Bottle

I venture to say that most people need to be reminded to drink more water everyday. This is the perfect bottle and conversation starter, as everyone will be asking where you purchased it. A little extra motivation never hurt anyone.

Foot Spa

If you’re anything like me, you’ve been a little nervous to resume all of your pre-pandemic beauty treatments, such as pedicures. I’ve been looking for a reasonably priced one for a minute. This is a really good gift for the woman who doesn’t already own one and that would be me. I love this version because of the soft pink color way, which reminds me of a luxurious spa.

Mini Crock Pot Slow Cooker

Most people own a crock pot, but sometimes you need a smaller pot to cook smaller dishes. This is also a good option for the person who needs two because they frequently channel Martha Stewart, but doesn’t have enough space to store two full size pots. This particular one is super cute with the white exterior and the quality is superb because it’s from Joanna Gaine’s Hearth and Home line. She doesn’t half do anything she puts in Target. This one retails for $16. It’s a relative steal.

Divvy Socks

My boyfriend gave me these as a gift and I can’t say that I don’t love them. These are excellent stocking stuffers and make perfect gifts for your loved ones.

Inclusive Randomness (You Need Buttons.) (BOB)

If you’re Black and you reside in Houston, than you’re likely familiar with Nzingah’s buttons for the culture. She makes buttons for every relevant pop culture reference that exists and I love it. Inclusive Randomness is a fashion accessory company that specializes in fashion pins specifically relevant to black culture. These buttons are super affordable and start off at only $2. These make great stocking stuffers at an affordable price. And obviously, this is a black owned business.

Personalized Makeup Bags

By now, I’m sure you’re sensing a personalization theme. A woman can never have enough makeup bags, so why not have one that’s personalized? It’s the perfect gift for anyone, including that new co-worker that you don’t know anything about. These bags can be used for toiletries, your sanitation kit or make-up. The possibilities are endless. And the best part is that these bags retail for only $10.19. The color options are soft and feminine. Love.

That wraps up my list of my recommendations for cheap and practical holiday gifts. These are all pretty “nose turn up” proof. Let me know in the comments which ones are your favorites.

SJ