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Let’s talk about that sweet spot of gifting, gifts under $25 that feel luxe and thoughtful. We’ve all been there. You want to give something that feels special, generous, and personal but without spending a small fortune. Maybe it’s a holiday exchange, a co-worker’s birthday, a sweet thank-you, or just a “thinking of you” surprise. And when your budget is tight, but your taste isn’t? That’s where the magic happens.
As someone who’s made a bit of a hobby out of finding elevated gifts on a budget, I promise: you don’t have to spend a ton of money to give something that makes someone say, “Oh wow, this is so me.”
Here’s my curated list of gifts under $25 that look and feel so much more expensive, and more importantly, thoughtful.
1. Mini Spa Gift Sets (But Make Them Aesthetic)
Think luxe textures, soft scents, and small indulgences. I once gave a friend a mini “self-care night” kit: a beautifully packaged rose clay face mask, a tiny glass jar of bath salts, and a satin scrunchie, total cost? $21. She told me she kept the little apothecary jar on her vanity because it felt too pretty to toss.
Look for:
- Individually wrapped bath bombs in pastel packaging
- Sheet masks paired with a reusable spa headband
- Scented tealights in amber glass jars
💡 Tip: Wrap it all in a kraft paper box tied with velvet ribbon, it immediately feels boutique-level.
2. A Fancy Candle That Smells Like a Designer Hotel
You know the scent, the kind that makes you want to exhale deeper. You can absolutely find it under $25. My go-to trick is to look for soy wax candles with minimalist packaging and scent notes like sandalwood, fig, bergamot, or amber. Bonus if it comes in a matte black or gold tin.
Brands I’ve gifted (and loved):
- Hidden Label has amazing dupes for luxury scents and the prettiest glass jars
- Paddywax Apothecary or LA JOLIE MUSE, gorgeous glass designs
3. Personalized Notepads or Stationery Sets
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gifted monogrammed notepads or initialed pens and had people think I custom-ordered them from a boutique.
Why this works:
- It feels so personal
- It’s useful (everyone needs paper, even in 2025)
- It often comes beautifully wrapped
Real-life tip: Pair with a gold pen or sticky note pack to make it feel like a curated desk refresh.
4. Gold-Plated Jewelry (Yes, Really!)
Jewelry is tricky, it can feel cheap or way too expensive. But in that perfect in-between zone are dainty gold-plated pieces that look far more luxe than their price tag. I’ve gifted $18 huggie hoops that got more compliments than a $100 pair.
Look for:
- Gold-filled or 14k plated (lasts longer, doesn’t turn green)
- Minimalist styles: bar necklaces, layering chains, stacking rings
- Bonus: some brands offer tiny velvet pouches or boxes, gift-ready!
5. A Luxe Coffee or Tea Moment
I love putting together a “café at home” gift. Think a bag of local small-batch beans or loose leaf tea, paired with a beautiful ceramic mug. It’s everyday luxury.
Ideas:
- A Japanese-style stoneware mug + sachets of lavender or earl grey tea
- A coffee sampler set
- Single-origin coffee + a cinnamon stick bundle and chocolate-covered espresso beans
- A glass mug with a built-in infuser, elevated and under budget
I once gave a “cozy morning kit” to a teacher friend. She texted me months later to say she still used the mug every weekend.
6. Velvet Scrunchies, Silk Sleep Masks, or Hair Clips (Not Just for Teens)
Elevated hair accessories feel special, even if they’re small. Look for colors like blush, sage, or champagne, and materials like faux silk or velvet. I once received a $18 satin eye mask in a linen pouch and felt so spoiled.
Mix & match:
- Pack of three luxe scrunchies in soft neutrals
- Pearl hair clip set in gold trim
- Silk Sleep Mask
- Satin pillowcase (yes, some are under $25!)
7. Chic Catch-All Dishes or Trinket Trays
Ceramic ring dishes or engraved catch-alls are such a “little luxury.” They feel intentional, like something you’d buy for yourself on a random Anthropologie run. I’ve found gorgeous marbled clay dishes on Etsy for $14.
Great for:
- Jewelry
- Keys
- Lip balm + hand cream station
💡 Wrap in tissue and place in a small gift box with dried flowers or a sprig of lavender.
8. Books That Look and Feel Giftable
Not every book makes a good gift. But some just feel special, whether it’s the gold-foil cover, the topic, or the illustrations.
Some under-$25 winners:
- A beautiful poetry or affirmation book (like Cleo Wade’s Heart Talk)
- Coffee table mini-books (like Little Book of Chanel or 52 Lists for Calm)
- Recipe books for cozy cooking (Check out Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy Cookbook)
I once gave a friend a “blind date with a book” kit: a paperback, a hot cocoa packet, and fuzzy socks. Her response? “Best Tuesday night I’ve had in months.”
9. Small-Batch or Artisanal Treats
Think of this as the foodie’s version of a spa gift. When you gift something edible and elevated, it feels like a real indulgence.
Go-to combos:
- A local honey sampler
- A trio of dipping oils for bread
- A box of sea salt caramels or handmade chocolates
- A hot sauce flight for spice lovers
I found a balsamic glaze + olive oil set once for $19 and gave it with a baguette and tea towel. Instant hostess gift success.
10. Printable or DIY Gift Certificates (With Style)
Here’s one of my favorite personal touches: designing a gift certificate for something simple, but paired with a little physical item.
Examples:
- “Movie night on me” with popcorn and M&M’s
- “Morning walk & coffee catch-up” with a cute travel mug
- “Dinner + dish duty” with a mini bottle of wine
I gave a friend a “wine & vent night” voucher with a mini charcuterie board. It was perfect.
11. Magnetic Wine Charms or Drink Markers
These are a total party hack, and they make incredible under-$25 gifts for hosts or wine lovers. I gave a set to a friend who regularly hosts game nights, and now she insists they come out for every gathering.
Look for:
- Magnetic designs (no sliding off the stem!)
- Sets with seasonal or cute themes: holidays, celestial symbols, animals
- Bonus points if they come in a little storage tin or mesh bag
12. Mini DIY Craft or Art Kits
Whether it’s a paint-by-numbers postcard or a tiny watercolor book, there’s something so thoughtful about giving someone the tools to relax and make something.
Affordable faves:
These are great for both crafty friends and people who say they’re “not creative”, trust me, they’ll love it anyway.
Wrapping It All Up (Literally)
One final touch: how you package your gift matters. Even a $5 trinket can feel luxe if it’s wrapped with care.
Ideas for luxe wrapping:
- Kraft boxes tied with chiffon ribbon
- Tissue paper inside a reusable gift bag
- Add a sprig of eucalyptus or a wax seal to the card
I often keep a stash of neutral ribbons and small dried florals for exactly this reason. It makes everything feel custom.
Thoughtful Always Wins With These Gifts Under $25
You don’t need to spend $50+ to make someone feel seen, celebrated, and special. Gifts under $25 that feel luxe and thoughtful are about intention, not price. It’s about noticing what someone loves, or needs, or simply what would brighten their day. And with a bit of creativity and curation, you can absolutely do that on a budget.
With love,
Bri & Cat
Check Out Some of Our Other Gift Guides:
Book Lover Gift Ideas: Gift Guide for the Bookworm Who Has Enough Books
Calm & Cozy: A Gift Guide for the Peaceful Homebody
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Coffee Lovers on the Go: Gifts for the Coffee Shop Dweller in Your Life
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