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75 Cool Gifts Under $25 That Are So Damn Genius

Awesome presents that’ll impress any recipient — without costing much.

Written by Jenny White
Amazon
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Giving a good gift can be tricky, especially if the recipient is someone who seems to already have everything they could ever want. Enter: This complete list of the coolest gifts that are so damn genius — they’re sure to impress everyone from your favorite DIYer to that friend who gets super competitive playing games. Each one costs under $25 to stay within your budget.

01A 12-in-1 tool that’s a must for DIY lovers

With 12 tools in one, this stainless steel tool is a multitasker. It boasts handy instruments that’ll come in handy in a pinch, like a serrated knife, wire cutter, nail file, flat- and Phillips-head screwdrivers, bottle opener, and more.

02A LEGO kit to build cheerful little plants

These happy plants are ones you’ll want to display as decor. And the coolest part is that you get to build them yourself — they’re made entirely from 217 LEGO bricks, so they won’t ever wilt or dry up. An instruction booklet is included.

03A unique curved knife that rocks for easier slicing

This rocker knife boasts a unique curved handle and blade, allowing you to slice and dice ingredients with a rocking motion. This gives you ample control and is easier to do overall. The blade is made from rustproof stainless steel to last.

04A porcelain mug designed to warm your hands

As you sip on your morning coffee, this porcelain mug has a little built-in pocket to warm your fingers at the same time. The mug holds up to 18 ounces, and its porcelain design makes it safe for the microwave, oven, and dishwasher. Choose from nine colors in the listing.

05A wooden puzzle that’s a mathematical brainteaser

Spin each of the layered gears on this laser-cut wooden puzzle until every column that radiates from the center point adds up to 42 simultaneously — it’s a true mathematical brainteaser. The solve time is about an hour, hence why it’s referred to as a five out of five when it comes to difficulty.

06A handy knife keychain for under $10

For less than $10, you’ll likely find this mini knife a handy addition to your keychain. Use it to slice open packages, break down boxes, and more. The 4-inch blade stays securely locked between uses, and it’s crafted from stainless steel for unrivaled strength.

07A 3D moon lamp that’s surprisingly realistic

This 3D lamp has a realistic moon design — it’s like you’re looking up at the night sky from the comfort of your house. It sits on a wooden base and can be controlled with the included remote, where you can set a timer, tweak the brightness, and more.

08An insulated fleece jacket to keep your canned drink cold

A regular jacket keeps you warm, but this flannel can jacket keeps your favorite beverage cold. It boasts two layers of thermal insulation to do the trick, and it fits on any regular 12-ounce can, like beer, soda, or sparkling water. Other colors can be found in the listing.

09Magnets to transform your fridge into a retro console

Turn your boring fridge into the ultimate life-sized retro gaming console with this magnet kit — if only you could actually play it. And as a bonus, the “screen” is actually a usable dry-erase board for jotting down to-do lists and more.

10An insanely challenging clear puzzle with false corners

In line with its punny name, this 100-piece puzzle is insanely hard. Are you up for the challenge? All of the pieces are transparent, plus there are deceptive false edges and corners. Once you or your friends finally solve it, it can be framed and hung as a modern piece of art.

11Heavy-duty claws to tear through meat

With its seven sharp “talons,” these meat claws will tear into chicken, beef, and other meat for a quick, even shred. They’re textured for a comfortable hold, and the weighted design makes them easier to maneuver. Afterward, toss them in the dishwasher to get them clean.

12A faux leather organizer to stash important car documents

Keep important vehicle-related documents — such as registration information and your insurance card — organized and within reach thanks to this vegan leather holder. It boasts six clear sleeves to hold everything (and protect it), and the slim design means it’ll fit well in your center console or glove box.

13Granite “ice” cubes to avoid watered-down cocktails

Enjoy a not-watered-down cocktail thanks to these whiskey stones that take the place of ice — the six stones are made from granite that’ll keep your drink chilled for longer. Keep them in the freezer between uses on the included wooden tray.

14A magnetic wristband for easier DIYs

Put on this magnetic wristband during your next DIY project to keep nails, screws, and other metal pieces easily available on your arm. “What a great idea! This is comfortable and makes it so handy to have when I build my shelving and other projects,” explained one commenter. It has a Velcro closure that adjusts to fit most wrists.

15A metal lighter sleeve with 7 functions

Up the functionality of your lighter with this stainless steel sleeve that contains seven built-in tools, including a bottle opener, dual screwdrivers, a sharp knife, scissors, and more. Use the keychain to hang it from your keys, bag, or another similar spot — this way, it’s always nearby. It comes in lots of solids and cool finishes in the listing.

16A heat-resistant leather grilling mitt at a low price

As you char steaks or veggies on the grill, protect your fingers, hand, wrist, and forearm from burns with this grill mitt. It boasts a luxurious heat-resistant leather exterior and a cotton-polyester blend interior for comfortable wearing.

17Rechargeable hand warmers that last 8 hours

Stay toasty during outdoor adventures thanks to these hand warmers. Each one heats up in seconds, providing three levels of warmth (you choose how hot) for up to eight straight hours. They’re water resistant and rechargeable via USB.

18A novelty pizza blanket made of cozy fleece

Wrap yourself in an ooey-gooey pepperoni pizza — well, sort of. This pizza blanket gives you that vibe — but it’s made from soft, warm fleece for cuddling up on the couch or in bed. The blanket is 60 inches in diameter, but other sizes can be found in the listing.

19A miniature version of a classic arcade game

Pac-Man is the superior classic game and with this miniature arcade, you can enjoy a round of escaping those sneaky ghosts at any time. The bright full-color screen allows you to see everything clearly, and there’s a miniature joystick for control. It’s entirely wireless and powered by batteries.

20A customizable reading light that wraps around your neck

Cracking open your current reading obsession just got even better: This reading light can be set to three color temperatures and six brightness levels, creating the ideal ambiance for reading. It wraps around your neck and can be positioned just so. Expect the built-in battery to last up to 80 hours; it’s rechargeable via micro-USB.

21A vehicle vacuum with surprisingly powerful suction

Get your car to fresh-from-the-dealership clean with this portable vacuum. It plugs into the cigarette lighter for power via a 16-foot cord, and the strong motor can suck up dirt, hair, crumbs, sand, and more without issue. Swap between the three included attachments as needed — there’s a cleaning brush, crevice nozzle, and blowing hose.

22A cool lighthouse night-light that projects the moon

Not only is this lighthouse projector the coolest decor addition, but it also projects an image of the moon when it’s illuminated. This pick is powered by a rechargeable battery, and the brightness is adjustable as you see fit.

23An escape book to embrace your inner sleuth

Tap into your inner detective to solve the tricky riddles, logic puzzles, timed challenges, mathematical brain teasers, and other puzzles contained in this Sherlock Holmes-themed pick — it’s like an escape room in book form. It contains 128 pages of mystery for plenty of entertainment, and should you get stuck, there are hints to get you back on track.

24A smiley planter with built-in drainage

The happiest way to display a plant, this small planter has a smiley face and it sits on a rocking chair to add to the overall charm. “These are adorable and even cuter in person. [...] Great quality and fun/creative way to display plants,” shared one shopper. Made from resin, this 4.4-inch-tall pick can be used indoors or out. And there’s drainage to prevent overwatering.

25Magnetic rings that are fun to play with

This trio of magnetic rings functions as an engaging fidget toy. “There is no noise during use, they are very durable and easy to use. The best part is that they create this amazing calming effect,” expressed one fan.

26A soy candle that looks & smells just like soda

When lit, this cool candle smells exactly like your favorite fizzy soda. It even looks like it, too. The candle is crafted from premium soy wax, and it even comes with a lid to look like an unopened can. And reviewers confirm it burns well for a long time.

27Survival tools that are a must for outdoor expeditions

When outdoor adventuring — whether that’s a full-blown camping trip or even just a day hike — keep one of these survival tools on you for emergencies. It includes well-designed fire starters to provide warmth and a way to cook food in a pinch, plus a compass, whistle, and paracord.

28A wooden cup for bougier adult beverages

Savor your finest spirits from this drinking glass that’s made entirely from wood — it offers quite the bougie drinking experience. The drinking cup is treated with beeswax for durability, though should you accidentally drop it, it won’t shatter like its glass counterparts tend to.

29A heated ice cream scooper for easier sundae nights

Thanks to its heated design, it’s way easier to scoop out your favorite ice cream (even if it's rock-hard or a touch freezer burned) with this sturdy scooper — it’s a must-have for sundae night. It heats up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit quickly, and each scoop is about 2 ounces of ice cream.

30Ultra-bright lights for grilling at night & more

Grill steak — even when it’s dark out — thanks to these two barbecue lights that shine shockingly bright for ample visibility. Each one boasts a magnetic base to attach to the grill (or car hood or pipe), and then the gooseneck design means you can position the beam of light just so.

31A drawing board you can use over & over again

Unleash your inner creativity with this ink-less drawing board. You can create any image you want on it using solely water, then it will slowly fade away (in as few as 30 seconds, depending on the thickness of the strokes), so you can reuse it all over again.

32A complete kit to grow 3 different species of bonsai trees

Lacking in the green thumb department? No problem, this complete kit has everything you could possibly need to successfully grow three different kinds of miniature bonsai trees, including a complete instruction guide. “Cutest little garden set I’ve ever purchased! The quality is perfect! The different variety packs make it so worthwhile, they grow so fast,” noted one commenter.

33A dual incense holder with an ash-containing base

Don’t burn your incense in anything but this glass holder. It boasts dual clips to hang a pair of sticks in an upside-down position as they burn, allowing ash to fall into the sealed base so it doesn’t end up all over the place.

34A unique silicone mold to create icy shot glasses

Any get-together or party is instantly more fun when ice shot glasses are in the mix. And this hexagon mold allows you to pull this off. “Works great! [...] I’ve made about 2 dozen batches with this mold and no signs of wear yet,” explained one reviewer. The mold is dishwasher safe and can also be used with jello, candy, or chocolate.

35Drumstick pencils for a more-fun work or school day

Shaped like real drumsticks, these wooden pencils turn any desk into a musical instrument — this allows for spontaneous jam sessions whenever you need a break from your work. The pencils function as pencils so you can jot down notes and other text with them; a pen version is also available in the listing.

36A locking carabiner with 8 extra functions

Yes, this is a steel carabiner with a heavy-duty locking design. But it’s even more than that; it functions as a folding pocket knife, serrated knife, rope cutter, slotted screwdriver, bottle opener, can opener, and ruler. Choose from various colors in the listing.

37A shade that turns any bottle into a functional lamp

This wireless shade can create the most unique table lamp. It fits inside nearly any bottle (an adapter comes with it to make this happen), turning it into a functional piece for display. The LED lamp is powered by a built-in battery; recharge it via USB. Lots of styles can be found in the listing.

38An extra-long spatula with genius built-in features

While this grilling spatula does function well as a spatula, it’s much more than that — it’s also a knife, bottle opener, meat tenderizer, grill scraper, and more. The tool has a 17-inch handle, allowing you to use it from a distance to avoid burns from the grill.

39A well-designed vehicle organizer with a waterproof lining

With its adjustable compartments, you can put this low-cost vehicle organizer in your trunk, back seat, or anywhere else that’d benefit from its extra storage. It boasts tie-down straps in case you hit a bumpy spot on the road, and the waterproof lining keeps spills contained, rather than all over your floors.

40Versatile food flippers that work better than spatulas

Turn, flip, grab, and grip food, all with these stainless steel tools that replace a clunky spatula. “The point is very sharp and easily goes into both raw and cooked meats. Washing them is easy, too,” shared one commenter. Included are two flippers for right-handed users (left-handed options are in the listing) in 17- and 12-inch lengths.

41A universal socket tool for $10

The 52 heavy-duty stainless steel pins of this socket tool instantly adjust to grip onto most nuts or bolts (even irregularly-shaped ones) so you don’t have to dig around in your toolbox to find a good fit. It also easily connects with most electric drills and screwdrivers for power.

42Snack-hiding bags to keep your favorites for yourself

Keep your favorite snacks all for yourself by stashing them in these hiding bags that have images of way more boring food (like super greens and bread crumbs) to deter others. The set includes three large bags, each with a sturdy zippered top to stay securely closed.

43A full-body massager you can maneuever yourself

Get relief from your neck down to your feet with this curved massager that you can maneuver entirely on your own. “Thought is was weird but Its amazing! Dig into the pressure points and massage your pain away. Easy to use and [...] is amazingly effective,” remarked one commenter.

44A wooden book that transforms into a cool light

When you open up this wooden book, it becomes the coolest light. It puts out a warm-white glow for up to eight hours per charge and can be enjoyed as a semi- or full-circle shape.

45A handy label maker that connects with your phone

Get your home more organized by sticking a label on pretty much anything using this label maker. It connects wirelessly to your phone (via Bluetooth), and from there, you can customize the label with various fonts, languages, and more. It prints using thermal technology, so there’s no ink or toner to mess with.

46A color-changing coffee mug featuring dinosaurs

Fill this ceramic mug with any hot drink of your choosing (up to 14 ounces), then watch as the colorful dinosaur images fade away, leaving behind just the fossils of these creatures. It’s quite cool. This pick is microwave safe for reheating purposes.

47A complete nail care set in a travel-friendly case

This manicure kit has everything you could need to take care of your nails, including scissors, clippers, cuticle removers, and more, all made from stainless steel. It comes in a sleek leather case for storage — it snaps shut so you can throw it in your bag as well.

48A guided breathing tool that’s beginner-friendly

Improve your wellness by using this meditation tool to go through three different breathing techniques — it serves as a calming light, too. The tool is simple to use, even for beginners. And it’s powered by a built-in battery that’s rechargeable via USB-C.

49The coziest, softest wearable blanket reviewers love

“It’s great quality. Thick and so comfortable. I’ve been wearing it every single day,” described one commenter about this blanket hoodie. The oversized pick is made from soft, plush, and warm materials for cuddling up with. And there’s an extra-large pocket in front that can hold a bunch of must-haves — or a small pet for cuddling.

50A Bluetooth-compatible headband to play music or white noise

This Bluetooth headband can be worn over your eyes while you sleep or even just as a regular headband as you work out or go through your day. It wirelessly connects to your phone and can play music, a podcast, or white noise for up to 14 continuous hours per charge.

51Handy electric lighters that work in the wind & rain

Once you get your hands on these electric lighters, you’ll never want to use traditional lighters again — they’re superior. The lighters are weatherproof (rain or wind won’t extinguish them), will last up to 600 times on a full charge, and come in a pair.

52A complete sushi-making kit that anyone can use

Don’t be intimidated by making sushi at home: This complete kit has everything you need to pull it off, including bamboo mats, tools, chopsticks, and foolproof instructions. “I’ve never done anything like this, ever! [...] It’s pretty impressive these turned out like they did. [...] It’s easy to use and walks you right through it, and also comes with cute chopsticks and little ornamental ducks. We were so so impressed and can’t wait to break it out and do this again soon,” wrote one shopper.

53A cozy travel blanket that’s a must for your next trip

Before you jet off on your next trip, grab this travel blanket to make planes, cars, and other modes of transportation more comfortable. Made from microfleece polyester, the blanket is lightweight yet warm, and it rolls up into a waterproof carrying case with a drawstring closure.

54A Mason jar pitcher that keeps your favorite drink fresher

Pour any drink — from iced coffee to juices to milk, and more — from this glass pitcher that’s giving large-scale Mason jar vibes. The leakproof silicone seal keeps the contents inside fresh while the wide-mouth, flip-cap spout allows for smooth pouring.

55A slim wallet that holds a surprising amount

Despite its slim design (at just over 0.5 inches thick), this sleek wallet has space to stash up to 15 cards. There are even two clear slots to keep your ID visible. Built-in RFID-blocking technology ensures your important information stays safe.

56A micro-screwdriver kit to repair glasses & more

This miniature screwdriver set — which includes flathead and Philips varieties — is smart to keep on hand for repairing small-scale items like glasses, jewelry, and more. The six tools all boast heat-treated steel shafts with strong magnetic tips to grip onto teeny screws for easier tightening and loosening.

57A challenging spin-off of tic-tac-toe for 2 to 4 players

A spin on the traditional game of tic-tac-toe, Otrio the game has players using their reasoning, strategizing, and critical thinking skills to compete against each other to successfully line up three pieces of the same color (in various ways that greatly up the challenge beyond the original game). Two to four players can join a game.

58A luminary lantern set with water-activated floating candles

When shipped (and subsequently stored), this luminary lantern is flat. However, when you add water, the lantern expands and the water-activated, floating LED candles put out a warm glow — it’s quite the scene. One reviewer went so far as to call it “the best inexpensive gift out there!”

59Eucalyptus shower steamers for a spa moment

Made with eucalyptus and mint essential oils, these shower steamers transform a regular shower into a spa-like experience. Each one dissolves slowly (lasting about two to three showers), yet releases a powerful scent for you to enjoy. Made without artificial colors, this pick won’t stain your shower floor. Seven tablets come included.

60A light-up vest for safer nighttime walks

Nighttime walks, runs, and bike rides are made safer with this running vest that boasts built-in LEDs that can be set to a range of can’t-miss color modes in vivid hues. The vest wraps around your shoulders and waist, illuminating you from the front and the back. It’s USB-C rechargeable, lasting up to 40 hours on a full charge.

61A mug warmer for perfect-temperature coffee

Sipping on cold coffee that was supposed to be warm is quite sad. However, this mug warmer ensures you never encounter this. It can be set to a range of temperatures (from 113 degrees to 150 degrees Fahrenheit). And it automatically shuts off after five minutes of inactivity, so you don’t have to remember to do so yourself.

62Genuine leather bookmarks that stay put with magnets

Made from 100% genuine leather, these three bookmarks look and feel high-end. However, it’s not all about aesthetics: Each one features powerful magnets to securely hold your place in your current book (without causing damage to the pages).

63Moisturizing heel socks that work overnight

Dry, cracked heels have met their match: Slip on these moisturizing socks before you head to bed and wake up to smooth, hydrated feet. The key is the gel lining that’s infused with jojoba oil, vitamin E, lavender oil, and more that combine for max hydration.

64A magnetic tool to grab dropped nails, screws, & more

With its magnetic head, this pick-up tool can handle picking up spilled magnetic items like nails, screws, scraps, and more without awkwardly bending over — the handle extends to 33 inches long. This pick is crafted from heavy-duty stainless steel with a comfortable rubber grip.

65A 3D calendar with a colorful design you create

This 3D calendar (which rotates to display the date and day of the week) is a practical addition in your home, but the coolest part is that you get to design it yourself. Included are a range of colorful crystals and the necessary tools to bedazzle the whole thing.

66Novelty hot dog socks with a 4.8-star overall rating

Any hot dog lover needs these low-cost novelty socks in their sock drawer. They come packaged in a colorful box — that looks like it came straight from a restaurant — and the socks themselves are made from a cotton blend for softness and breathability. They wash well, too. Two size ranges can be found in the listing.

67A party-favorite ring toss game that’s trickier than it seems

Break out this ring toss game at your next gathering — it’s sure to be a hit. The objective is simple: Swing the ring and land it on the hook. However, actually doing that is trickier than it seems. This pick can be set up indoors or out.

68A multiuse vehicle safety hammer to stash in your glove box

Everyone should keep this glow-in-the-dark safety hammer in their vehicle’s center console or glove box; it can come in clutch during an emergency. This pick boasts a tungsten steel spike (to break glass), a flat hammer, and a sharp seatbelt cutter all in one.

69A wooden bee holder with toothpick “stingers”

This clever bee can store around 150 toothpicks (it comes with this many to get you started) and then when you need one, pull it out from the “stinger” on the back. Made from black walnut and beech wood, this pick is made to last.

70A pillow tablet stand with built-in storage

Whether you’re lying in bed or lounging on the couch, this pillow-like stand will prop up your tablet (it can be set to three different angles) for more comfortable Netflix streaming or TikTok scrolling. There are two large storage trays built into it for stashing snacks or your phone.

71Vehicle gap fillers so items stop disappearing in there

Eliminate that pesky gap between your vehicle’s front seats and center console with these faux leather fillers. This way, you stop losing your phone or sunglasses in there. The fillers are flexible to work in most vehicles, wrapping around the seat belt buckle to stay securely in place. Two come in a pack.

72A 3-in-1 incense holder with a dreamy design

With its golden accents and star and moon design, this incense holder is certainly eye-catching. And its four-in-one design is particularly useful. “It has enough room for a bundle of sage, palo santo stick, cone incense, or stick incense,” noted one commenter, who added that this “is even more beautiful in person.”

73A military-inspired toiletry bag with a waterproof section

This military-inspired toiletry bag has a large main compartment plus various mesh pockets to organize your must-haves while on the go. There’s even a separate waterproof section for those items that always seem to spill. Use the buckle strap to hang it from a backpack or bag.

74A portable karaoke machine with a colorful light display

This karaoke machine may be compact, but its premium speakers put out an impressively loud, clear sound. Included are two microphones to sing to your heart’s content (they even feature voice-changing technology for a little extra fun), and there’s a built-in light in the front that can be set to five dynamic color modes.

75A sleek cocktail shaker with recipes on the side

This sleek cocktail shaker is great for budding mixologists — or anyone who could use a reminder what goes in their favorite drinks. On it are six cocktail recipes (along with ounce and millimeter markings) for you to follow — they’re basically impossible to mess up. The leakproof, watertight seal prevents spills, even when rigorously shaking ingredients.

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