Stuck for a great gift? We've got plenty of ideas under $25 and under $50 if you need to pinch pennies, but if you have a little more to spend, you're in the right place. No matter the occasion, one of these gift ideas under $250 is sure to inspire.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
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$205 from The Adventure Challenge
These books contain 50 suggestions for fun bonding activities with family, friends, or that special spouse or partner. Just scratch off the spot to reveal a new "surprise" activity; each challenge comes with an estimated time commitment and cost. There's also a place to include a photo and notes, so books become cherished keepsakes even after the challenges are long-completed. If you don't want to spring for a bundle that includes their signature Lomo' Instant camera, you can buy the guides on their own — there are even versions for solo adventures and a "naughty" edition.
$69-$99 from NoteCube
This is a personalized gift that falls well under $250 yet packs a significant punch in the make-'em-feel-special department. The concept is simple: You tell NoteCube about your recipient, and use the site's tools to edit and add notes (typically between 40-60 but NoteCube recommends at least 20). Finally, add some photos and choose a style of NoteCube. When everything is just how you want it, you finalize and pay for your order and it gets shipped.
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$250 from Best Buy
Know someone who is a fitness buff? Help them track their vital signs, workouts and activities, and more with the latest iteration of Samsung's smartwatch. Available in two sizes and three case colors (plus a slew of watch bands).
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$214 from BBQGuys
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A unique gift for the grill master, this adapter turns a charcoal grill into a wood-fired pizza oven. It includes both a traditional aluminum cooking pan and a 15-inch cordierite stone that yields crispier crusts.
$200 from Best Buy
If you're looking for a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds that deliver on audio quality, consider the newest offering from Beats By Dr. Dre. They use Apple's new H1 microprocessor, meaning they can pair with your Apple or Android phone right out of the box, and provide up to 24 hours of playtime when you use the charging case.
$229 and up from Home Depot
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For a professional quality drill and impact driver at a bargain price, this 20-volt set checks all the boxes. It comes with a carrying bag, two universal DeWalt batteries.
Related: DIY in the USA: Tools That Are Still Made in America
$173 from Amazon
Everything old is new again, including Polaroid pictures. Turn digital photos into Polaroids, film chemistry and all, with this tabletop gadget that projects the screen image from your phone onto film. And don't forget: No shaking required.
$160 from Sur La Table
Talk about multitasking: This nine-function countertop appliance is an air fryer, rotisserie grill, roaster, dehydrator, and more.
$150 and up from Amazon
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This luxurious weekender made with genuine cowhide leather could easily become their new go-to bag for short trips. It includes a durable cotton lining, premium zippers, bronze hardware, and double stitching on the handles and shoulder straps meant to stand up to years of abuse.
Related: Show Some Brotherly Love With These Great Gifts for Brothers
$160 from Sur La Table
Any good chef knows that sharp knives are a must in the kitchen, but trying to sharpen your blades manually can be a real chore. Sur La Table shoppers give this three-stage electric sharpener nearly unanimous praise, saying it makes it easy to keep knives sharp without damaging the blades.
$82 and up from Sephora
Chanel is a classic for a reason. This timeless scent in available in four sizes, ranging from 1.2 ounces to 6.8 ounces.
$61 from Amazon
Here's a practice putting green compact enough that it can be used almost anywhere. It's lightweight and portable, with a roll-up mat for easy storage, and comes with three practice balls.
$200 from Costco
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Want to get something nice for a foodie without blowing the budget on All-Clad? Each pot and pan in this beloved 13-piece set is made of hard-anodized aluminum that’s twice as hard as stainless steel. They're also nonstick, oven safe to 400 degrees, and dishwasher safe, with double-riveted silicone grips for ease of handling.
Not already a Costco member? Apply here.
Related: Kitchen Gifts They'll Actually Use
$30 from Target
Know someone who's always losing their keys or wallet or other personal belongings? A couple of these AirTags would make a great stocking stuffer for anyone who already owns an iPhone or other Apple products and keep the lost belongings to a minimum.
$200 from Amazon
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This slender robotic vacuum cleans for up to 100 minutes and is equipped with technology that boosts suction automatically in particularly grimy areas. It includes infrared obstacle and drop sensors, too.
$38 from Amazon
It's a wall clock with a voice-controlled timer function. Just pair it with any Amazon Echo device, and Mickey will keep track of time. Put it in the kitchen, and you'll never burn dinner again.
$60 from Amazon
Any Paul McCartney or Beatles fan would love to find this wrapped up with a bow this holiday. The two-volume hardback set presents the lyrics of 154 of McCartney's most memorable songs, annotated with comments from Macca himself and illustrated with photos and art from his personal collection.
$70 from Amazon
Even the most in-shape of athletes need a little extra support now and then, and this cordless handheld massager helps those with pain in their back, shoulders, neck, and more. Comes with six different massage heads and a lifetime warranty. Offers two hours of massage time on a single charge and can be recharged in around 60 minutes.
$250 from Amazon
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If they’ve always yearned for a stand mixer but a KitchenAid is still a bit too pricey, this Cuisinart offers a similar look and power for less, reviewers say. It has a 5.5-quart bowl, 12 mixing speeds, and a hub that accommodates attachments such as meat grinders and pasta makers.
Related: Gifts Under $25 for Foodies
$119 from Amazon
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Outdoorsy types will appreciate a little something extra to keep the chill away around the campfire. Available in four colors, made-in-the-U.S.A. Yakima camp throws are woven in Pendleton's northwest U.S. mills from pure virgin wool and cotton.
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$149 from Amazon
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Enough with the DNA tests for humans — find out where Fido came from. Embark maps a favorite pooch's family tree, screens for more than 250 breeds, and helps test for common diseases and health conditions. It can even identify relatives that have also been tested with Embark.
$180 and up from Amazon
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What if you could frame favorite photos without going through the hassle of getting prints? The Nixplay Seed makes it possible. Connect it to Wi-Fi and send someone all of those great photos on your phone immediately, using the Nixplay mobile app.
Related: Great Tech Gifts for Seniors
$78 from Amazon
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If you know a work-from-home warrior who is trying to stay productive in a chaotic house, these noise-canceling headphones will be a very thoughtful gift indeed. They have dual noise sensors and are compatible with voice assistants, allowing you to make and receive calls completely hands-free.
$249 from Invisawear
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Though lovely in its own right, this necklace is more than a shiny bauble. It has a hidden button on the back that lets the wearer text friends or family members automatically with their location in case of an emergency.
$250 from Amazon
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Just about everyone could benefit from some meditation right now. Start them on their journey with this smart headband from Muse, which connects to their phone and provides real-time feedback on focus. Soundscapes react to brain activity, heart rate, and other indicators to help guide users.
$165 and up from Amazon
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Nothing makes a beer lover happier than a growler of fresh beer from a favorite brewer. And nothing is more tragic than that beer going stale because it wasn’t finished in time. Never again. This stainless-steel, vacuum-sealed growler will keep beer fizzy and fresh for more than a week, owners say, though there is a bit of a learning curve involved.
$169 from Amazon
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Pet parents who can’t be with their furry pals all day can still check in using the Furbo — it comes complete with two-way audio, a wide-angle camera and a treat-tossing mechanism. Set-up is as easy as plugging it in, downloading the app, and connecting to Wi-Fi.
Related: Great Gifts for Dog-Obsessed Humans
$200 from Amazon
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This edition includes a one-year subscription to Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, which grants access to 20,000 educational apps, books, movies, and more. It also includes more storage, dual stereo speakers, higher picture resolution, longer battery life, a kid-proof case available in three colors, and a 10.1-inch full HD display. With hours of kid-friendly distractions, this is a smart gift for parents, too.
Related: Hottest Holiday Gifts From Amazon
$185 from Amazon
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Sometimes bulky toys are eyesores, but this one might make grown-ups wish their own kitchen was this sleek. Kids get to play in this updated cooking space that not only looks great, but has a lights-and-sounds cooktop and faucet, ice maker that dispenses play ice cubes, and accessories including “choppable” carrots.
$180 from Amazon
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The ultimate gift for your favorite morning grump, the Philips Somneo helps make waking up easier with a simulated sunrise. There’s also a sunset mode for relaxing, plenty of soothing nature sounds and music options, and several light settings including nightlight and reading modes.
Related: The Best Gifts for Night Owls of Every Possible Persuasion
$249 from Amazon
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Some families take their board games very seriously, so why not seriously upgrade their board games? This luxury version of Scrabble is the ultimate collector’s edition, housed in a wooden cabinet with metal plaques and a rotating faux leather playing surface.
$180 from Amazon
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Want to achieve hero status in the eyes of your favorite small child, especially while their favorite play places remain closed? Give them this bounce house and it will easily be one of the most epic gifts they ever get. It can accommodate up to 160 pounds at a time.
$90 from Amazon
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There are plenty of Lego sets that would please an adult as much, if not more than, a kid. This four-in-one 3,332-piece set is one, and even includes a soundtrack that teaches you the story behind the painting while you build.
$205 from Amazon
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You can really make your space sing by putting these light-up panels on your wall. They have a rhythm detector that helps them “dance” to any tune and are capable of displaying a staggering 16 million colors.
