Gift ideas under $25
Emporia Smart Plug A smart plug is an affordable way to instantly make your loved one's home smarter, letting them control lamps, coffee makers and other small appliances. The Emporia smart plug tops our list of the best smart plugs of 2025 and is the recipient of a CNET Editors' Choice Award, thanks to its affordability, easy setup and excellent energy management. $12 at Amazon Close
Hex Bots Wall Crawler Gecko This wall-crawling gecko is a hit with kids and adults. Use the remote from up to 25 feet away to make the delightfully creepy lizard scale walls and flat surfaces or do spin tricks. CNET's Bridget Carey says it's her favorite indoor toy hands-down, “both as a mom and as someone who delights in making my co-workers squirm.” $25 at Amazon Close
Baseus Picogo Power Bank 5K A variety of Baseus chargers appear on our list of the best power banks for iPhone in 2025, including this affordable, wireless magnetic model that easily attaches to your phone. It's slim and lightweight, making it convenient to slip into a bag or pocket. Perfect for those who are always on the go. $20 at Amazon Close
Dash Mini Waffle Maker The Dash Mini has been making the rounds for a while now on TikTok, and it managed to secure a spot on our list of the best waffle makers of 2025. Our testers appreciated its ease of use, nonstick surface and the perfectly delectable size of the small waffles it churns out. A holiday-themed Dash Mini makes a great gift, whether you need something for your holiday office party or as a white elephant present. $13 at Walmart Close
Blueear Bluetooth beanie hat When temperatures drop, this Bluetooth beanie hat will be a lifesaver for those you know who are always on their phone or listening to music. Whether they're going for a run, commuting to work or on vacation in a cold climate, the hat will keep not only their head warm, but their hands, too. Plus, it's unisex and comes in a variety of colors. $23 at Amazon Close
Renpho smart jump rope With the Renpho smart jump rope, your fitness friends and family can track all their jump roping and it can also help them reach their fitness goals. Connect it to the app (iOS and Android) to track reps, calories burned and the duration of your workout. An LCD screen on the handle lets you read your skip time and total number of skips even when you aren't using the app. $19 at Amazon Close
Apple AirTag An AirTag would make a great gift for any Apple fan in your life, especially those who tend to lose track of where they put things. These little item trackers can be slipped into luggage, backpacks and wallets or attached to keys, bikes and more. (Here are some other creative ways to use AirTags.) $25 at Amazon $29 at Apple $25 at Best Buy Close
Popco microwave popcorn maker This silicone popcorn maker not only comes with handles (which means no more burning your fingers on a glass one), but it also comes in a wide variety of fun colors. It's easy to use, and it's collapsible for convenient storage. $12 at Amazon Close
Gift ideas under $50
JBL Go 4 portable Bluetooth speaker JBL makes a number of our favorite Bluetooth speakers, including the pocket-friendly JBL Go 4. You can take this compact speaker just about anywhere, and it delivers surprisingly decent sound for its tiny size. It has an IP67 water-resistance rating, which means your gift recipient can even bring it in the shower. $40 at Amazon $40 at Best Buy $40 at B&H Photo-Video Close
Oral-B Pro 1000 The Oral-B Pro 1000 is our top pick for the best electric toothbrush of 2025. This rechargeable electric toothbrush is geared toward adults, but it's a great way to get kids to brush their teeth better too. Available in multiple color options, it has three brushing modes (daily clean, whiten and sensitive) and a built-in two-minute timer to make sure you brush long enough, with the toothbrush pulsing every 30 seconds to remind you to switch brushing spots. $50 at Amazon Close
King of Tokyo board game This is a great game for all ages (even younger players). Each player's monster (like Godzilla or King Kong) tries to gain control of Tokyo through dice rolling and a whole lot of high-jinks. It's a high-paced hilarious game that's fun for everyone. Plus, it made our pick for CNET's best family game overall. $40 at Amazon Close
Roku Express 4K Plus A streaming device will help your loved ones get the most out of their TV. The Roku Express 4K Plus made our pick for best streaming device overall, and for good reason. It has a large library of apps and a friendly interface that's easy to navigate. It's also relatively cheaper than its 4K HDR rivals. $35 at Amazon Close
Ocoopa rechargeable hand warmers Winter weather is coming soon, and if you're still using those disposable pouches to keep your fingers from freezing, it's probably time for an upgrade. The Ocoopa UT3 Lite magnetic rechargeable hand warmers slip right into your gloves and will keep your digits toasty warm for hours. With multiple temperature levels, you can adjust them to suit your needs, depending on outdoor temps, activity level and your personal preferences. When they run out of juice, they can be easily topped up via USB charging and multiple temperature levels. CNET editor Jeff Carlson says they have quite a few advantages over disposable, chemical warmers: they create less waste, they heat up in just a few seconds and their heat output can be customized. This is the perfect gift for someone who tends to run cold and needs a little extra warmth in winter. $27 at Amazon Close
BioLite AlpenGlow mini lantern Having a little extra light can be a life saver, whether you're camping in the woods, hosting a backyard hang with friends or find yourself without power. The unassuming BioLite Alpenglow Mini 150-lumen rechargeable lantern is an excellent all-around light source that fits in the palm of your hand -- making it the perfect choice for tossing in an emergency go bag or backpack, or for stashing in a spare drawer for power outages. Expert editor Clifford Colby found that the lamp casts enough light for 40 hours set on low and 5 hours on high, and when the power does run down it can be conveniently charged via USB-C cable. It has a few lighting options too, with adjustable brightness and a choice of white or different colors, and it even has a multilight cycle if you need to host a spontaneous dance party. This is a great gift for the outdoor adventurer in your life or for anyone who likes to be prepared for the unexpected. $50 at Amazon $50 at B&H Photo-Video Close
Hoto electric screwdriver kit There's nothing more annoying than finally motivating to tackle that home-improvement project that's been nagging at you for months and not being able to find the tool you need to get the job done. CNET editor Adrian Marlow sings the praises of the Hoto electric screwdriver kit because it's compact and keeps all the bits you could possibly need in one handy kit. The 3.6-volt screwdriver set conveniently houses 12 2-inch S2 steel magnetic bits in its clever, capsule-like design. It weighs less than a pound and has a circular LED lamp that automatically lights up dark work spaces. It charges using USB-C, and a full charge can run more than 1,000 screws before it needs to refuel, so you won't need to charge it up for every project. This streamlined kit is the perfect gift for someone moving into their first home or apartment, or who has trouble keeping track of tools around the house. $40 at Amazon Close
Luna Luxe Weighted Blanket You’ve probably heard that weighted blankets help promote relaxation and lessen anxiety -- and they really work, which makes them a great gift. The Luna Luxe is our choice for the best overall weighted blanket. It’s made of 300-thread-count cotton and contains polyester, microfiber and microglass beads. CNET’s Taylor Leamey notes that “it’s super soft and heavy without feeling overwhelming.” She points out that while the beads move around and clump in some weighted blankets, that's not a problem with this one. It comes in a several different weights, from 5 to 25 pounds. $65 at Amazon Close
Gift ideas under $100
Twelve South AirFly Pro This gift is especially great for the frequent fliers in your life. The AirFly Pro from Twelve South is a handy little dongle that lets you connect your wireless earbuds directly to an airplane's in-flight entertainment system so that you experience decent audio while watching movies or shows. Simply connect the AirFly device to the 3.5mm headphone jack in the armrest. Easy. (If you want to splurge a bit, you can even get them some noise-canceling earbuds to go along with the AirFly.) $55 at Amazon $55 at Best Buy Close
3Doodler Start Plus This nifty 3D printing pen is one of our favorite STEM toys for kids. The 3Doodler Start Plus pen lets kids ages 6 and up create anything they could possibly imagine out of plastic filaments. Not only is it totally fun to play with (adults will enjoy trying it out, too), but it also introduces young minds to the world of 3D printing. $52 at Amazon Close
Govee Floor Lamp If your giftee is into smart technology – like they’re an avid Alexa or Google Home user -- they’ll probably appreciate this Govee Floor Lamp. When CNET’s James Bricknell needed something other than a smart bulb in his living room, he picked this lamp and has been impressed. “What I enjoy about this lamp is its low profile: You can barely see it, just a small base and a thin line of metal. The focus is on the light rather than the structure,” he explains. $100 at Amazon $100 at Walmart Close
Edifier W830NB noise-canceling headphones Noise-canceling headphones are a great gift for frequent travelers, college students, or anyone who would benefit from enjoying their audio without distracting background sounds. But they can also be pricey. Edifier's W830NB are an affordable option -- and CNET's pick for top value noise-canceling headphones. $80 at Amazon Close
Amazon Smart Thermostat A CNET Editors' Choice award winner, this budget smart thermostat -- with Alexa voice integration -- is the best in its price category. It features many of the tools pricier thermostats offer, from its easy set up to learning your habits. CNET's Jon Reed says that one of his favorite features is that it offers helpful hints and reminders, as well as "Fun Facts" from the app's Energy Dashboard. $60 at Amazon $59 at Best Buy $60 at B&H Photo-Video Close
Meater Plus with Bluetooth repeater Never dry out that steak or prime rib again thanks to this handy tool that should be in every home chef's cooking arsenal. Read more: The Meater Plus Will Save Your Meat From Well-Done Hell $74 at Amazon Close
Earfun Air Pro 4 Earfun is one of our go-to brands for affordable earbuds. CNET's David Carnoy says the Air Pro 4s are lightweight and comfortable to wear, which is important when you're wearing them for hours on end. Battery life lasts up to 11 hours with noise canceling off and 7.5 hours on, which also helps. Full Review. $56 at Amazon Close
SodaStream Terra If there's someone on your list who loves fizzy drinks, they'll enjoy the convenience of making their own sparkling water at home -- and it will save them money too. The SodaStream Terra is our overall top pick for the best soda maker in 2025. The CO2 canister is easy to load, and you can tailor the level of fizz precisely to your liking. $90 at Amazon Close
Gift ideas under $300
Apple AirPods Pro 3 Apple's third-generation noise-canceling AirPods are a slam-dunk gift for anyone looking to upgrade their earbuds. Winner of a CNET Editors' Choice Award, the new AirPods Pro 3 offer better fit, sound quality, noise cancellation and battery life than their predecessor. Read CNET audio expert David Carnoy's review here. $249 at Amazon $250 at B&H Photo-Video $249 at Crutchfield Close
Click and Grow Smart Garden 3 This is a perfect tech-meets-gardener (or aspiring gardener) present because it allows your giftee to grow their own herbs, like fresh basil. CNET's David Watsky says, "It couldn't be simpler to operate, with self-contained seed pods, LED grow lights and a water tank that needs filling only every two or three weeks. A perfect starter herb indoor garden for someone with a not-so-green thumb." And this is also one of CNET's picks for best indoor smart gardens. $125 at Amazon Close
Ninja Crispi glass air fryer Air fryers are still one of the most popular kitchen appliances for the holiday season, and the best of the best is the Ninja Crispi glass air fryer. It's ranked as CNET's best air fryer overall thanks to its glass bowl, which lets you view your food's progress as it's cooking. It's also easy to clean and has loads of power. "The powerful coils cooked everything we put inside to a perfect, even crisp," according to CNET tester David Watsky. $168 at Amazon Close
TheraGun Mini 2.0 personal massage gun The original Theragun Mini was already a compact massage gun, and the second-gen version is 20% smaller and 30% lighter, weighing only a pound. It easily fits in a backpack or purse, so it's especially great for travel. Also new to this 2.0 model is USB-C charging, Bluetooth connectivity to the Therabody app on your iOS or Android device and the inclusion of three foam attachments -- the Standard Ball, the Thumb and Dampener. The three-speed Mini 2.0 doesn't have quite the power of one of Theragun's full-size devices but it's surprisingly powerful considering its size -- I've tried larger massage guns in this price range, and it's just as powerful. The rechargeable battery is rated to last two hours at the lowest speed setting and a neoprene protective case is included. The Theragun Mini 2.0 comes in three colors: black, white and desert rose. $200 at Amazon Close
Gifts over $300
Theragun Elite The Theragun Elite is our pick for the best massage gun overall because it's powerful, comfortable and easy to use for a wide range of people. It comes with five attachments for targeting different areas and you can customize the speed and strength to your liking or use preset treatments. $349 at Amazon Close
Ooni Koda 12 Gas Powered Pizza Oven What do you get the serious home chef who likes to tinker in the kitchen any chance they get? Some extra bells and whistles, of course. The Ooni Koda pizza oven has a devoted following, and for good reason. It can reach up to 950 degrees, cook a 12-inch pizza in 60 seconds, and can even cook steaks, fish, vegetables -- anything really. That alone makes it a culinary gadget to covet. $399 at Ooni $399 at Best Buy $400 at Williams Sonoma Close
Secretlab Titan Evo Series Gaming Chair Give the gamer in your life the ultimate gift. Secret Lab's Titan Evo is our top pick for the best gaming chair on the market. It comes in three sizes and offers multiple upholstery options. The wide seat and adjustable built-in lumbar support ensure that you'll be comfortable for hours. $669 at Amazon Close
Meta Quest 3 Step up their VR experience by upgrading it with a Meta Quest 3, our top pick for the best VR headset of 2025. This headset allows for more-intuitive interactions, more-accurate precision, and realistic sensations, helping you immerse yourself better in the game or app. Plus, you can do more than just game on this set. You can also learn how to play the piano, attend workout classes in studios and even attend your favorite band's concert, all from the comfort of your home. $499 at Amazon Close
Best subscription service gift ideas
Audible audiobooks This is literally the gift that keeps on giving because whomever you give it to will surely benefit. A one-month subscription is $15 and the person will receive one book credit. Or, you can buy them a few months at once. See at Amazon Close
Atlas Coffee Club CNET’s David Watsky has tried all kinds of coffee subscriptions and he highly recommends the Atlas Coffee Club. Not only will your recipient get to taste coffee from around the globe, from Columbia to Tanzania, but each shipment also comes with tasting notes and a postcard of the destination. A three-month subscription starts at just $60, although it’s on sale now for $50, which is a great deal. $50 at Atlas Coffee Club Close
KiwiCo KiwiCo subscription boxes are a great way to encourage STEM learning and build curiosity in kids. The monthly service delivers hands-on projects, from building a radio-controlled robot to creating your own mini pinball machine. Subscriptions start at $24, or you can purchase projects individually. See at KiwiCo Close
Blue Apron We all know someone who could benefit from a meal delivery service and now they can try one out with a Blue Apron gift card. CNET’s David Watsky tested 25 (yes, 25!) meal delivery services and Blue Apron received a CNET Editor’s choice award for best meal kit delivery service. “Blue Apron is an excellent meal kit delivery service that offers delicious oven-ready meals and easy-to-follow recipes at a decent price,” he says. Watsky also figured out that Blue Apron can save someone money -- the cost came out to around the same (or less!) as buying the ingredients himself. Blue Apron e-gift cards come in three amounts -- $70, $140 and $280 -- and then your recipient can choose the meal kit type that’s best for them from a variety of categories, including Wellness, Veggies, Chef Favorites, Family Friendly and Fast & Easy. (I'm hungry just thinking about it.) See at Blue Apron Close
What are some of the most popular Christmas gifts this year?
It's not easy to predict what the most popular Christmas gifts for 2025 will be but our editors have been hard at work rounding up all the hottest items based on our research, customer reviews and current trends. We also asked our staff to weigh in on the products they love and would happily give to their own friends and family. If you're looking for the coolest gadgets, you'll want to check out our Editors' Choice awards for giftable tech. We've also rounded up lists of the best gifts you can find on Amazon and viral finds on TikTok that are actually worth giving. And be sure to check out this year's hottest holiday toys for the youngest recipients on your list.
What are the top retailers to shop for Christmas gifts?
For most gifts, Amazon, Walmart, Target and Best Buy are top stores to shop for Christmas presents. Beyond that, look at specialty shops, such as Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table and Sephora. And of course, there are department stores including Macy's and Nordstrom, both of which have a huge selection for everyone on your list.
How much should you spend on a Christmas gift?
According to a survey from the National Retail Federation, consumers will spend on average of $641 on gifts for their friends and family for the 2025 holiday season. How much you spend on a Christmas gift ultimately comes down to your budget and the person you're buying for. There's no single dollar amount that defines a good gift, and you can find awesome Christmas gifts under $10, gifts under $25 and gifts under $50. If you want to spend a bit more, we've also found the best Christmas gifts under $100, gifts under $200, gifts under $300 and gifts under $500.