GoKawiilImpulse buying gets a bad rap -- and it's no secret why. We've all bought something at the spur of the moment, only to feel the sting of buyer's remorse as soon as we get home. But with gift giving, sometimes the best purchases are items that you've grabbed on a whim. Impulse buying can lead to unexpectedly unique finds that surprise and delight -- and leave your recipient wondering how they ever lived without that wonderful and indispensable thing.
We rounded up our CNET staff's favorite impulse buys that ended up being surprisingly useful, and all of them make great gifts. All of these items cost less than $25, so they're easy on your wallet, and many of them are on sale for Memorial Day. Who knows? Maybe you'll just have to pick up an item or two to enjoy yourself.