Holiday Gift Guides 2017: Presents Under $25
Keep the spending to a minimum and the good times to the max
The holidays can be expensive, but don’t have to be. We’ve trawled the internet for feel-good gifts that are useful, entertaining or inspirational—from grooming products to games and toys, these presents won’t cost more than $25. These days, perhaps more than ever, it’s crucial to spend time with loved ones, remember to be grateful and give to those who are struggling—no matter where in the world they live. If you can afford to, why not also consider price-matching your presents with a donation to your favorite organization or charity. Check out even more gift ideas in our BUY section, which will continue to grow this holiday season.
Naughty + Nice Key Rings
Philadelphia’s Three Potato Four has a wide range of retro hotel-inspired key rings ($8), but this year they have also released a catchy, limited edition style just for the holiday season. Available in white on pink, or red on white, they say “Naughty” on one side and “Nice” on the other. Made in the USA.
Action Book
Designed by the team at Behance and based on the Action Method (which is, in essence, breaking down projects into their primary components), the Action Book ($16) is more than a typical notepad. Sections exist on each page for dates, times and notes, but there are also defined areas to write down your action steps and even items on the back burner. Printed on 80lb via vellum cool white, the spiral bound notebook has 50 pages to help users tackle their future projects.
Scary Bingo
As far as group games go, bingo might just be one of the easiest activities to enjoy. Now, artist Rob Hodgson has reimagined the classic with monsters and crazy creatures ($20). There are googly-eyed counters, creepy characters and mythological beasts—and a monster head storage box for the 48 chips. Three people are needed to play (and three is also the recommended starting age) but bigger families can definitely all jump in.
Perfect Putty
Founded by Cutler Brooklyn’s Tyson Kennedy—the hairdresser who doesn’t look like a hairdresser, maybe due to his other life as a rock musician—the Fatboy styling line started with this creamy homemade putty ($21) that he created for his own hair. A casual, effortless look comes easily, with equally nonchalant packaging. Fatboy has recently added a shampoo and conditioner set to their roster, too.
Stackable Popsicle Molds
Made from BPA-free platinum silicone, this set of four stackable popsicle molds ($18) is practical and kind to the environment. Create all kinds of flavored frozen treats (including healthier options) on your own or take tips from the accompanying recipe booklet that includes ideas for lactose- and gluten-free options. Dishwasher-safe and ideal for summer months, they are available from the MoMA Store.
Concrete Tokyo Map
Full of unique, influential and fascinating concrete structures in Tokyo, this guidebook ($8) is in Japanese and English, and aimed at locals and visitors alike. With maps to striking buildings designed by Tadao Ando, Le Corbusier, Tengo Kanze and more, the book is edited by Naomi Pollock and features photography by Jimmy Cohrssen. Price is in Euros.
Brontosaurus Lamp
Free from BPA, lead and phthalate, this happy little dinosaur will brighten up any child’s room. Providing a soft glow, the pale gray Brontosaurus ($13) can be used as a nightlight, thanks to its clever internal self-timer which switches itself off after 15 minutes. Running on LR44 batteries (which come included), this dino light should last for 20 hours before needing new batteries. Price is in Euros.
Things Are What You Make of Them
From CH favorite Adam J Kurtz comes another book of positive vibes: “Things Are What You Make of Them: Life Advice for Creatives” ($9). Entirely handwritten on perforated tear-and-share pages, the book is full of advice, inspiration and empathy for creatives of all kinds. In Kurtz’s classic style, it’s cheeky and funny, but ultimately kind, generous and empowering. If you’re feeling a creative block, open at any page.
Organic Chocolate Banana Brittle
Barnana has come to make a name for themselves as a brand “upcycling” organic bananas that don’t have the perfect look but taste perfectly fine. While minimizing food waste, they’ve also developed a series of delicious banana-based snacks. Our personal favorite, Organic Banana Brittle ($10) is made of thin, crisp laters of the fruit and chocolate. It’s also USDA Organic, non-GMO project verified, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free—meaning it can be enjoyed by just about everyone.
Clip Clip Spoon
HAY’s minimalist, architecture-inspired designs continue to impress, this time with their multi-tasking Clip Clip Spoon ($10). The clever kitchen utensil doubles up as a measuring spoon and a clip that can seal a bag—whether it’s coffee or sugar or anything else that needs measuring and sealing. Not only is it functional, but it looks sophisticated in brass-colored stainless steel.
Images courtesy of respective brands
