Favorite Gift Ideas for Under $25

By Rachel Hoeing

Even though we spend so much time shopping for our kids, my gift list is always full of items where I am looking to find something fun, cute or meaningful for others, but I don’t want to break the bank. I often need items for Gift Exchange Parties, neighbors, hostess gifts, teachers, and other special people in our lives. After visiting the Greensboro Holiday Market, and popping in and out of local gift shops, I came up with some unique gift ideas all under $25. The majority of these are local items, but as you will see, there were a few out of the area that I could not resist sharing.

Please add your own ideas to our list by commenting below!

MudLOVE bracelets
At only $8 each, these are fun to mix and match in order to fit the personality of your gift recipient. When you visit the website you will also see other cute gift ideas such as mugs, necklaces, apparel and more. And as a bonus, your purchase will help in funding clean water projects in Africa.

Heritage Puzzles
These puzzles are simply beautiful and come in an assortment of categories including holiday, scenic, coastal, and puzzles specific to your state. You can also create custom puzzles. Average cost is $16.95. You can order online or find them in local shops such as Old Town Gifts, William Mangum Fine Art Gallery, Willow Creek, Toys & Co, Lanier’s, and Dero’s.

Tech Friendly Gloves
Not only are these stylish, but handy too. Keep your hands warm while texting and working on your smartphone. Available in four colors at local Mainstream Boutique for just $18! (I bet you won’t be able to leave the store without something for yourself, too!)

Handcrafted Shaped Bulletin Boards

This artist palette is just one of MANY bulletin boards designed by “Of Wall Things” located in Summerfield. You can find sports items, food, designs, and more! Prices vary, but you can find some styles under $25. I bought my daughter the peace signs last holiday season and they were adorable!

Dog Is Good Apparel and Gifts
I love this line, which is “inspired by Dog.” The T-shirt pictured sells for $23.99, but there are a multitude of other apparel items and gift items available that you will have to check out on the website above. Locally, you can find these products atK-9 Doggie Bakery and Boutique, wholePET Inc., All Pets Considered, Nature’s Emporium, and Prohound Pet.

Holiday Desk Trays

These are simply adorable, and only cost $13 each. You can find these at one of my favorite local gift shops, Kim Taylor & Co, which is located in Winston-Salem in the Stratford Village Shopping Center. I thought these would be a perfect hostess gift, and you can even couple them with some of the other cute gift items available in the shop!

Frames and Wall Hangings from Favorite Finds
This was another adorable booth I came across at the Greensboro Holiday Market. Favorite Finds/Faithful Home is located in Reidsville, NC. Their booth immediately caught my eye because of the unique items, but I loved their products even more when I saw how reasonably priced they all were! Just a few of the many choices are shown below and you can see more by visiting the facebook page linked above. The frames, rugged cross, and Southern Sayings are only $15 each, while the wooden &burlap signs and chalk bucket with towels are $18-$24.

Country Cottage Nut Rolls

When I spotted these at the Greensboro Holiday Market I did a double take. These nut rolls were always a staple item at our holiday gatherings in my parents’ hometown in Pennsylvania. Then I did another double take and freaked out when I saw that the vendors were actually visiting the Triad from a nearby town in PA! Not only were they the nicest people, but they bake some delicious pastries! I immediately bought two of their classic nut rolls and am planning to order some different flavors like the raspberry and apricot filled rolls. These are a great gift item for couples, families, or even for yourself so you can serve these at your next get together. (You can freeze and then thaw overnight when ready to eat.) They sell for $15 each through the website above.

Growlers
For the beer lover, purchase one of these Growlers at Lowes Foods and each time they take it back they will only be charged for the “suds!” The growler itself is $4.99 and then the cost to fill it depends upon your selection of beer.

Personalized Cocktail Napkins
I spotted these at Swoozies at Friendly Center. They are $24 and can also be ordered through the link above. These are a great gift idea for neighbors, teachers, hair dressers, nannies, etc. Anything personalized always shows the gift recipient that you put some extra time and thought into their gift. Of course Swoozies has MANY other great gift ideas, including some for the kids on your list!

Votivo Candles and Fragrances

You may think all candles are created equal, but that is not so! Votivo candles are some of my favorites because their fragrances are unique and not too strong. My favorite scent is Red Currant. Prices vary according to size. Stop by one of these local stores to give them a smell! Marie’s Gift, Trollingers on Main Street, Accent Prone, Note Worthy, Studio of Greensboro, Purre Barre, Kim Taylor & Co, Swoozies, and Maison.

Fashion Bracelets and Bangles
Pairing numerous bangles and bracelets is in high fashion right now. Different styles and colors can be mixed and worn together. I found a wide selection at The Jewel Box, and they are inexpensive enough to buy two or three at a time. If you don’t have time to stop by one of their Triad locations at Friendly Center or Thruway Center, visit the website above to see some of the possibilities. Some styles start at only $9.

Hydro Flask
This may seem like a random gift idea, but it has been a go-to for me for a few years now when it comes to the men on my gift list. This is not just any water bottle. These bottles will keep your coffee/tea hot for 12 hours and keep cold beverages cold for up to 24 hours! Their stainless steal interior is the secret. We took ice water on the beach this summer in our hydro flasks and they still had ice cubes in them throughout the entire day! As you will see through the link above, this pushes my $25 limit since they are listed at $25.99, but depending on where you purchase yours, you can often find them for a little less. Locally, you can find these at Great Outdoor Provision Co, Ski and Tennis Station, Golfsmith, and Purgason’s Leather Products.