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Finding a great gift can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be expensive. Meaningful and memorable gifts are worth far more than numbers on a price tag; whether you're celebrating a birthday, graduation, wedding, or any other milestone, we have some affordable ideas for budget-friendly, simple gifts.
From a delightful mini waffle maker to a smile-inducing desktop game, our top picks for gifts all cost under $15 and won't break the bank.
Here are the best 25 gifts under $15 for all occasions
A mini waffle maker
Dash Mini Waffle Maker, available at Amazon, $12.63
Every morning is better with waffles. This mini waffle maker whips up breakfast in an instant and looks cute on the countertop.
A reusable nylon bag
Standard Baggu, available at Baggu, $14
Baggu's reusable nylon bags may be small, but they are mighty. Each one is made of ripstop nylon so it's super durable and can hold up to 50 pounds worth of stuff.
A nice candle
Voluspa Maison Noir Petite Jar Candle, available at Anthropologie, $15
This sleek noir candle jar will look gorgeous on any surface. More importantly, they'll love burning the candles and letting the intoxicating scents flood their space for hours.
A high-quality lip balm
Balm Dotcom, available at Glossier, $12
Help them keep their lips plump and hydrated with Glossier's iconic lip balm. It comes in 10 fun flavors like Birthday, Cherry, and Mint.
The world's smallest Jenga
World's Smallest Jenga, available at Urban Outfitters, $12
It's hard enough not to knock over regular-sized Jenga, but the mini version brings a whole new challenge. It also makes a cute desk accessory for when they need a break from work.
A monogrammed mug
Blockprinted Monogram Mug, available at Anthropologie, $12
They're the kind of collectibles from which they'll get plenty of use. This one is big, sturdy, and adorable.
A set of skincare products for a cozy night in
Target Beauty Capsule Best Night Gift Set, available at Target, $14.99
Gift them this cute box filled with all the skincare products they need for a cozy night in. There are nine items: face masks, pore strips, hair masks, and more.
A pan perfect for one egg
GreenPan Nonstick Egg Pan, available at Amazon, $19.71
This little pan makes cooking for one a breeze. It's the perfect size for frying up one egg and because it's nonstick, cleaning is super easy.
A high-quality pair of socks
Solid Calf Sock, available at Bombas, from $14.00
While these pairs are pricey, Bombas are some of the best socks around. They're thoughtfully designed to keep feet supported and comfortable all day long, plus the brand donates clothing items to people in need.
A daily gratitude journal
UO Daily Gratitude Journal, available at Urban Outfitters, $14
A gratitude journal will help them start each day on a brighter note. It's a great habit to get into and build a positive outlook on life.
A nice jewelry box
Zoe Sunny Small Jewelry Box, available at Amazon, $10.99
This compact, lightweight jewelry box has storage for rings, earrings, bracelets, and even a small mirror for on-the-go accessorizing. It's durable, stylish, and great for traveling.
A coffee glass
Custom Iced Coffee Glass with Straw and Lid, available at Etsy, from $7.20
Their morning coffee will definitely taste better in this cute glass mug. It comes with a straw and lid for easy sipping and can even be personalized with a name or special message. But we like it just as is too.
A purifying face mask
Aztec Secret Healing Clay Mask, available at Amazon, $14.95
This bentonite clay face mask has gone viral and garnered a cult-like following for its ability to detoxify and clarify skin. You can read our full review here.
A set of silly sticky notes
Etch-A-Sketch Sticky Notes, available at Urban Outfitters, $9.99
Remember the good old Etch-A-Sketch days? Give them a dose of nostalgia with these sticky notes inspired by the retro toy.
A glitzy necklace
BP. Crystal Birth Year Pendant, available at Nordstrom, $5.97
A necklace showing off their birth year is a fun one to add to the stack. It's personal and seriously shiny, lined with crystals that will surely add some extra sparkle to their looks.
A cell phone stand
Lamicall Adjustable Cell Phone Stand, available at Amazon, $10.99
Whether they want to keep their phone on their desk for easy access or prop it up in the kitchen while they're cooking, you can be sure they'll get plenty of use out of this adjustable phone stand.
A cookbook devoted to appetizers
Platters and Boards, available at Amazon, $14.09
Charcuterie platters and cheese boards are the perfect low-maintenance meals for foodies who love hosting but hate actually cooking. This book is filled with recipes and presentation ideas for brunch boards, cheese boards, antipasto platters, and more.
Amini bottle of hand cream
L'Occitane Mini Hand Cream, available at Sephora, $12.50
Growing up, my mom had L'Occitane hand creams everywhere: on her desk, in the car, in her purse. I still think the formula is great, the product is super moisturizing, and the packaging looks and feels really nice, so I still give these as gifts often.
A funny coffee table book
"F in Exams" Book, available at Uncommon Goods, $8.50
This collection of wrong answers on tests is hilarious and makes for a great coffee table book, especially if the giftee is a teacher.
An instant manicure
Mixed Set Press-Ons, available at Olive and June, $12
Funky nails are all the rage these days, but a manicure with cool designs can cost a lot of money, sometimes up to $100 or more. Olive and June makes an affordable alternative with press-ons that look like the real deal, but cost much less.
A set of mini hands
Tiny Hands, available at Amazon, $9.29
Does anyone need tiny hands? No, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't have them. There's no point in using these except for endless laughs.
A grossly satisfying foot peel
TonyMoly Foot Peeling Shoes, available at Ulta, $6.50
This foot peel will have their skin shedding like a snake's. The end result (super smooth feet) is so worth it, though.
A fancy hand sanitizer
Power Mist, available at Touchland, $9
Hand sanitizer may seem like an unexciting gift, but Touchland's great packaging and elevated scents seal the deal. This award-winning hand sanitizer is uniquely formulated to moisturize skin (and smell delicious).
A yoga block
Gaiam Yoga Block, available at Amazon, $9.99
Help them meet their fitness goals and perfect their yoga poses. A yoga block just gives them some extra support to help them along as they learn.
An Amazon gift card
Amazon eGift Card, available at Amazon, from $1
Is an Amazon gift card a bit basic? Yes, but for good reason. They can use it for literally anything they want!
Remi Rosmarin
Commerce Reporter
Remi is a reporter for Business Insider's affiliate commerce team, Insider Reviews. After graduating from Colgate University with a degree in Creative Writing and Political Science, Remi joined Business Insider to help readers find the best products worth buying. Since joining the team in 2018, Remi has reviewed hundreds of products and interviewed founders of industry disruptors, such as direct-to-consumer startups Koio and Absolut Art.
She specializes in women's lifestyle, but loves to learn about any and all products that add value and excitement to our everyday lives. Say hello at rrosmarin@businessinsider.com.
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