Though time is running out to complete your holiday shopping, don’t panic if you’re still on the hunt for gifts that will make it to you in time without costing an arm and a leg. In fact, even with a strict budget, you can order some incredible gifts pretty easily.
To prove this point, we searched the Internet for excellent gifts under $20 that save the day last-minute. Though you’ll want to check shipping times on individual sites to be sure, these should all ship within 10 business days at the very latest, meaning they can arrive a few days before Christmas if you place your order ASAP.
If you’re out of time and money, keep scrolling to see the last-minute gifts that can make whoever you’re shopping for crack a smile.
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One of Amazon’s highest-rated garments is also one of the best gifts out there. Hanes’ EcoSmart fleece sweatshirt is made from a soft blend of cotton and polyester that’s sourced from American farms, according to the brand. The style is suitable for men and women alike and comes in a happily inclusive size range of S-5XL. (Sizing is in men’s.) You can choose from one of 31 colors, so you’re sure to find an option that will get a happy reaction from your recipient.
This crowd-pleasing silicone popcorn maker couldn’t be simpler to use — just add some kernels, optional oil and slide into the microwave for a quick and mess-free batch of popcorn. The ingenious design also allows the bowl to collapse and take up less than two inches of space in your kitchen cabinets.
If the frequent long-haul traveler in your life doesn’t already have a luggage scale, they are definitely going to freak out when they unwrap this supremely handy gadget. What’s better than the eternal gift of never being surprised by an overweight suitcase or baggage fees?
One thing about fragrances? They tend not to be cheap if you’re buying a bottle bigger than the miniature size. This 3.3-ounce Nautica eau de toilette for under $20 is therefore a steal, especially with its fresh, seaside-inspired scent that smells more expensive than it is. With over 72,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, this is a popular pick that reviewers say is unisex and lasts long.
This one is just a few cents over $20 at Target, so we’re still counting it, but Amazon’s listing is right under the threshold. And the price is unbeatable, considering reviewers consider this Primula moka pot and coffee maker comparable to the more expensive, iconic Bialetti. Able to make espresso, lattes and other types of coffee with ease of operation and cleaning in the comfort of your own home, this handy little pot can be a game-changer for the daily coffee drinker on your list. It comes in four colors.
Promising review: “Got it as a gift for my mom as her coffee maker broke. I had one of these in college and I thought she would enjoy it…and she did! Took her a few tries to get it just right but now she loves it and makes the perfect cup every time!” — Tania V.
Speaking of your favorite coffee drinker, odds are they’ll always appreciate a nice mug (award-winning baristas told us so). We like this monogrammed option from Anthropologie, which adds some festive cheer with images of holiday sweets. The mug is dishwasher- and microwave-safe, holds 14.8 ounces and can be customized by choosing one of 23 letters for their initial (I, O and Z are currently unavailable).
Promising review: “This would make the cutest gift or stocking stuffed for family or friends. It’s so much cuter in person!!!” — CotyH
A bit of plant life can spruce up any desk or shelf, and this three-bulb plant terrarium has minimalist, modern appeal with its wood, glass and metal construction. If your gift recipient would enjoy caring for plants but doesn’t have the space for a huge houseplant, this can bring some greenery into their home in a small way (the whole thing is less than a foot long). The bulbs are made of durable, heat-resistant glass and can hold flowers, herbs, houseplants and more.
The 1-ounce size of the ever-popular L’Occitane shea butter hand cream fits the bill of being under $20, and any skin care fan should gasp with delight at seeing this in their stocking. This cream is rich and nourishing thanks to the amount of hydrating shea butter it contains, and has enchanted some reviewers so much they’ve been buying it for a decade.
Socks are perhaps one of the most classic holiday gift ideas, but not without reason: They’re comfy, everyone could use a pair and they don’t break the bank. If you are planning on buying socks for some people on your shopping list, it’s worth it to invest in a nice, thick pair from a trusted brand. Enter: These slouchy knit socks from Ugg. Available in a bunch of colors, these crew socks are nice and warm with a reinforced toe, and can be worn around the house or inside a pair of winter boots.
(They’re also a great gift bag toss-in if you’re already planning to gift a pair of Uggs slippers or boots.)
Promising review: “I don’t want to take them off! They are so cozy and comfortable. They don’t make my feet to hot and definitely keeps them warm enough. Plus they are super cute!” — Jeanette M. Hoeg
If your recipient’s personal style is on the trendy side, they might love these fuzzy slide slippers that come in a bunch of colors. The slide design is less clog-like than a lot of slippers, for people who prefer that, and can also serve as a way to keep their feet warm without overheating them and causing them to sweat. They come in women’s sizes 6-12, and some reviewers say to size down.
Say goodbye to recipe books and hello to a more unique and fun way to explore cocktail recipes with this festive recipe deck, which contains 50 recipe cards. Each card shows a gorgeous photo of a holiday-themed cocktail and easy-to-follow steps for making it. This is the perfect stocking stuffer for your loved one who always hosts, or just likes to experiment with new libations.
There are regular lip balms, and nighttime lip treatments, but this Jack Black duo combines both into one gift set so you can give your recipient the gift of hydrated, smooth lips 24 hours a day. The Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm contains SPF 25 for sun protection and shea butter and avocado oil for hydration, while the NightMode Lip Treatment delivers hyaluronic acid and manuka honey packed with vitamin E.
Gift your favorite thrill seeker or puzzle nerd a fun activity with this creative murder mystery jigsaw puzzle. You can choose between two storylines, both of which are whodunits that require the completion of a 500-piece puzzle to be solved. The puzzle comes in a box shaped like an old book that makes for a nice piece of decor as well.
Promising review: “Bought this for my wife who is lover of all things jigsaw puzzles for Christmas. She absolutely loved it! She completed it over a three day period working on and off over a couple of hours each day. Now she is sharing it with her friend who also loves jigsaw puzzles and challenged her to complete it in less time!” — GK the retiree
Shopping for someone who likes minimalist decor and prefers an earthy scent? This Threshold Vetiver + Cedarwood candle is affordable but looks more expensive than it is. It’s a single-wick candle with a burn time of approximately 25 hours for the 5-ounce size and is made of palm wax and paraffin wax. The glass jar also has a neutral aesthetic that can fit right in with a lot of home decor.
Promising review: “These are by far the best candles I have ever owned! This fragrance is amazing. I use to burn vanilla and all those pie scents this is more modern and masculine. So many compliments when people walk in my home.” — Hardworkingmomma
For another crowd-pleasing candle option, this scent from Yankee Candle — which has notes of cinnamon and other baking spices — is holiday-appropriate but versatile enough that your gift recipient can light it year-round. The 22-ounce jar the candle comes in is reusable, though there’s plenty of burn time to get through before that point (110 to 150 hours, to be exact).
Promising review: “I’ve been a fan of Yankee candles from the very first time I purchased the Home Sweet Home scent over 15 years ago for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season and it has become a yearly tradition for me to purchase them for me and give as gifts. The scent fills my house when lit and even more impressive is the fragrance in my sitting area when it’s not lit. I’ve never had a candle more potent and long-lasting so I can say enough about this being my number one choice for aroma therapy.” — D. Rose
A surprise bestseller among our gift guides last year, this electric lighter is lightweight and portable with a thoughtful, safe design to prevent accidents. It’s flameless, wind- and splash-proof so you can use it even in bad weather. This lighter is rechargeable with a type-C USB cord, which is included with your purchase, and displays the battery life with LED lights.
This is perfect for the outdoorsy person on your list, someone who loves to light candles (you can even bundle this with one of the candles we mentioned earlier for an extra-thoughtful gift) or anyone who can appreciate a practical purchase. It comes in six colors so you can gift one that suits their decor or personality in general.
How adorable are these wine bottle stoppers? They’re practically the definition of delightful. You can choose between a snowman, holiday candle or Christmas tree made with hand-pressed and handblown glass that’s as beautiful as it is functional.
