26 Birthday Gifts That Your Friends And Family Will Never Know Cost Under $25
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
It's the thought that counts, but now they'll be impressed on all accounts. 😉
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Promising review: "We played this recently when friends came over with their kids, and we all had such a blast! It IS quite fast-paced, and the slapping of cards can get a little rambunctious, but all the laughing makes it worth it. :) Just like all the other reviews say, just get it — it’s really fun! Perfect family game, great for adults (for added bonus, while enjoying adult beverages), too. :)" —Mrs. Love
Get it from Amazon for $9.84.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this journal...the craftsmanship of the leather is way more than I could ever hope to find. Just beautiful!!!!! I'm in love!!!!" —Olivia
Get it from Walmart for $13.49.
Promising review: "This is a great product and a great idea. I am someone who has a lot of notebooks and journals; I like to write everything down so I remember it. I have wasted countless Post-it Notes writing to-do lists and this little notebook not only helps me preserve my beloved Post-its, it's great for the environment as I'm reusing the same pages instead of tearing them out and starting with a brand-new page or notebook. I wish I had known about this when I was going to college, how much time and money it would have saved me. I love the fact that you can just scan each page and send it to a specific place that you have designated. Way to go, Rocketbook! You are my new favorite thing! I literally show as many people as I can about this." —Natasha
Get it from Amazon for $35 (available in executive and letter styles and 16 colors).
Promising review: I absolutely love this mug! It makes me so happy seeing it every morning when I use it for my coffee. I love anything French and this has the modern French cafe look! I just hand wash after every use." —pinkstwabewies1
Get it from Anthropologie for $14 (available in 23 letters).
Promising review: "This lip product is one of the most versatile and beautiful ones ever. It is very creamy and a little bit goes a long way. If I want a more subtle look, I only add a little to my inner lips and spread it out. If I am going for a bolder look, I can apply more. It feels very moisturizing and I love the packaging. I wouldn't necessarily call it a lip stain, but more of a liquid lipstick. I adore it." —Lauren
Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in 25 shades).
Promising review: "These silk pillowcases are amazing! They’re easy to care for. I hand wash them and hang to dry and they dry very quickly. I love that they have a zipper and fit my king size pillows perfectly. Sleeping on them is a dream and they feel amazing on my skin. I don’t wake up with lines from them and feel that my skin texture has improved while using. Buy these, you won’t regret it. In love with these. ❤️" —Sue Ellen
Get it from Amazon for $20.39+ (available in six sizes and 30 colors).
Promising review: "I've had these for about six months now and I love these. No more annoying wires dangling around my neck. And no wires needed to charge this. The case itself charges wirelessly, and the earbuds charge in the case. This means I don't have to worry about finding a charger that fits. No need for lightning connector, USB-C, micro-USB, etc. This charges on any wireless base there is. The sound is great too.
Definitely better than the sound from AirPods. Too much noise is lost with AirPods because they don't fit to the ear like earbuds do. These can get loud too, if you want that. I never turn them up all of the way because it can get too loud for me (and I like loud music). Sound quality is great for the types of music I listen to. That includes rap, some pop, classic rock, metal like Metallica and Megadeth, and harder metal like Slayer and Lamb of God. It all sounds great." —Joseph R Earley
Get them from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in five colors).
Promising review: "I tried them on this morning and it was like magic. They felt just like my $100 Lululemon leggings, except these have pockets! I can already tell this is the start of a beautiful friendship." —Kate
Get it from Amazon for $25.98+ (available in sizes XS–XXL, two styles, and 39 colors).
Promising review: "The mini backpack is super cute. There is a good amount of space on the inside. It has a pocket with a zipper and a pocket without a zipper on the inside. There is a pocket with a zipper on the back of the backpack. And also a pocket with a button enclosure on the front. The color is super pretty in person. The backpack feels like a durable sturdy bag. We just got it today so we haven't put it to use. This was a birthday gift for my daughter who just turned 12. She loves all colors but teal is her favorite. She loves this bag. It is super trendy for tweens and teens. I never write reviews usually but I was so happy when I saw it that I wanted to write a review. I hope it helps." —Rosanna Cruz
Get it from Amazon for $21.59 (available in 18 colors).
ChicInGold is a small jewelry shop in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey that specializes in minimalist, personalized jewelry.
Promising review: "I love these earrings!! They are so comfortable!!" —Marylstroud
Get them from ChicInGold on Etsy for $44+ (available in three colors/materials).
Promising review: "My little pup (Stoli — a Maltese) loves these treats! As a dog mom, it’s amazing, because she stays busy during these 5-10 min and doesn’t come begging for more. She usually leaves hard treats on the side when she cannot eat them but these ones, she goes crazy for them and will try anything possible to finish it. Love the ingredients too. Healthy treats and the most luxurious presentation available out there. Great unique gift idea!" —Caroline
Get a box of six from Amazon for $20.02+ (available in 14 flavors and three box sizes).
Promising review: "I bought this in charcoal and lost it on a trip, so I bought the exact color again because I missed it so much. Now I'm back to buy it in more colors. It is thick (because it's a watch cap) but I wear it year round in Dallas or Chicago — it's my favorite hat. The fit is snug to the point that I can sling it back without it falling off and it fits over my afro or straight hair the same and doesn't lose is stretch after washing." —CE.
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 19 colors).
Promising review: "These are everything! I’ve never had so many people stop me and ask where I got my shoes from. They’re beautiful and are so comfortable. You could definitely wear these every day like I do. Best Amazon shoe purchase. I purchased my normal size; they fit perfectly, but if you're looking to wear thick socks I’d go up a half size. They’re snug with thicker socks. That’s if you have a wider foot like me. If not, get your normal size; I’m sure they’ll fit perfectly." —MJ
Get them from Amazon for $25 (available in sizes 5.5–11 and seven colors).
Note: If you’re immunocompromised, be sure to read all the package instructions to make sure it’s safe for you.
Promising review: "After getting horribly sick on a trip to Mexico I decided, ‘never again!’ I bought one of these bottles for every member of the family before our next Mexican vacation. We had many adventures: picnics, ATVs in the jungle, zip lining, cave swimming…and these bottles were with us the entire time. We weren’t afraid to refill bottles from any water source. These bottles made the water potable every time. Nobody got sick. Everybody stayed healthy. Genius! Essential! Love it! Recommend it!" —MischDav
Get it from Amazon for $39.67 (available in six colors).
Promising review: "I have ADHD and I misplace literally everything. ESPECIALLY my keys and phone! I love that when I lose my keys it's easy to find. It plays out a tune and also on my app I can see how close I am to them. And when I inevitably misplace my phone but have my keys, a quick double click and my phone is playing a tune for me to find it." —Haley Peterson
Get it from Amazon for $22.35 (available in three colors).
Promising review: "Beautiful, full snake plant is exactly what I hoped for to add life and color to my living room. I put it on a plant stand for even more height. Love it." —heffk
Get it from Amazon for $22.42+ (available in two sizes and five colors).
Promising review: "I purchased this bag in gray to use for recent travel. It is so much nicer than I anticipated and I love it! Seems very durable and well-made and I love that it has a pocket on the inside, where I ended up storing my cell phone and small odds and ends like a pack of gum and ear buds. The added bonus is that it is not only beautiful and fashionable, but also lightweight and easy to carry." —Pattieflafla
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in two sizes and dozens of colors).
Promising review: "This is a simple product that's easy to use, and in my opinion, opens up red wine nicely. I've used this on relatively inexpensive bottles (approximately $5) and bottles a bit pricier (approximately $40). I felt that it helped open up the wines at both price points and allowed me to really take in the flavor and smell to fully enjoy the wine. Additionally, the pour spout eliminates wine drips after pouring, and I've enjoyed not having wine drip down the bottle, my hand, or onto the counter. Other reviewers have mentioned the detachable straw comes loose, but I haven't had that issue." —Brandon Valdini
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this. It’s so convenient and easy to use, and when I wake up, I have the most luscious amazing curls that last the whole day (not even a curling iron makes my curls last for more than two hours). Highly recommend." —fruitartlover
Get it from Urban Outfitters for $18.
Promising review: "I ordered this set of two cups for my Pixie espresso machine. The set of cups I already had did not accommodate the larger volume of Lungo. Not only are the JoyJolt Mugs the right size, but they are light and sturdy, and due to the double-wall design, they retain the heat of my drink longer than my ceramic cups. Plus they were a steal — a well-known kitchen supply store wanted close to $25 for ONE double-wall Lungo cup." —bearandbu
Get them from Amazon for $16.95 (available in two colors).
Promising review: "This is the perfect size for our balcony. We are on the top floor. No smoke to really talk about. Made making s’mores fun and easy. Also, it wasn’t too hot to sit by. We are in Florida, and it was just a comfortable warmth. Recommended!" —Maria H.
Get it from Radiate on Amazon for $19.99.
Promising review: "Always a 5-star product. I'm a repeat customer. I really like Sojos sunglasses because they are sturdy, fashionable, cool, well-made, and great quality. I get a lot of compliments every time I wear them. The mirror ones are my favorite. Good sun protection. I'll keep buying more for sure." —princesita
Get a pair from Amazon for $15.99 (available in 13 colors).
Promising review: "I bought one for myself and two for gifts for my daughters. This is so perfect for traveling!! The jewelry box is well thought out with a place for rings, earrings, and necklaces in their own spot, and they stay in place when traveling. The box itself looks really nice and not cheap. Very happy with this purchase!" —Kim
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in nine colors).
Promising review: "My partner snores to wake the living dead. He blissfully snorts, gurgles, gasps, and snuffles while I lie wide awake because I cannot fall asleep due to his ridiculously loud bellows.
Enter stage right the most perfect of sleep headphones. I had tried my earbuds before but they hurt like hell when I tried to sleep on my side. I found these headphones and at three in the morning I thought, well why not. They. Are. Awesome. I can sleep comfortably with the headband on. The volume control is great. It doesn’t 100% drown out the thunderous bursts issuing forth from the partner but the stream of sleep music I listen to combined with the comfort of the headband allows me to concentrate on my own private island of happiness and eventually I can fall asleep and stay asleep. I cannot recommend these earphones enough." —Katherine
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 17 colors).
Promising review: "I’ve never used a body brush so this is my first one so I can’t really compare to others — however, after using before showers for the last six months, I have significantly noticed a dramatic difference in my skin — less strawberry pimples (leg dots), less keratin bumps on my arms, and not to mention my skin is softer and is glowing. For $10, this is a must for everyone." —Mom
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
Promising review: "Never having owned a Yeti I can't compare the two. What I can do is write about my experience. We drove to Florida from NY And I filled up my cup with cold water. We left at 9 a.m., I finished my water by 6 p.m. and it was cold the whole time. Better story, I filled the cup up with ice and water the next day at 8:30 a.m. had ice cold water until we arrived at 6 p.m. But the surprise was the next morning I hadn't finished all the water and when I took a sip of what was left it was still ice cold and had some ice in it also! I love the straws as well with the brush for cleaning. And it DOES NOT leak from the lid. Not a drop! I thought if I kept the straw in the cup it would make the cold water not last as long. WRONG! It wasn't affected at all. If you are on the fence about this, get off and purchase it. I bet you won't be sorry." —Supee1117
Get it from Amazon for $15.30+ (available in three sizes and 19 colors).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.