A genuinely good holiday gift under $10 is kind of a unicorn: elusive but thrilling to come across. In the single digits, you risk foregoing quality, even though that nice neighbor or coworker deserves something better than a dusty candle found near the CVS checkout line.
I’m here to tell you the rumors are true: you can give a thoughtful gift under $10. In this gift guide, Filter staff and contributors recommend inexpensive treats that feel like they should cost more than they do. They’re all things that really make life a bit easier or more joyful – for example, a sauce that transforms Tuesday-night dinner, a sleep mask that upgrades red-eye flights and a passionately recommended lineup of toys picked by kids, for kids. Read on for our 23 holiday gifts that punch above their price point.
All prices current at the time of publication.
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Abib Mild Acidic pH Heartleaf Sheet Mask
Abib is one of South Korea’s most beloved skincare brands, and this albumin-coated sheet mask is one of its bestsellers. A single packet comes filled with a ton of serum – way more than your usual mask – and every time I use one, my skin feels completely soothed afterward. Keep the packet of leftover serum in the fridge overnight (there will be a lot left) and slather it on as a cooling, depuffing balm the next morning. Karen Yuan, Filter US commissioning editor
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Drawing paper pad
I like to draw and paint. I usually draw humans or cartoons. Mille, 8, featured in our gift guide for kids aged five to eight
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The Pink Stuff cleaning paste
When the Pink Stuff says “miracle cleaning paste,” it means it. This stuff can tackle just about any kitchen mess – mold, rust, the remnants of an overzealous dinner party. Megan Wahn, home and kitchen writer
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Mini Squishmallows stuffed animals
They are fun to play with, and I have a little house for them so I can play with them and I’m able to watch the show while I play with them. Nadia, 9, featured in our tween gift guide
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Satya incense gift set
This Satya incense set mixes sandalwood, patchouli and lavender for a soothing, earthy scent. It makes a sweet little gift for someone who likes (or needs) to wind down. I like to light one while reading, working or just doing nothing at home. Karen Yuan, Filter US commissioning editor
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Travel Inspira luggage scale
This is the type of item most people don’t realize is missing in their life until they experience the reassurance that comes with weighing a suitcase before arriving at the airport. You simply loop the weighing belt through your luggage handle and hold it up to get a read. You’ll never pay an overweight luggage fee again. Lydia Mansel, travel writer
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Uniqlo HeatTech Socks
Women’s:
$7.90 at Uniqlomen’s:
$7.90 at UniqloI’ll always be pro-socks as a gift, especially in cold months. These socks will almost make you forget you’re braving through chilly weather and pair great with boots, sneakers and everything in between. Jacquelyne Germain, Guardian US copy editor
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Speks Memory Gel Stress Ball
An old co-worker of mine kept one of these Speks memory gel stress balls on their desk and squeezed it constantly. The ball has a soft TPR shell filled with squishy maltose gel, so it springs right back into shape after every crunch. If you know someone who needs a small desk-friendly way to decompress, this is it. Karen Yuan, Filter US commissioning editor
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Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce
You can pick up any of these and not be disappointed. My favorites are the original and the roasted garlic sauce, which I use extensively for marinating and building flavor in any sauce I’m making. I like their smoky and umami kick, which goes well with any meat preparation. It’s a light sauce, so you can use as much or as little to build flavor. Tasneem Merchant, Guardian US west coast copy editor
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Cat feather toy
My cat is more marathon snoozer than apex predator, but these feather toys inexplicably awaken his inner kitten enough to get him doing backflips. The fishing-pole-like construction handles a ton of abuse and collapses down for storage. Nick Mokey, Filter US editor
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Olipop prebiotic soda
If you’re looking for an affordable gift for your wellness-obsessed friend, try a pack of Olipop’s prebiotic soda. The seasonal cans add an extra special touch to this gut-healthy gift. Lauren Gould, Filter US editorial coordinator
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Samsonite Microbead Eye Mask
If you know someone who’d love to actually sleep on a plane for once, which is pretty much everyone, this eye mask is an easy win. The microbeads gently mold to your face in a way that feels weirdly luxurious for something this cheap. A friend wore one on our flight from New York to Tokyo and basically passed out next to me for the entire 14 hours. Karen Yuan, Filter US commissioning editor
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Magic 8 Ball
Despite being an iconic children’s toy, the Magic 8 Ball has a spooky origin story: inventor Albert C Carter designed the original Magic 8 Ball in the 1940s, modeled after a spirit box used by his psychic mother who claimed to speak to the dead. For the rest of us, it’s an easy way to get answers to yes-or-no questions – perfect for overthinkers. Latifah Muhammed, entertainment journalist
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Boska pizza wheel
As home and kitchen writer Megan Wahn said in her guide to the best Black Friday kitchen deals: “Let’s be honest: your chef’s knife or kitchen shears won’t cut it when it comes to slicing your pizza. Literally. It’s time to get a pizza wheel.” Small but cheap, this stainless steel Boska pizza cutter does the job. Karen Yuan, Filter US commissioning editor
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Kolsvart Torsken Raspberry and Blackcurrant Mix Fish
I’m big on gummy candies and very particular about them: too much elasticity and they’ll stick to your teeth (Swedish Fish feel that way sometimes), too little and it lacks a playful chew. These are the perfect level, and the blackcurrant’s very tasty. Tammy Tarng, Guardian US copy editor
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Hu Kitchen Chocolate Bar
While gifting chocolate for the holidays isn’t groundbreaking, this Hu Kitchen chocolate is no ordinary bar. It’s filled with creamy cashew butter and made with fair-trade chocolate that simply melts in your mouth. Lauren, Filter US editorial coordinator
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Dog-shaped claw clips
I really like dogs a lot and dachshunds are my favorite. Summer, 10, featured in our tween gift guide
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Pokémon cards
I’m hoping for Pokémon cards because it’s a fun hobby of mine. Even if I don’t get the perfect cards, I’m still happy to open the packages. Mason, 13, featured in our teen gift guide
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Fly By Jing Original Sichuan Chili Crisp
This is my make-anything-taste-better condiment. It’s spicy, it’s crunchy, it’s great on eggs, noodles and pizza (and even ice cream, if you’re feeling wild). Karen Yuan, Filter US commissioning editor
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Paperback classic novel
Even though I love my Kindle, there’s nothing quite like cracking open a new copy of a physical book. Beloved remains my favorite book I read as required reading in high school, and is a classic for a reason. Lauren Gould, Filter US editorial coordinator
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Koala lens cleaning cloths
For the glasses wearer in your life: these microfiber cloths wipe smudges in a matter of seconds (and are also great for cleaning electronics). Jacquelyne Germain, Guardian US copy editor
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Bookstore gift card
On my Christmas list is a gift card to my favorite bookstore. Usually, the book I want is not yet out, and sometimes I just like picking the book out myself rather than someone choosing one for me. Justice, 15, featured in our teen gift guide
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Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer
I want the Touchland Berry Bliss because it runs out, and I traded it for some ducky Squishy. Lizzy, 9, featured in our tweens gift guide
