November 20, 2025
The 2025 $5 Gift Guide

I love the idea of finding inexpensive gifts for Christmas, especially because it feels like $5 can't buy you anything anymore, so I compiled a list of gifts $5 and under (some are $5.99, but I included them since it's close enough) that you can give to kids, teens, your spouse, parents, in-laws, and even neighbors. 

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Kids

Paint by sticker books ($4.95)- These paint by sticker books are a HUGE hit at our house, and some of them are on sale right now for $4.95. They have so many different options that you'll probably find multiple books that would work for any of your kids (or grandkids). These are great for kids ages 6+ (and if you want some that younger kids can do, check out these. They're not on as good of a sale, but still a great gift for younger children to do by themselves).

Bracelet Making Kit ($5.99) - My girls love making bracelets and this is something they've done since they were about 5 years old. It's on sale right now for $5.99. You'll want to pair it with some bracelet glue (or I just use super glue) because the rubber string in the kit doesn't stay together once tied. 

LCD Writing Tablet ($8.54 for 4) - We have 2 of these writing tablets and my kids love them, it's becoming a problem now that our 3rd child is old enough to want to play with toys. These are the 8.5" screens so a little smaller but it's a 4-pack which means you're getting 4 gifts for just under $9. If you want a 10" screen (which is what we have) you can buy a 2-pack for $7.99 (typically $9.99). 

Cluedle Books ($5.41) - I just barely found out about these so we've never used them but I hear they are awesome for kids who are inquisitive and love brain puzzles. To my understanding, it's a book (like a legit novel) but there are puzzles mixed into it so your kid has to solve the puzzles as part of the story. Sounds like a really cool idea!

Kite Toy Thumb Launcher ($5.98 for 2) - I can just pictures two siblings getting these on Christmas and spending hours launching these at each other and laughing their heads off. Sounds idyllic, or possibly tantrum inducing, but I'll let you decide if these are right for your family.

Wikki Stix ($5.99) - A mess free activity for that creative kid in your family who loves to work with their hands. 

Playdoh 10-Pack ($7.99) - If you have lots of little kiddos at your house, this 10 pack would be a great way to have a good Christmas on a budget. There are so many fun colors and you can throw them in the stockings or put a few in smaller boxes for a fun gift. Pair them with this fun playdoh tulip set ($4.99) or this playdoh daisy set ($5.24)

Kaleidoscope ($5.99 for 2) - My kids love these things and they'd make a great stocking stuffer or individual gift. 

Teens/College Aged

Mud Mask Brush Applicator ($5.38 for 2) - if you have a teen (or college student) who is into cosmetics, check out these mud mask applicator brushes. They're so much nicer than using your fingers to apply the mask with and you can get a 2 pack for just over $5. 

Keychain Bracelet ($4.99) - This would be a great gift for a teenager who's just starting to drive or for that person in your life who is always losing their keys. They have several different color options and the beaded bracelet is so stinking cute. This would make a great stocking stuffer as well. 

Colorful iPhone Charger ($7.39 for 3) - These 10 FT long cords make great gifts (or stocking stuffers) for you older kids (or just anyone with an iPhone). 

Custom Name Water Bottle Stickers ($4.95) - It's always fun to have something customized and these stickers are so fun and cute to put on all your things from helmets to laptops and everything in between. 

Women

Nylon Makeup Bag ($5.29 for 2) - These are such a simple gift but so functional and cute at the same time. And since it comes in a 2-pack you get two gifts for the price of one. 

Mini Hand Cream ($5.69 for 7) - I love these little hand creams (and so do my kids) and these would make a great gift for close neighbors/friends because you can get a 7 pack for $5.69. Put one in a baggy with some fun Christmas goodies and you have a great neighbor gift. 

Shower Steamers ($19.99 for 15) - I got these as a gift a few years ago and now I'm hooked (and I'm not that into aromatherapy). They're great to give a little extra boost to your showers without having to do a lot of extra work. Since it's a 15 pack you could throw 2-3 into a bag and make it into 5+ gifts for the women in your life (pair it with the hand cream for an extra special budget friendly gift). 

Essence Lash Princess ($3.99) - This mascara is my favorite. It goes on nice and smooth without clumping up (sometimes better than my expensive mascara) and the best part is it's super cheap. I pair it with this Volume Booster Lash Primer for real lashes that are long and eye-catching (see what I did there). And don't worry, it's okay to get hooked on both of these products because they are only $4.99 regular price all year long!

Metal Bow Hairpins ($5.99 for 4) - These classic barrettes are so cute and simple that you could wear them for a day to the park or a fancy dinner date. 

French Flat Hair Clips ($7.99 for 6) - These look so easy to use for those days when you just need to pull your hair up and get on with your life. I'm always throwing my long hair into a messy bun but I'd love to twist and clip it in one of these some days. 

Men

7 in 1 Manicure Set ($5.99) - Maybe you know a man whose nails are looking a little rough, this kit is perfect for them. The stainless steel tools are dark colored to look manly and tough while also stressing the importance of good hygiene. Or, if your husband happens to steal your prized set of nail clippers (I know you have a favorite pair, so do I), then you can give him this set so he stops losing yours. 

Dove Men+Care Hydra Cream ($5 for 4) - I saw these on another gift guide and thought they were so cool. I feel like a lot of men don't want to use lotions because they're fruity or flower smelling, so if there's a man in your life who needs lotion but doesn't use it, try giving him some of these. It comes in a 4 pack so you can theoretically give these to multiple people, or use them as stocking stuffers for your teens and college aged sons. 

Magnetic Wristband for Tools ($3.63) - I know your husband loves when he's putting together some bookshelves and suddenly one of the screws is missing, but just in case he doesn't, this magnetic wristband is an awesome gift so that he can toss all the small parts onto it and have them ready to go (right on his wrist) when he needs them. 

Digital Tire Pressure Gauge ($5.99) - You just know a guy who needs this. 


Hope you found some things for your family, stay tuned for my $10 gift guide!