Shopping on a Budget? Here Are 20 Unique Gifts Under $30 for Everyone On Your List

Published Nov 5, 2025 7:00 pm ET


Rebecca Perlmutter/Bargain Hunter

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As someone whose love language is gift-giving, there’s truly nothing I love more than holiday shopping. But my bank account doesn’t always feel the same way. Fortunately, though, you can still find fun, unique gifts on a budget. That’s precisely why I’ve rounded up a list of the coolest gifts under $30. With my affinity for gift-giving, I’ve found everything from Snoop Dogg’s cookbook to a shark blanket hoodie.

And the cool gifts don’t end there. There’s a whiskey smoking kit for those who appreciate a fine glass of liquor, and even a rain drum for gardeners looking to hear nature’s music. So, before you make any rash shopping decisions, check out our top picks for unique budget gifts below.

Unique Gifts Under $30

  • (Fake) Plant Mom: Don’t worry about keeping your plants alive. The LEGO Botanicals Happy Plants Building Toys has two buildable “plants” that go into two adorable happy face pots. Fertilizer not included (or needed!). $20
  • Crazy Cat Lady: Gift your dear cat parent something they’ll actually use: cat butt coasters! They’re suitable for all kinds of cups, while catering to all kinds of cat lovers. $10
  • Fashionista: Even though SOJOS’ Retro 90s Sunglasses look pricey, they’re on sale for just $14 right now. While effectively blocking out UV rays, your treasured fashionista will be living their best Y2K life. $14
  • Movie Marathon: Upgrade your typical movie snack with Stonewall Kitchen’s Urban Accents Movie Night Popcorn Gift Set. It comes with three types of popcorn and five seasonings to fuel any and all movie marathons. $20
  • Munchies: Keep it 420-friendly! From Crook to Cook has recipes for all kinds of munchies from famed stoner, rapper and entrepreneur, Snoop Dogg. Just make sure to wear oven mitts so you don’t actually “drop it like it’s hot.” $17
  • Lucky Duck: HAPPYBAG’s Lying Flat Duck Night Light is a bedside touch lamp that serves as an adorable decorative piece for adults and kids alike. It’s rechargeable, too, so batteries aren’t required. $17
  • Whiskey Connoisseur: Surprise your favorite whiskey drinker with an Electric Whiskey Smoker Kit. It comes with six flavors of wood chips, a rechargeable cocktail smoker and four light modes. Bottoms up! $24
  • Choco Monster: Sweet tooth? The Kusini Electric Fondue Pot Set has everything you need for chocolate fondue: easy temperature control, detachable serving trays and four roasting forks. Let the chocolate games begin. $28
  • Green Thumb: Any plant lover will appreciate the XXXFLOWER Plant Terrarium. The wooden stand and glass tubes create aesthetic vessels for floral arrangements, cutting plants and herbs alike. $20
  • Game Night: Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is a fabulously competitive game to bring to game night. And rest assured, your friends will learn to play—and conquer—very quickly. $10
  • Sing It: Get a mini karaoke machine for that friend who simply can’t help but perform. Bring it to parties, break it out on vacation… the world is their stage. $21
  • Ambiance: Nothing creates warm ambiance like this cute and functional flower candle warmer. It comes in 17 colors, but the classic flower model is on sale right now for 23% off. $23
  • Shark Attack: Whether your giftee simply loves being cozy or has a strong affinity for sharks, inkArts’ Shark Blanket Hoodie Onesie is ultra soft and warm. And not to mention, it’s on sale for 33% off. $20
  • Garden Gal: A rain drum is a great gift for anyone with a garden! It truly captures the sound of the rain, though it comes with mallets for anyone who wants to play along. $20
  • Strike: Grace the desk of your favorite hard worker with a desktop bowling set. Featuring a launching shoot, gutters and 10 bowling pins, it has everything you need for a perfect distraction. $8
  • Love You Matcha: Make sure your giftees are always caffeinated with a matcha whisk set. It comes with a matcha bowl, bamboo whisk, scoop and sifter so they can make their prized green drink from the comfort of their home. $18
  • Traveler: Gift your beloved world traveler with 50 States, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do. Making for the perfect coffee table book, this National Geographic creation highlights all the best things to do in each of the 50 U.S. states. $12
  • Film Fanatic: Help your adored film fanatic check off all the classics! The Official IMDB Top 100 Movies Scratch Off Poster is the perfect decorative checklist to ensure they’ve seen ’em all. $20
  • Home Cook: Your darling home cook probably needs a new knife set. And Chef’s Vision’s Wildlife Knives come adorned with gorgeous animal designs. From toucans to tigers, it’ll definitely keep things wild. $25
  • Track Star: Keep your precious runner inspired with a 2026 runner’s desk calendar. Complete with running quotes for inspiration, they’ll always have their goals in sight. $20

Lizzy Rosenberg is a Catskills-based journalist, with about eight years of experience in the world of journalism. She has written and edited at People.com, Elite Daily, PureWow, Green Matters, and Distractify. Additionally, she has several freelance bylines with SKI Magazine, Outside Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Hey Alma, Best Products and USA Today’s Reviewed. You may also recognize her name from the book Green Living, which she helped her team write and publish during her time as Managing Editor at Green Matters.

Chase Clements

Chase Clements

Editor McClatchy Commerce

Based in Kansas City, Chase Clements is the Commerce Content Operations Manager. He has many years of experience as a Commerce Writer and Editor for McClatchy.