The 45 Very Best Gifts Under $250
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Look, $250 is a lot of money. You can cover a lot of gifting ground with that budget. It can either get you the most luxe basic or a more affordable investment. TBH, when it comes to gifting, the amount you spend depends a lot on who you're shopping for. When buying for your sibling or girlfriend, go all out on a big-ticket item, like heritage cookware or jewelry. For your once-a-month-dinner friend or your co-worker, something smaller that doesn't blow your whole budget, like a nice bottle of something bitter and mixable for aperitivo hour, might be more appropriate.
This is our theory of relativity as it relates to gifting—and we've applied it neatly here for you, in the form of 45 great gifts under $250 for every occasion. We have everything from techy gadgets and luxury finds. We have a designer coffee pot plucked from the depths of Amazon. We have JFK's sunglasses. Pursuant to gift guide law, we even have a candle. Suffice it to say, whoever you're shopping for, there's something on this list that'll work for them. Keep reading to see what to buy now, and what to stockpile for future holidays to avoid the last-minute gifting frenzy.
Solo3 Headphones
If they can't get behind wireless earbuds, a pair of headphones that comes with 40 hours of battery life and Bluetooth connectivity will be a welcomed upgrade.
TheraGun Mini Handheld Electric Massage Gun
Your gym rat friend needs this mini massager that's compact enough to throw in a work or gym bag.
Pulcina Espresso Maker
Even the most discerning coffee drinker would approve of this espresso maker. Alessi specifically designed it so it stops dispensing coffee before it gets bitter.
Watch SE
If they're an Apple loyalist, but haven't gotten on the watch train yet, treat them to this water-resistant one that has all the bells and whistles.
The Beastmode Blender
Our new favorite blender also comes in this aesthetically pleasing shade of green, courtesy of Beast's collaboration with Marshawn Lynch.
Roam Wireless Portable Bluetooth Speaker
A tiny, smart speaker that actually looks good? Sold.
Signature Skillet
They'll feel like a pro every time they use this cast iron skillet to make a frittata or sear meat. Maybe you'll even get a dinner invite out of it.
Off-Duty Cashmere Hoodie
Elevate his loungewear with this ultra-soft hoodie from Naadam, purveyors of one of our favorite cashmere sweaters.
Smart Mug
A temperature-controlled mug that keeps coffee warm for up to 80 minutes or all day on its coaster—more than enough time to get through your full to-do list.
Go Neck Pillow
For the person who lives on a red-eye, a packable neck pillow that's made from memory foam will be a welcome addition to their travel routine.
The NanoLoft Puffy Blanket
Rumpl's puffy blanket is a camping MVP. It's both cozy and lightweight and a no-brainer for the friend who's always trying to convince you to go on a camping trip.
Zermatt Shearling Slipper
Birkenstock went and made its already-comfortable clog even better, to the tune of a shearling-lined slipper with a contoured footbed he'll want to wear 24/7.
Air Fryer Pro
They'll be able to get in on the air fryer craze with this 9-in-1 model that's sleek enough to leave out on the counter.
Clock
Part sleep machine, part alarm, Loftie's smart clock does it all.
Smart Bird Feeder
Your parents may tell you they don't want anything. This is a lie. Your parents actually want a smart bird feeder that comes with a camera and species-identifying technology so they can stay up-to-date on the avian activity in their backyard.
Panama Weekly Agenda
Go the extra step and get this planner engraved for a personalized touch.
Indoor Golf Putting Mat
So they can practice their stroke off the green, too.
Zazou Wash Bag
If your partner has quietly, but methodically, been waging a takeover of your shared medicine cabinet, they need this coated canvas dopp kit to hold all their grooming essentials.
50's Retro Hand Blender
Do they know what a ribollita is? Then they'll definitely appreciate an immersion blender, which will kick their soups and stews up several notches.
Brown Bathrobe
In our opinion, the best robe is plush, pocketed, and slightly oversized. This striped one from Copenhagen brand Tekla ticks all the boxes.
Fiore
We're living in the golden age of non-alcoholic aperitifs, and this bottle from Figlia is one of the best recent additions. It's a good match for the person on your list looking to lighten up on the booze without giving up happy hour.
Burgundy & Blue Solitary Set
Chances are, there's someone (or multiple people) on your list whose towels could use an upgrade, and these organic cotton ones are as plush as it gets.
JFK Saratoga Sunglasses
Inspired by the same classic silhouette popularized by Kennedy, these lightweight frames are hand-crafted and sure to become a closet staple.
The Chef's Kiss
You know that person who always picks the perfect dinner reservation? They're exactly the kind of person who would appreciate this trio of gourmet wildflower honey, salsa macha, and olive oil.
Intensely Hydrating Citrus Duo
No one should have to deal with dry skin, and Aesop's indulgent hydrating set ensures they'll never have to worry about it again. Or at least, until the tube runs out.
Miji Hoops
Sister, girlfriend, second cousin twice removed... whoever she is, we're sure she'll love these intricate hoops from ethical jewelry brand Soko.
Jockey Club
Caswell-Massey's Jockey Club is a clean, classic scent that'll never steer you wrong.
Camp Shirt
Pretty much our idea of the perfect breezy summer shirt. If you know someone who's already booked their ticket to somewhere tropical, this linen number will get plenty of wear in their carry-on.
Percale Sheet Set
Know someone who just got their first apartment? Parachute's editor-favorite percale sheets will make their bed feel extravagant (even if the bed in question is currently just a mattress on the floor).
Paperclip Chain Bracelet
If he's into jewelry, a paperclip bracelet from London brand Hatton Labs is something he'll wear every day.
Corkscrew Croton
Giving your friend who has never been able to grow so much as a sprig of basil a full-blown houseplant is risky business—but if you know someone with a green thumb, it's a thoughtful housewarming idea.
Card Set
Does anyone really need two decks of Baccarat-designed cards? Probably not, but that doesn't make them any less of a cool gift.
Andre Cardholder
Sleek and compact, A.P.C.'s leather cardholder is perfect if they hate bulky bifolds.
PIXPRO WPZ2 Digital Camera
Here's a beginner-friendly camera that's waterproof, shockproof, and can even take videos.
Mohair Scarf
You know them, you may be them, and you're tired of hearing them complain about the weather: This mohair scarf is a useful and stylish gift to the perennially cold.
Tategu Tray Table
An ash wood tub tray may just convince them that they are, in fact, a bath person.
Rouge Lipstick
Trust us, she'll be thrilled to receive this tiny tube of berry-colored lipstick when it comes from Hermès.
The Garment Duffel
This shapeshifter of a duffel can be a gym tote, a weekender, or a hangable garment bag, depending on the job description. (It's an Esquire favorite, too.)
Fog Royalty Incense
Tom Dixon's take on incense features a citrus-and-cedar scent all wrapped up in a mod brass holder that doubles as decor.
Silk Sleep Eye Mask
Give them the best gift of all: Better sleep, courtesy of a silk eye mask that drowns out all light.
Barwell Martini Shaker
Help them up their martini game with a cut crystal shaker that's so deluxe, it might just distract from the fact that their bartending still leaves something to be desired.
The Rib Hat
A mustard yellow, 100 percent cashmere hat is the ultimate little luxury.
French Steak Knife Set
If you have a friend who has recently perfected the art of sirloin, gift them this French bistro knife set to make the final product look that much more impressive.
Concrete Portable Fireplace
There's something both absurd and ridiculously opulent about having your own personal fireplace to carry around.
Tomato Leaves Candle
We get it. A candle seems like a gifting cop-out. This isn't just any candle, though, it's Loewe's internet-famous, tomato-scented one, and comes in a stylish (and reusable) terracotta jar.
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