Samantha Schoech is a writer focusing on gifts. She spends her time finding things that combine quality, beauty, usefulness, and delight.
The cost of unique, thoughtful gifts can add up alarmingly fast. But we’ve spent thousands of hours on research and testing (some of which involved eating ice cream), plus some good old-fashioned retail hunting, to find these gems under $100.
If there’s a cook on your list, we have you covered. Outdoorsy? Yes. Ditto for homebodies, travelers, plant parents, and people who just like cool things. Though we’ve made every effort to confirm that all the picks in this guide meet the threshold, prices can dance around a bit—especially around the holidays.
If you’re looking for more-affordable gifts, check out our guides to the best gifts under $10, under $25, and under $50.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTSmall but mighty
This cordless handheld vacuum’s powerful suction, long battery life, and large bin make short work of tidying up around the home and in the car.
From: The Best Handheld Vacuum
Excellent earbuds
These tiny earbuds provide great sound, excellent noise cancellation, and a long battery life. But they don’t support a voice assistant like Alexa or Siri, and the touch controls are slightly limited.
Buying Options
With clipped on-page coupon (deal on black and white)
From: The Best Wireless Earbuds
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTBougie beach towel
If you want the best of the best and are willing to pay more for it, this Coyuchi towel may be for you. It’s made of organic Turkish cotton and dries faster than other towels. However, its colors will fade with prolonged sun exposure.
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From: The Best Beach Towel
Zip around
This two-wheel scooter offers a smooth, faster glide, and it has adjustable-height handlebars. But it’s not for inexperienced riders.
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From: The Best Kids Scooters
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTComfy clogs
These are the chic and trending Boston sandals we know and love, but in a less-expensive and cushier proprietary plastic material. They look and feel good with or without socks.
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Speed racer
This sled is a high-quality, versatile plastic toboggan that’s almost as speedy as the company’s snow tube. Unlike tube-style sleds, this model can be steered, and it’s a lot easier to load into a car.
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From: The Best Sleds
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA new Mario
This game for the Nintendo Switch is Mario’s most clever, most character-filled adventure ever.
Self control
Microsoft’s Xbox controller is comfortable to hold and benefits from built-in Windows support—simply plug it in, and it works with just about any game that supports a controller. The Design Lab customization allows you to tweak all the colors in an easy-to-use interface.
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From: The Best Gifts for Gamers
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTOld-fashioned nightie
These affordable nightgowns are old-fashioned in all the best ways, with options for ribbons, pleats, embroidery, and buttons on a variety of flowy styles. They’re a bit transparent for a barely-there feel.
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Personal-item option
This lightweight but sturdy nylon carry-on bag has a laptop sleeve, four handy exterior pockets, and enough interior room for a weekend away.
From: The Best Gifts for Frequent Travelers
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTGlowing mushrooms
Just tap the shade of this Alice in Wonderland–worthy wood and glass mushroom lamp to cycle through seven colors. It charges with a USB cord and comes in three sizes and with either a walnut or white ash base.
Fragrance from France
This 16-inch wreath made from six dried herbs including lavender and thyme brings home the smell of Provence.
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From: The Best Gifts for Your Mother-in-Law
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTEasy streaming
This player offers an intuitive interface, intelligent search, and a useful remote. It also adds an Ethernet input port for more stable network streaming.
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Write a memoir
This gift-worthy subscription service sends weekly prompts to the gift recipient so that they can write their own stories, which are then compiled along with personal photos or art into a hardcover book.
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From: The Best Gift I Ever Gave My Dad Is Something My Family Will Treasure for Generations
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTHiking helpers
These poles satisfy the essential criteria for a trekking pole, with toughness, comfort, and replaceable parts, but they make a minor sacrifice: The components wear out faster than in our other picks.
From: The Best Trekking Poles
Bespoke bracelet
A high-res scan of a handwritten message is engraved on either side of a dainty cuff, available in a range of affordable metals.
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From: The Best Gifts for College Grads
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTSteel trap
This two-tier Japanese steel toolbox has a roomy primary chamber and adjustable top compartments to hold smaller objects. It’s more scratch-prone than plastic counterparts, but it makes up for that with cheery colors and butter-smooth hinges.
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Citrus tree
Get fresh lemons from this pest-resistant mail-order tree, which can grow indoors or outdoors in warmer climates.
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From: The Best Gifts for Mom
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTThrowback bowls
These classic mixing bowls have been made the same way since the 1950s in the last hand-pressed glass factory in the US.
Understated bling
Each of these dainty, 12-millimeter hinge hoops are made from vermeil—a thick layer of 14k gold over solid sterling silver—and embedded with one of 13 lab-grown gemstones.
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From: The Best Gifts for New Moms
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTCash clip
This low-profile sterling silver money clip is perfectly pocket-sized. And you can have it custom-engraved to include a drawing, signature, or special design.
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A new hobby
High-end yarn, beautifully designed instructions with online tutorials, and three dozen color choices make this an especially giftable (though pricey) beginner knitting experience.
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From: The Best Fiber Craft Kits for Adults
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTHand grounds
For those who want an affordable yet high-quality portable hand grinder, the Timemore Chestnut C2 is the best in its class for speed, ease of grinding, and consistency.
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From: The Best Coffee Grinder
For backyard movies
This screen inflates itself in seconds for easy setup and delivers solid picture quality. But you have to contend with drawbacks such as fan noise and a less taut screen surface.
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From: The Best Outdoor Projector Screen
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTWashable slippers
These modern, mostly cotton Japanese house slippers are machine washable and perfect for shoe-free households or anyone who wants warm feet.
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Leggings for all
Versatile and flattering, these leggings offer a structured fit, a substantial feel, and medium compression. They’re also available in three lengths, 17 colors, and a wide variety of sizes, from XXS to 6XL.
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From: The Best Leggings
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTSlick steak knives
Modern, attractive, and impressively sharp, these knives are easy to use and offer exceptional value.
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From: The Best Steak Knife Set
Keep cool
This simple lunch-box-style cooler is insulated with thick closed-cell foam and made from a durable coated nylon.
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From: The Best Coolers
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTOld-school radio
The WR-15 radio combines an eye-catching retro design with reliable performance, solid build quality, and superb value. Its taller, vertical form makes it look more striking than many competitors.
From: The Best Tabletop Radios
3D drawing
Comfortable to hold and easy to start using right away, this pen comes with 3Doodler’s excellent customer service. The only downside is its proprietary filament.
From: The Best 3D Pen
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA little juice
This power bank is small and light, and its rounded edges make it easy to slip into a pocket. It comes in only two colors, but it has two built-in cables and enough capacity to charge most smartphones up to three times.
Professional cutting board
This midsize teak cutting board offers a deep juice canal on one side and hand grooves for lifting and serving.
From: The Best Cutting Boards
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTDurable Dutch oven
This inexpensive Dutch oven has easy-to-grip large handles, as well as shorter sides and a wider base, which together allow steam to escape easily, helping to concentrate flavors during cooking. Its design rivals that of pricier models, too.
From: The Best Dutch Oven
Ice cream delivery
Extra-creamy best-selling flavors— brambleberry crisp, brown butter almond brittle, darkest chocolate, salted peanut butter with chocolate flecks, and salty caramel—from a renowned ice cream maker will delight the 6-year-old in just about anyone.
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From: Most Gift Baskets Are Terrible. These Are Great.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTThe perfect pour
This 1.7-liter kettle heats water quickly and accurately to the various temperatures needed to get optimum flavor from teas and coffee.
From: The Best Electric Kettle
Quick smoothies
Powerful, easy to use, and convenient, this personal blender will save on cleanup time.
Buying Options
Free Kohl's account required, use promo codes LETSGO20 and 10HOME
From: The Best Personal Blender
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTBetter than plastic
These multipurpose, durable bags seal securely and can hold everything from snacks to prepped ingredients to leftovers to toiletries for travel. And they can go from fridge to freezer.
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Ice cream churner
This frozen-bowl-style ice cream maker quickly churns out dense, creamy ice cream—at a fraction of the cost of most competitors.
Buying Options
Free Kohl's account required, use promo codes LETSGO20 and 10HOME, with store pickup
From: The Best Ice Cream Maker
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA superior slicer
This classic mandoline found in restaurant kitchens all over the world has razor-sharp replaceable blades and a safe hand guard.
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From: The Best Mandoline
Guiding light
This lantern’s rechargeable battery is removable for use with many other Coleman products. It has a USB-C input port and a USB-A output port, and its 1,000-lumen bulb offers six brightness settings to cast a soft, warm glow.
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From: Outdoor and Backyard Lighting We Love
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTFamily-size sled
This sled is big, boxy, and capable of holding a lot of riders. It isn’t the fastest sled, but it’s a load of fun for families or groups of friends.
From: The Best Sleds
Made in the shade
This chair’s big, heavy canopy provides ample sun protection at a campsite or cookout and doubles as a backpack-strap-equipped carrying case.
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From: The Best Camping Chair
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA tool for all times
This light and slim multi-tool focuses on well-executed essentials—such as precise, comfortable pliers—and has no fillers. It’s easy to carry daily and built to last.
From: The Best Multi-Tool
It’s not a purse
This spacious neoprene pack is a true blend of fashion and function, capable of holding plenty of stuff (a large wallet, makeup kit, phone) with room to spare.
From: The Best Fanny Packs
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTTough sunnies
Made from shiny acetate, these attractive round frames aren’t exactly cheap, but they look and feel far more expensive than they are. They come in two sizes to fit a range of faces, and they have flexible spring hinges for added comfort.
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Superior snippers
This set is sharp, durable, smooth, easy to repair, and easy to find. As thousands of gardeners already know, a Felco 2 may be the last pruner a person ever buys.
From: The Best Garden Pruners
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTSilken dreams
This pillowcase, made from the highest-grade mulberry silk, is lustrous and weighty right out of the box.
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Fave dopp kit
This bag includes a detachable pouch and other organizational options, so packing is easier for both long and short trips.
Buying Options
Use promo code BF24, price includes shipping
From: The Best Toiletry Bags
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTSlinky robe
This lightweight jersey-knit robe feels soft and slinky, and the three-quarter-length sleeves don’t get in the way. The curve-skimming cut is flattering on different body types.
From: The Best Robes
Bud buddy
In our tests, this aluminum grinder produced the fluffiest and finest results. Its bonus storage compartment and an optional plate for coarser grinds are unique extras worth the added cost.
Buying Options
May be out of stock
From: The Best Cannabis Grinder
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTSnacks from Japan
Curated by the online Japanese market Bokksu, this snack box is chock-full of tangy, crunchy, and sweet shelf-stable delights.
Buying Options
code WIRECUTTER15 for $15 off
Weighted comfort
Smooth against the skin, the Luna blanket looks and feels balanced, especially with the duvet cover (sold separately).
From: The Best Weighted Blankets
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTCard carrying
If you’re looking for something less traditional, this wallet is truly thinner than any other bifold we found, though its lack of a bill compartment may take getting used to.
From: The Best Slim Wallet
Modern vessel
These sculptural earthenware vessels are slip cast in Portugal, painted in food-safe glazes, and beautiful when filled with food or flowers—or just sitting pretty.
From: The Best Gifts for Your Mother-in-Law
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTHot cuppa
Ohom’s quirky Ui Mug comes with a warming pad that doubles as a wireless phone charger—and it works well in both respects. But it isn’t compatible with regular mugs.
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From: Mug Warmers We Love for Keeping Our Coffee (and Tea) Hot
Coffee to go
This lightweight, all-in-one grinder, brewer, and insulated mug works well anywhere—just add beans and hot water.
From: The Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTSelf-watering pots
Houseplants are much harder to kill in these pretty terra-cotta-and-glass self-watering planters, which slowly absorb water to keep soil moist.
From: The Best Gifts for Plant Lovers
We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend.
This article was edited by Hannah Morrill and Jennifer Hunter.
Meet your guide
Samantha Schoech
Except for the time she gave a boyfriend her mother’s old toaster for Christmas, staff writer Samantha Schoech has a reputation as an excellent gift giver. She lives in San Francisco with two teens, two cats, a geriatric betta fish, and a bookseller husband. Her first book of short stories, My Mother’s Boyfriends, is coming out in 2024.
Mentioned above
- Handheld vacs ferret out crumbs from cushions, dirt from car seats, and fur from sofas. We recommend the Ryobi 18V One+ Performance Hand Vacuum Kit.The Best Handheld Vacuum
- The Soundcore Space A40 true wireless earbuds perform so well it’s hard to believe they’re so affordable.The Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
- After testing beach towels all over the country, we have four great options—plus a towel alternative that’s ideal for families with babies.The Best Beach Towel
- We’ve compared 19 kids scooters over the past six years, and we’re confident that the popular Micro Maxi is a worthwhile investment in longtime fun.The Best Kids Scooters
- Looking for a fast-flying snow tube? A plastic toboggan that’ll hold up for years? A minivan-like sled capable of holding the whole clan? We have suggestions.The Best Sleds
- 2024 has seen some great video games, but these are the best of the best this year so far.The Best Video Games of 2024 So Far
Further reading
The 35 Best Gifts for Grandparents
by Samantha Schoech
From life-upgrade gadgets to creative ways to display family photos, the best gifts for grandparents are here.
The 48 Best Gifts for Dads
by Samantha Schoech and Mari Uyehara
Whether he’s a coffee snob, a jazz enthusiast, or the rugged, outdoorsy type, these gifts for dads will make him smile.
The 42 Best Gifts for Mom
by Samantha Schoech and Mari Uyehara
Mom has been with you through life’s ups and downs. Give her something thoughtful, beautiful, or delightful to show how much you appreciate her.
49 Wirecutter-Approved Stocking Stuffers for Adults
by Samantha Schoech
We’ve got the stockings covered with mini delights for everyone on your list.
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