The Most Unique Gifts Under $250 for Every Type of Recipient
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It’s not easy to guess what every man, woman and child in your life wants for that special occasion. Maybe a gift card is too impersonal, or you want something that’s bigger than a breadbox and that won’t break the bank, either. That’s why we’ve taken care of the virtual browsing and rounded up some of the most unique gifts that’ll cost you less than three Benjamins, including a more-than-just-a-gift-card present that comes wrapped unconventionally.
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From DIY kits for watch aficionados and beauty buffs, to luxury fragrances that can spell out your giftee’s name, keep reading for some of the best gifts under $250 for every type of recipient — then check out more of The Hollywood Reporter‘s holiday gift guides for taking care of the techies, luxury lovers and others on your “Good” list.
Masterclass Subscription
For the ever-curious knowledge seeker, a one-year subscription ($180) to MasterClass lets them learn from the best of the best. The online learning platform’s Hollywood instructors include directors Martin Scorcese and James Cameron, screenwriter Shonda Rhimes, actresses Helen Mirren and Natalie Portman, actors Samuel L. Jackson and Steve Martin and many others.
There are also plenty of five-star teachers in design, music, science, politics, business and many other categories: think Kris Jenner, Beyoncé-loved florist Maurice Harris, star baker Joanne Chang, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, sleep expert Matthew Walker, former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush and many others. You can also reap the benefits of this gift, as MasterClass’ two-for-one deal is back in time for Black Friday.
Masterclass Subscription
Beats Fit Pro x Kim Kardashian True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Whether they’re an audiophile or a Kardashian die-hard, Beats Fit Pro’s noise-cancelling earbuds with Kim Kardashian will let them listen to their favorite tunes (or discretely binge-watch on the superstar family’s Hulu series) with style.
Beats Fit Pro x Kim Kardashian – True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds – Apple H1 Headphone Chip, Compatible with Apple & Android, Class 1 Bluetooth® – Dune
Leeway Home The Full Way 44-Piece Set
One of the best gifts for college students, your favorite host and new homeowners or apartment dwellers, Leeway Home’s 44-piece dinnerware set (reg. $275) has everything they need to set the table for four guests. It’s available on Amazon for $220, or shop the kit during Leeway’s Black Friday sale and save 40% off the white or blue colorways or 25% off other styles and sets.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Leeway | Amazon
Leeway Home 44-Pc. Dinnerware Set
Yohana Subscription
Like a personalized Task Rabbit for caregivers with a lot on their plate, Yohana’s monthly subscription lets busy giftees outsource almost every type of task. The service’s team of problem-solving specialists can research kid-friendly recipes, plan birthday parties, find the perfect plumber or gardener, plan and book vacations and much more, allowing members to focus on spending time with family. Normally $249 per month, Yohana is offering new members their first two months for $149, then a special rate of $149 monthly for the first year.
Yohana Subscription
Almond Cow The Milk Maker
If they love taking a tech approach to their DIY lifestyle, Almond Cow’s Milk Maker makes it a cinch to squeeze their own plant-based milks. The device can make five to six cups of nut milks, creamers, soups, cocktails and more, and recipients can use cashews, almonds, oats, coconut shreds and other ingredients to whip up tasty foods.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Almond Cow | Amazon
Almond Cow Milk Maker
Snap Pixy Pocket-Sized Autonomous Flying HD Camera
Techies and photography nerds will have fun playing with Snap’s Pixy pocket-sized autonomous flying camera. It’s on sale for 20 percent off for Black Friday and features a built-in 12MP camera, a rechargeable battery and storage for up to 100 videos or 1,000 photos (you can also expand to up to 16 GB with an SD card.) Weighing just four ounces, the device has four preset flight paths that allow it to follow you without a remote control, so you’ll be able to capture your adventures from new heights.
Snap PixyPocket-Sized Autonomous Flying Camera
Venus Et Fleur The Classic Bundle
For the flower lover who wants to enjoy their blooms all year, send them Venus Et Fleur’s classic bundle that includes Le Mini Round and Noel Noir Le Mini Square rose arrangements and a Pin Frais candle. It’s a great evergreen alternative to fresh-cut flowers (though those are always appreciated, too), as the roses stay fresh for an entire year. You can customize the set by box color, floral color and candle scent.
Venus Et Fleur Classic Bundle
Banwood First Go! Scoot Bike
Little ones who are still finding their balance can practice their skills with Banwood’s pedal-free First Go! Scoot bike, which helps kids from ages 2.5 to 5 learn to ride a bicycle.
Banwood First Go! Scoot Bike
Jean-Michel Basquiat “Tuxedo 1982-83” Framed Print
Don’t have a million-dollar budget? You can still be a benefactor to your favorite art lover’s home collection with the Museum of Modern Art’s collection of prints and home goods, which are available at Nordstrom. Jean-Michel Basquiat’s “Tuxedo 1982-1983” framed print will fit right into giftee’s contemporary halls and walls (there are also display-worthy Yayoi Kusama skateboards, colorful trays and goblet sets, Mondrian-esque vases and coffee table books, among other picks).
Jean-Michel Basquiat Tuxedo 1982–83 Framed Print
Yves Saint Laurent Lip Showroom Vault
High-end beauty lovers who can’t get enough of a bold red will be happy to unwrap Yves Saint Laurent’s 10-piece Lip Showroom Vault, which includes the luxury label’s bullet and liquid lipsticks and signature lip stains.
Yves Saint Laurent Lip Showroom Vault
Bose Frames Audio Sunglasses
For the music lover who prefers to listen to their favorite tracks discreetly without earbuds, gift them Bose’s cool audio sunglasses. Available in small and large sizes, these stylish frames have open-ear Bluetooth headphones that let wearers tune into their playlist and surroundings.
Bose Frames Audio Sunglasses
Artifact Uprising Scrapbook Album
When framed photos aren’t sentimental enough, make your giftee a personalized scrapbook album through Artifact Uprising (which has plenty of other options ranging from custom calendars to wall art). The book comes with adhesive photo mounts and offers memory-jogging prompts, you can choose your favorite fabric color for the cover and paper type. The four-ring book has enough space for more than 60 photographs — you’ll also get a promo code for 10 free everyday prints.
Artifact Uprising Scrapbook Album
Yeti Roadie 24 Hard Cooler
A pricey drink holder might not be the first item on their list, but it’s one of the best gifts for $250 that’ll upgrade their next tailgate party, picnic or camping trip. The Yeti Roadie 24 cooler comes in several cool colors and can keep 24 pounds of ice or about 18 cans cold for days. This model is 10 percent lighter and keeps contents 30 percent colder than the Roadie 20, and it’s incredibly durable and lightweight for its size. (Get extra points by gifting it with their favorite drinks.)
Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler
Victrola 8-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player & Multimedia Center
This eight-in-one record player and Bluetooth speaker by Victrola lets audiophiles listen to almost all of their favorite formats in a retro-cool entertainment station. It’s got a CD and cassette player, FM radio and auxiliary and headphone jacks so they can plug in and play from another device. Plus, your giftee can record music from their 33s, 45s or 78s and covert it into MP3s so they can take their rare tunes with them.
Victrola 8-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player
Nordstrom Hudson Bib Insert Wool Car Coat
For the most stylish guy you know (or one you could use some fashion pointers), one of the best gifts for men is this classic wool coat from Nordstrom.
Nordstrom Hudson Bib Insert Wool Car Coat (reg. $375)
Judy The Mover Max Four-Person Emergency Kit
Give them the gift of peace of mind during emergencies with Judy’s The Mover Max go-bag (the brand recently landed on Oprah Winfrey’s favorites list this year). The 53-piece kit contains water and food with a five-year shelf life, safety and warmth essentials, a hand-crank radio, first aid and tools for a family of five, all in a waterproof backpack. And if you use the code OPRAH2022 through Nov. 28, you’ll save $70 off (bringing the price down to $125).
Judy The Mover Max Four-Person Emergency Kit (reg. $195)
Wedgewood Wonderlust Dinnerware
For the Bridgerton-obsessed host who loves throwing a good tea party, a set of colorful Wedgewood plates — as seen at the Netflix show’s charming pop-up at Bloomingdale’s — will give their fête a fashionable Regency London finishing touch that’ll impress the Ton. The Wedgewood Wonderlust collection ($55 to $200) also includes bone china teacups, mugs, coupe plates, lidded bowls, saucers and more inspired by Japanese gardens.
Wedgewood Wonderlust Plates, Set of 4
Dorsey James Bezel 3.25mm Lab-Grown White Sapphire Bracelet
Dorsey’s six-inch James Bezel Rivière bracelet features stunning lab-grown white sapphires that’ll catch your favorite jewelry collector’s stylish eye. Each stone is set in rhodium-coated sterling silver; the bracelet is also available in longer lengths.
Dorsey James Bezel 3.25mm Lab-Grown White Sapphire Bracelet
Brooklinen Luxe Hardcore Sateen Sheets Bundle
Give them a bed they’ll look forward to snoozing in and upgrade their old sheets with Brooklinen’s best-selling Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle of soft, buttery smooth cotton sheets. It comes with fitted and flat sheets, four pillowcases and a duvet cover, and you can choose from a range of solid or patterned options. (A queen set is a little under $250.)
Brooklinen Luxe Hardcore Sateen Sheets Bundle
Therabody Theragun Mini 2.0 Massager
Kora Organics founder Miranda Kerr, Oprah Winfrey and countless other stars love Therabody’s best-selling Theragun Mini percussive massager, which is lighter and more compact than the original version.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Therabody | Best Buy (red) | Amazon
Therabody Theragun Mini 2.0 Massager
Funboy x Cult Gaia Luxury Pool Lounge
Upgrade their next pool party and gift them this luxury inflatable pool lounge from Hollywood-loved brand Funboy’s collaboration with starry label Cult Gaia. It’s got enough room for two and features artful graphics that encapsulate the fashion brand’s resort-ready aesthetic.
Funboy x Cult Gaia Luxury Pool Lounge (reg. $139)
Petrossian Royal Ossetra Caviar
For the fanciest friend or family member you know, Petrossian’s Royal Ossetra Caviar (available in 1 to 4.4 ounce tins) lets luxury-loving foodies give their meals a Michelin star finish.
Petrossian Royal Ossetra Caviar
Gentleman’s Hardware Portable BBQ
Whether they’re regular campers or beach barbecue pros, this portable BBQ by Gentleman’s Hardware is ready for your giftee to grill wherever they’re heading.
Gentleman’s Hardware Portable BBQ
Moncler Pour Femme or Homme Eau de Parfum with LED Screen
The best unique gifts are the ones that are completely unexpected — like Moncler’s luxe eau de parfum with an LED screen that you can program with a custom message. Available in Pour Femme (a floral and musky fragrance with notes of powdery snow, bergamot, jasmine and vanillin) and Pour Homme (a woody scent with notes of alpine green accord, cypress, cedarwood and vetiver) options, this is one way to make a statement — say, that long-planned proposal?
Moncler Pour Femme Eau de Parfum
23AndMe and Ancestry Personal Genetic DNA Tests
Shopping for an amateur genealogist or health enthusiast? For the giftee who wants to dig deeper into roots or genes, one of the most unique gifts is a personal genetics test. 23AndMe’s ancestry and traits kit lets people discover their ancestors’ origins from more than 2,000 regions, find long-lost relatives and explore the traits that make them unique (including your musical skills or your taste and smell preferences). The AncestryDNA + Traits test is a bit pricier and reveals in-depth historical insights, a precise ethnicity estimate, over 35 of your most interesting personal characteristics (such as the genes that influence your appearance and health). Both testing kit companies use secure databases and encrypt your data to protect your privacy.
23AndMe Personal Genetic DNA Test
AncestryDNA + Traits Test
Rotate Watch Kit
Stumped on what to get your favorite real-life Doc Brown? Time-obsessed tinkerers will appreciate Rotate Watches’ hands-on timepiece building kit, which comes with everything DIYers need to create their own accesory, including a Seagull ST3600/ETA 6497 with 17-jewel mechanical movement, a 44-millimeter sapphire glass case with a clear back, genuine leather straps and more. Engraved monograms are also available.
Rotate Watches Wright Watch-Making Kit
Amazon Echo Show 15
Says Oprah Winfrey of Amazon’s smart home device (which is 32 percent off for a limited time), “[Oprah Daily creative director] Adam Glassman hung the latest Echo Show on the wall of his kitchen and uses it every day. The 15.6-inch HD screen has a sleek frame, so it almost looks like a piece of art. You can use it to sync family calendars, write digital notes to one another, and create to-do lists. Or, like Adam, you can stream your favorite show while you cook.”
Echo Show 15, Full HD 15.6″ smart display for family organization with Alexa
Man Crates Smash & Grab Gift Card
For the giftee who loves to Hulk-smash their way to a surprise, Man Crates’ concrete-covered gift card lets them work for their present. It comes with safety googles, a Ball-Peen hammer and a concrete break which breaks open to reveal a gift card code that can be redeemed at your recipient’s choice of a store or eatery, including Amazon, Buffalo Wild Wings, DoorDash, Gamestop, Home Depot, Nike, Morton’s Steakhouse, Petco, REI and more.
Man Crates Lump of Coal Gift Card
Joie de Weed Rolling Tray Gift Set
For the pal who’s known for loving “herbal remedies,” Joie de Weed’s stylish rolling tray gift set contains chic accouterments for the cannabis connoisseurs on your list.
Joie de Weed Rolling Tray Gift Set
Long Distance Touch Bracelet Set
When you can’t give your loved ones a hug IRL and video calls aren’t cutting it, this long-distance touch bracelet set lets you send a thoughtful embrace via your wrists. Sync the rechargeable devices (which come on waterproof silicone bands) to the accompanying smart phone app and tap your bracelet to send a “message” to your partner, friend or family member, whose accessory will light up and vibrate.
Long Distance Touch Bracelet Set
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