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    29 Gifts Under $20 That Are Perfect For People You Barely Know, But Want To Impress

    An entire pound of cereal marshmallows, super cozy socks, and a very fun game they can play with their friends and family These tried and true gifts are sure to be a hit.

    1. A book of NYT Monday-edition crossword puzzles — a perfect little challenge to keep the gift recipient entertained, but without too much difficulty. Sometimes a crossword should just be a relaxing little activity!

    The New York Times Crosswords book
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Best Christmas gift my dad ever received. About five years ago, my dad randomly asked if I could stop by the bookstore and see if there were any 'New York Times crossword books, but only the Mondays (because they're the easiest)!' My bookstore trip was unsuccessful, so imagine my surprise when I saw that this book DID exist! My dad, who is impossible to buy gifts for, is blowing through this book and back on his crossword game! He's already bought the Tuesday book." —Lauren

    Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime Members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $9.59 (also available for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday — but they get harder as the week goes on, FYI).

    2. A reviewer-loved knit beanie for keeping their head warm and toasty allllll season long. Plus, it comes in tons of cute colors!

    a man in a mint colored carhartt winter beanie
    a reviewer posing in a grey carhartt winter beanie

    Promising review: "Saw this hat on TikTok and decided to place my order! It can get very cold where I live, especially during morning time when I’m walking my dog. I need to keep my ears warm! The material is so soft, and there are many color options." —MHF

    Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime Members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 36 colors).

    3. A 1-pound (yes, you read that right) bag of cereal marshmallows — it's the best gift they'll ever receive — promise. Just buy it.

    Reviewer with the bag of cereal marshmallows
    up close shot of the colorful marshmallows

    Medley Hills Farm is a family-owned small biz based in Ohio!

    Promising review: "Amazing! I put them in hot chocolate, Rice Krispies treats, other cereals, or just eat then by the handful. Impulse buy that totally worked out." —Maddison Helsel

    Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime Members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

    4. A set of knit socks because the gift of toasty, warm feet is always an excellent choice.

    Five pairs of knit socks in a variety of colors
    Amazon

    These are made with 35% wool.

    Promising review: "I love them. I waited to rate them until after I had washed a pair. There was very little shrinkage, and I absolutely love the patterns and colors. They would make really great stocking stuffers, though I am not willing to share." —ET

    Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime Members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get a five-pack from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in 20 style combinations).

    5. An extremely cool display shelf they're gonna love for displaying their favorite records!

    1989 taylors version vinyl resting on the gold now spinning shelf
    the pink shelf that says
    Jenae Sitzes / BuzzFeed, Record Racks / Etsy

    Record Racks is a small biz based in Round Rock, Texas that sells vinyl record displays.

    Promising review: "Such a cool little shelf! We are already getting compliments and it is a much better solution than putting the sleeve of the album that’s playing on top of the record player!" —Alex

    Shipping info: Estimated delivery is 2–10 days after ordering, and shipping costs $4.50. See the estimated arrival date range on the listing. Expedited shipping is available.

    Get it from Record Racks on Etsy for $17.99 (available in 14 colors).

    6. liquid lip tint so they can make their kisser pop with long-lasting, highly pigmented color. They're gonna wanna give the bottle a smooch. 

    Promising review: "Very pretty color. Lasts a long time, doesn't smudge when dry, and when I think I need to reapply, I can just put a new coat over it and looks good as new. Love it!" —Shawn

    Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime Members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in 40 shades).

    7. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, a v fun card game for making their next social gathering one filled with some exciting (and friendly) competition. 

    The deck with the cards face down
    A bunch of the different cards face up, each one is a different pastel color with an illustrated character on it and their name (i.e.
    Amazon

    Recommended for ages 8+. As soon as there is a match between a card and a spoken word, race against each other to slap your hand on the central pile of cards. The last one to do so must take them all. Be quick to be the first to get rid of all your cards. But watch out! Your mind will play tricks on you.

    Promising review: "Oh my…super fun game. Laughter all around. Gave to my son as a little extra something in Christmas stocking, he’s 18. I could tell he was thinking, what is this? But when we played as a family over the holiday, we had so much fun and laughed a lot, great memories will be shared over this game for a long long time!! Later, same day after playing, he told me he thought it wasn’t going to be fun at all but now it was the best stocking stuffer ever ;-). He and college roommates have the best time with this game. My oldest daughter has since purchased the game as well. Great fun! Buy it!" —Horse Girl

    Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime Members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $5.99.

    8. whipped shower icing that comes in a variety of yummy scents to leave their body feeling clean, moisturized, and pampered after they shower.

    A jar Three Wishes Tea-flavored shower frosting
    Some of the icing held up out of the jar
    Emma Lord / BuzzFeed

    Indulgence Spa and Body Products is a Black woman-owned bath and body brand that sells an array of handcrafted soaps, lotions, hair care products, skin care products, and shower goodies.

    BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says, "I recently started using this myself in the Three Wishes Tea flavor (a combo of tea leaves, peaches, rosebuds, and marigolds) and the smell alone is swoon-worthy, but I love love love how it feels in the shower. It has a satisfying creamy whipped texture, but suds up when you use it so you get that nice satisfying squeaky clean feeling, too. It's lasting a long time, too (which is great, but means I have to wait a little longer to try the other flavors 😂)."

    Shipping info: Estimated delivery is 7–13 days after ordering, and shipping costs $6.40. See the estimated arrival date range on the listing.

    Get it from Indulgence Spa and Body Products on Etsy for $18.50 (available in many scents).

    9. mini heart-shaped waffle iron so they can whip up the best breakfast food with the most precious little gadget. Waffles for brekkie, lunch, AND dinner? Heck yeah. 

    Promising review: "I purchased this little waffle maker because 1, a friend shared a picture of the one they have and I was jealous, 2, we wanted another one so we are not just waiting on the one Belgium waffle maker, 3, I figured my son would love it! It takes about four mins to make one. It's so good! It's crispy on the outside and nice and soft on the inside. Even my picky husband said he really liked how it came out. My son ate five last weekend (and he normally only eats maybe half a waffle for breakfast). I ended up making an extra batch and keep them in the freezer for him for weekdays. We just pop them in the toaster oven for about five mins and they come out nice and yummy. It's small and portable. Overall I am very happy with the addition." —Penny

    Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime Members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

    10. A pair of fuzzy cross-band slippers they'll never wanna take off and we can't say we blame them. Just look at how comfy these babies look.

    reviewer wearing the gray fuzzy slippers
    reviewer wearing the white fuzzy slippers

    Promising review: "I’m 100% not gonna lie but I saw these on TikTok and was interested...needed new house slippers so I ordered. OMG! YES. YAAAAS. I recommend. So soft. So plush. I ordered them in black and a half size up based on other reviews...I just enjoy how they feel on my toes. 🖤🖤 buy! Do it now! Even if TikTok told you to!" —ashdav

    Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime Members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get them from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in women's sizes 5–10 and 13 colors).

    11. A set of large claw clips for the person who's always putting their locks up. These chic pieces of hair candy make for a great white elephant gift! 

    back of reviewer with their hair pulled up with the blue claw
    reviewer photo of the multicolored hair claw set

    Promising review: "I will admit I bought these from seeing them on TikTok and I needed new clips for my thick hair. I am not disappointed and beyond glad I got them. The colors are gorgeous and they stay put without hurting my head. I'm very impressed." —Jessica

    Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime Members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in 12 color combos).

    12. Mike's Hot Honey, a delicious spicy/sweet condiment that'll quickly become their new favorite thing in their pantry. It's delicious on spicy foods, savory foods, sweet foods, heck, they may even be tempted to hold it over their mouth and just eat it directly from the bottle.

    bottles of mike's hot honey next to a box of pepperoni pizza
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I was a skeptic, but now I AM a believer. This mixed up honey is absolutely fabulous. I ordered three bottles more after my initial order. Why? Because it is really good on everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. Soft pretzels, toast, biscuits, waffles, cereal, yogurt, ice cream, and definitely pizza. Gives everything in your kitchen a small kick of sweet heat flavor without burning your mouth. I have told many of my friends about this magical elixir and they all agree — this is the BEST specialty honey any of us have ever had. Don’t hesitate to buy it. It is absolutely wonderful stuff. I most HIGHLY recommended!" —Jeff R. Clow

    Check out our full Mike's Hot Honey review for more on why we (and reviewers) can't get enough of this stuff.

    Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime Members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get a 10-ounce bottle from Amazon for $9.99.

    13. Who Do the Stars Say You Are? — a book to help guide them through and better understand their sun sign in the most fun way! From unpacking the basics like their strengths and weaknesses and compatibility to the important stuff like which ice cream flavor is actually their favorite to their perfect TV show (helpful if they're contemplating their next binge-watch), and so much more!

    Promising review: "We love this author and are big fans of her pet-focused work with BuzzFeed, so we had to check out this book! It’s so fun and very well written! If you’re into astrology, this is an awesome read!!" —Amber

    Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime Members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $12.98.

    14. mini belt bag that'll become their new go-to accessory the second they open up their prezzie. It's a great solution for holding their belongings without having to lug around a big bag. Not to mention, it comes in tons of great colors and it's trendy!

    a reviewer with a black belt bag across their chest
    buzzfeed editor elizabeth lilly in an ice cave with a waist bag on
    www.amazon.com, Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

    BuzzFeed editor Elizabeth Lilly (seen above, right) used this on a 5-day trip to Iceland (it was the only bag she packed!) and loves it:

    "I wear a size L/XL in clothing and sometimes waist bags just don't work out so well for me. With this one, I can confirm that it fit around my waist comfortably without outerwear, across my chest without outerwear, *and* over a thick coat and several layers. The pockets inside are so handy and I even had room to spare throughout my Iceland trip. This was the only purse I brought for the whole trip and it performed its job flawlessly. Just make sure that you zip the zipper ALL the way because the zipper goes down pretty far on the sides for easier access to contents. Having my hands free was wildly convenient for a number of reasons, including crawling around inside of an ice cave and putting out my hands for some extra balance while walking on sheets of ice along cliffs. Oh, and it comes in so so SO many colors."

    Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime Members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $14.38+ (available in 40 styles).

    15. Burn After Writing, a journal filled with prompts and thought-provoking questions to help them spend more time self-reflecting and less time overthinking. When finished, they can hide it, throw it away, or better...burn it. 

    Promising review: "This book helps you understand that it’s okay to be completely honest with yourself. The book itself was in great condition with clean pages. I can’t wait to venture more into this lil' journey with myself. ♥️" —Molls

    Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime Members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $7.32.

    16. s'mores-scented ChapStick trio because who wouldn't want their lips to be moisturized while also smelling like a tasty bonfire dessert?!

    A chapstick case with milk chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker flavored chapsticks
    Amazon

    Each set comes with three flavors: a Milk Chocolate, a Marshmallow, and a Graham Cracker flavor.

    Promising review: "My mom and I are ChapStick fans, so I bought us each a pack of these. The marshmallow is clear, the chocolate is brown, and the graham cracker is tan. The color isn’t too extreme, but it will leave a little bit of tint on your lips. The flavors are DELICIOUS. Graham cracker reminds me of Golden Grahams cereal and chocolate is just perfect. I love the marshmallow best because it tastes slightly toasted." —Elle Ardi

    Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime Members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

    17. An ice cream sundae soap that might make them hungry every time they wash their hands (so maybe toss in a pint of Ben & Jerry's with their gift since this isn't edible). 

    Waffle bowl soap with three scoops of ice cream soaps: chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla
    Aubrey E Soaps / Etsy

    Aubrey E Soaps is a small biz based in Winchester Center, Connecticut that sells the cutest (and most delicious-looking) soaps! 

    Promising review: "I'm in love with these soaps! I don't even want to use them, that's how cute they are. Definitely coming back." —ZomBriAZ

    Get them from Aubrey E Soaps on Etsy for $10.35.

    18. A condiment fork they can attach to the side of the pickle jar, so they can enjoy their crunchy, salty snack without dipping their hand in a pickle juice bath beforehand.

    This is top-rack dishwasher-safe!

    Promising review: "This is one of my favorite kitchen gizmos and it doesn't take up room in the drawer! I eat lots of olives and this keeps me from having to wash or get a clean fork when I'm in the middle of making a salad or just want a snack, and it makes spearing the olives easier too. It comes with two sizes to fit any jar (even though if you need this I feel like you probably get the big jars right?). They are stretchy and easy to get on and off. I usually just rinse it between uses and then wash the whole set up when I open a new jar (which is about weekly)." —Emily

    Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime Members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $8.99.

    19. A carbonated bubble clay mask that's gonna be REALLY FUN for them to use because it'll make their face all foamy and bubbly. They'll almost be sad they have to rinse it off after.

    Promising review: "Wow! I purchased this on a whim after seeing one of my favorite YouTubers try it out. I didn't expect a lot from it. I tried it out and was shocked!!! The mask was simple (and fun) to use. I wasn't sure I felt a lot happening while it was on, but it was pretty cool how the bubbles started to grow off of my face. Upon inspection after using this mask I was completely amazed. My face felt cleaner than it has in a very long time AND my pores looked amazing! I don't remember a time when I felt like my pores looked great before using this mask. I would highly recommend this mask to anyone. It's also so much cheaper than the GlamGlow ones I have been using (and didn't see near these results from)." —Phil Textor

    Get it from Amazon for $9.88.

    20. beverage caddy for sticking onto the wall and holding their wine, beer, or, of course, ~non-alcoholic~ beverage. Really the thirst for any sort of drink can hit at any time.

    wine glass sitting in suction cup holder in a tub
    hard seltzer can sitting in a suction cup holder on shower wall

    Promising review: "Got this for the wife. It is solid. I've bonked my head on it, shoulder rushed it, donkey punched, and tea bagged this thing and it will NOT fall off our glass shower door." —Captain Spungo

    Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime Members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in six colors).

    21. Subpar Parks, a hilarious book filled with not-so-great (but funny) reviews from visitors of America's most treasured national parks that'll def make them laugh. 

    Promising review: "I give 1 star…hardcover is too hard. Just kidding! I give this 5 stars. Without a doubt, this is my favorite coffee table book and surprisingly also super educational. Perfect combination of sassy and informative while poking fun at 1-star reviews of some amazing national parks. I love, love all the added educational snippets along with the review illustrations. And Amber’s writing style is so personal and relatable I feel like we could be friends. Such a fun book, so worth the buy!" —Anna

    Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime Members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $11.98.

    22. A tin of flavored cocktail sugar to take their cocktails and mocktails to a whole new level of delicious fun. 

    A whiskey glass with a sugar rim
    A container of citrus petals rim sugar
    Emma Lord / BuzzFeed

    Promising review: "Since COVID-19 I have become my own bartender. Taco Tuesdays and margaritas! The lime comes through so well with this salt. I use it for Bloody Marys as well. It is thick and chunky so it's a learning curve to get the right amount of salt on. Don't press down too hard if you don't like a lot of salt. I do like extra salt but my husband said it was a little much for him, so I have mastered just a light salt for him." —cobrajet427

    Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in seven flavors).

    23. A pair of sunnies that'll have them channeling their inner rockstar. You should probably buy an extra pair because when you see them wearing these, you're gonna want a pair for yourself, too. Trust.

    person wearing reflective, rose pink sunglasses outside
    reviewer wearing brown frame sunglasses

    Promising review: "These shades have become my new favorites! I love that I can put them on top of my head without my hair getting caught in them. They're a plastic frame but it's not flimsy or cheaply made and they look really stylish. They can be worn with sporty or dress clothes as well. They blow out the sun but I am still able to see well, so I love them when I'm driving. They come with a soft cloth for cleaning and a carrying bag to prevent scratches. They fit well without sliding off if I bend over and they don't feel heavy on the bridge of my nose. I have to say that they look better in person than in the photo and I'm really happy with my purchase." —LadyTsotsos_Beauty

    Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime Members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in 10 colors).

    24. Some adorable macaron boxes — they're smol and cute and just perfect for holding their most precious little items.

    macaron boxes in a variety of colors
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Just received these cute little boxes and am in love with them. Very thick and sturdy plastic but easy enough to open. These will work perfectly for filling with solid perfumes and giving out as stocking stuffer gifts because I don't have to worry about it being a snug fit/lid falling off." —Mary

    Shipping info: Free Prime shipping available for Prime Members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get a pack of six from Amazon for $7.99.

    25. Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist, a recipe book that'll give them inspo for creative cocktails and bar bites based off of literary classics.

    cover of the tequila mockingbird cocktail recipe book
    reviewer photo of a recipe from the book

    Promising review: "I was surprised how many recipes are in this and they all are literary. I liked it enough to buy two copies, one for me and one for a gift. This would make a good gift for a person that enjoys a cocktail or for a literary person. Very fun idea!" —K. Carpenter

    Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get it from Amazon for $13.60.

    26. Lightsaber chopsticks for ensuring the force is really with them with every dumpling or piece of sushi they take.

    unlit lightsaber chopsticks
    a gif of a buzzfeed editor using the glowing, blue chopsticks to eat sushi
    www.amazon.com, Emma Lord / BuzzFeed

    Promising review: "I bought these for my dad for Christmas and let me tell you this was the best gift I think I’ve ever given him. These are so fun and definitely easy to use/clean. Would 100% recommend these." —Alyssa Cannon

    Shipping info: Free expedited Prime shipping available for Prime Members, and non-Prime shipping options will still arrive by Christmas (see Amazon's full shipping information here).

    Get the pack of two pairs from Amazon for $13.97 (available in two styles).

    27. A set of coasters they'll appreciate if at any point their car cup holders have resembled a miniature pool of water, juice, iced coffee, or anything else they enjoy sipping on the go.

    Pink car coasters with glitters on the edges in a cup holder
    The blue glitter version in a cup holder

    Promising review: "These are cute. Match the inside of my car and material is pretty good. Easy to clean!" —Jamisha

    Get a set of two from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in three colors). 

    28. Or a car dip clip bound to come in handy during road trip meal breaks in the fast food parking lot. 

    a person dipping a waffle fry into a sauce being held by the car dip clip
    a reviewer dipping a chicken nugget

    Promising review: "Very useful! I love that the cup is removable so if you have one of those giant Chick-fil-A ketchup cups, it can sit within the holder without the added cup, but a smaller sauce like from Wendy’s can sit inside the additional cup so it won’t fall through." —catherine

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (available in four colors).

    29. A delicious popcorn seasoning salt that'll help them make their very own movie theater-style snack right from the comfort of home. Buttery, salty goodness paired with their favorite movie? Perfect way to spend a Saturday night. 

    A carton of Flavacol salt
    Reviewer image of buttery popcorn
    Emma Lord / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

    Promising review: "I am a person who will make myself sick eating buckets of popcorn (I have no self control). This has by far been my favorite 'TikTok made me buy' item. My at-home popcorn is now my favorite thing to make and I don't need to go the theater for popcorn. Very much worth the purchase and this will last me such a long time." —S Martinez

    Get it from Amazon for $9.89.

    Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.