10 Affordable Gifts Under $25, Recommended by Make It Staff

Finding the best gifts that are both well-used and well-priced can be challenging, but the CNBC Make It staff is up for the task.

We created a list of affordable, distinctive, enjoyable, and practical presents that would be perfect for anyone on your shopping list.

Here are 10 presents, under $25:

1. Giant Sorry! Game

Price: $15

A giant floor game is even more enjoyable than a board game.

— Renée Onque, health and wellness reporter

2. Recycled paper notepad

Price: $7

Having a notepad with you at all times is great, regardless of your daily routine. You're likely to have many great ideas, and it's also an excellent outlet for your holiday or any other frustration. This notepad is made from post-consumer recycled paper.

— Gili Malinsky, work reporter

3. Custom pet stamp

Price: $17

I gave my friend a stamp featuring her dog's image, and it became very popular. It's a personalized and thoughtful gift that's easy to customize for cards, envelopes, and notebooks. As a pet owner myself, I can confirm that I would appreciate any gift with my cat's image.

— Emmie Martin, money editor

4. Watercolor postcards

Price: $15

Gifting art can be challenging unless you know the recipient's preferences. Cards and stationery are a great option since they can be displayed or mailed. I recently purchased a set of Lord of the Rings-themed postcards for a friend, but there are variations available for almost any interest, including hiking and Taylor Swift.

— Emmie Martin, money editor

5. Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza

Price: $10

If you have children in your life, you understand that they are often boisterous and enjoy striking things. Satisfy their impulses with Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza, a delightfully absurd card game that involves hitting and shouting. It is simple enough for first graders to grasp but captivating enough to keep adults entertained.

Although your hand may be sore after playing, the joy of the kids around you makes it a worthwhile sacrifice.

— Ester Bloom, deputy managing editor

6. Kitchen Knife Sharpener

Price: $15

A good knife sharpener is essential for anyone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen, as dull knives can cause frustration and sliced fingers. I recommend the Material Kitchen knife sharpener because of its small size, which makes it easy to use and store, and its simplicity in operation. It's also an affordable option at only $15, making it a great stocking stuffer for any chef in your family.

— Hanna Howard, work editor

7. Personalized bookmark

Price: $12

This bookmark is both sturdy and thoughtful, featuring the ability to engrave someone's name and the flower of their birth month onto the leather. Additionally, it offers a more enjoyable experience than dog-earring a page or cutting one's finger on a fragile paper bookmark.

— Morgan Smith, work reporter

8. Cell phone stand

Price: $8

A practical gift that I use frequently is a cell phone stand that I use at work and in my home office. The stand is ideal for anyone who uses speaker mode while sitting at their desk. The vertically suspended phone makes it easier to punch in numbers for your next call, and the sound is less muffled when it's not lying on a desk.

The stand keeps your desk organized and has a charging hole in the back.

— Mike Winters, money reporter

9. Owala water bottle

Price: $25

This bottle is well-insulated and keeps my water cool for hours. It has a 2-in-1 mouthpiece for both sipping and chugging, and comes in a variety of fun colors.

— Ashley Turner, social media editor

10. Tarot cards

Price: $19

Although I'm not a fan of mystical practices like tarot cards, I must admit that the deck I received as a gift a few years ago has been used frequently. Using tarot cards adds a touch of whimsy to gatherings that other activities can't provide. The deck is compact and can be easily carried in a suitcase, allowing you to bring the fun on vacation as well.

Bookshop.org cards feature unconventional characters such as snails and roosters, along with a guidebook.

— Aditi Shrikant, relationships and psychology reporter

CNBC Make It determines the content covered and recommended in the "Worth the Money" section without any third-party endorsement or review of opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations.

Sign up for our new newsletter to become smarter and more successful with your money, work, and life.

Obtain CNBC's free guide to investing, which summarizes Warren Buffett's top advice for regular investors, along with his do's and don'ts, and three fundamental principles.