Giving gifts gets expensive, amiright?
A new NerdWallet survey finds that 82% of Americans plan to purchase gifts this holiday season. And 65% of these holiday shoppers are concerned about tariffs impacting their holiday gift shopping this year.
One solution? Fewer pricey presents, more affordable ones, some thatâll garner a laugh. For this list, weâre thinking outside the sock. Get it?
In a world obsessed with comfort (my grandpa is rolling his eyes from above), cozy gifts are always a hit, even the silly ones. Enter the wearable blanket, which, according to Google Trends, is something people actually want.
Hereâs one that started it all: Snuggie. Buy it for someone with high self-esteem. The Original is $25.
Why itâs not a total waste of money: Snuggies are comfortable and winters are cold.
I never thought a piece of fabric would make me hungry, but tortilla blankets do. This gift idea is trending and really funny when you take a look. Blankets like this one on Amazon are an easy way to get a smile out of your gift recipient.
Why itâs not a total waste of money: Itâs a gag gift theyâll definitely remember, and probably keep.
Off-brand tools arenât always bad. I got a headlamp just like this in my stocking a couple years back and chuckled. Then, I proceeded to use it all the time, for tasks like cleaning the fireplace and looking for my wallet in the car. Bright LEDs, a rechargeable battery, and a motion sensor to turn the light on and off with a hand wave make it useful.
Why itâs not a total waste of money: Itâs both handy and hands-free.
This was a pick from NerdWallet spokesperson and personal finance expert, Kimberly Palmer.
Check drug store chains for good, clean flavored fun. Because who doesnât love the taste of Cherry Coke on your lips? Lip Smacker makes lip balm with legit soda flavors, like Coca-Cola, Cherry Coke, Vanilla Coke, Sprite, Barqâs root beer and more.
Why itâs not a total waste of money: Youâll buy this for the kids and end up stealing your favorite soda flavor for yourself. That said, the price might feel steep for a pack of lip balms.
I can never find a chip clip when I need one. Maybe Iâd lose them less if they look like little kitties. World Market FTW with this six-pack of cat bag clips. Kate Ashford, NerdWallet writer and spokesperson, says file this under useful things in silly packages.
Why itâs not a total waste of money: Everybody needs chip clips. Get a laugh, then laugh again when your recipient puts these on every bag in the pantry.
Five Below is another go-to for Ashford. She says the candy section can be a stocking stuffer gold mine.
Case in point: âGolden Girlsâ-themed mints. For under five bucks, you get four tins of mints, each representing a cast memberâs iconic mood. For example, âSophiaâs Judgemintsâ is the name of one.
Why itâs not a total waste of money: Pretty tins and funny nostalgia, filled with mints, for super cheap.
Personally, Iâve reached an age where all of a sudden birds are kinda interesting. âIs that a Yellow-rumped Warbler?â Iâve wondered as I watch out the kitchen window. If only there was a book of birds.
There is! Give National Geographicâs Backyard Guide to the Birds of North America to your spouse (or someone you know who ponders the species of wildlife) this season. Used copies, like the one linked, can be had for very cheap.
Why itâs not a total waste of money: The kids will laugh, but bird nerds will keep this book right on the coffee table.
Everybody loves to win, right? Slip a couple in all the stockings as a way to extend the holiday joy a bit longer. This is a go-to gift for Karen Gaudette Brewer, my nerdy head of content.
Why itâs not a total waste of money: Your scratch-off recipient has a (very small) chance to win big. You may want to have them sign a contract agreeing to give you half of anything over $500. You can buy scratchers for as low as $1 and the prices go up from there.
You read that right. This stocking stuffer is a talking toy that looks like a dill pickle. Batteries included. Because, why not?
If the pickle doesnât do it for ya (managing editor Pamela de la Fuente was intrigued, but not enough to buy), the brand, Archie McPhee, is a novelty store that sells lots of fun, weird stuff.
Why itâs not a total waste of money: This one is all about a laugh, and a fit for a funny white elephant exchange. Otherwise, itâs a pretty darn useless $14 pickle.
More From NerdWallet