Secret Santa gifts under $30
From thirty dollars up, the question changes: it’s no longer “what can I afford” but “what will they still be using a year from now”.
A board game that stays in rotation
This is the price range of the mid-size family games that come out every weekend.
Portable charger
At 10,000 mAh it charges a phone about twice and still fits in a pocket.
A decent kitchen knife
An 8-inch chef’s knife changes the kitchen of anyone still using the dull block set from their first apartment.
Illustrated book or cookbook
Big hardcovers look great as gifts, and people rarely buy them for themselves.
Throw blanket
Check the size: anything under 50 × 60 inches comes up short on an adult.
French press
Check the size: the 34 oz ones make three or four mugs, while the 12 oz ones only serve one person.
Framed print or poster
Better from an illustrator than from a stock image site. Go for 8 × 10 or 11 × 14 inches so it’s easy to find a spot for it.
Packable backpack or belt bag
Handy for anyone who travels or goes to the gym. Stick to muted colors to play it safe.
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