$25 to $50 Unique Holiday Gifts for Friends, Coworkers, & Gift Exchanges

November 24, 2023

It’s day five of TIA 2023 Holiday Gifts Guides and today is Unique Gifts for Friends, Coworkers, and Gift Exchanges. I’m always intimidated when I buy these kinds of gifts. I want them to have a fun flare, and if it’s going into a gift exchange I want people to talk about it or fight over it. This can be tricky while staying in the average budget of $25 to $50, but I think we had some decent finds…

Unique Gifts for Friends, Coworkers, & Gift Exchanges

These unique gifts for friends, coworkers and gift exchanges cover a variety of needs and interests. From helping people wake up in the morning to helping them unwind on the weekend.

Mini Animal Waffle Maker

Whoever receives this gift is bound to laugh when they open it up to see that they can make seven different animal-shaped pancakes in this non-stick electric waffle iron. One of the shapes is even a reindeer to keep with the holiday theme. Plus, there are endless uses for waffle makers. So, this really is the gift that keeps on giving, especially if the recipient has kids at home.

Amazon Review: “The cutest thing ever! Pancakes come out so cute without sticking to the make. My daughter and even my husband and I enjoy eating our crispy animal pancakes made by this pancake maker. It’s a must have if you have a little one at home.”
Where to Buy: $34.95 on Amazon.

Wordle The Party Game

Don’t lie. You were obsessed with the original game for at least a month like the rest of us. As someone who still plays Wordle regularly, the only thing I don’t like is I’m craving MORE WORDLE after my one daily game. This 2-4 player game lets your ride that Wordle high AND get your friends involved.

Amazon Review: “My kids and I love Wordle. This is fun to play together. They’ve been playing almost every day…challenging each other with the hardest words they can think of. In an age of electronic entertainment, this is refreshing.”
Where to Buy: $19.99 on Amazon.

Tile Mate Bluetooth Key & Item Finder

Have a friend or coworker who is notorious for losing their keys or whatnot? I don’t, but that’s because I’m that friend. Anyway, a great and useful gift whether you know who you are gifting or putting in a nameless pile like a white elephant.

Amazon Review: “This is now the third batch of Tiles I’ve bought, they are the best trackers if you use an Android phone. I put them in my luggage when I travel, in my backpack when I commute, in my purse every day, and on my keys. I also have the app on my phone and tablet, so if I lose any of these items I can find them with the push of a button (literally). They helped me track my delayed luggage on a recent flight! I wish the batteries were replaceable, so I wouldn’t have to keep buying new Tiles every few years – I’d pay more per tile for this!”
Where to Buy: $24.99 on Amazon.

***The Architecture of the Cocktail* and *The Architecture of the Shot***

Mixology Books

1 of 2

These two books are not only great for your favorite friend’s basement bar, but they would also be a great gift if you have an art lover, interior designer, or even an architect on your gift list.

Amazon Review: Architecture of the Cocktail, “Pair this book with some cute cocktail glasses and some alcohol and you have a really great gift. The recipes are easy to understand and graphics are really unique and cute. Cover of book is imprinted to match the dust cover.”
Where to Buy: Both are available on Amazon in paperback and hardcover: The Architecture of the Cocktail, and The Architecture of the Shot. Pair these two books up and you’re still under $40.00.

Stanley IceFlow Stainless Steel Tumbler with Straw and Handle

The Bear is giving the Yeti a run for his/her money! Stanley has really upped the game when it comes to stainless steel drinkware. There are so many shapes, sizes, and price points that it is really hard to pick a favorite. The one pictured here is on Amazon, and there are 27 colors and patterns to choose from! You might also take a look at Stanley’s Winterscape Quencher 40 oz. tumblers and my personal favorite is the Winterscape IceFlow 30 oz. tumbler.

Amazon Review: “There is not a single aspect to this thermos/tumbler that isn’t four stars or above. Construction is solid, liquids stay cool for at least 24 hours, and (so far) it’s non-spill. I have it rolling around in the passenger seat sometimes and have not seen a single drop yet.

The other two features that cinch it are the straw as well as the handle. I take this to the gym and the handle makes this very easy to set down anywhere, and the bright color ensures if I move on and forget to pick it back up I’ll see it wherever it is shortly.

The highest compliment that can be paid: I bought one for a good friend and even two months later, I see it in her car, at her desk…etc.”

TIA Review: I can’t offer my review “yet”, but I’m definitely going to make sure Santa knows I’ve been really good this year.
Where to Buy: Amazon for the tumbler shown above, 30oz for $35. There is also 20oz, 40oz, and 64oz options in this style. But be sure to check out the crazy selection over on the Stanley site.

Charcuterie Board Gift Set

I know last week we taught you how to make a charcuterie board from scratch…but this one is pretty sweet. Includes the bamboo cheese board with slide-out compartment that holds the included stainless steel serving utensils. This will upgrade your charcuterie board game to Class AF

This is a great price at only $32.99. But if you need a $50 or above then you could include a bottle of wine or add some cheese, meats, and crackers to go with your gift.

Amazon Review: “My friend recommended this cheeseboard to me and I bought it on Amazon prime day. Best decision I made! Board is very pretty and big enough to hold a variety of cheeses and meat. I love that there is a place for the crackers on the side. It’s very well made. Easy to wipe down and clean. The knives are also sharp and very well made.”
Where to Buy: $32.99 on Amazon.

Topcee Zip-up Oversized Blanket Hooded Sweatshirt

Got a friend or coworker who is always cold? This upgraded take on the infamous “Snuggie” is a delightful present for your gift exchange.

Amazon Review: “It’s like a big thick blanket that you can wear around. Super warm and soft. Oversized so you can layer up under it. The pockets are a nice touch.”
Where to Buy: $26.99 on Amazon.

Deeyaple 3-in-1 Wireless Bluetooth Alarm Clock & Cell Phone Stand

Throw this in the company white elephant and people might start fighting over it like it’s an iPod video (The Office, anyone?). In addition to being a great alarm clock it’s a great way to listen to music and podcasts or watch videos.

Amazon Review: “I can leave it unplugged for a good week+ and it works great. Stand adjustable so you can get your phone just right. Easy to set-up & work. It will be a gift for other’s for sure.”
Where to Buy: $32.99 on Amazon.

OLsky Deep Tissue Electric Massage Gun

Great gift for your friends that work in cubicles or are always complaining about their body aches.

Amazon Review: “I have been wanting one of these for a while now because I work out a lot, and I was a little skeptical because it was so cheap but decided to go ahead and get it overnight shipped. I have tried other $100+ ones from friends that had one and this one is just as powerful! It has been almost 2 months and it works great!! My mom uses it for her back and leg pain as well. For me, it has shortened the time I’m sore from weightlifting big time.”
Where to Buy: $25.88 on Amazon.

ALLCAMP Cooling Wine Tote & Picnic Set

Perfect for the wine-o always on the go!

Also, I like that this bag has an optional cooler compartment, so it’s good whether you are toting around red wine, white, or rose. It also comes with two glasses so your recipient can reenact the poison scene from The Princess Bride on their outings. That’s what normal people do, right?

This set carries one bottle, but there are nine total available styles with some carrying TWO bottles of wine.

Amazon Review: “This is a great bag. It looks great and it is functional as well. It is great one as a gift as well as for personal use. I love it. Great for vino or even other things you like to carry. Great bag”
Where to Buy: $26.99 on Amazon.

MORE 2023 TIA Holiday Gift Guides

That completes our list of $25 to $50 Unique Holiday Gifts for Friends, Coworkers, & Gift Exchanges. Need more gift ideas? Check out our other TIA 2023 Holiday Gift Guides.