Milk Coffee Bear Mug with Handle ($9.99)
AmazonGifting season is in full swing. Chances are, you’ve been to a holiday gathering or two already with more to come. On top of that, it’s also quite likely that you’ll be invited to celebrate an occasion that deserves some kind of present in the next month: a birthday, housewarming, anniversary, or the like. My mother taught me that you never show up to a party empty-handed. While this lesson has stuck with me, I still have yet to master my procrastination problem.
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The good news is, as ever, Amazon has that covered. Not only are they the answer to every last-minute gifter’s woes, but they also have a plethora of home gifts for under $10 that are suitable for a variety of occasions. Here are some of my favorite picks.
Cost: $6.99 - $9.79
These sturdy 4” by 6” picture frames make an excellent gift for almost any occasion. Made from MDF wood, they come in a variety of colors including pink, sage green, and “natural” wood. To personalize, insert a fun photo of you and your giftee.
Cost: On sale for $9.99
Who doesn’t like a soft, cozy couch throw? Perfect for loungers, nappers, and lazy afternoons watching Amazon Prime, this 40” by 50” flannel fleece blanket is lightweight, warm, and available in an assortment of colors to fit most any décor.
Cost: $7.99
Between sewing and cycling, my lower back is often a bit achy. Lumbar pillows make sitting most anywhere more comfortable. A good pillow requires a stylish cover. Made from a cotton linen blend, these washable, 12” by 20” pillow covers come in dark, earthy colors like olive green, khaki, and reddish brown – perfect for use in a car, living room, or bedroom.
Cost: $6.89
Candles always make a good gift. They’re one of those things that most people appreciate but don’t necessarily think to buy for themselves. Mrs. Meyer’s makes theirs from plant-derived ingredients using cruelty-free formulas. This one has a fresh honeysuckle scent and a lead-free wick that burns for up to 25 hours.
Cost: $8.02
Do you have a friend who deserves a day of relaxation and comfort? Consider a gift of a diffuser and oil spray to bring the smell of a spa into their home. To use, spray the fragrance oil into the stone diffuser where it will be slowly emitted into the air.
Cost: $5.99
Need an inexpensive, useful (and attractive) gift for a party? This brass incense burner shaped like a lotus fits the bill. The five holes accommodate various sizes of incense sticks. Amazon reviewers recommend cutting down the sticks so they’ll stand up straight.
Cost: $7.99 for 6
Shamans believe that the smell of palo santo wood burning promotes relaxation and a clear mind, as well as attracts good fortune and removes negative energy. The fact that most people would probably like some negative energy removed from their life makes this holy wood, palo santo incense a perfect gift for anyone. The wood sticks are ethically wild harvested from South America.
Cost: $9.99
This reusable wine bottle stopper makes a perfect present for the wine connoisseur. They’re available with the alphabet letter of your choice in rose gold, making them especially useful for wine-tasting parties (assign each wine a letter and use the corresponding stopper for it). Wine stoppers are especially helpful for those who like to enjoy only a single glass (or two) of wine in a sitting.
Cost: $9.99
Dachshund-shaped ice cubes are the thing you never knew you needed in your life – or at your New Year’s party. Purchase one for yourself and for all your pet-loving friends. The silicone trays are flexible making it easy to remove the dog-shaped ice.
Cost: $9.99
A glass mug with an upside-down bear? The perfect present for pretty much anyone because who doesn’t consume liquids like cute bears? No one, that’s who. Made with double wall glass (the inner glass, bear-shaped section is where the liquid goes), this mug holds 8.4 ounces of any beverage while also being a cute prop to take photos with (as the product description states) so your gift recipient can up their social media game.
Cost: $7.99
Animal-shaped kitchen gadgets are always an excellent last-minute gift idea. To set this penguin-shaped timer, simply turn their head up to 60 seconds – no batteries required. Amazon reviewers report a loud ticking and alarm, which I personally think are immensely important in a timer (especially the alarm bit). My favorite review though for this cute item includes the perfect name: TIM-E, pronounced Timmy but spelled like time.
Cost: $6.95
As a cyclist and pizza lover, I can attest that this pizza cutter wheel in the shape of a bicycle is an outstanding gift: useful and decorative. Made from stainless steel this slicer is dishwasher safe and guaranteed for life. And it comes in different colors so you can match the bike of your intended gift recipient.
The only thing I take issue with is that the ‘about section’ calls it a “gift for men.” Buy one for the female-identifying or gender-non-conforming cyclist in your life and write the company a strongly worded note while you’re at it.
Cost: Get a set of 12 for $5.39 or 24 for $9.44
The perfect gift for anyone you know who bakes (or likes muffins and cupcakes), these colorful, silicone cup liners offer an alternative to disposable, paper cups. They also eliminate the need for grease or silicone spray.
Cost: $9.99
Chances are you have a family member or friend who exercises regularly and is dedicated to their pre or post-workout shakes or drinks. This 28-ounce blender bottle allows the user to whip up their protein concoction without using a full blender. Simply add the ingredients and the included wire whisk ball and shake into a smooth, delicious, nutritious liquid. With its leakproof lid and a wide carry loop, this blender bottle is the perfect workout companion. And it comes in a variety of bright colors.
Cost: $10.99
This digital meat and food thermometer makes a great gift for anyone who cooks or grills frequently. Once inserted in the meat, the response time is 3 to 5 seconds – and it has a backlit display for outdoor, nighttime grilling. The heat-sensing prong folds away when not in use and an attached magnet allows your giftee to keep it on their fridge.
Cost: $9.99
Useful for a variety of tasks, this porcelain mortar and pestle works for all food preparation, medication/pill grinding, and witchy spells. Reviewers say it’s easy to clean, too, so no worries about the accidental or unintentional mixing of residual ingredients.
Cost: $9.84
For anyone who cooks often or needs to weigh foods because of dietary needs, this small, digital scale is a great, functional gift idea. Powered by two, including AAA batteries, it measures (and converts) amounts in pounds, grams, ounces, and kilograms. The precision tare button allows the user to set the scale to automatically subtract the weight of a container or bowl. It also comes in a variety of colors including red, black, and chrome.
Cost: $9.66 for a set of 3
Packed on a retro, diner plate card, this set of three sponges shaped like breakfast foods makes a fun gift for anyone on your list who washes dishes; that is to say, most everyone. The one problem with these is that some may find them too cute to use.
I would honestly be delighted to receive any of the gifts on this list and I suspect many other people would be as well. If you, like me, have a ‘wait until the last minute style of present shopping, consider stocking up on these $10 and under home gifts so you’ll have a stash available when your next gift-giving opportunity comes along. Or buy some of them for yourself as a reward for taking a step toward combating your procrastinator tendencies.