Print
Close
19 thoughtful gifts for those who are impossible to shop for – from in-laws to coworkers
By Christopher Murray
Published December 12, 2025
Choose a meaningful gift for everyone in your life. (iStock)
Struggling to decide what to give those hard-to-shop-for people on your list? Don’t worry – whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for your in-laws, coworkers, mail carrier or your child’s favorite teacher, we’ve rounded up thoughtful options at a variety of price points. We've separated the gifts into four price points: Less than $25, $25 to $50, $50 to $100 and More than $100.
This way, you'll be able to find a thoughtful gift, no matter your budget. From Apple AirPods and a Cozy Earth’s waffle robe, to an electric back and neck massager and a 48-pack of AA batteries, there's something here for everyone. Also, if you're looking for even more holiday gift inspiration, check out our list of gift guides at the end of this article.
Stocking stuffers
Slim leather wallet: $8.48 (35% off)
Shower steamers: $19.98 (33% off)
Cat butt coasters: $7.99 (20% off)
9-in-1 multitool pen: $13.99
Magnetic pick-up tool: $12.49
Whiskey stones: $25.90 (14% off)
Fuzzy socks: $14.99
LEGO Icons poinsettia building sets: $32.49 (35% off)
Universal socket tool: $13.99
Dr. Squatch natural soap set: $35
Less than $25
If your child has a favorite teacher or you have a regular babysitter, giving them a little something can show your appreciation. You don’t have to spend a lot – but these thoughtful gifts are all less than $25.
Mug warmer: $17.99 (31% off)
Original price: $25.99
Best for the teacher who doesn’t have time to get up from their desk to reheat their coffee. (Amazon)
A mug warmer is the perfect gift for coffee and tea drinkers who are sick of reheating their cups all day long. The warmer automatically turns on when a mug is placed on it, so there's no need to turn it on or off manually. Teachers, coworkers and everyone in between can simply place their mug on the mug warmer and save themselves from having to run to the microwave every hour.
Blackout eye mask: $19.99
Best for anyone who needs help getting to sleep. (Amazon)
Gift better sleep with a blackout eye mask. The easy-to-adjust eye mask won't fit too tight and is designed with less bulk. Uniquely shaped eye cups don't press directly on the eyes, but still block out all light. Ideal for all types of sleepers, the universal mask fits all head and face sizes.
2026-2027 planner: $24.99 (17% off)
Original price: $29.99
Best for teachers, office workers and students. (Amazon)
Everyone can benefit from a new planner, especially going into the new year. Stay organized with built-in daily, weekly and monthly layouts, great for managing meetings, assignments, appointments and personal goals. The sturdy hardcover won't tear no matter how rough you get with it, and the thick cream paper won't bleed through. Inside, you'll find 25 weeks of full-page daily spreads and built-in goal tracking tools.
Six-foot charging cable: $10.95
Best for anyone on your list with an iPhone. (Amazon)
Keep the important people in your life powered up and connected with an Amazon Basics six-foot charger. The cable charges all Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads and more. It supports fast charging, and the six-foot cord gives plenty of length when you want to use your phone while it's charging. Whether at home or on the go, this long-lasting charger is one you can count on.
48-pack AA batteries: $12.24 (21% off)
Original price: $15.49
Best for the person who prefers a practical gift. (Amazon)
When in doubt, go the practical route — and it doesn't get much more practical than a massive pack of AA batteries. This Amazon Basics 48-pack of batteries has a five-year shelf life, perfect for emergencies and everyday needs. The easy-open, certified frustration-free packaging makes storage and access a breeze.
Wearable blanket hoodie: $26.99 (10% off)
Original price: $29.99
Best for the babysitter who likes to be comfortable. (Amazon)
Looking for a good gift for your regular babysitter? Maybe something for your siblings who already have everything? A wearable blanket hoodie is the ultimate comfort gift. Lined with sherpa fleece, the oversized hoodie fits the laid-back mood of movie nights, reading on the couch or curling up by the fire. There are dozens of colors to choose from, so you can customize it to your giftee’s tastes.
Burt’s Bees gift set: $21.06 (16% off)
Original price: $25
Best for when you want to show you care without getting too personal. (Amazon)
When in doubt, a Burt’s Bees gift set is appealing to a wide range of people. There’s a hand cream and foot cream bundle with lip balm and hand salve, an ideal option during colder seasons. Choose from a face mask bundle, a men’s grooming kit and different scented hand creams.
Personalized calendar: $28.99 (38% off)
Original price: $46.99
Best for grandparents or in-laws that love family photos. (Shutterfly)
Grandparents and other family members are sure to smile when they receive a personalized family calendar. Shutterfly’s modern collage wall calendar can be packed with family photos and the user will be shown step by step how to design. You can even choose your own fonts and special occasions to include on the calendar.
8 SITES WHERE YOU CAN ORDER HOLIDAY CARDS THAT DON'T COST A FORTUNE
$25 to $50
If you’re looking to spend a little more on your in-laws or distant family members, these gifts make a big impact, but won’t drain your wallet.
Heated car blanket: $24.88
Best for road trippers and those with a long commute. (Amazon)
A heated car blanket comes in handy for emergencies, but it's also a comforting blanket to wrap up in on long road trips. Powered by a 12V port in any car, the blanket heats up quickly, and the 96-inch-long cord ensures even back seat passengers can stay warm.
Rechargeable hand warmers: $33.99 (32% off)
Original price: $49.99
Best for your mail carrier, father-in-law and anyone else who spends a lot of time outside in the winter. (Amazon)
Although cash is the go-to gift for mail carriers, gifting a pair of rechargeable hand warmers also shows you care. Each hand warmer has three temperature settings, and they can quickly be recharged with a USB-C cord. The battery will last for up to 60 hours, making them ideal for workers who spend all day working in the cold.
Customized whiskey glasses: $34.95
Best for your father-in-law or boss who loves to kick back after a long day. (Amazon)
Customized whiskey glasses make for a memorable gift for your boss, father-in-law or a picky sibling. Customize this set of four glasses with a simple monogram of their initials, or add your own design. Engraved right here in the U.S. for more than 20 years, you can be sure it’s a gift that will last.
Yeti Rambler 20 oz travel mug: $30.40 (20% off)
Original price: $38
Best for a variety of people, from mail carriers to coworkers to in-laws. (Amazon)
Everyone can upgrade to a new travel mug, and a Yeti Rambler is the best of the best. Choose from dozens of unique colors and get a mug made of durable stainless steel. A Yeti keeps drinks hot or cold for hours and is easy to wash – just stick it in the dishwasher. At 20 ounces, even the biggest caffeine-lover can get their daily fix.
THE BEST GIFTS UNDER $50 FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST
$50 to $100
The $50 to $100 range is best reserved for coworkers you really like, in-laws and close friends.
Digital picture frame: $54.99 (15% off)
Original price: $64.99
Best for grandparents or in-laws who like to stay connected with the family. (Amazon)
A digital picture frame is a thoughtful gift for any family member. Using the Frameo app, you can send pictures and videos to the digital frame and all invited users can view them. The frame is able to hold more than 80,000 photos, allowing you to send as many pictures as you want. If your family members aren’t exactly tech-savvy, you can automatically adjust the frame for them, choose a slideshow mode, and teach them how to react to images using emojis. The frame also acts as an all-in-one hub that displays the time and weather.
Shiatsu back and neck massager: $69.95 (30% off)
Original price: $99.95
Best for stressed friends, family and coworkers. (Amazon)
A shiatsu back and neck massager soothes sore muscles and stubborn knots with dual soft silicone nodes. The most stressed people in your life will finally get the relaxation they need with this bad boy. Trusted and recommended by physical therapists, it can help with chronic pain issues like sciatica, arthritis, migraines and everyday stress. Ergonomically shaped to contour to your neck, back, arms, legs and even feet, it's a versatile tool.
Harry & David gourmet gift box: $69.99
Best for everyone from coworkers to friends who love snacks. (Harry & David)
Whether you’re participating in a Yankee Swap, need a gift for someone picky or just can’t think of what to get your boss, a Harry & David gourmet gift box offers delicious snacks anyone will appreciate. There are dozens of gift boxes to choose from, including a classic snack box. In the box, you’ll find a variety of nuts, pears, popcorn and chocolates. There’s also the Bear Creek box, which has nuts, cheese, fruit and cookies.
Amazon Kindle: $89.99 (18% off)
Original price: $109.99
Best for the reader in your life, be it a sibling, in-law or your child's favorite teacher. (Amazon)
Instead of trying to guess what books your siblings or friends are into, gift a Kindle instead. The original Kindle provides 16 GB of storage, enough to hold thousands of books. With up to six weeks of battery life, even the most dedicated readers won’t have to charge their Kindle often. There are no distracting ads or a bright, glaring screen, just books in black and white that are easy on the eyes.
THE BEST GIFT WRAP, BAGS AND BOXES FOR HOLIDAY GIFTING MADE EASY
More than $100
Want to splurge on everyone in your life this year? Here are some gifts that show just how much you care.
Cozy Earth waffle robe: $138
Best for mother-in-laws who love to unwind. (Cozy Earth)
Never know what to get your mother-in-law? This Cozy Earth waffle robe is the answer to your problems. It’s an ultra-absorbent robe made with a waffle weave that’s so soft, she’ll never want to take it off. Large pockets on the front are the perfect size for a book, phone and even a few snacks. Made from a blend of cotton and viscose from bamboo, this robe won’t pill and will hold its softness even after multiple washes.
TheraGun massage gun: $109.99 (31% off)
Original price: $159.99
Best for your trainer, an active sibling or any other gym buff in your life. (Amazon)
Trainers, siblings that frequent the gym and other gym buffs in your family will appreciate the healing effects of a TheraGun massager. It’s lightweight and designed to be easy to hold. Three speeds provide a customizable, therapeutic massage. You also get three attachments that focus on specific areas:one for aches and pains that are especially sensitive, one for a full body massage and one shaped like a thumb for lower back muscles.
For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals
Bearaby weighted blanket: $179 (10% off)
Original price: $199
Best for siblings, in-laws or anyone who needs help relaxing. (Bearaby)
If anyone in your life is especially stressed or just likes to feel more relaxed, a Bearaby weighted blanket is the gift for them. Voted the best weighted blanket in 2024, Bearaby is made from 100% organic cotton. The knitted design looks great on the back of the couch and is weighted just enough to feel like a comforting hug. A weighted blanket helps relieve anxiety and may help with sleep issues.
Latest gift guides
This one-stop-shop gift guide covers everyone on your list
The best gifts for kids, starting at just $6
Gifts for adults who love to build
Purrfect gifts any cat owner will love
Practical gifts for dog lovers
The best positively gross holiday gifts to buy
Personalized gifts for the one-of-a-kind recipient
The best gift ideas for men who claim they want nothing
Gifts she'll love (and thank you for)
This year's best gifts for readers
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.
https://www.foxnews.com/deals/gifts-for-hard-to-buy-people