Impulse Buys Under $25 That Make Surprisingly Great Gifts

Impulse buying gets a pretty bad rap -- and for good reason. We've all purchased something at the spur of the moment, only to regret it as soon as we get home. But with gift giving, sometimes the best finds are things that you grab on a whim. Impulse buying can lead to unexpectedly perfect finds that surprise and delight -- and leave your recipient wondering how they ever lived without that wonderful and unique thing.  

We rounded up our CNET staff's favorite impulse buys that ended up being surprisingly useful, and all of them make great gifts. All of these items cost less than $25, so they're easy on your wallet, and many of them are on sale for Amazon's Spring Sale. Who knows? Maybe you'll just have to pick up an item or two to enjoy yourself.

CNET's Russell Holly swears by this tiny magnetic charger that's designed specifically for the Apple Watch. "Super handy when you're away from the house for longer than you expect, small enough to be tucked away in a backpack, purse or key ring," he says.

This clip-on strainer is a clever kitchen hack. Clip it onto the side of your pot, and when your pasta is done boiling, just pour the water straight into the sink. It cuts down on the number of dishes used, and it's a total space saver.

Our CNET readers are constantly on the lookout for great deals, and this GearLight two-pack is one of those popular picks that gets snapped up every time they're on sale. These powerful 1,000-lumen flashlights have five modes, a zoomable beam and a hand strap that makes them easy to carry around.

Hiccups can be more than just an annoyance for some folks. Who knew there was actually something that can get rid of them? This clinically proven device helps you end those hiccups ASAP, and it works for kids or adults. 

It's like a tackle box -- but for snacks. What could be better? Take it on picnics or keep it on your desk while you're working if need a little boost of energy throughout the day. "I like to keep an assortment of nuts, dried fruit, chocolate and pretzels so I can have a little sweet or salty on hand," says CNET's Faith Chihil.

You can never have too many smart plugs on hand, whether you want to use them for automating lights, turning gadgets on and off with voice commands and so much more. This Kasa smart plug is a budget-friendly choice and makes a great gift, especially if you pair it with something like an Echo Dot or smart LED lights.

If you want a fun addition to family game night, look no further. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is highly addictive and great for all ages. CNET contributor Oliver Haslam says, "It might be the most fun I've had with a card game since forever, and it made our recent vacation very memorable."

The best little juicer you never knew you needed. This genius contraption perfectly squeezes lemons and limes to get every last drop of juice out. It even catches the pulp and seeds with the built-in catcher. Bonus points: It's great for making margaritas, according to CNET's David Watsky.

Why waste a perfectly edible portion of a strawberry? This handy tool lets you quickly remove the green leafy top and stem so you're not tossing away the good stuff. It's much easier to use than a paring knife, and it works like a charm every time.

The Rabbit is so last year. CNET's Corinne Reichert prefers this handy electric wine bottle opener, which quickly and easily removes corks without all the fuss and having to strain your wrist. Keep it on the charging dock and it's always ready to open a bottle -- or two or three. 

If you depend on your phone for navigating, streaming music or just taking calls hands-free while driving, it's a good idea to invest in a car phone mount. iOttie's Easy One Touch doesn't have all the bells and whistles of more expensive car phone mounts (like wireless charging or arms that open automatically). It made our list of the best car phone mounts for 2026.

If you wear glasses, you know how quickly they get filthy and smeared. "This Peeps cleaner works like a miracle," says CNET's Gael Cooper. "You gently slide it over your lenses and voila, they're cleaner than ever. I've given them to everyone I know."

Like a lot of kitchen tools, spatulas are designed with right-handed folks in mind, which can make something that's usually simple -- like flipping eggs -- a major hassle. If you, or someone you know, is left-handed, this spatula is a game changer in the kitchen. 

Keep your nail polish collection easily accessible with this handy organizer case. It fits bottles from just about any nail polish brand, and you can store all your accessories, such as emery boards, nail glue, acrylic dip powder and more. 

We've found these towels to be considerably better at removing makeup and grime from your face compared with a standard washcloth. And they're more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than using disposable face wipes. CNET's Faith Chihill says, "I quit using face wipes and switched to using these with some micellar water and my skin is so thankful."

If you know someone who likes travel, these packing cubes are totally life-changing. Not only do they keep you organized and make things easier to find, but they also save you tons of space. Put your shirts in one, your underwear and socks in another, your chargers and gadgets in yet another, and you'll never have to go digging through your bag again to find that one item you needed. 

For people who like to keep things looking their best, using a fabric shaver can be satisfying -- therapeutic even. Like most fabric shavers, this Conair model isn't perfect. You'll still have to empty the lint catcher, but the thrill you'll get when you transform the look of your fuzzy sweaters is worth it. 

Scented candles are a great gift for any occasion, and Lulu's scents are just as fresh and complex as brands that charge a premium. CNET's Jessica Dolcourt says, "I've bought four of them for myself, and as gifts, to add some aroma and elegance to spaces throughout my home."

This little battery-powered water dispenser lets you easily (and elegantly) serve up water, beer, cocktails and more wherever and whenever you'd like. It's USB rechargeable, so you can bring it with you to parties, camping or any outdoor gathering. CNET's James Bricknell says, "I have mine on my bedside table with a 5-gallon water tank hidden behind my bed. It looks great and saves me from 'bathroom water.'"