Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Our top picks
Birthday gifts under $25
Backup battery for your phone
Gifts $25 to $50
Gifts $50 to $150
Gifts $150+
Kids and adults alike can get excited about birthday gifts. Opening up that special gift can bring joy at any age. As you get older, coming up with birthday gift ideas may become a bit more challenging than just asking for toys. However, if you still want toys, go for it!
If you’re struggling to come up with ideas for your upcoming birthday, don’t worry. We’ve created the ultimate birthday wish list with a range of gifts from tech gadgets to outdoor essentials to home goods. Our gift ideas are categorized into Our top picks, gifts under $25, gifts under $50, gifts $50 to $150, and gifts $150+ to make your search easier.
Read on for some birthday inspiration and start hinting to your friends and family. And of course, happy birthday!
Our top picks
Color-changing smart light bulbs
Credit: Philips
Deputy Shopping and Reviews Editor Miller Kern swears by Hue light bulbs in her apartment. These color-changing bulbs allow her to set the mood with different colors or dim the lights for relaxation. Plus, she can control them without leaving her bed.
A digital camera that captures film-style photos
Credit: Camp Snap
Capturing film-style photos can be expensive and bulky, but the Camp Snap camera offers a lightweight digital alternative. The pictures have a vintage feel without the hassle of traditional film cameras. You can capture multiple versions of the same shot without worrying about wasting film.
Coffee from around the world
Credit: Atlas Coffee Club
Personally, I’m not a coffee drinker, but my dad loves coffee. I gifted him and his wife a three-month subscription to Atlas Coffee Club for Christmas and they absolutely loved it. Every month, they would text me about the origin of their coffee and how much they enjoyed trying different roasts from various countries. With each shipment, they received coffee beans and a postcard from a different part of the world, allowing them to taste beans that aren’t available at their local grocery store. The subscription offers options for whole beans, grounds, Keurig pods, and Nespresso pods, and can be chosen for three, six, or 12 months.
A new Kindle
Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable
While I used to prefer physical books, purchasing a Kindle Paperwhite completely changed my reading experience. The e-reader is portable enough to take on flights, to the beach, and even in the bathtub (thanks to its waterproof feature). Additionally, I can read library books for free through the Libby app. If you’re an avid reader, I highly recommend adding a Kindle to your birthday wishlist this year. (P.s. A new Kindle Paperwhite was released in October 2024.)
A stunning TV that doubles as art
Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable
Samsung’s The Frame TV made a splash a few years ago, but the price tag may not be feasible for everyone. The Hisense CanvasTV offers a fantastic, more budget-friendly option for those seeking an art TV as a birthday gift. The Google TV interface is exceptional, and the TV seamlessly blends in with your artwork and decor. While it may be a luxurious birthday request, it’s definitely worth it.
Birthday gifts under $25
Elevate your cooking game
Credit: TrendPlain
This 2-in-1 oil dispenser allows you to pour and spray without needing separate bottles for olive oil and Pam cooking spray. Here are some unique gift ideas to add to your list:
1. Whether you’re a home chef or use an air fryer regularly, this practical gift is a must-have.
2. Celebrate your birthday by learning something new with a class from Coursehorse.
3. Keep a Nanobag in your car or bag for unexpected shopping trips.
4. Budget-friendly Lego flower building kits are a fun addition to your birthday list.
5. Add a delicious-smelling candle from Bonita Fierce to your gift wish list.
6. Magic Puzzle Company offers jigsaw puzzles with a surprise twist ending for added excitement. Somewhere to store your headphones
Credit: Coreminded
Instead of leaving your headphones scattered around your house or cluttering up your desk, consider asking for a universal headphone stand as a birthday gift. This stand is compatible with most over-ear headphones or gaming headsets and has a sleek design.
A stylish candle warmer lamp
Credit: Geezo
If you’re a fan of candles, a candle warmer should definitely be on your birthday wish list. It helps candles last longer without the need for an open flame in your home. Opt for a cute candle warmer like this one with a glass lamp shade that seamlessly blends into your home decor.
Backup battery for your phone
Credit: Anker
This portable charger from Anker is perfect for travel or long days out. It can recharge your phone multiple times and comes in four different colors.
Cold hard cash
Credit: Pixabay
You can’t go wrong with the gift of cash or a gift card. A Visa gift card is a versatile birthday present because you can use it for anything you want, from fun purchases to everyday essentials. Plus, you don’t have to decide on a gift before your birthday, as the card starts at $10.
New reading materials
Credit: Getty Images / iStock / Extreme-Photographer
Support independent bookstores across the country with a gift card to Bookshop. Starting at $10, these gift cards can be used to purchase books from your favorite bookstore or contribute to a profit-sharing pool that benefits all of Bookshop’s partner stores.
A way to keep track of your keys
Credit: Apple
Consider adding an AirTag to your keyring as a practical way to keep track of your keys. You can use Apple’s Find My app to track the location of your belongings, and you’ll receive a notification on your phone if you happen to forget them somewhere.
A custom cookie cutter in the shape of your pet
Celebrate your beloved furry friend by enjoying cookies shaped like them. Simply send a photo of your pet to the FormaCookieCutters Etsy store and receive a personalized four-inch-wide cookie cutter made of food-safe PLA material in return. Whether you bake the cookies yourself or gift the cutter to someone else, you’ll be hailed as a thoughtful gift-giver. Purchase these unique birthday gifts for $30 from FormaCookieCutters on Etsy.
Sophisticated reusable chopsticks
Enhance your takeout experience and reduce waste with a set of elegant bamboo chopsticks. This set of six chopsticks is available in two color options and is priced at $32.
A personalized Yeti mug
The Yeti Rambler 24-ounce mug is perfect for coffee enthusiasts, beer lovers, or anyone who enjoys a Moscow mule. Available in various colors, you can customize the mug with etched designs or a monogram for an additional $6 to $10. Choose from Yeti’s design library or upload your own file for a truly unique touch.
A unique customizable planner
For the Type A planner in your life, or for your hyper-organized friend, consider gifting this personalized spiral-bound planner. Add the recipient’s name and three personal photos to make it truly special.
An outdoor adventure app
If you love the outdoors but struggle with maps, consider AllTrails+, an app designed to help you explore nature. With over 400,000 curated trails worldwide, offline map downloads, hike recording features, trail creation tools, and more, this app is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts. A yearly subscription costs $35.99.
Mini zodiac cupcakes
For a unique twist on birthday treats, try these mini cupcakes selected by an astrologer based on your zodiac sign. Each set includes 25 cupcakes with flavors tailored to your sign, making for a fun and delicious birthday surprise. These items are also great for last-minute gifts if you’re in Manhattan or Boston, with same-day delivery available for select locations.