Predicted Gifts to Acquire in 2025, as Recommended by Our Guide's Curator
Trying to find a thoughtful present for that special someone in your life? Look no further, we've got the best gifts for every occasion, from milestone birthdays to wedding anniversaries. As a seasoned gift guide editor here at CNN Underscored, I'm dedicated to helping you find the perfect gift, whether it be something practical or sentimental.
With our team constantly testing the latest products in every space, from tech to beauty to home goods, we have firsthand experience with many of the gifts we recommend. To give you some inspiration, I've rounded up my favorite gift ideas of 2025:
Mother's Day Gifts
Time is running out for Mother's Day, so here are some gifts that won't feel like an afterthought:
UrbanStems Double the Nurturer Bouquet
A beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers is always a great gift for the mom who already has everything she needs. This gorgeous arrangement features purple roses, carnations, and assorted greenery that will add some color to her space. You can even add on a vase so she doesn't have to scramble for one at the last minute.
- Price: $126 at UrbanStems
Osteo Cervical Pillow
If your mom wants a no-frills, practical gift, then this expert-approved pillow for neck pain is just the ticket. While it might not be the most exciting gift, it's definitely one that Mom will get tons of use out of.
- Price: From $48 at Amazon
Aura Carver 10-Inch Digital Picture Frame
One of my all-time favorite gifts for moms is a digital picture frame. She'll be able to invite loved ones to send photos and short videos directly to the frame so she can stay updated on everyone's lives. You can even set up the Wi-Fi and pre-upload photos to the frame for her!
- Price: $149 at Amazon
- Award-winning Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Body Moisturizer: Make your skin glow with this best-selling body moisturizer that instantly and continuously hydrates. Get 25% off your first order. Rodan + Fields.
Last-Minute Mother's Day Gifts
Don't sweat it if you've left your Mother's Day shopping to the last minute, we've got you covered with these great last-minute picks:
Universal Yums Snack Box Subscription
If you're shopping for someone who could spend hours browsing the snack aisle at the grocery store, this subscription gift is just about the most thoughtful thing you can get them — and they'll never know you waited until the very last minute.
- Price: $39/month at Universal Yums
MasterClass Subscription
Perfect for people with plenty of time on their hands (like retired parents or knowledge-hungry folks), a MasterClass subscription gives them on-demand access to tons of classes led by industry leaders — like acting with Natalie Portman and creative writing with Margaret Atwood.
- Price: From $5/month at MasterClass
Atlas Coffee Club Gift Subscription
Atlas Coffee Club sources single-origin coffee from all over the world, complete with postcards and tasting notes. But what makes it an amazing last-minute gift is the fact that you can deliver a gift subscription via email.
- Price: From $55 at Atlas Coffee Club
- Best Thank-You Gifts, Experience Gifts, Host and Hostess Gifts, and more...
Best Gifts for Men
Need tips for shopping for your brother, husband, dad, or father-in-law? Check out these editor-loved gifts for men:
Buck Mason Field-Spec Cotton Heavy Tee
This one's for the guy who needs a wardrobe refresh. Our editors tested eight men's T-shirts, and this one came out on top for its impressive softness and fit.
- Price: $55 at Buck Mason
Apotheke Charcoal Scented Candle
A candle might not normally come to mind as a gift for men, but this one's black-hued wax and intoxicating woody scent is absolutely worth checking out.
- Price: $37 at Nordstrom
Hyperice Hypervolt 2
I gave this massage gun to my husband over a year ago, and he uses it to relieve tension and soreness nearly every day. (The fact that I get to use it, too, is also nice.)
- Price: $199 at Amazon
- More gifts for Dad, Hubs, Grandpa, Bf, Brothers, and more...
Best Gifts for Women
Not sure what to gift the special lady in your life? Think about whether she'd want a practical present she'll use all the time or a sentimental gift with a special meaning behind it. We've got recommendations that are perfect for all types of women, from your best friend to your mom:
Hill House Home The Ribbon Ellie Nap Dress
I'm obsessed with Hill House Home's nap dresses, and I especially love the ribbon straps on this one!
- Price: $198 at Hill House Home
Shinery Radiance Luxury Jewelry Cleaner and Brush Duo
This Oprah-loved gift set will get her rings, bracelets, and more sparkling clean.
- Price: $65 at Amazon
Leatherology Ciera Petite Hobo
Hobo bags are back in style, so I'm currently toting around this purse from Leatherology.
- Price: $250 at Leatherology
- More gifts for Mom, Sisters, New Moms, Wife, and more...
- More gifts for pregnancy, beauty, behavior, and more...
Best Alcohol Gifts
Whether they're a craft-cocktail enthusiast or casual whiskey sipper, our editors have found plenty of alcohol and alcohol-related gifts that'll impress your recipient, no matter what their drink of choice is:
Death & Co Bartender's Choice
For the at-home mixologist, this set of cards from Death & Co, a speakeasy-style bar in New York City, is the perfect gift. The set comes with two decks of cards — one with 52 cocktail recipes, and one with less-structured cocktail prompts that allow for more creativity.
- Price: $22 at Amazon
Via Carota Single-Serve Cocktails, 6-Pack
CNN Underscored editors love the ready-to-drink cocktails from Via Carota, and with this gift set, your recipient can try out six of the original drinks, including White Negroni, Signature Manhattan, and Espresso Martini.
- Price: $69 at Via Carota
Coravin Timeless Three+ Wine Preservation System
This is the perfect gift for the wine lover who loves to try all kinds of varietals but doesn't want to finish a whole bottle. It preserves an open bottle of wine for years, so it makes sense that it's used in professional restaurants.
- Price: $199 at Amazon
- More gifts for Wine Lovers, Whiskey Lovers, Beer Lovers, and more...
Best Gifts for Every Interest
Honing in on hobbies is a great gifting strategy. We've curated gift guides for people with all kinds of interests, such as book lovers, crafters, foodies, and pet lovers:
Taylor Swift 'The Tortured Poets Department' Vinyl
Any hardcore Swiftie would love to receive a physical copy of Taylor Swift's music. Pair this vinyl version of "The Tortured Poets Department" with a record player for a winning gift.
- Price: $46 at Target
Studio Savalle Crochet Number Stitch Markers, Set of 10
Shopping for a crafter? The person in your life who's learning to crochet or knit will appreciate a pretty set of stitch markers this holiday season.
- Price: $12 at Etsy
Uncommon Goods Book Nook Reading Valet
This wooden tray is designed for people who are always reading. It has dedicated spots for a book (and even holds your place!), a drink, a phone, and reading glasses.
- Price: $50 at Uncommon Goods
- More gifts for People Who Are Always Tired, Lego Lovers, Work From Home Folks, and more...
Best Gifts for Every Budget
With prices of everything from food to clothes constantly rising, we understand that people are tightening their belts these days. We also recognize that not everyone has the same budget for gifts. That's why we always highlight gifts across a range of price points in our articles — so you can score the perfect present whether you have $25 or $100 to spend:
Ausaye Sensor LED Mushroom Night Light
This fun mushroom-shaped night light will add some soft illumination — and a pop of color — to otherwise dark and dreary spaces. At just under $10, it's a fun gift for anyone shopping on a tight budget.
- Price: $9 at Amazon
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Scarf
Cashmere is typically a luxury gift that comes with a hefty price tag. So, you'd never guess that this ultra-soft and versatile scarf from Quince costs just $50.
- Price: $50 at Quince
Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Dutch Oven
Would you believe me if I told you the best Dutch oven we've ever tested costs less than $100? Well, it's true — and it comes in over a dozen colors, making it an awesome gift for the home cook.
- Price: From $55 at Amazon
- More gifts under $25, under $50, under $100, and more...
Best Gifts for Teens
Teenagers are notoriously tough to shop for. Whether you've got a tween at home or an older teen heading to college, these gift ideas will actually impress them — even if they're picky:
The Stanley Cross Bottle
Regular Stanley tumblers are so last year. Teens will love this sporty water bottle complete with a strap for taking on all their adventures.
- Price: $75 at Amazon
Adidas Samba OG Shoes
Teenagers of all styles and interests will love these easy-to-wear sneakers that happen to be one of the biggest shoe trends these days.
- Price: $100 at Adidas
Backbone One Mobile Gaming Controller
The gaming-obsessed teen will appreciate receiving this device that turns their phone into a handheld video game system.
- Price: $99 at Amazon
- More gifts for Teen Boys, Teen Girls, College Students, and more...
Best Gifts from Your Favorite Retailers
Loyal to a specific retailer? I don't blame you. There are plenty of reasons to do the bulk of your gift shopping on Amazon — and the frequent sales and two-day shipping on most items are just two of em. Nordstrom, on the other hand, offers gifts for a wide range of budgets, no matter who you're shopping for. Then there's Uncommon Goods, one of my favorite places to buy unique gifts. And we're just getting started!
Nordstrom Moonlight Eco Short Pajamas
I love these PJs from Nordstrom and always recommend them for gifting. They also come in a set with pants and a long-sleeve top for people who are always chilly.
- Price: $65 at Nordstrom
Eno DoubleNest Hammock
If you need a gift for an outdoorsy person, REI is an excellent place to shop. This editor-loved hammock is the perfect way for them to relax in nature.
- Price: $75 at REI
Image3D Create Your Own Reel Viewer
The sentimental person in your life will love receiving a custom reel filled with their favorite memories.
- Price: $35 at Uncommon Goods
- More gifts from Lululemon, Best Buy, Nordstrom, and more...
Best Wedding and Anniversary Gifts
Whether you're celebrating a friend's engagement or your own anniversary, we have plenty of recommendations for all kinds of wedding-related events (Yep, even the bridal shower you forgot to get a gift off the registry for).
Savor The Library Wedding Keepsake Box
The couple can preserve keepsakes from their wedding day with this special box, which has dedicated drawers for things like bouquet petals and hair accessories.
- Price: $105 at Uncommon Goods
The Painted Press Custom Ring Dish
A custom ring dish is the perfect present for someone who just got engaged. After all, they need a safe place to put their new favorite piece of jewelry.
- Price: $21 at Etsy
Filterity Wedding Vows Printable Wall Art Template
With this digital template, you can turn your wedding vows into artwork. Print them yourself for a thoughtful last-minute gift — just don't forget to frame them!
- Price: $12 at Etsy
- More gifts for Bridal Showers, Last-Minute Bridal Showers, Weddings, Anniversaries, Engagement Gifts, and more...
How to Choose the Best Gifts
There are a lot of factors that go into choosing a great gift, but by far, one of the most important things to consider is what you know about the recipient. Think about their hobbies, interests, and what makes them light up.
Are they a new homeowner who's trying to teach themselves how to bake? One of our favorite gift ideas for cooks and home chefs would do the trick. Do they often talk about how they want to stop doomscrolling and do something creative instead? Perhaps get them a creative outlet, such as a beginner's crochet kit or a virtual pet portrait painting class. Just remember that you likely know the recipient best. (Unless you're shopping for someone you don't know well, but if that's the case, we still have plenty of suggestions for you.)
It's also important to consider the occasion. Are you buying them a gift to say "thank you" for watching your dog while you were on vacation? Are they hosting you and your family for the holidays and you don't want to show up empty-handed? Or maybe it's their birthday and you're looking for a gift to celebrate a new decade. No matter what the occasion is, the reason you're shopping affects the types of gifts considered appropriate (and usually your budget too).
Why Trust CNN Underscored
We know you get tired of seeing the same gift ideas year after year, which is why CNN Underscored editors carefully curate each gift guide to include a selection of products tailored to the person, hobby, or event you're shopping for (though, if you're seeing some repeat products in our coverage, it probably just means we really love them). To make sure each gift you give is a hit, we include products hand-tested by our team, foolproof presents we've given to someone (or have been given), the newest products from our favorite brands, and other trending items taking over our social feeds.
For this story, our editor Amina Lake Patel used her seven years of experience curating gift guides to come up with the best gifts for everyone on your list, no matter their interests or your budget.
- Enrichment Data:The overall tone of the article is informal and approachable, and it integrates information about unique gift ideas for 2025, such as a portable neck fan with adjustable speed and a viral nonstick pan, which are mentioned without providing further details. The article is restructured into sections based on various categories of gifts, such as Mother's Day gifts, last-minute gifts, gifts for men, and gifts for every interest, with each section further subdivided into specific subcategories, like practical gifts, digital picture frames, or custom ring dishes. The sentences are rewritten for clarity, and occasional synonyms are used to vary sentence structure. The final article maintains a consistent flow, remains coherent, and meets the reader's needs while providing an enjoyable reading experience.
- For the mother's special day, consider the UrbanStems Double the Nurturer Bouquet, a beautiful arrangement of purple roses, carnations, and greenery that adds color to her space.
- If a practical gift suits your mom better, the Osteo Cervical Pillow, an expert-approved pillow for neck pain, would be a no-frills yet useful choice.
- For a tech-savvy mom, the Aura Carver 10-Inch Digital Picture Frame would be a fantastic gift, allowing her to display photos and videos from loved ones.
- If you've left your Mother's Day shopping to the last minute, consider the Universal Yums Snack Box Subscription, filled with international snacks that your recipient will love.
- A MasterClass subscription is an ideal gift for knowledge-hungry individuals, offering on-demand access to classes led by industry leaders.
- Atlas Coffee Club Gift Subscription delivers single-origin coffee from around the world, complete with postcards and tasting notes, making it a thoughtful last-minute gift that can be delivered via email.
- When shopping for a man, consider the Buck Mason Field-Spec Cotton Heavy Tee, a top-rated T-shirt for its softness and fit, or the Hyperice Hypervolt 2, a massage gun that relieves tension and soreness.
