Whether you’re buying a Secret Santa gift or a stocking stuffer, it can be tricky to find something for less than £5 that’s not, well, tat. Luckily, we are expert shoppers at the Strategist UK (as our meticulously reported gift guides show). We’ve scoured Amazon (and our archives) to find 21 gifts, all under £5, for even the pickiest of giftees. Read on for the best gifts for nephews, sisters-in-law, and more — and they’ll all give you change from a tenner. And to shop for everyone else on your list, visit our gift guide hub.
For your co-worker who’s trying out the pomodoro technique
For your niece who has tried every single Starbucks seasonal latte
For your friend who follows the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, and Celia Hammond on Instagram
Maybe some dachshund-shaped ice cubes will help her hunt for the perfect pet.
For your uncle who has strong opinions on nib width
When we tested 87 pens, this one came out on top. You can buy five for £8 – that’s £1.60 each.
For your sister who managed to kill an “unkillable” fern
This wildflower mix (which you just scatter onto compost, or into a pot) might be a little more user-friendly.
For your sister-in-law who pollinated her own courgettes this summer
Set them a challenge with some Italian tomatoes.
For your friend who can’t have a cup of tea without a biscuit
They’ll like the almond crunch in this status Fair Trade chocolate.
For your friend whose tastes are more savoury
For your mum who loves a matte lip
Counteract the dryness of a matte lipstick with this cool person–approved lip balm.
For your little sister who’s just starting to wear makeup
This balmlike lipstick changes colour according to the pH of your lips — resulting in a natural, sheer pink.
For your boyfriend who is a Yoga With Adriene subscriber
Some incense to help him set his intentions for the day’s practice.
For your brother who keeps losing his AirPods
This tiny Ikea bag has a zipper and a carabiner — perfect for hooking onto his belt loop.
For your dad who can’t abide dog-ears
This little bookmark comes in a pack of three, so he’ll never have to use an envelope as an interim bookmark again.
For your mum who can’t abide your dad’s snoring
These come recommended by author Sophia Money-Coutts, who says they “remain lodged all night, comfortably muffling the world outside.”
For your goddaughter who taught you how to stitch on TikTok
For your godson who solves the Times crossword quicker than you do
For your cousin who has a strict wash-day routine
This silicone shampoo scrubber will help turn the shower into a spa.
For your friend who’s just cancelled their HelloFresh pass
This massaman curry paste makes it just as easy to throw together a curry for tea.
For your friend who has never made a ready meal in their life
For your sibling who has ketchup on everything (including Christmas dinner)
While this might appear to be a slight gag gift, this spiced sprout sauce could turn out to be the star of the Christmas dining table.
For your nephew who is in his blue period
Some dual-ended felt tips (which wash off skin and clothing).
The Strategist UK is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Read about who we are and what we do here. Our editors update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.