Best cheap Christmas gifts under £35

Christmas shopping doesn't have to cost a fortune, and our experts can prove it. With Santa's help, we've rounded up a selection of budget-friendly gifts, with plenty of ideas for family, friends and those tricky-to-buy-for names still on your Christmas list.

Our list of affordable presents includes a handy gadget for tracking down missing keys, a compact power bank for keeping phones charged and a pillow spray for winding down at bedtime. Many of these gifts have also been put through our expert lab tests.

Keep scrolling to access our product recommendations. If you're not quite ready to spend yet, bookmark this page and check back later, as we'll be updating our picks in the run-up to Christmas.

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

What is it? Lavender-infused scent.

• We like: Offers a sense of luxury at bedtime
• Watch out for: Cheaper sprays are available

This natural sleep aid will leave your bed smelling exquisite and aims to reduce sleep anxiety while improving overall sleep quality. If you get on well with the spray, you should wake up feeling refreshed.

The lavender, camomile and vetiver blend comes in a 75ml spray bottle.

If your recipient struggles to sleep, it might be worth researching alternative options. Read our guide on how to sleep better for tips from an expert.

Why we chose it:

'While there's not a lot of evidence behind sleep sprays, this smells great and adds a little bit of luxury to your bedtime routine. It's pricier than other sprays, but you only need one spritz each evening, so it should last a decent amount of time. I love the smell it leaves on my pillow each night.'

Faith Strickland, Which?

Scented oil diffuser

What is it? An LED-lit aroma diffuser that releases mist on a timer.

We like: Affordable, easy to use

Watch out for: Comes in various styles, so make sure you choose one that suits your space

A scented oil diffuser is a thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys a fragrant home. To set it up, you fill the base with water, add a few drops of oil and then use the buttons to decide how long it will run until it turns itself off automatically.

You can cycle between different LED colours to set the mood, and the device is reasonably quiet while running – in fact, we think it's quiet enough to put on a bedside table.

Why we chose it:

'With affordable multipacks on offer (often around £10 for a pack of five mini bottles), it’s easy to swap fragrances to suit your mood or the season.

'In our house, we've been enjoying mint and fresh linen, and with Christmas around the corner, we’ll be switching to warmer, festive notes like cinnamon or spiced orange.'

Tom Morgan, Which?

Homebird Window Feeder

What is it? A food tray that lets you enjoy wildlife up close.

• We like: Easy to set up
• Watch out for: Suction cups might lose strength over time

This feeder is made of transparent acrylic and features two separate compartments, allowing you to keep food types separated.

There are four suction cups on the feeder to attach it to your window, plus a roof to keep the food nice and dry. The feeder also has a removable seed tray for quick cleaning.

Have a look at our guide to the best squirrel-proof bird feeders, as we've highlighted the feeders that will attract birds while also distracting the attention of determined squirrels.

Why we chose it:

'You don't even need a garden to enjoy watching birds. This feeder sticks to your window, so you can sit inside and watch their activities.

'The right bird feeder makes a lovely gift for anyone who enjoys spotting wildlife, particularly if they don't have much outdoor space of their own.'

Ceri Thomas, Which?

Lakeland Mini Digital Ice Cream Maker

What is it? A 500ml ice cream maker.

• We like: Won't take up too much space on the kitchen counter
• Watch out for: Make sure the person you're gifting will get plenty of use out of it

Our experts have been hands-on with this ice cream maker to see how it compares to pricier alternatives. This Lakeland model has a 500ml bowl – small enough to store in your freezer without taking up too much space, so it's always ready to use.

If you'd prefer to pick from several models, see our page on the best ice cream makers.

Why we chose it:

'An ice cream maker is a fun kitchen gadget, but not everyone has the space to store one. This mini model makes around the same amount of ice cream as a tub of Ben & Jerry's.'

Hardeep Channa, Which?

Apple AirTag

What is it? A tracking device that helps you locate an item by using Apple's Find My network.

• We like: Simple setup process, small
• Watch out for: Doesn't come bundled with a carry case

An Apple AirTag could be ideal if your recipient is heading off on holiday and wants to track their luggage, or if they're prone to misplacing their car keys, purse or wallet. This tiny device weighs just 11g and has a built-in speaker that you can listen out for when you're nearby.

If you buy the AirTag directly from Apple, you can get the device engraved for free. You can use plain text, numbers or emojis to suit your style.

For more devices to track your personal items, see our guide to the best Bluetooth trackers.

Why we chose it:

'Pairing an AirTag with your Apple account is a piece of cake. Knowing I can quickly track down my belongings gives me much-needed peace of mind when something goes missing.

'Apple uses a community-driven system to track down AirTags that have escaped their owners. Every iPhone, iPad and Mac connected to the Find My network around the world becomes a beacon that an AirTag in Lost Mode can communicate with. It's clever tech and works well.'

Tom Morgan, Which?

Thermos King Travel Tumbler

What is it? A travel mug designed to keep your drinks toasty while travelling.

• We like: Comfy to hold
• Watch out for: No other sizes are available

This 470ml travel mug has a wider body than most and is available in various colours. It has a twist lid with a built-in tea hook and uses 'vacuum insulation technology' to maintain the temperature of your drink.

Top travel mugs will keep your tea warm on a long journey and your chilled water cold. To see if the Thermos King Travel Tumbler is worth your money, we tested it for ourselves.

Check in with our guide to the best travel mugs and reusable coffee cups.

Anker Nano Powerbank

What is it? A 5,000mAh portable charger.

• We like: Small and lightweight design
• Watch out for: Higher-capacity power banks are available

This portable phone accessory plugs into the charging port to give you some extra screen time. It weighs in at around 100g and is small enough to take with you on your travels this Christmas and beyond.

There are two USB-C ports that function as both inputs and outputs, plus a foldable built-in USB-C connector for added convenience on the go. It's available in a range of colours.

Anker promises 'all-day power' from this gadget, so we've put that to the test as part of our full review. See our guide to the best power banks and portable chargers.

Why we chose it:

'I purchased one of these power banks for each of my sons last Christmas and they were very happy. If you have a MagSafe iPhone, the BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K from Belkin could also be worth a look.'

Lisa Barber, Which?

Ticket to Ride board game

What is it? A bus route-building game for 2-5 players.

• We like: Easy to introduce new players, doesn't get too complicated
• Watch out for: Younger players might prefer a more physical board game

This fast-paced strategy game transports you to the 1970s and challenges players to race one another for gaming glory. Competitors battle it out to claim the most important bus lines and connect boroughs throughout London.

This London-themed edition of Ticket to Ride is readily available for around £20-£30. On a mission to find the best board games, we played the original version, Days of Wonder, which follows train tracks across the USA.

Explore our guide to the best board games for even more options.

MyHalos blackout sleep mask

What is it? A memory foam mask designed to improve the quality of your sleep.

• We like: Adjustable head strap
• Watch out for: Can be a little tight on the nose

With a top-rated sleep mask in your bedside drawer, you’ll have the perfect accessory to help you drift off to sleep.

This memory foam mask from MyHalos is hand-wash only and comes bundled with a storage pouch. The mask is designed to contour to your face to block light, and the brand claims it could be a great fit for night-shift workers, frequent flyers and those who are sensitive to light.

Read our guide to the best eye masks for sleep to see our favourites.

Why we chose it:

'Some eye masks can feel restrictive while you're trying to nod off, but the raised eye area on this mask stops it from pressing down onto your eyes.

'As part of our testing, we've found several sleep masks that earn our Great Value recommendations – proof that you don't have to spend big to get a good-quality option.'

Chris Brookes, Which?

Tinc Tonkin drinks bottle

What is it? A leakproof bottle available in several vibrant colours.

• We like: Comfortable to hold, fun designs
• Watch out for: Some water bottles are a pain to clean

This 500ml kids' water bottle claims to be entirely leakproof and has a locking mechanism to prevent the flip lid from coming open in a school bag. It comes in blue, black, green, mint green, orange, pink and purple.

The water bottle is dishwasher-safe and features a handy carry loop handle. As part of our testing, we turned the bottle upside down and shook it vigorously from all angles.

See the best water bottles – we've tested a range of water bottles from Owala, Lululemon, Stanley, Yeti and more for durability, leakage, insulation and ease of use.

Kitchen Devils Control Large Cook's Knife

What is it? A kitchen knife with a 20cm blade (also available in 12cm).

• We like: Affordable, multiple blade sizes available
• Watch out for: Check our test results to see how it handles intricate tasks

We've tested chef's knives from a range of brands to find out the sharpest and best kitchen knife for comfort.

This 20cm blade from Kitchen Devils weighs just over 100g and is dishwasher-safe. It has a curved bolster designed to make it easy to grip.

You can find out which knives come highly recommended with our guide to the best chef's knives.

Why we chose it:

'During our testing, we used this knife for a variety of food prep tasks, including dicing onions, mincing garlic and chopping a butternut squash. This one happens to be less than half the average price of the chef's knives we tested.

Louise Sayers, Which?

Papier The Mini hardback photo book

What is it? A personalised 16.5cm x 16.5cm album.

Available from: Papier

• We like: Fully customisable, website is easy to use
• Watch out for: Make sure your photos will look fine when they're enlarged

Cherish special memories this festive season by gifting a personalised photo album. This hardcover book from Papier has up to 40 pages and comes in various colours including white, pink and lilac.

On the website, you'll need to upload your favourite photos and arrange them manually. You can also tweak the size of the images and add filters.

See how this service compares to rivals with our guide to the best photo books.

Oze Sports Yoga Mat

What is it? A multipurpose exercise mat with a carrying strap.

• We like: Thick cushioning, suitable for a range of workouts
• Watch out for: Some mats are a pain to roll back up

This exercise mat is made from high-density NBR foam and comes with a carry strap. It's available in a wide range of colours, including black, blue, grey, pink and purple, and measures 183 x 61 x 1cm (LxWxD).

If you know someone with a fitness-related new year's resolution, this mat won't break the bank. Its 10mm-thick foam provides extra cushioning and support for joints, while the textured non-slip surface is designed to help keep it in place during yoga, pilates, HIIT and other workouts.

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active

What is it? An oval-shaped fitness tracker with a touchscreen.

• We like: Easy to set up, lightweight
• Watch out for: No built-in GPS

This fitness tracker is one of the most affordable models we've tested in our lab. If you're shopping for someone who wants to stick to a fitness regime in the new year, this could be a great gift.

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active has a rectangular-shaped colour touchscreen that measures 37mm (across the diagonal). It’s available in four case colours, with a range of different strap options. The gadget can track your heart rate and monitor your blood oxygen (SpO2) levels, also known as pulse oximetry.

To see how this fitness tracker fared in our lab, see our full Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active review. Alternatively, see our list of the best fitness trackers.

Gold Leaf Dry Touch Gloves

What are they? Leather gloves to help tackle jobs in the garden.

• We like: Snug fit, tough leather
• Watch out for: Some gardening gloves aren't very comfortable, so consult our test results.

These versatile gloves are lightweight and designed to stop thorns from poking you while you're gardening. The website says they're 'pliable enough to tackle potting, weeding and light pruning'.

It's worth remembering this Christmas that gardening gloves are an essential for any keen gardener. Our testing has uncovered plenty of affordable options, too.

Find out how we rate these gloves with our guide to the best gardening gloves.

7th Heaven Face Mask Gift Set

What is it? A pack of peel-off face masks.

• We like: Budget-friendly gift, range of ingredients
• Watch out for: Some masks aren't suitable for sensitive skin

Treat friends and family to pampering without spending big this Christmas.

This 10-pack includes five face masks that cleanse and hydrate your skin. It could make a nice stocking filler if you're shopping for smaller bits. In the pack, you get the following masks: tea tree, manuka honey, pore refine, passion peel-off and cucumber.

Why we chose it:

'A face mask pack gives a little slice of a spa experience and is a great excuse for busy mums to take some time for themselves.'

Faith Strickland, Which?

Senua Thick Kneeling Pad

What is it? A soft surface for support when kneeling in the garden.

• We like: Lightweight, easy to store
• Watch out for: Some gardeners might prefer knee pads

This kneeling mat will allow you to work in the garden while resting on a soft surface. It comes in black or blue and measures 17.5 x 11 inches. You can adjust your position or move along a flowerbed without having to stand up.

The mat also features a built-in carry handle.

We've tested different types of garden kneelers to find the ones that make gardening more comfortable. See our guide to the best garden kneelers.

Giles & Posner Mini Popcorn Maker

What is it? A small popcorn maker with cool-touch handles and a lid.

• We like: Hot kernels can't fly out of the machine
• Watch out for: Not the quickest at popping

This compact popcorn maker is ideal for anyone who loves settling down with a Christmas film. Despite its size, it can still pop 75g at a time, which is about three portions.

When your popcorn is ready, simply tip the machine over and the popped corn collects in the clear plastic dome, which doubles as a serving bowl. Thanks to its covered design, you won’t have kernels flying around the kitchen either.

Sol de Janeiro Body Cream Set

What is it? A skincare set inspired by Brazilian ingredients.

• We like: Cruelty-free skincare
• Watch out for: Minis might not last long

Body cream is a classic Christmas gift, and this Sol de Janeiro set offers a touch of luxury at an affordable price.

Certified cruelty-free by Peta, Sol de Janeiro is inspired by Brazilian ingredients. Among its many products, the Bum Bum and Delicia Drench creams are the most popular, making them a festive favourite to unwrap on Christmas morning.

Lindt Lindor Irish Cream Truffles

What is it? A box of chocolates suitable for vegetarians.

• We like: Affordable gift idea
• Watch out for: Box is on the smaller side

This box of chocolates from Lindt contains 16 milk chocolate truffles with a creamy Irish Cream-flavoured filling, perfect for sharing over the holidays.

These treats are suitable for vegetarians, and each truffle combines milk chocolate with a softer centre. It contains milk, barley, soya, and may contain hazelnuts and other nuts.

Alternatively, see our guide to the best dark chocolate to find the smoothest, best-tasting buys.

Why we chose it:

'If you know somebody who likes a chocolate truffle and is a fan of Irish cream, these make a great last-minute Christmas gift you can pick up at the supermarket. They're delicious, with a subtle taste of Irish cream that isn’t too alcoholic.'

Jessica Carson, Which?

Custom family portrait

What is it? A poster featuring family members and pets.

Available from: Etsy

We like: Plenty of customisation options

Watch out for: You'll need to buy a frame separately

Opting for something personal and unique as a gift is a winning formula, and this customisable Etsy poster could be a great choice – especially if your recipient has a beloved pet. Around Christmas, it could double as a thoughtful seasonal present that feels both festive and personal.

You can adapt the design by selecting hairstyles, outfits and pet breeds, creating a likeness that captures your giftee and their pet perfectly. The result is a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind keepsake that’s bound to be appreciated.

Soap & Glory Hand Food Hand Cream

What is it? A scented hand cream designed to moisturise dry skin.

We like: Quick to absorb

Watch out for: Prominent scent might not be for everyone

Soap & Glory’s Hand Food Hand Cream is instantly recognisable by its pink packaging and signature rose and bergamot fragrance.

The cream has a lightweight consistency and is designed to moisturise dry hands without feeling too heavy. Its compact packaging also makes it easy to pop into a handbag or keep close by for whenever your hands need some extra attention.

To see how this hand cream fares against rivals, explore our guide to the best hand creams.

Why we chose it:

'Hand cream is a handy stocking filler, and the Soap & Glory option is easy to find on the high street without costing a fortune.

'We tested a range of popular hand creams over six weeks with a mixed-gender panel and a range of skin types. We looked at factors including instant hydration, long-term moisturisation, ease of application and how each cream felt on the skin. Price doesn't necessarily equal performance, either, so it's worth checking our results before choosing one.'

Manca Virant, Which?

Glossier Balm Dotcom

What is it? A fragrance-free lip balm in a 15ml tube.

We like: Handy size for carrying around

Watch out for: Pricier than some lip balms

Glossier's Balm Dotcom uses a blend of antioxidants and natural emollients and is designed to help hydrate and protect dry lips. The Original version is fragrance-free, although Glossier also sells the balm in a range of other flavours and finishes.

This balm is a little more expensive than many everyday lip balms, but its compact tube makes it an easy stocking filler or small beauty gift.

See our guide to the best lip balms for more similar options.

Why we chose it:

'I've bought these lip balms as gifts for a few friends and for myself. They're lovely to use and come in lots of different flavours and shades – they even have a birthday cake flavour!'

Poppy Guant, Which?

Fat Fox Mushrooms Tea & Coffee Recycling Kit

What is it? A kit for growing oyster mushrooms using household waste

Available from: Fat Fox Mushrooms

We like: Unusual gift idea, puts household waste to good use

Watch out for: You'll need your own container and spray bottle

This kit lets you turn used tea bags, coffee grounds and cardboard into home-grown oyster mushrooms. It comes with a packet of blue or pink oyster mushroom spawn, cotton wool and instructions to guide you through the process.

You'll need to provide a 1-5-litre glass or plastic container with a lid, plus a clean spray bottle. If you're buying it as a present, Fat Fox Mushrooms also sells optional tea or coffee add-ons to turn it into a larger gift set.

Why we chose it:

'Mushrooms are having a moment. Even Jeremy Clarkson has started growing them. There's a wide range of mushroom-growing kits available, and as well as a delicious addition to your dinner, they all have various health benefits. I've got my eye on gifting the striking Lion's Mane mushroom kit or Reishi mushroom kit.'

Alison Potter, Which?

Green Swing bamboo golf tees

What is it? A pack of 30 bamboo golf tees in assorted sizes.

We like: Range of sizes, recyclable packaging

Watch out for: Keen golfers might prefer a specific tee size

This pack contains 30 bamboo castle tees in five different sizes, with six of each included. The different heights are designed to suit a range of shots, while the castle shape helps golfers tee the ball up at a consistent height.

The tees come in a recyclable paper box that's compact enough to slip into a golf bag. At around £6, they could make a handy stocking filler for a golfer without stretching your Christmas budget.

Before you head out for 18 holes, take a look at our guide to the best golf gifts.

Why we chose it:

'Golf tees like these are a popular gift for obvious reasons – they're affordable, and you can't hit the course without them. Since these are made from bamboo, they're less harmful to the environment when lost or broken on the green.'

Alex Manners, Which?

Play-Doh Rainbow Colours

What is it? Eight pots of Play-Doh in different colours.

We like: An affordable option for younger children

Watch out for: Can be messy and difficult to clean, dries up easily

A classic children's toy, Play-Doh is a creative gift idea for younger children and has been a popular choice for decades.

This eight-pack comes with red, orange, yellow, green, pink, blue, purple and white Play-Doh. While a full pack makes a great gift, you can split the pots between multiple kids if needed.

While you're not supposed to eat it, Play-Doh contains wheat, so it may not be suitable for children with a wheat allergy or coeliac disease.

Best Christmas gifts for kids – featuring board games, a toy record player, hi-tech marble runs, headphones, plenty of Lego and absolutely no screens.

Janod Doctor's Suitcase pretend playset

What is it? A toy doctor's kit with medical accessories.

We like: Lots of other playset options, comes with 30-page 'prescription pad' and pencil

Watch out for: Not as cheap as plastic alternatives

Pretend play is great for kids, and this doctor's kit gives them plenty of accessories to get started. It comes with a variety of medical items, including a thermometer and stethoscope, and could be a fun choice for siblings or friends to play with together.

French company Janod has been making wooden children's toys since 1970, with products ranging in price from under £20 to nearly £200. It also sells boxes full of developmental toys, which are aimed at children aged between one and three.