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608today’s 2025 holiday gift guide: 90+ finds for everyone you love

Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.

A graphic that says "Their perfect gift is on this list. Our holiday gift guide just dropped." surrounded by images of gift tags.

Consider our 2025 gift guide your newest cozy holiday read.

Graphic by 6AM City

Table of Contents

Happy holidays, Madison. We’ve spent hours curating our collection of 2025’s best holiday gifts — from budget picks and standout presents, to local gems and unforgettable experiences. Read on for 60+ gift ideas for everyone on your list, complete with price details and why we think they’re worth unwrapping.

Gifts for your significant other

Mistletoe and the text "Gifts for your significant other."

Including a foot massager and a cozy cardigan.

Graphic by 6AM City

Is it just us, or are partners always the hardest (but usually the most fun) to shop for? Shop our top picks to make them feel warm, cozy, and loved this winter.

Local pick: Young Blood Beer Co | Prices vary | Choose from a selection of funnily named but still tasty beers, like “Untaxed Corndogs” or Has Anyone Seen My Falcon?”

Shiatsu foot massager | $79.99 | Nothing says “I love you” like a foot massage — give your hands a break and gift one complete with heat, vibration, and rolling compression.

Bedside lamp with wireless charger and Bluetooth speaker | $59.99 | This elegant night light does it all, from wireless phone charging and music playing, to propping up streaming and e-reading devices.

Local pick: Teasiders Twilight Chawan | $46 | Matcha is all the rage right now, and this beautiful chawan was made in Japan specifically for home brewing.

Barefoot Dreams blanket wrap | $178 | Elevate cozy holiday moments with a luxurious cardigan that might just be the softest thing they’ve ever draped around them.

Local pick: Spa day at Indulge Spa | Prices varies | Everybody wins with this gift because you can tailor your spa day to your needs with options like deep tissue massages or full body treatments.

Women’s UGG Tasman slipper + Men’s UGG Tasman slipper | $124.95+ | UGG perfected the indoor and outdoor slipper with its best-selling, sheepskin-lined Tasman design.

Full-zip flannel jacket | $36.99 | Flannel, cotton, and fleece combine in this ultra-soft, stylish hoodie.

Local pick: Candle-making class | $50+ | A cozy, self-care gift — that you can do together.

Gifts for parents

A series of framed silhouettes and the text "Gifts for parents."

Including a spinnable snack box and car backseat organizers.

Graphic by 6AM City

Explore standout finds for parents and families that will save time + space, foster good-natured laughs, and promote rest and recovery.

Local pick: Mier Luo Gold Dipped Acorn Necklace | $86 | Pick up this subtle necklace that is perfect for any green thumbs in your life.

Snack organizer | $36.95 | Kids will love this snack spinner’s push button and slidable compartments — and parents will love how it makes snack time portable and stress-free.

Car backseat organizer | $25.99 | Gift parents peaceful car rides thanks to a two-pack of car organizers complete with a clear tablet holder and multiple compartments.

Local pick: State Line American Single Malt Whiskey, Batch #2 | $70 | Enjoy a locally distilled spirit that features notes of dried fruit stone, honey, vanilla, and pecans.

Neck and back massager | $59.99 | Parents can’t always carve out time for the spa, but they can pop on this heated, deep tissue massager after a long day.

Daily dad jokes calendar | $13.99 | Make 2026 the year of never-ending puns with over 150 dad jokes in this monthly wall calendar.

Local pick: Wisconsin Badgers Team 2’ x 3’ Flag | $27+ | Fly your fandom loud and proud this year with a brand new flag featuring the iconic Bucky Badger.

Mama bear slippers | $28 | As if these “Mama bear” slippers aren’t cute enough, the insides feature a teddy footbed for maximum softness.

Gifts for retirees

A cozy fireplace and the text "Gifts for retirees."

Including a garden kneeler and an ebike.

Graphic by 6AM City

Whether they’re diving into long-awaited passions, trying a new hobby, or simply savoring well-earned relaxation, foster exploration and curiosity with our top gifts for retirees.

Local pick: Madison, Wisconsin Musical Snow Globe | $38 | If you can’t buy a Frank Lloyd Wright home, give the next best thing, which is a miniature version inside a snowglobe.

Garden kneeler and stool | $30.90 | Gardening’s more fun without the knee and back pain — we love this all-in-one stool that functions as both a bench and seat + organizes garden tools.

Smart birdfeeder with camera | $159.99 | Birders can watch special visitors up close with this durable and weatherproof birdfeeder.

Local pick: Art Gecko Gift Card | Prices vary | Textiles, scarves, and unique jewelry can all be found at this eclectic shop.

8-pack puzzle set | $20.91 | These scenic jigsaw puzzles scale up from 300 pieces to 1,000 pieces, all in one great gift.

eBike | $699 | Once they’ve tried pedal assist mode on this 4.6-star rated eBike, they’ll never go back to regular cycling again.

Pickleball set | $49.99 | These fiberglass surface pickleball paddles, grip tape, pickleballs, and portable carriers are the perfect intro gift for those looking to learn the game.

Gifts for students

A desk and the text "Gifts for students."

Including an electric sauté pan and a lap desk.

Graphic by 6AM City

Whether they’re graduating high school or living it up at college, they’ll love showing off these campus-approved gifts in school.

Local pick: Hazel General Store e-Gift Card | Prices vary | Take the stress out of this hard decision – let them buy whatever they want and you can still take the credit.

Fidget toy pen | $16.99 | A great stocking stuffer, this chromatic, magnetic pen can be stacked into various shapes when it’s not in use as a writing tool or stylus.

Personalized senior 2026 shirt | $14.95 | The perfect fit for students to return from winter break wearing, this customizable sweatshirt will show off their “Class of 2026” pride.

Local pick: Friends of Monona Terrace Tote Bag | $15 | Whether your student is swinging by a farmers market or picking up books from the library, a tote bag is one of the most versatile items to easily keep around.

Bullet journal pens + 2026 planner | $11.99 + $24.99 | Pair a 24-pack of rainbow pens with a 2026 Happy Planner for creative, aesthetic organization.

Local pick: Zero-waste home goods | $15–$60 | Ideal for your sustainability-minded student who refuses to live that dirty dorm life.

Electric sauté pan | $36.99 | A TikTok trending item, this electric mini hot pot is perfect for whipping up noodles, oatmeal, eggs, and stir fries, dorm room-style.

Lap desk | $34.99 | This 4.7-star rated lap desk helps students prop up laptops while reclined — it even has a phone holder.

Gifts for young people

A friendship bracelet and the text "Gifts for young people."

Including karaoke microphones and a light-up football.

Graphic by 6AM City

Trying to find the hottest gifts for your grandkids, nieces, and nephews? After doing a little research (and learning a lot about Gen Z and Gen Alpha), these are our top picks for young people.

Local pick: Book from A Room Of One’s Own | Prices varies | There are plenty of children’s titles to choose from here, and you never have to worry about a book running out of battery like an iPad. That’s a win.

LED dry erase board | $26.99 | Bring coloring time to a whole new level with this magic board that makes any drawing look like a neon sign.

Karaoke microphone | $19.99 | With over 800 five-star reviews, this karaoke mic acts as a Bluetooth speaker, recorder, and voice changer.

Free People cotton blend sweatshirt | $78 | You can’t go wrong with a versatile, oversized sweatshirt from Free People in colors including Black Cherry and Highlighter.

Local pick: Hazel General Store Bouncing Ball DIY Kit | $9 | Adults may have to pick up an extra set just for themselves because creating six custom bouncy balls looks like way too much fun.

Digital camera | $49.99 | Is it just us, or is every young person switching from iPhone to digital pictures these days? Gift them a compact, stylish camera to capture photos on.

Light-up football | $39.90 | Backyard football is now possible at night, thanks to this LED light-up football.

Local pick: Surprise balls | $7.95 | If you have a bunch of kiddos to amuse at a holiday party, pass out these balls of ribbon with a prize inside.

Gifts for holiday parties and gift exchanges

A champagne bottle and the text "Gifts for holiday parties and gift exchanges."

Including a duck lamp and three pounds of really good salt.

Graphic by 6AM City

Headed to your company’s holiday mixer, your family’s annual gift exchange, or the neighborhood’s white elephant party? This section’s for you. Some of these gifts are practical, while others are just silly.

Local pick: Madison Delights” giftbox | $65 | This one is ideal for out-of-state clients + impressing your boss with Wisconsin roots.

Computer memo and message board | $6.98 | Perfect for your work bestie, this will help them organize their notes and to-do lists.

HR Approved Way To Say Things I Can’t Say Out Loud At Work” | $11.99 | This witty collection of “translations” is sure to create some chuckles around the office.

Monopoly Deal | $7.99 | This fun + family-friendly gift is a fast-paced version of the classic Monopoly board game.

Three pounds of really good salt | $51.90 | This one is sure to get some strange looks, but its silliness and sheer practicality might make it the most memorable gift at the party.

Local pick: Five pounds of cheese curds | $52 | Like the salt, but with cheese curds.

Existential crisis duck lamp | $16.99 | This amusing, rechargeable light is cord-free + a cute desk accessory.

Gifts for adventurers

A minivan and the text "Gifts for adventurers."

Including portable solar lights and a camp cushion.

Graphic by 6AM City

For those who feel more at home under the open sky than a roof, these gifts will hit the mark — from a top-rated dry bag to a luxe camp cushion that brings indoor comforts to the campfire.

Local pick: Anything from Fontana Sports | ~$40+ | Fontana has been Madison’s local outdoor lifestyle shop since 1972, carrying brands like Patagonia, Osprey, Hydro Flask, The North Face, and Keen.

Trekking poles | $29.99 | Hikers will love these lightweight and durable trekking poles that can tackle multiple types of terrain.

Camp cushion | $135 | A plush yet durable cushion that’s ideal for nights by the campfire.

Earthpack waterproof drybag | $19.99 | A true must for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors, this will keep their belongings dry if a freak rainstorm strikes.

Portable solar lights | $80 | Upgrade their campsite setup with these lights that easily switch from ground illumination to string lights.

“Where Should We Camp Next?” National Parks book | $12.95 | Inspire their next great adventure with this guide to 300+ of the best camping and glamping spots in and around national parks.

Gifts for golfers

A golf ball, hole, and the text "Gifts for golfers."

Including best-selling socks and a magnetic golf towel.

Graphic by 6AM City

Fore! Surprise the match-play aficionado in your life with a gift they can use on or off the green — no ifs, ands, or putts.

Local pick: Glenway Golf Course artwork | ~$30.75 | A beautiful wall art piece of a local Madison golf course — a thoughtful decor gift for a golf lover.

Indoor putting green | $64.99 | Golfers won’t be able to resist trying out this 9.5-ft indoor putting green the day they unwrap it.

Frustrated golfer socks | $9.99 | This No. 1 best-selling pair of men’s novelty socks is sure to get a laugh.

Magnetic golf towel | $31.95 | Rated 4.7 stars, this microfiber towel sticks to golf carts or clubs so they won’t lose it around the green.

Golf cooler bag | $25.99 | This slim, compact cooler bag can be stowed in the side pocket of most golf bags and fits up to six beer cans.

Play Nine: The card game of golf | $19.99 | Just like in golf, the lowest score wins in this family-friendly card game with nearly 20,000 glowing reviews.

Gifts for pet lovers

Three portraits of a cartoon cat and the text "Gifts for pet lovers."

Including a customizeable sweatshirt and a really good water bottle.

Graphic by 6AM City

Whether their best friend is a gentle giant or a tiny furball, these gifts are made for true pet lovers who wouldn’t trade their companion for the world.

Local pick: Bad Dog Frida gift box | ~$60+ | A boutique on Madison’s east side offering healthy pet food, toys, collars, leashes, and more.

Personalized 2026 pet calendar | $23.99 | For that special someone who likes their pet more than people. We don’t judge.

4-in-1 convertible hands-free leash | $46 | This chic and durable leash can be adjusted to wear four different ways.

Backseat cover | $32.99 | A safe and easy-to-clean backseat cover for the person that takes their dog with them everywhere.

Hydropet water bottle | $29.99 | Not your average water bottle, this unique product has dual detachable pet bowls for food + water on the go.

Customizable pet embroidered sweatshirt | $120+ | So they can always keep their fur babies close to their heart.

Gifts for people who have everything

A pile of presents and the text "Gifts for people who have everything."

Including a word search blanket and classic hand cream.

Graphic by 6AM City

The hard-to-shop-for crowd — would it truly be the holidays without them? Sure, your mother-in-law might have every juice glass Anthropologie’s ever made — but does she have an olive oil mister?

Wine decanter | $59.99 | Wine lovers will appreciate this handblown glass decanter that features a large area design to foster maximum aeration.

Personalized word search throw blanket | $175 | Talk about a gift that’s one-of-a-kind — customize this blanket with up to 15 words and any theme.

Olive oil mister | $9.99 | A handy gift they can use to turn oil into a fine mist or a steady drizzle.

Towel warmer | $146.99 | The only thing better than a warm shower is emerging from said shower with a fresh, hot towel.

Salt & Stone hand cream | $20 | Sometimes it’s simple things that make the best gifts. This top-rated hand cream is sure to impress.

Gifts for book lovers

A hardbound book and the text "Gifts for book lovers."

Including a literary quote clock and and a book lover’s advent calendar.

Graphic by 6AM City

Looking for the perfect gift for book worms, that isn’t a book? We’ve got you covered. Shop our list of book-themed gifts that celebrate their favorite pastime.

The Book Lover’s Advent Calendar | $30 | Surprise the bibliophile in your life with this cozy advent calendar filled with reading-themed bookmarks, stickers, and ornaments.

Literary quote clock | $209 | Why tell time the normal way when you could use 13,000 curated literary quotes?

“Reading is my favorite sport” sweatshirt | $52 | Whether they’re rooting for Liz and Mr. Darcy, Feyre and Rhysand, or Violet and Xaden, celebrate the sport they’re always playing.

“To be read” storage basket | $19.98 | Perfect for that friend with an amazing aesthetic bookcase, this TBR book storage basket is both functional and adorable.

Kindle Unlimited membership | $65.95+ | The best thing you can gift a bibliophile? Over four million titles of free books.

Gifts that ship fast

A collection of stamps and the text "Gifts that ship fast."

Including pjs and a fun card game.

Graphic by 6AM City

Behind on holiday shopping? We’ve all been there. These thoughtful gifts are available with Prime two-day shipping, so they’ll arrive just in time.

Women’s pajama set | Prices vary on color and pattern | These ultra-soft pjs are available in 40+ colors and patterns, from classic solids to fun holiday patterns.

Trifold leather wallet | $32.99 | Upgrade their worn-out wallet to this stylish + functional one that boasts RFID blocking technology.

Owala FreeSip | $29.98 | This 4.7-star rated water bottle is loved for its patented FreeSip design that allows you to sip upright through a built-in straw or tilt back to swig a gulp.

Satchel crossbody bag | $35.14 | A chic and practical choice for the handbag lover in your life.

Herd Mentality card game | $24.99 | This udderly hilarious + family-friendly card game is a perfect stocking stuffer.

Gifts under $20

A pile of presents and the text "Gifts for under $20."

Including a fluffy sweatshirt and shower steamers.

Graphic by 6AM City

Holiday magic doesn’t have to break the bank. Check out our favorite festive finds — all $20 or less.

Fleece pullover | $7.99 | This oversized fluffy sweatshirt is what cozy winter dreams are made of.

Foldable travel jewelry case | $15.99 | Five different jewelry compartments make it easy to organize rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

Shower steamers | $9.99 | This best-selling assortment features scents like lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary.

Cast iron burger press | $19.99 | Surprise your foodie friend with this smash burger press that works on skillets, griddles, gas grills, and more.

Best-selling plaid chunky scarf | $14.99 | Elevate their winter wardrobe with this best-selling scarf they’ll use for years to come.

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