10 Last-Minute Holiday Gifts for Under $10

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Coming up with a last-minute holiday gift can be stressful. Here are 10 quick ideas that may spark your imagination. 

An estimated 48% of Americans begin holiday shopping before the end of October, but that’s not always possible. You may need a last-minute holiday gift for a host of reasons. Perhaps you want to thank your dog walker or mail carrier. Maybe there’s a gift exchange with a $10 spending limit, or you’re looking for a few more stocking stuffers. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of options from which to choose. Here are 10 that could be just right or inspire you to come up with something similar.

To keep it simple and help you save a few dollars, we’ve focused on items that can be picked up at Target or Walmart. If you see something you think would make a great gift, be sure to check the website to learn if it’s in stock before heading out.

Appropriate for kids of all ages

1. Books: Target and Walmart

Target and Walmart carry a wide range of books, with something for every child. Granted, new titles can be expensive, but that still leaves plenty of options under $10. Why not pick up a title you think they’ll enjoy and jot a note inside the front cover to make it extra special?

2. Board games: Target and Walmart

You can rarely go wrong with a classic board game. With Walmart prices ranging from $7.97 to $9.97 on select games like Clue, Candy Land, Connect 4, and Sorry! the prices can’t be beat. And not to be outdone, Target offers its own great selection, with many just right for little ones learning to play games for the first time.

Appropriate for kids 6 and up

3. Sharper Image® Toy RC Thunder Tumbler Remote Control 360 Spinning Car: $9.97 at Walmart

This remote control car could keep a kid busy for hours. Not only can it do a little off-roading, but it’s built for daredevil tricks like 360s, flips, wheelies, and single-tire acrobatics. It’s the one-of-a-kind fifth wheel that keeps the car up and running no matter how wild the tricks become. With built-in LED lights and a shiny paint job, it’s recommended for kids 6 and up.

4. Lip Smacker Tin – Crayola – 3pc: $8.29 at Target

Everyone needs lip balm, and who wouldn’t love this fun Crayola-themed Lip Smacker set? Each 1 oz. balm is made with moisturizing nutrients to soften the driest winter lips, all while serving up three irresistible flavors. Balms come in a collectible tin that looks like a simple box of Crayons.

Tweens and older

5. Mini Nail Polish Gift Set – Bold & Glam – 10ct: $10 at Target

This fun set of 10-0.25fl. oz. nail polishes includes seven high-gloss shades and three metallic polishes. If you know someone who would enjoy the fact that their polish can be seen from the Space Station, this may be the perfect gift for them.

Appropriate for teens and adults

6. Air Pen Diffuser Set in Crisp Mountain Air: $9.99 at Target

While it works like a regular pen, this diffuser releases a steady hint of wild mint, peppermint, and rosemary for the heady aroma of crisp mountain air. And if the recipient just wants to use it as a pen, they can slide the vents and close the scent off. It’s not just a novelty. With a comfortable grip and smooth writing experience, it’s a totally usable gift. The scent is free of parabens, phthalates, dyes, and formaldehyde. The set includes a black ink refill.

7. Gift Certificate

When you just can’t imagine what a person might enjoy, you can’t go wrong with a gift card (Target and Walmart carry them). Whether you gift them with a card to a fast food restaurant, local grocery store, video game download, or Google Play, it’s sure to be appreciated.

8. Hyper Tough 63-Piece Roll-up Ratcheting Screwdriver Set: $10 at Walmart

We know this one is not officially under $10, but it’s such a good deal we didn’t want to fail to mention it. For $10 plus sales tax, you get a 63-piece roll-up ratcheting screwdriver that’s perfect for the DIYer, new homeowner, or young driver. With an ergonomic comfort grip handle and a forward and reverse level, it’s easy to replace each of the 61 included bits. The set comes with a five-year limited warranty.

Appropriate for most ages

9. Ferrero Rocher Collection Assorted Chocolates Variety Pack: $4.90 at Walmart

This 4.6 oz. gift set may be small, but it’s packed with three Ferrero favorites — Ferrero Rocher, Raffaello, and Rondnoir. Gifting an assortment means the recipient will have three distinct tastes to enjoy.

10. Combo Gift of Mug and Hot Cocoa Bomb: Just under $10 at Walmart

We found a wide range of drinking mugs for $5 or less at Walmart, with a large enough variety of styles to fit just about anyone. Once you find a mug you like, head over to the holiday aisles to spy out the Maud Borup Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Bombs with Mini Marshmallows. A four-pack is $4.96, while a single cocoa bomb is $3. These aren’t just any hot cocoa bombs. They’re made with real milk chocolate, filled with mini marshmallows, and hand-decorated.

Last-minute gifts don’t have to leave you on pins and needles, not when there are so many options. Better yet, you don’t have to empty your bank account to show someone you care.

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The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Dana George has positions in Target and Walmart. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Target and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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