Best cheap Christmas gifts under £35

Christmas doesn't have to be an expensive headache and our experts can prove it – with Santa's help, we've pulled together some gift ideas for less than £35 to help inspire you.

Our list of affordable presents includes a handy gadget that tracks down missing car keys, plus pillow spray to add a touch of relaxation to your bedtime routine. In plenty of cases, our festive picks are backed by the results of our rigorous product tests.

Keep scrolling to access our tried-and-tested product recommendations. If you're not quite ready to spend just yet, feel free to bookmark this page and check back later.

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 iPhone 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.

Our expert says:

'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 Belkin 5K 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 '70s 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, which follows train tracks across the USA.

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

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 vetivert blend comes in a 75ml spray bottle.

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

Our expert says:

'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?

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.

Our expert says:

'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. We've also uncovered a Best Buy. Read our guide to the best eye masks for sleep to see our favourites.'

Chris Brookes

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.

Our expert says:

'In my experience, 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?

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 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.

Our expert says:

'To uncover the best kids' water bottles, we recruited primary school children to help with our ease-of-use tests.

'Not only did our tough tests reveal two excellent Best Buys and a lower-priced Great Value option, but we also found Don't Buy bottles that didn’t survive our durability tests – so you'll want to steer clear of those.'

Chris Brookes, 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.

Our expert says:

'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.

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

Ceri Thomas, Which?

Kitchen Devils Control Large Cook's Knife

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

Available from: Amazon, Robert Dyas

• 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.

Our expert says:

'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.

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

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 album books.

Maximo Yoga Mat

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

• We like: Rolls out straight, suitable for yoga and pilates
• Watch out for: Some mats are a pain to roll back up

This yoga mat is made from rubber foam, comes with a carry strap and is available in black or purple. It measures 183 x 60 x 1.2cm (HxWxD).

If you know someone with a fitness-related New Year’s resolution, this yoga mat won’t break the bank. The 12mm padding provides extra cushioning, making it especially useful for pilates, where your knees, hips and wrists need more support.

Darlac Edging Shear

What are they? Telescopic shears.

• We like: Extendable handles, lightweight
• Watch out for: Manual shears can become tiring to use after a while

If you're shopping for a keen gardener this Christmas, take a closer look at these shears from Darlac. The handles extend from 57.5 to 99cm and lock securely in place with a plastic clip.

These 'back-friendly' shears are designed to create neat lawn edges every time, so we've put them to the test as part of our full review.

See our guide to the best lawn edging shears and keep your lawn tidy without a noisy grass trimmer.

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 – black, yellow, white or grey, 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 garden 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 a pampering without spending big this Christmas.

This sub-£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.

Our expert says:

'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?

Read our round-up of the best Christmas gifts for women – with ideas for every budget.

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.

It comes bundled with a selection of recipes to try.

Our expert says:

'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.

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

Hardeep Channa, 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.

ChillFactor Slushy Maker

What is it? A fun, single-serving slushie.

• We like: Easy to use
• Watch out for: Slightly tricky to reassemble after cleaning 

If you’re looking for a stocking filler that kids will enjoy, the ChillFactor slushie cup is worth considering.

To make a single serving, simply pop the cup in the freezer for eight to 10 hours, add a chilled drink of your choice until it’s two-thirds full, screw on the lid, and give it a squeeze. In about a minute, your drink will transform into a thick, icy slushie.

For anyone who doesn’t have the space (or budget) for a full-on slushie machine, this is an affordable alternative that'll go down well over the holidays.

For more alternatives, check in with our guide on frozen drink makers.

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.

To see which models we recommend, explore our guide to the best popcorn makers.

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.

For more options, see our guide to the best champagne truffles.

Our expert says:

'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?

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 for 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.

Our expert says:

'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?

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.

Thanks to the following Which? staff for their support in creating this guide: Ceri Thomas, Chris Brookes, Faith Strickland, Fran Roberts-Thornton, Hardeep Channa, Jessica Carson, Lisa Barber, Louise Sayers, Martha Roberts, Mehak Arora, Ravi Ghelani.