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SJtoday’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, San Jose. 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: Mike & Niki’s Honey Holiday Gift Box | $35 | Give your honey some locally made honey for their tea or whatever needs a dash of sweetness; this box includes three kinds.

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: Burke Williams Spa Membership | $155+ | Your special someone deserves the gift of relaxation — a membership to the Santana Row spa includes a 50-minute massage or facial every month.

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: Fancy Box of Chocolates | $53 | You can’t go wrong with sweets for your sweet — this box is made by the Willow Glen confectionary shop, Mariette Chocolates.

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.

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: San Jose Map Large Bamboo Cutting Board | $80 | Snacking after the kids go to bed? Help them do it in style with this SJ-themed board that’s begging for a charcuterie spread.

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: Alamitos Vineyards Wine Club Membership | $400+ | Parents are pros when it comes to dealing with whining, but now it’s their turn. Gift them entry into the Gold Half-Case Club, which includes six bottles of wine and first access to new wine releases.

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: San Jose Made Canvas Tote Bag | $15 | From farmers markets hauls and makers market gems to snacks for their kids’ next soccer game, this tote will help them carry it all — and with local pride, to boot.

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: San Jose Museum of Art Membership | $60+ | Know an art enthusiast with some newfound time on their hands? Give them a membership to SJMA where they can explore exhibitions + collections for days.

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: Maneki Neko decor | $120+ | Head to Kogura Co. Gifts — SJ’s family-owned gift shop established in 1928 — for these Japanese figurines believed to bring good luck.

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.

Local pick: Offline Gift Set | $60 | We can’t think of a better way to let everyone know you’re permanently OOO. This set includes pampering goodies like bath products, a candle, and a tumble that says “Offline.”

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: SJSU ‘47 Brand Mascot Cleanup Hat | $28 | Any Spartan — past, present, future — will love the simple design of this cap repping San Jose State.

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: San Jose Sharks Mitchell & Ness Black Local Food T-Shirt | $38 | This shirt has retro vibes and serious hometown pride.

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.

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.

Local pick: San Jose Made Gift Card | $10+ | Teach your student to shop small + local from dozens of makers selling everything from art prints and stickers to journals and snacks.

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: Happy Hollow Zoo membership | $65 | Between the cute animals (don’t skip a visit to Donatello) and iconic rides like the newly-restored Danny the Dragon, they’ll be very happy here.

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.

Local pick: Tea Service at Hello Kitty Cafe Santa Clara | The cute cafe at Westfield Valley Fair Mall offers the sweetest tea service featuring 10 sweet + savory bites and premium tea. Pro tip: Add a Hello Kitty-themed phone case for all those pics they’ll be taking.

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: Pikachu DIY Cross Stitch Kit | $24 | This locally made kit includes a 4-inch wooden embroidery hoop and instructions for Pokemon masters mastering a new skill.

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.

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: Peters’ Bakery Gift Certificate | $5+ | Let them eat (Burnt Almond) cake and other delicious treats from this iconic local bakery that’s been around since 1936 and is the oldest family-owned bakery in Silicon Valley.

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.

Local pick: Classic Cinnamon Bread Loaf 3-Pack from Greenlee’s Bakery | $32 | This local sweet treat is perfect for sharing.

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: 10th Street Distillery Whiskey | $65+ | Pick up a bottle of the good stuff — many of these locally made whiskeys have won major awards, including the Peated Single Malt.

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: First-time Skydiving | $188+ | Crank up the adrenaline and give them the gift of soaring through the Silicon Valley skies.

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.

Local pick: The Studio Climbing Day Pass | $25+ | The indoor climbing and fitness facility features a 40-ft lead wall, 11,000-sqft of climbing terrain, and 120+ routes to keep adventurers very busy.

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.

Local pick: Shoreline Lake Boathouse Rentals | $30+ per hour | Treat them to a couple hours on the water in a kayak or pedal boat.

“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: Topgolf Gift Card | $50+ | The San Jose location boasts three floors filled with 120+ all-weather bays, plus a rooftop terrace with fire pits, 200+ TVs, and plenty of food and drink options.

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.

Local pick: Alamaden Golf & Country Club Membership | Price TBD (call to inquire) | This 18-hole course has beautiful fairways, bunkers, smooth greens, and some sticky roughs, plus a 34,000-sqft club house.

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.

Local pick: The Golf Garage Gift Card | $50+ | Help them perfect that perfect swing through 1:1 coaching and tech like TrackMan and Sportsbox AI.

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: Pets First San Jose Sharks Dog Leash | $20 | Let’s go, Fin City. Their pup will be stylin’ in this teal leash during their next walk around the neighborhood.

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.

Local pick: Quittin’ Time Dog & Owner Gift Basket | $54 | This Mutts & Mousers gift set includes a little something for both the pup and the human: dog treats, dog toys, and six beers.

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.

Local pick: Little Bits of Love Treats | $16+ | These doggy treats are made with only five ingredients or less and come in flavors like cheddar bacon, pumpkin banana, and salmon sweet potato.

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.

Local pick: Hicklebee’s Gift Certificate | $5+ | Let them browse + shop for their next great read at this beloved Willow Glen spot known for championing local authors.

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?

Local pick: “Secret San Jose: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure” | $13 | Local writer Cassie Kifer’s fun read explores the bizarre and fascinating stories that have shaped the great 408.

“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.

Local pick: “San Jose’s Historic Downtown” | $25 | Dive into the history of downtown SJ, from its beginnings as a verdant valley to its population boom and rebirth as a tech mecca.

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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