8 Dollar Tree Finds That Make Perfect Holiday Gifts (Starting At $1.25)

No matter how organized I try to be, I always find myself running back to Dollar Tree in December—usually for a few more stocking stuffers or a small gift I somehow forgot. I’m not complaining because there are always new finds to discover on each visit.

This year, I found eight pleasantly surprising products that make great gifts. They’re not just “good for the price,” they’re good, period. These finds are thoughtful, practical, and fun little gifts that anyone would be happy to unwrap, and they start at $1.50 each.

From kitchen essentials that solve real problems to fun, indulgent treats to items that feel far more expensive than they are, these Dollar Tree finds will make you look like a holiday hero for just a few dollars apiece.

1. Festive Kitchen Towel ($1.50)

A cute tea towel is a quick and easy way to make any kitchen feel festive. The tree pattern makes it cheerful and holiday-forward, but I love that it also works as a somewhat evergreen design well into early February.

The towel would be adorable wrapped around a loaf of banana bread or tucked into a gift basket. If you pair it with one of the Dollar Tree’s bamboo cutting boards and two festive spatulas, and tie it all together with a red ribbon—also from the Dollar Tree—you’ve got an affordable and charming hostess gift for anyone who loves to cook or bake.

2. XtraCare Body Balm Jelly Sticks ($1.25)

Winter can be brutal on hands, especially for those of us who are constantly cooking, cleaning, or washing dishes. The holidays only make this problem worse. This little jelly stick is one of my cold-weather mainstays. It's a Vaseline dupe that's dermatologist-approved and, best of all, mess-free. It twists up easily, glides on smoothly, and doesn't leave a greasy residue on my palms—the best!

It's also helpful for rubbing into cuticles, nails, elbows, and lips, and even for taming flyaway hairs in a pinch. It's a perfect gift for anyone whose hands take a beating this time of year. Think: teachers, daycare providers, cooks, delivery drivers, or busy parents. Tuck one into a stocking with a cute nail file and a pair of nighttime gloves for a mini self-care bundle that shows you care.

3. Large Woven Straw Basket ($5)

These natural, woven baskets honestly look like they came from a boutique home store, but they're only $5. They're great for corralling clutter and adding warmth to any room. I use one in my entryway for gloves and hats, and another to hold kids' books, but they're also a beautiful container for hiding pantry overflow. Most importantly, they double as the perfect reusable gift container.

Try filling one with food items for a cozy breakfast basket, like pancake mix, syrup, and jam. A “spa night in” kit could include bath salts, a candle, and a few face masks. An easy Italian dinner basket could include dry pasta, olive oil, and a jar of homemade marinara. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t love one, especially if it’s filled with a few more Dollar Tree treasures inside.

4. Stainless Steel Chopper ($1.25)

I bought this bench scraper when I started baking bread, but it's now something I reach for constantly. It's an essential kitchen tool, perfect for cutting butter into flour for biscuits, scraping up piles of chopped veggies, portioning bread or cookie dough, and cleaning dried bits of food or flour off the countertop.

It's the most thoughtful stocking stuffer for the baker or cook in your life who loves having the right tools. Wrap it with a bag of cookie mix and a festive towel, and you've got a simple, practical, and professional-looking gift.

5. Citrus Squeezer ($1.25)

This compact and colorful citrus squeezer extracts every last drop of juice while keeping out the seeds—a combination that makes cocktail hour and weeknight cooking more efficient. I use mine for fresh lime juice in margaritas, lemon juice for salad dressings, and either for marinades.

For gifting, tuck one into a stocking or pair it with a bottle of high-quality olive oil and a bag of fresh lemons for a simple hostess gift set.

6. Monogrammed White Mugs with Black Letters ($1.50)

Monogrammed gifts always feel special, and these mugs have the advantage of looking far more expensive than their $1.50 price tag. Personalization is the key to a great gift, so grabbing the recipient's initial is a guaranteed win. They're also timeless, customizable, and universally useful, making them a great all-around find.

Fill them with a Lindor chocolate bar and a packet of gourmet cocoa, or pair them with some lovely local coffee beans!

7. Imperial Nuts Fruit and Nut Protein Blend ($1.25)

This savory-sweet snack mix is the perfect pick-me-up for busy days. It's a great alternative to all the sugary holiday treats floating around this time of year, and it makes a great addition to a snack-break gift bag or road trip kit, especially when paired with a travel mug or reusable pouch. It's also a clever filler for stockings or care packages, and it's something that most people will eat and appreciate.

8. Lindt Lindor Chocolate ($1.25)

When I spotted luxury-brand chocolate at Dollar Tree last year, I may have done a little dance in the aisle. This year, it's Lindt chocolate bars that have been making me dance. The Lindor caramel milk chocolate bar, in particular, is one of my favorites, especially for stockings. I usually buy extras to tuck into cards or gift bags for teachers and neighbors.

From stockings to teacher gifts to those "oops, I forgot someone" moments, these finds make it easy to spread a little joy without spending a fortune—and no one needs to know they cost less than two bucks.

_{To learn more about our approach to product recommendations, see HERE.}