20 Yankee Swap Gift Ideas That Your Friends and Fam Will Actually Want

Nordstrom Amazon
Nordstrom Amazon
Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

A Yankee swap gift exchange is a fun, creative way to enjoy the season of giving without having to shell out a ton of cash for your entire friend group or every member of your family. Never heard of it? Here's how it works: each person contributes one wrapped (and ideally unlabeled) gift to the swap, that way other participants are unaware of who exactly provided the gift and what the item could be. Participants then go one by one in picking to either unwrap a gift of their choosing, or to steal an already-opened gift from someone else (depending on how your family or colleagues prefer to set up their Yankee swap!). Speaking from personal experience, things can get cutthroat, y'all!

Often, Yankee swaps impose a budget, which means a little ingenuity (and some expert deal-hunting) is required to find a gift that your friends or coworkers will actually want. Or, you could just pick something from our editor-curated list below. We've rounded up the best Yankee swap gift ideas for techies, beauty mavens, home cooks, fashionistas, and more — and everything is under $35.

— Additional reporting by Abbey Stone

01
For the Beautytok Follower
peterthomasroth.com

For the Beautytok Follower

Peter Thomas Roth Goodbye Eye Baggage Hydra-Gel Eye Patch Kit ($19)

Peter Thomas Roth went viral on TikTok for making under-eye bags disappear in seconds. This colorful kit of eye patches from the brand helps to depuff, firm, and hydrate the delicate skin beneath your eyes in under 10 minutes.

Shipping is free for orders over $50 — so how about stocking up on these stocking stuffers?

02
For an At-Home Spa Experience
walmart.com

For an At-Home Spa Experience

POPSUGAR Eucalyptus Shower Steamers ($7)

We might be a little biased because our name is on this product . . . but we are in love with these shower steamers from POPSUGAR's new bath line, now available at Walmart. Place a steamer (a coin-size disc) in the corner of your shower; as things heat up, the calming scent of eucalyptus will fill your space. Who said everything showers had to be all business?

03
The Best Breakout Defense
amazon.com

The Best Breakout Defense

Starface Hydro-Stars Pimple Patches ($14)

Breakouts happen — and when they do, we're all about embracing the cute pimple-patch trend. Acne is nothing to be ashamed of, and these star-shaped patches from Starface (apt) are a cheery way to heal your blemish without hiding its existence. They're made with 100 percent hydrocolloid, which has long been used by derms to dry out pimples and reduce inflammation. Also, how cute is this smiley case? (Yeah, I said cute again — everything about this is cute cute cute.)

04
For the Sleeping Beauty
amazon.com

For the Sleeping Beauty

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($24)

This hydrating lip mask from Laneige achieves the good-gift trifecta: it's gone viral on TikTok, the POPSUGAR beauty team is in love with it, and it's a bestseller with PS readers. "It's a lusciously thick formula with a silky-soft texture and a glossy finish," says one PS editor. Check out our full review here.

05
For the Frequent Flyer
amazon.com

For the Frequent Flyer

Coshine Travel Makeup Brush Set ($8)

This adorable five-piece makeup brush set is just larger than a pack of cards, which means it's the perfect size to stash in your carryon. It comes with eyeshadow, powder, shade, lip and blush brushes made from synthetic fibers, housed within a mirrored carrying case. "I was just looking for a nice mini set of brushes to take on my travels so that I wouldn't have to pack my full size brushes," says one happy Amazon reviewer. "They are definitely a small set that I think could fit in your bag/backpack with ease for on the go."

06
For the Friend Who Always Needs to Borrow a Scrunchie
nordstrom.com

For the Friend Who Always Needs to Borrow a Scrunchie

Slip Pure Silk Scrunchie 3-Pack ($22)

Hair ties are like socks and bobby pins: constantly disappearing. Your Yankee Swap participants will clamber to refill their supply with these beauty-editor fave silk skinny scrunchies from Slip.

07
Best Gift For Travelers
amazon.com

Best Gift For Travelers

Twelve South AirFly Adaptor for AirPods ($35)

Frequent fliers will love this handy doodad, which allows you to connect your wireless earbuds to your plane's in-flight entertainment system. This means, no more struggling with tangles of wires every time the person in the window seat needs to use the bathroom.

08
For the On-Trend Friend
amazon.com

For the On-Trend Friend

Carhartt Black Label Watch Hat ($30)

There's no easier way to get that snowboard-girlie aesthetic than popping on a Carhartt beanie. While the brand has become synonymous with hipsters in recent years, it's made heavy-duty workwear (jackets, coveralls, and hats) since the 19th century. This means, this rib-knit toque will be more than just a fashion statement.

09
For Holding All the Goods
quince.com

For Holding All the Goods

Quince All-Day Neoprene Toiletry Bag ($35)

Quince is known for creating high-quality products that cost significantly less than their counterparts at bigger-name brands. This toiletry bag resembles a certain neoprene IG-fave brand, but will only put you back $35. Multiple interior compartments keep your cosmetics organized, and you can feel good about the fact that its water-resistant fabric is made from recycled water bottles. (Remember: shipping is always free at Quince.)

10
For the Light Packer
quince.com

For the Light Packer

Quince Revive Nylon Belt Bag ($25)

While we admire Ariana Madix's impressive juggling skills, it's definitely easier to be hands-free. Just say yes to this cute belt bag for less than the cost of a workout class.

11
For the At-Home Barista
amazon.com

For the At-Home Barista

Handheld Milk Frother ($6)

Whip up a latte (espresso, turmeric, matcha — take your pick) at home with this handheld milk frother. Reviewers say it works well in all types of milks, both dairy and alt.

12
For the Hostess With the Mostess
amazon.com

For the Hostess With the Mostess

Patagonia Provisions Smoked Mussels ($25)

Tinned fish is having a moment (really!). Add a savory snack to your appetizer menu and instantly feel transported to the Iberian Peninsula. Bonus: Dietitians love tinned fish because it backs a punch of healthy protein and omega-3s. (One editor says that a can of herring from Patagonia Provisions was the most-stolen gift at the Yankee Swap she attended last year.)

13
For the Flavor Fiend
omsom.com

For the Flavor Fiend

The East Asian Omsom Sauce Sampler ($32)

Every sauce from this female-founded brand packs a punch of flavor. Whether you're craving noodles from your grandma's house or favorite Korean restaurant, this sampler pack — which includes a yuzu miso glaze, spicy bulgogi sauce, and spicy masala sauce — takes the guesswork out of re-creating East Asian flavors at home.

14
Best For the Indoor Cat
Barefoot Dreams

Best For the Indoor Cat

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Socks (2-Pack) ($30)

You know you've reached adulthood when you love getting socks as gifts. This plush pair is equally perfect for wearing to curl up for a Netflix marathon as for letting peek out from above your boots, should you venture outside.

15
For Hydration on the Go
nordstrom.com

For Hydration on the Go

Iscream Tie Dye Collapsible Water Bottle ($18)

This 18-oz water bottle easily collapses so that it takes up less space in your bag when it's empty. This comes in handy when you're trying to convince TSA your (bursting) carryon is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.

16
For the Homebody
amazon.com

For the Homebody

Homesick Premium Scented Candle ($25, originally $38)

Homesick is known for its super-niche, ultra-nostalgic candle scents, like "Fall Hearth," "New Home," and "Ice Cream Parlor." The Brunch Club scent, now on sale on Amazon, has sweet notes of citrus and berries mixed with delicious Prosecco and tonka bean. We can just see the overflowing mimosas now . . .

17
For the Spa-Goer
Amazon

For the Spa-Goer

Spa Headband (Pack of 2) ($10)

It's giving Blair Waldorf meets GRWM. This absorbent headband is the perfect solution for getting your hair off your face so you can wash or prep your skin. Bonus: you can get a pack of two for just $10 — so you can do a little one-for-you-one-for-me gifting.

18
For the Person Who Hangs Holiday Decorations in October (and Likes Cats)
nordstrom.com

For the Person Who Hangs Holiday Decorations in October (and Likes Cats)

Let It Meow Appetizer Plates ($28, originally $35)

You'll be the life of the paw-ty (sorry, had to) with these festive stoneware cat plates. The set includes four dishwasher- and microwave-safe pieces.

19
For the Ladies Who Brunch
uncommongoods.com

For the Ladies Who Brunch

Minute Mimosa Sugar Cube Trio ($30)

OK, this is genius. Drop one of these flavored cubes into your glass of bubbly, and you've got an instant mimosa. Choose from flavors including citrus, peach, raspberry, and strawberry.

20
Not Just For Laughs
amazon.com

Not Just For Laughs

Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray ($8)

This gift is sure to get a chuckle when its unwrapped at your Yankee Swap — but the thing is, this sh*t really works! The recipient might make a stink about going home with a bottle of Poo-Pourri, but we guarantee they'll be secretly happy to find a place for it in their bathroom.