I Dug Through All 100 of Google's Top-Searched Gifts—These Under-$50 Finds Are Truly Genius
From viral bag charms to practical espresso cups, there's something for everyone.
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As a shopping editor who writes gift guides for a living, I pride myself on being an excellent gift giver—but sometimes, even I need a little inspiration ahead of the holidays. Thankfully, Google just released its 2025 Holiday 100 list, an annual gift guide based on the year's most searched-for items. To help you stay on trend (and on budget) this season, I pored over all of Google's buzzy gift ideas to bring you the best finds under $50.
Check out the full Google Holiday 100 list
This year, many viral items made the cut, including Rhode skincare , practical packing cubes, and other top-searched products. Additionally, as per usual, the Google Holiday 100 List also includes a handful of items tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute, like our Textile Lab experts' best overall gym bag pick from Nike, editor-adored Bombas wool socks, and even a top-tested cat carrier.
Best Deal
Who it's for: The frequent flyer
What to know: According to Google's Holiday 100 List, searches for makeup bags spike in the U.S. every December—and this popular Bagsmart pick is our pros' top-tested hanging option. "I can't recommend this travel makeup organizer enough," Home Design Director Monique Valeris says. "It holds a ton and looks way more expensive than it is."
Sizes available: 2 | Colors available: 10+
Who it's for: The caffeinated dad
What to know: Since searches for "coffee" reached an all-time high this year according to Google, this espresso-sized set of our Kitchen Lab experts' most versatile travel mug pick feels like a no-brainer. Our pros love the stackable design—they won't take up too much precious cabinet space.
Colors available: 10+
Who it's for: The crafty friend
What to know: Google searches for crochet kits from The Woobles have spiked 95% in 2025. This darling penguin kit earned an impressive 4.5/5 star rating from more than 7,000 Amazon reviewers for its beginner-friendly design and clear instructions. Ages 13+
Who it's for: The niece with a budding fragrance collection
What to know: Ubiquitous since its 2017 launch, Glossier's iconic You fragrance features a subtle yet intoxicating blend of iris, pink pepper, and ambroxan that's meant to smell warm and familiar. It made Google's list by becoming a breakout search term this year—meaning searches for Glossier You increased by over 5,000% compared to 2024. This travel-sized version makes for a standout stocking stuffer for any fragrance fanatic.
Who it's for: The college student
What to know: Searches for the term 'cozy slipper' tends to spike every December according to Google, so your giftee is likely to love this padded pair. Crocs are among our experts' top-tested slipper brands, and this pair feels like an elevated take on the classic clog with its faux shearling exterior and lining. Reviewers note that they keep their feet warm, and some recommend sizing up.
Sizes available: 4 to 15 | Colors available: 10+
Who it's for: The teen figuring out their makeup routine
Why we like it: Searches for both mascara and Sephora Favorites kits topped Google's Holiday 100 list, and this set combines the best of both with five trial-sized versions of popular mascaras. That includes buzzy picks like Lancôme Lash Idôle and Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes. Plus, it comes with a voucher to redeem a full-size of their favorite pick.
Who it's for: The person with a 10-step skincare routine
Why we like it: "[Rhode Glazing Milk] almost feels like a moisturizer in liquid form," says GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek about this top-tested facial essence. "I have oily/combo sensitive skin and I find this product feels nice and soothing and with no unwanted residue.”
Since shoppers seem to be itching to get their hands on this hydrating hero—searches for "Rhode Glazing Milk" and "Rhode skincare" reached an all-time high in 2025—your recipient will likely love that you thought of them.
Who it's for: The fitness-obsessed boyfriend
What to know: Gym bags (also referred to as holdalls) are top-searched trend this year, and our experts' best overall gym bag pick from Nike is equipped with handy features. That includes a separate shoe compartment, a removable shoulder strap, and a coated bottom to help with water resistance.
Sizes available: 2 | Colors available: 4
Who it's for: The mom whose feet are always cold
What to know: Sure, Bombas socks are on the pricey side, but Textiles Lab Product Analyst Grace Wu believes that they're well worth the money. Bombas was the top-searched calf sock brand in 2025, so the name alone might get you on the nice list this year. What's more, this particular pair was named among our top-tested warm socks, and our panel of consumer testers gave them high marks for their comfortable fit and soft fabric.
Sizes available: S to L | Colors available: 10+
Who it's for: The new girlfriend
What to know: Jewelry is a classic holiday gift every year—and searches for this exact wheat chain bracelet have spiked every December since 2011. We admire Alex + Ani's collection of bracelets and bangles, and we appreciate that this one can be worn solo or styled with a stack. Made of stainless steel, it comes in silver or gold finishes to suit her taste.
Colors available: 2
Who it's for: The budding artist
What to know: It seems like parents want their kids to spend more time outside this year—searches for “sidewalk chalk" rose by 85% in 2025, while "kids outdoor play" more than doubled at 170%. This 64-pack of washable sidewalk chalk from Crayola, one of our parenting pros' top-tested brands, will keep them busy this season. Ages 3+
Who it's for: The pilates princess
What to know: Searches for the term "athleisure" reached an all-time high in the U.S. this year, and our best value yoga pants pick rivals more expensive brands, according to our consumer testers. Textiles Lab Associate Director Emma Seymour was impressed by their spacious side pockets and non-slip waistband.
Sizes available: XS to XL | Colors available: 10+
Who it's for: The jet-setting pet
What to know: Pets seem to be a popular carry-on item this year, since searches for "traveling with a pet" more than doubled in 2025. This top-tested pick is more stylish than your average cat carrier, with cushioned shoulder straps and a luggage sleeve designed to make traveling with your furry friend just a bit smoother.
Colors available: 2
Who it's for: The beauty lover on a curly hair journey
Why we like it: As our top-tested hair oil for damaged curls, this viral pick from Olaplex wowed our at-home testers with its lightweight formula that doubles as a heat protectant. “This is great for smoothing out any frizziness and adding shine,” one tester added. It seems we aren't the only ones impressed: Olaplex is the top-searched bonding oil brand on Google, and it's also the top-trending oil for fighting frizz.
Who it's for: The movie night host
What to know: Feeling nostalgic? This surprisingly stylish popcorn maker features a hand crank mechanism, allowing you to turn over kernels and oil so they don't burn while protecting you from splatters. Plus, its aluminum material heats quickly and evenly, according to our Kitchen Appliances Lab analyst. And while popcorn has always been a classic holiday gift, searches for "popcorn maker" increased 45% this year per Google's Holiday List, making it even more appropriate this season.
Who it's for: The recent college grad
Why we like it: Electric toothbrushes are a surprisingly practical addition to this year's Google Holiday 100 List, and our experts' best value pick received near-perfect scores for ease of use, durability, and quietness in our Beauty Lab.
Colors available: 3
Who it's for: The dedicated dog parent
What to know: In 2025, Google searches for "Chewy dog collar" increased by 185%—more than doubling 2024's searches. This pick can be personalized with their pup's name and phone number, and it features a reflective coating for nighttime walks.
Sizes available: 4 | Colors available: 5
Who it's for: The cool aunt
What to know: Sure, candles are almost always a safe gift, but something about this popular glass diffuser from West Elm's Rove Homescent Collection feels even more elegant. We like its pretty, sculptural vessel and variety of seasonal scents like palo santo & cardamom. What's more, searches for diffusers increase every December, so it's a timely pick they're almost certain to appreciate.
Who it's for: The chronic overpacker
What to know: As a frequent traveler, I've been preaching about packing cubes for years—and it seems like the rest of the country has caught on, since searches for "packing cubes" reached an all-time high this year. Our experts' best value compression pick comes with a range of sizes to fit all kinds of garments.
Sizes available: 5 | Colors available: 10+
Who it's for: The trendsetting teen
What to know: In the year of Labubu, it's not surprising that Google searches for the term "backpack charms" reached an all-time high in 2025. If you're unable to get your hands on the elusive fuzzy monsters from PopMart, this keychain version of the editor-adored Everywhere Belt Bag is pretty cute, too.
Colors available: 7
Lauren Gruber is a shopping editor at Hearst Magazines with more than five years of professional writing experience. She specializes in fragrance, beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content for Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, and more. Before her time at Hearst, Lauren graduated from New York University and wrote for Shop TODAY, Entertainment Tonight, Self, V Magazine, L’Officiel, and more. When she’s not researching Prime Day deals or testing the latest perfume launches, you can find Lauren hanging out with her cat Serafina or flexing her AMC A-List membership at the movie theater.
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