I Worked at Walmart, and These 12 Crowd-Pleasing Last-Minute Gifts Are Worth Buying — All $25 or Less

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:PeopleWorking at Walmart during the holidays might have been the busiest season, but it was also the most exciting. During breaks and while on lunch, I got to scour the aisles for some of thebest Christmas giftsfor my friends and family, and more often than not, they were budget-friendly.Now, as a shopping writer whose job is finding the best products and deals, I know how tolast-minute gift shop at Walmartlike a champ. If you’re feeling the nail-biting anxiety of down-to-the-wire holiday shopping, that makes sense, but don’t fret. I’ve used all my insider Walmart knowledge to find the 12 best gifts for $25 or less that’ll reach you just in time for Christmas.Best Last-Minute Gifts at Walmart, According to a Former EmployeeJoyspun Plush Robe, $22 (orig. $25)jLab AirPop Wireless Earbuds, $25 (orig. $30)Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, $16 (orig. $22)Ozark Trail Waistpack, $10Better Homes & Gardens 2-Wick Glitter Jar Candle, $10Drybar The Travel Trio Kit, $25 (orig. $45)Roku Express HD Streaming Device, $17 (orig. $29)Hoofun Electric Spin Scrubber, $25 (orig. $100)Etepehi 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station, $19 (orig. $60)Sunbeam Electric Fleece Throw Blanket, $20 (orig. $25)Bergman Kelly Faux Fur Furry House Slippers, $10Mainstays Stoneware Dog Mug, $4Joyspun Plush RobeWalmart$25$22 at WalmartI’m always looking for ways to be cozy in winter, and with nine colors and sizes ranging from small to 3X, this plush robe isa great gift for anyoneon your list who does the same. It has a warm shawl collar, a self-tie belt for a custom fit, and is midi-length. Over 400 shoppers give it a 5-star rating and say it’s the fluffiest, softest robe they own.JLab AirPop Wireless EarbudsWalmart$30$25 at WalmartI like to travel light, so I stay away from large over-the-ear headphones and opt for wireless earbuds like these from JLab instead. The buds are 15 percent smaller than other models, and the case is 40 percent lighter. Plus, they have 32 hours of playtime with an additional 24 hours in the case, and there’s even a built-in microphone so you can take calls.Laneige Lip Sleeping MaskWalmart$22$17 at WalmartThis personal favorite lip mask is a must-buy if you need a stocking stuffer. The formula is thick and nourishing without being goopy or sticky, and when I wear it overnight, I wake up the next morning with zero dryness. Plus, it has a berry scent that’s pleasant but not overwhelming.Ozark Trail WaistpackWalmart$10 at WalmartIf you know someone who has had their eye on a certain brand’s belt bag, grab this alternative that’s just $10. It has a 1.5-liter capacity, adjustable waist strap, two zippered compartments, and comes in six colors. Shoppers say it’s made their life easier, and it’s even better than pricier options.Keep scrolling to see more of my picks forlast-minute giftsyou can get just in the nick of time atWalmart.Better Homes & Gardens 2-Wick Glitter Jar CandleWalmart$10 at WalmartRoku Express HD Streaming DeviceWalmart$29$17 at WalmartSunbeam Electric Fleece Throw BlanketWalmart$25$20 at WalmartBergman Kelly Faux Fur Furry House SlippersWalmart$10 at Walmart

Photo:People

People

Working at Walmart during the holidays might have been the busiest season, but it was also the most exciting. During breaks and while on lunch, I got to scour the aisles for some of thebest Christmas giftsfor my friends and family, and more often than not, they were budget-friendly.Now, as a shopping writer whose job is finding the best products and deals, I know how tolast-minute gift shop at Walmartlike a champ. If you’re feeling the nail-biting anxiety of down-to-the-wire holiday shopping, that makes sense, but don’t fret. I’ve used all my insider Walmart knowledge to find the 12 best gifts for $25 or less that’ll reach you just in time for Christmas.Best Last-Minute Gifts at Walmart, According to a Former EmployeeJoyspun Plush Robe, $22 (orig. $25)jLab AirPop Wireless Earbuds, $25 (orig. $30)Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, $16 (orig. $22)Ozark Trail Waistpack, $10Better Homes & Gardens 2-Wick Glitter Jar Candle, $10Drybar The Travel Trio Kit, $25 (orig. $45)Roku Express HD Streaming Device, $17 (orig. $29)Hoofun Electric Spin Scrubber, $25 (orig. $100)Etepehi 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station, $19 (orig. $60)Sunbeam Electric Fleece Throw Blanket, $20 (orig. $25)Bergman Kelly Faux Fur Furry House Slippers, $10Mainstays Stoneware Dog Mug, $4Joyspun Plush RobeWalmart$25$22 at WalmartI’m always looking for ways to be cozy in winter, and with nine colors and sizes ranging from small to 3X, this plush robe isa great gift for anyoneon your list who does the same. It has a warm shawl collar, a self-tie belt for a custom fit, and is midi-length. Over 400 shoppers give it a 5-star rating and say it’s the fluffiest, softest robe they own.JLab AirPop Wireless EarbudsWalmart$30$25 at WalmartI like to travel light, so I stay away from large over-the-ear headphones and opt for wireless earbuds like these from JLab instead. The buds are 15 percent smaller than other models, and the case is 40 percent lighter. Plus, they have 32 hours of playtime with an additional 24 hours in the case, and there’s even a built-in microphone so you can take calls.Laneige Lip Sleeping MaskWalmart$22$17 at WalmartThis personal favorite lip mask is a must-buy if you need a stocking stuffer. The formula is thick and nourishing without being goopy or sticky, and when I wear it overnight, I wake up the next morning with zero dryness. Plus, it has a berry scent that’s pleasant but not overwhelming.Ozark Trail WaistpackWalmart$10 at WalmartIf you know someone who has had their eye on a certain brand’s belt bag, grab this alternative that’s just $10. It has a 1.5-liter capacity, adjustable waist strap, two zippered compartments, and comes in six colors. Shoppers say it’s made their life easier, and it’s even better than pricier options.Keep scrolling to see more of my picks forlast-minute giftsyou can get just in the nick of time atWalmart.Better Homes & Gardens 2-Wick Glitter Jar CandleWalmart$10 at WalmartRoku Express HD Streaming DeviceWalmart$29$17 at WalmartSunbeam Electric Fleece Throw BlanketWalmart$25$20 at WalmartBergman Kelly Faux Fur Furry House SlippersWalmart$10 at Walmart

Working at Walmart during the holidays might have been the busiest season, but it was also the most exciting. During breaks and while on lunch, I got to scour the aisles for some of thebest Christmas giftsfor my friends and family, and more often than not, they were budget-friendly.

Now, as a shopping writer whose job is finding the best products and deals, I know how tolast-minute gift shop at Walmartlike a champ. If you’re feeling the nail-biting anxiety of down-to-the-wire holiday shopping, that makes sense, but don’t fret. I’ve used all my insider Walmart knowledge to find the 12 best gifts for $25 or less that’ll reach you just in time for Christmas.

Best Last-Minute Gifts at Walmart, According to a Former Employee

Joyspun Plush Robe

Walmart

$25$22 at Walmart

I’m always looking for ways to be cozy in winter, and with nine colors and sizes ranging from small to 3X, this plush robe isa great gift for anyoneon your list who does the same. It has a warm shawl collar, a self-tie belt for a custom fit, and is midi-length. Over 400 shoppers give it a 5-star rating and say it’s the fluffiest, softest robe they own.

JLab AirPop Wireless Earbuds

$30$25 at Walmart

I like to travel light, so I stay away from large over-the-ear headphones and opt for wireless earbuds like these from JLab instead. The buds are 15 percent smaller than other models, and the case is 40 percent lighter. Plus, they have 32 hours of playtime with an additional 24 hours in the case, and there’s even a built-in microphone so you can take calls.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

$22$17 at Walmart

This personal favorite lip mask is a must-buy if you need a stocking stuffer. The formula is thick and nourishing without being goopy or sticky, and when I wear it overnight, I wake up the next morning with zero dryness. Plus, it has a berry scent that’s pleasant but not overwhelming.

Ozark Trail Waistpack

$10 at Walmart

If you know someone who has had their eye on a certain brand’s belt bag, grab this alternative that’s just $10. It has a 1.5-liter capacity, adjustable waist strap, two zippered compartments, and comes in six colors. Shoppers say it’s made their life easier, and it’s even better than pricier options.

Keep scrolling to see more of my picks forlast-minute giftsyou can get just in the nick of time atWalmart.

Better Homes & Gardens 2-Wick Glitter Jar Candle

Roku Express HD Streaming Device

$29$17 at Walmart

Sunbeam Electric Fleece Throw Blanket

$25$20 at Walmart

Bergman Kelly Faux Fur Furry House Slippers

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Katie Holmes Can’t Stop Wearing Wide-Leg Jeans — Copy Her Latest Look from $30

source: people.com