Best Gifts Under $300 for 2024
Not on a strict budget? Here are some gift ideas for $300 or less that are sure to impress.
You almost always have a budget when you're gift shopping. Our team at CNET collected the best gifts in a range of prices, including under $100 and even $50 or less. But some occasions call for a bigger budget. If you're looking to splurge a bit on a special surprise for Mother's Day, graduation or another special occasion, we're here to help you find the perfect gift.
There's a surprisingly wide range of fantastic options in this price range, where you'll start to see more-premium products. From higher-end headphones and speakers to smart mugs and massagers, here are the best gifts under $300 that are perfect for Mom, Dad and others for just about any occasion.
The original Theragun Mini was already a compact massage gun, and the second-gen version, released in 2022, is 20% smaller and 30% lighter, weighing only a pound. It easily fits in a backpack or purse and is great for travel. What's also new to this 2.0 model is USB-C charging, Bluetooth connectivity to the Therabody app on your iOS or Android device, and the inclusion of three foam attachments, instead of just one -- the Standard Ball, the Thumb and Dampener. While the three-speed Mini 2.0 doesn't have quite the power of one of Theragun's full-size devices, it's surprisingly powerful considering its size -- I've tried larger massage guns in this price range, and it's just as powerful. The rechargeable battery is rated to last two hours at the lowest speed setting, and a neoprene protective case is included. The Theragun Mini 2.0 comes in three colors: black, white and desert rose.
Like
- Lightweight design, now with USB-C charging
- Excellent sound and noise canceling
- Powered by Apple's H2 chip
- Strong voice-calling performance
- Support for 20-bit/48 kHz Lossless Audio with Apple's Vision Pro headset
Don't like
- No support for high-resolution audio with other Apple devices except headset
- Still no XL tips included
Apple not only swapped in USB-C for Lightning charging in its new iPhone 15 models, but it made the switch with the new AirPods Pro 2. They're nearly identical to their Lightning predecessor, delivering the same excellent sound, noise canceling and voice-calling performance. That said, they offer some other small upgrades, including additional dust resistance and a new acoustic architecture that allows for Lossless Audio with the Vision Pro, Apple's new headset that's available for preorder and set to be released on Feb. 2 for $3,499. Is it possible that new acoustic architecture makes the buds sound subtly different with current devices like the iPhone? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, the AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) are easy to recommend to Apple users despite their high price.
When it launched, Bose made some bold claims about its new SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker, particularly its bass performance. But it mostly lives up to the hype and arguably is the best-sounding wireless speaker for its compact size. Available in three colors -- black, white smoke and stone blue (pictured) -- it's equipped with Bose's PositionIQ technology to automatically detect the speaker's orientation and deliver optimized sound based on whether it's upright, hanging or flat on its back. Read our Bose SoundLink Flex review.
The clock radio once held a prominent spot on bedside tables around the world. No longer -- but companies still make them, and they've evolved. Case in point: JBL's Horizon 2 Bluetooth clock radio speaker. Not only is it an FM radio with a digital clock (yes, there's an alarm and a snooze button), it's also a compact Bluetooth speaker that lets you stream tunes from your phone or tablet. Additionally, it has two USB ports for charging devices -- you provide the cables -- and there's an ambient light on the back.
The speaker uses a power cord, but a button-cell battery provides backup power for the clock in the event of a power outage. The Horizon 2 comes in black or gray (pictured).
Billed as the human dog bed, the Plufl has been getting a lot of play on TikTok and other social media channels, so we decided to try one. The "bed" actually comes in four pieces: the cover, two fairly long tube-like pillows and a slim, oval "mattress" made out of memory foam. You stuff everything inside the cover -- assembly takes about 15 minutes -- and lo and behold, you're looking at a giant dog bed (or a plush life raft that doesn't float) big enough for a human. Not only is it quite comfortable for homo sapiens, but our family canine immediately sought refuge in this much larger, roomier version of his bed.
While the Plufl is slightly more suitable for small or average-size humans, as long as you aren't really tall, it should accommodate you. It comes in a few colors, and the cover is removable and washable.
Solo Stove fire pits are among the best smokeless fire pits out there, and while they work great and their stainless steel construction gives them a sleek appearance, the original models had one flaw: They weren't so easy to clean up. However, that changed with the arrival of the new Solo Stove 2.0 fire pits, which are available in the same three sizes -- Ranger 2.0 (small), Bonfire 2.0 (medium) and Yukon 2.0 (large) -- and have a removable ash pan, a feature missing from the 1.0 models.
When Sony's WF-1000XM4 earbuds came out in 2021, they netted a CNET Editors' Choice award. And while they're excellent, we had some quibbles -- they're on the large side and aren't a good match for certain ears. Clearly, Sony took those gripes to heart when it designed its next-generation WF-1000XM5 earbuds. Not only are the XM5s smaller, but they also offer improved performance pretty much across the board, with better noise canceling, sound and voice calling. Are the XM5s perfect? Not quite. And at $300 -- $20 more than their predecessor -- they're costly, too. But overall, they're really impressive, and easily among the top earbuds on the market.
The Reliefband is designed to help people who suffer from motion sickness. It's available in a few different versions, and the company behind the product says each model "gently stimulates" the underside of your wrist with an electrical pulse (the technology is cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration, it adds). You do have to apply conductive gel to your wrist before you put on the Reliefband (a small tube is included), and some models allow you to wear the Reliefband and an Apple Watch at the same time with an optional band. You can also adjust the intensity settings.
I've used Reliefband on a couple of fishing trips, and it did work for me (I don't get terrible motion sickness, but I do typically get a little). The entry-level Reliefband 50 hours ($100) and Reliefband Flex ($180) have nonrechargeable batteries, while the Sport ($250) and Premier ($280) feature rechargeable ones.
Bogs makes waterproof boots for men and women that range in price from around $80 for slip-on low-tops to $165 for full-size, full-length boots. Some are premium rain boots while others, like the well-built, comfortable Arcata Urban Lace boots pictured here, are insulated and suited for use in both rain and snow. Bogs also makes a variety of work boots, including pairs with reinforced steel toes.
Sena's smart bike helmets are a little heavier than your typical bike helmets, but they feature built-in speakers and a microphone, along with integrated Bluetooth communications. An intercom feature allows you to communicate with other riders in your group wearing compatible Sena helmets, as if you're using walkie-talkies. There's also an LED taillight, and you can listen to music, make calls and hear GPS directions when you pair the helmet with your smartphone. If you are buying multiple helmets for your family or riding group, note that the step-up R2 Evo uses mesh communication for its intercom protocol, while the standard R2 uses long-range Bluetooth. Check the intercom interoperability before getting two different models.
Smith makes a wide range of lightweight, high-quality unisex sport sunglasses. One of the newest models is the Momentum, available in six colors with six different ChomaPop mirror lenses (the red mirror is pictured). Whichever kind you get, it also comes with a bonus clear lens. The Momentum is compatible with the company's optical docking system (ODS4) prescription lens insert, which can also be used with some Smith ski goggles.
Like
- Plays loud and delivers very good sound for its size
- Strong battery life (up to 20 hours)
- Charges via USB-C, can charge other devices via USB-A
- IP67 waterproof and dust-resistant
Don't like
- More expensive than its predecessor
Anker's original Soundcore Motion Boom speaker is still a decent value, and you can pick it up for less than $100 at times. But the Motion Boom Plus is significantly improved.
Weighing 5.29 pounds (almost a pound more than the Motion Boom), the Motion Boom Plus uses Bluetooth 5.3 and is equipped with upgraded dual 3.5-inch woofers and newly added dual 1-inch tweeters, delivering up to 80 watts of audio output (60 watts for the woofers and 20 watts for the tweeters). Battery life is rated for 20 hours at moderate volume levels. It's also IP67 waterproof and dust-proof, and it floats if you happen to drop it in water.
I was impressed with the sound quality, which measures up well against a few more expensive -- and some larger -- speakers. For its size, it's able to put out a lot of sound and mostly manages to avoid distorting sound at higher volumes. Be sure to check for Amazon coupons on this item before you add it to your cart as there's a $30 coupon available now (though we don't know how long it will last)..
Over the last few years, foam rollers and massage guns have become popular recovery products after workouts, as well as important tools for stretching and warming your muscles pre-workout. The original Roll Recovery R8 and newer R8 Plus are somewhat of a combo between a roller and an unpowered massager.
The key addition to the R8 Plus is a dial that allows you to adjust the amount of tension to more or less intense levels. You clamp it onto various body parts, with instructional videos showing you how to hit areas such as your calves, hamstrings, IT bands and arms. The R8 Plus is available in white, red or black.
While it's no longer that difficult to get an Xbox Series X, the step-down Xbox Series S is still worth considering. Yes, there are caveats: There's no optical disc drive, the resolution is less than true 4K and it only has half the storage as its big brother. But it plays all of the same games, including Starfield. It's a great choice for a lot of gamers.
If you want the latest and greatest Apple Watch, you should get the Watch Series 9 or the top-end Watch Ultra 2, but the SE remains the best value. You can also get it with LTE cellular service.
While it doesn't have some of the extra features of the Apple Watch 9, the SE offers good performance for those who don't want to spend as much on an Apple Watch. It's available in two sizes; 40mm ($249) and 44mm ($279).
Technically, the Beats Fit Pro aren't AirPods, but they're built on the same tech platform as the AirPods Pro. Unlike Beats' earlier and less expensive Studio Buds, the Beats Fit Pro include Apple's H1 chip and have most of the original AirPods Pro features, including active noise canceling, spatial audio and Adaptive EQ. I'd venture to call them the sports AirPods you've always wanted. And for some people, they might just be better than the AirPods Pro.
Like
- Good balance of size, performance and durability
- USB-A out charging port
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (Chromecast- and Apple AirPlay-enabled)
- IP67 waterproof and dust-proof
Don't like
- Somewhat pricey
- Currently available in only one color
You can still buy JBL's original Charge 5 Bluetooth speaker, which comes in multiple color options, but the portable speaker is now available in a new version that features both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity that links up with JBL's other Wi-Fi speakers in your home and is both Chromecast- and Apple AirPlay-enabled. It currently only comes in black and is a little more expensive than the Bluetooth-only version. But the dual wireless connectivity options offers a little more versatility, and streaming music over Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth can help get you slightly better sound quality.
The Charge 5 Wi-Fi is bigger than your average portable Bluetooth speaker, but it's got some good kick to it. And like previous Charge speakers, it has a USB out port that allows you to charge a device like a smartphone. Battery life is rated at up to 20 hours at moderate volume levels. It's fully waterproof and dust-proof.
Pros:
- Good balance of size, performance and durability
- USB-A out charging port
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (Chromecast- and Apple AirPlay-enabled)
- IP67 waterproof and dust-proof
Cons:
- Somewhat pricey
- Currently available in only one color
The Fire Max 11, which starts at $230 with 64GB of storage and lock-screen ads enabled, is another value tablet play for Amazon. But it's Amazon's first tablet with a more premium bent, featuring an aluminum chassis instead of plastic. There's also a stronger productivity angle that includes better front- and rear-facing cameras than previous models and a faster MediaTek processor. No, it doesn't quite measure up to the most affordable iPad, but it's a worthy alternative, especially if you opt for the Fire Max 11 productivity bundle with the bundled keyboard case and powered stylus for $330 -- the same MSRP of the entry-level (ninth-gen) iPad, sans accessories. Better yet, the price for this tablet drops below $200 during sales.
Sony's improved entry-level noise canceling headphones, the CH-720Ns, have a bit of a plasticky budget vibe, but they're lightweight and very comfortable. Part of me was expecting them to sound pretty mediocre, but I was pleasantly surprised. No, they don't sound as good as the WH-1000XM5s. But they sound more premium than they look and feel, and overall performance is a step up from their predecessor, the CH-710Ns. Are they worth $150? Maybe -- or maybe not. But the good news is that, like the CH-710N and WH-XB910, these should see significant discounts in the not-so-distant future, which is what you may want to wait for.
Most guys secretly want an electric razor, even if they've never used one. While the Braun Series 7 isn't the top-of-the-line Braun -- the Series 9 is -- it's a good value at around $145 for the base kit. It can be used dry or wet -- it's fully waterproof -- and it comes with beard trimmers, a cleaning dock and a carrying case. Battery life is rated at up to 50 minutes on a full charge, and a quick five-minute charge will get you enough juice for a shave.
With a full-fledged 4K HDR Roku streamer built in and a single voice remote controlling everything, the Streambar Pro makes a thoughtful gift and offers a simple all-in-one audio-video system. Setup is a breeze: Plug it into a TV with a simple HDMI connection. Sound quality is very good for a single bar, and you can add Roku's optional wireless subwoofer for more punch. It also comes with the much-loved Roku remote control. (This model is basically the Smart Soundbar with an upgraded voice remote.)
Ember's temperature-controlled smart mugs have been rising in price over the last couple of years, most likely due to supply chain issues, but they now come in more colors, including some eye-catching metallics that cost a little more than standard black, white or blue mugs.
Ember makes 6-ounce, 10-ounce, and 14-ounce smart mugs that keep your beverage of choice hot while you sip it. While it won't keep your coffee or tea warm for hours, the idea is that you can select your ideal temp via the companion Ember app for iOS or Android and keep your beverage at a high temp during the 30 minutes or so it takes to casually drink it.
I prefer the larger 14-ounce version, though it does cost more. A good insulated mug with a top will also keep your beverage hot (and would be cheaper), but the Ember allows you to drink a cup of joe like you normally would, not through a small hole in the top.