38 Clever Ideas for Gift Under $50

Gift Guide

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Gift giving doesn’t have to break the bank. For good deals you won’t need to wait for, these are just a few of the many affordable options out there for a savvy shopper.

Perk up a friend’s porch or patio with this cheery array of small potted succulents, the perfect choice for a housewarming gift. Easy to tend to and a fun way to liven up indoor spaces with some cheery greenery, they also make affordable party favors or office gifts.

Anyone with something to celebrate, from newlyweds to recent retirees, can enjoy this clean-lined and modern set of champagne flutes. They are also the perfect hostess gift for friends who throw those must-attend end of year parties.

Recent grads, young adults on their own for the first time, or even parents tired of their same old family recipes will all appreciate this new and updated version of classic cookbook Joy of Cooking. An essential item for any home cook, it offers new ideas and practical solutions to everything from family dinner to large holiday crowd entertaining.

A beautiful piece of art can make a house a home, and gives an anchoring point for choosing color palette and décor. Etsy features a variety of beautiful works by artists, and choosing something representative of pets, home, travels, or future goals is a great way to give a gift that shows how much you care.

Useful for daily tasks, this stylish folding pocket knife makes a great gift for anyone from groomsmen to dads. With careful treatment it will last a lifetime, and can be handed down to the next generation, along with memories of its use for apple picking, summer picnics, and more family traditions.

There are few things more indulgent than a fresh-baked pastry for breakfast, and Williams-Sonoma’s array of delicious breakfast goodies offers something for everyone. Say “Congrats” for new jobs and other fresh starts with this package of 12 yummy sticky buns.

Travelers and transplants facing chilly winters need quality gloves, and picking up a pair that is both stylish and comfortable will ensure they get tons of use. These leather gloves come in a range of color choices, so every fashion sense can be easily accommodated.

The winter season can be a drag, so give the gift of caffeine to your favorite coffee or hot chocolate drinker this year. This also works particularly well as a group gift for teachers, postal carriers, office-mates, and anyone else who helps keep you cheery and supported.

Nothing can blow through a budget like a new baby- and the temptation to go overboard on gift-giving is very real. Luckily great deals are out there, like this 7 piece outfit set from Primary. Full of gender neutral color choices, with no slogans or cartoon characters, these can last through several siblings with ease.

Older kids and adults that love LEGO and tinkering will be thrilled by this in-depth build of some famous parts of the NYC skyline. At nearly 600 pieces it’s good for hours of entertainment, and afterwards makes a fun display piece for a mantle.

The middle grades are incredibly tough to buy for, as kids start developing strong opinions and specific interests, it can be hard to keep up with which books, movies and video games they have. When you find something you know they’ll enjoy, picking up a full set ensures they aren’t left on a cliffhanger.

Gone are the days of childhood, when a gift of clothes was supremely disappointing; now there are few gifts as personal and considerate as clothes that match our favorite style or come in our favorite colors.  He can go caroling in style, attend a tailgate, and more with this clean, minimalist sweater that’s perfect standalone or layered under a heavier coat.

Commuters and the work from home set can both enjoy this insulated coffee mug on chilly mornings, and students trying to force themselves to attend early classes can bring along the caffeine they need. Available in a range of colors and size options, Klean Kanteen also makes stainless steel reusable water bottles for both kids and adults.

Finding handmade, small-batch skincare that’s both high quality and affordable might make you suspect that the workers behind Etsy show FreshSeedGlow spend some time moonlighting as Santa’s elves. Currently offered in five cozy scents like Lavender Vanilla, at current price points you can pick up two products in their line for less than 50$ and be sure that you’re supporting small businesses and spoiling your recipients, all in one.

These uplifting jewelry catchers are great gifts for that stylish but forgetful person in your life. Keeping cash, keys, and other necessities close to the door helps ensure they won’t be forgotten, and a ring dish by the bathroom and kitchen sinks keep damaging oils and soaps away from treasured rings and other jewelry.

Soy wax candles burn longer and cleaner, and the 12oz jars by Etsy brand Aromaology may look smaller than those big glass behemoths you’ve seen from the ubiquitous mall brand, but they pack a lifespan that more than stands up to their bulkier brethren. With unique and evocative scents- think brown sugar and fig, or tea leaf with jasmine- they’re fabulous as a standalone gift, but also pair well with a new novel or as part of a spa themed gift set.

Do you know a good boy that needs a present? Does man’s best friend need  a stylish jacket? Does him need something warm for his toesies? Yes him does.

At 16 dollars a piece, these dessert serving plates are charming and affordable, with stylish designs representing a festively decorated Paris, New York, and London. You can pick up one of each and still be under 50 dollars, before shipping.

It’s hard to find keepsake gifts that are both practical and nostalgic, but this cook’s journal fits the bill. Great for nearly any age group, it lets grandparents pass on essential family recipes, but it’s also a way for newlyweds or the newly-adult to practice developing their own twists on favorite standbys.

The problem with buying a gift for an avid reader is always knowing that you’re running the risk that they’ve already read the book you want to give them. Gift cards to a favorite bookshop are certainly a winning choice, but we submit that this perfectly sized mug is an ideal alternative. When they’re tucking in to finish that next read they just can’t put down, a little tea or coffee is a wonderful accompaniment.

For the ultralight urbanite, this stylish card case makes it easy to traverse the city without lugging around a purse or pack. With rich colors, it’s easy to find inside a bag or suitcase while traveling, but it also tucks easily into jean pockets.

We’ve shared some of the cutest adult-sized aprons around, but plenty of kids love to get in on the kitchen mess-making too! This gold polka-dot apron is perfect for little ones who love sparkles, glitz, and glamour with their chocolate chip cookies.

Pretend play comes to life with this kid approved veterinarian kit. Take x-rays, administer medicine, and more with this set that leans heavily on natural materials and textures, instead of high-gloss plastics.

One of the most stylish memory books available, this baby book is a kind gift for new or expectant parents. If it’s kiddo #2 (or later) on the way, including a memory book for older siblings can also be a sweet gesture to soothe any potential rivalries.

With so many families keeping their children home from school this year, there are a lot more opportunities to dig into the nitty-gritty of nature and the backyard and incorporate practical science into the curriculum. This nature journal makes space for kiddos to doodle and record their findings.

Giving a sample set is such a fun way to let your recipient try out new products, and this indulgent pack of twenty excellent masks from Sephora offers a huge range of options, so no matter what their skin care concern, they’re sure to find a new favorite.

Explore and experiment with this multi-level palette that lets anyone new to makeup (or budget conscious) play with colors and find their own style. With sixty eyeshadows, eleven lip glosses, three bronzers, and much more, it’s a candy store of mix and match makeup.

A rich and indulgent treat for anyone who suffers through winter frizz and summer flyaways, you can help them achieve sleek, high-shine locks with this Argan oil gift set.

Kate Spade jewelry is always a winning choice, and these glitter earrings go with any outfit and are perfect for celebrations.

Ideal for anyone who loves the winter season, this merry wreath is hand-painted and easy to hang, with an on-trend farmhouse look.

Welcome new family members home for the holidays with a personalized stocking. With a wide range of font and pattern choices, you can have something unique and distinct for everyone, filled with stocking-stuffers.

Wine.com is always a winning choice for a gift, and this three bottle set of Italian vintages has something for everyone. A great selection for a holiday hostess gift, it’s a thoughtful choice for any occasion.

Give the gift of a long-distance hug with a sweater or hoodie that she’s going to love. Available in a range of colors, this cotton crewneck sweater is great for fall tailgating or a casual night out.

Keeping in the grillmaster’s good graces is just common sense; who wants to miss out on a barbeque invite? This five piece spice mix set is a great choice for anyone who is tough to buy for.

A perfect partner to a favored bedtime book, TSC’s expansive range of die-cast CAT branded construction vehicles are all sure to delight, and priced between twenty and thirty dollars, they’re comparable to classic trucks.

For a little one who loves Disney and dress-up, this Anna costume is a must have, perfect for playing princesses, adventurers, and explorers.

Grabbing a LEGO set for less than 50$ is always a steal, and this lighthouse build from their Friends line ensures kids can not only build a fun kit, but also that there are plenty of hours of imaginative play available when the construction is done.

Delight little readers with a story about friendship, finding your place in the world, and the power of some courageous rule-breaking with Library Lion, a touching and immersive read that kids will enjoy over and over again.


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