There comes a point in every almost-adult’s life when they realize subpar gifts just won’t cut it — people begin to expect more from you. Hunting down classy gifts that seem expensive but aren’t is the only way I’ve found balance between gift giving and not breaking the bank. If I’m being honest, in the past, most of the gift my friends got from me came from discount stores. But as I got older and relationships deepened, I wanted to get better quality gifts to show them how much I really cared about them. The only problem was that those gifts were not cheap.
In my effort to be a better gift-giver, I just realized I’d have to do my research. I couldn’t do last minute runs to find gifts. And not to toot my own horn, but I’ve managed to improve drastically. Where I would’ve gotten my family members a generic brand bath set or a basic candle, I now get them fancy marble coasters or luxury headphones they can actually use — all for $30 or less. I’m still a fan of giving candles, though, I just make sure to get the best quality candles I can afford that have special details like a pretty glass jar. Read on to get some inspo from my favorite classy gifts that seem more expensive than they actually are.
1. A Luxe Gift For A Music Lover
Sound Intone I65 Headphones with Microphone and Volume Control, $20, Amazon
These luxury headphones will be a hit, and for under $30 they won't break the bank.
2. A Best-Selling Adult Coloring Book For Under $15
Lost Ocean: An Inky Adventure and Coloring Book for Adults, $8, Amazon
Adult coloring books are so popular, and this one is one of the highest rated ones out there.
3. Wine Glasses For Your Favorite Accident Prone Drinker
Modern Innovations Stainless Steel Stemless Wine Glasses, Set of 4, $35, Amazon
We've all spilled a glass of wine and broke a few glasses. With these, there will be no broken glass to clean up.
4. A Chic Leather Tassel Keychain For Under $20
Lucky Love Tassel Keychain Made With 100% Genuine Leather, $10, Amazon
Honestly, I just want this because it's leopard print, but it comes in several other colors, too!
5. A Calendar That Doubles As Pretty Art
Rifle Paper Co 2017 Wall Calendar, $28, Amazon
You get your money's worth with this calendar that also makes a great piece of art.
6. Set A Drink On These Minimal Marble Coasters
White Marble Coaster, Set of 6, $30, Amazon
Nothing is as luxe as marble, and coasters just scream "I'm a classy adult!"
7. A Lipstick Organizer For A True Makeup Addict
MyGift Vintage Brass Metal & Acrylic Lipstick Holder, $10, Amazon
This organizer will make digging through depths of makeup a thing of the past.
8. Pop Bottles With A Classy Cork Opener
Corkscrew Copper Plated, $8, Amazon
This copper cork opener is the classiest way to get sippin'.
9. Welcome Everyone Home Like A True Adult
"HOME" Doormat by Castle Mats, $13, Amazon
This cute welcome mat is the perfect gift for some who's finally made it to the next step in life — adulting in their own home.
10. A Delicate Ring Holder
Creative Co-Op Zinc Ring Holder with Gold Bird, $12, Amazon
This could easily be double the price for how cute it is — buy one for yourself and a friend!
11. This Calendar Is Perfect For The Creative Person In Your Life
Johanna Basford 2017 Coloring Day-to-Day Calendar, $13, Amazon
Instead of buying a run-of-the mill calendar or a plain coloring book, combine both of those gifts into one super cute one!
12. A Delicious Candle With The Prettiest Reusable Jar
Aspen Bay Capri Blue Jar Candle 20 oz - Aloha Orchid, $25, Amazon
This is the gift that gives twice — you get a candle that lasts for up to 80 hours and a cute jar you can use to store makeup brushes or whatever else you can think of.
13. The Perfect Gift For Someone Who Loves A Good Drink
Francois et Mimi Stainless Steel Cocktail Bar Tool Kit Set, $20, Amazon
Got a wannabe bartender on your hands? Make their day with this set.
14. A Cute Trinket Tray With A Message
DEMDACO Inspire Glass Trinket Tray, $10, Amazon
Every now and then we all need a supportive word, and this trinket tray is a super way to give that to someone.
15. A Best-Selling Aromatherapy Diffuser For Under $20
Homasy 100ml Essential Oil Diffuser Humidifier, $16, Amazon
Turn any room into a spa with this multipurpose diffuser and air purifier.
16. A Chic Vegan Leather Backpack For Under $30
Buenocn Soft Leather Lovely Backpack, $28, Amazon
Know someone who stuffs their entire life into an old purse? Help them out with this chic backpack that will keep them a little bit more organized.
17. The Cutest Kate Spade Folders For Under $20
Kate Spade Gold Stripe File Folders pack of 6, $16, Amazon
Kate Spade for under $20? Sold.
18. Freshen Up Any Room With This Gorgeous Oil Diffuser
Voluspa Baltic Amber Mini Diffuser, $35, Amazon
Not only will their home smell amazing, this intricate glass makes for a pretty objet d'art.
19. Charge Up On The Go — In Style
Polanfo External Battery Power Bank for Smartphone & Tablets - Gold, $17, Amazon
A portable charger is a necessity in today's world, and this one has the fanciest gold finish.
20. This Crystal Lamp Is Perfect For Your Boho Friends
WBM Himalayan Glow Hand Carved Salt Lamp With Genuine Neem Wood Base, $28, Amazon
This all-natural crystal emits a warm glow, and when warmed, creates ions that purify the air.
21. An All-Out Glam Pillowcase for Under $10
Stylish Comfy Cover Throw Pillow Case Cafe Decor, $9, Amazon
For this price, you could get someone a set and turn their home into the most glam place ever.
22. The Fanciest Staple Ever For Someone Who's At Their Desk All Day
Acrylic & Gold Stapler by OfficeGoods, $21, Amazon
Someone going off to college or starting a new job at an office? Their desk needs this stapler.
23. A Gorgeous Personalized Necklace For Under $30
Customized Necklace Name Plate Bar Necklace, $21, Amazon
Nothing is as special as a personalized necklace, and this one looks like it's worth way more than $24.
24. This Colorful Set Is Perfect For Your Favorite Cook
Now Designs Bamboo Utensils, Multi-Color, Set of 5, $15, Amazon
Brighten up their kitchen and their day with this super cute set.
25. Update Their Library With These Charming Book Ends
2-Pc Owl Wooden Bookend Set Black and White, $25, Amazon
This is the perfect gift for someone who has more books than shoes.
26. A Cool Geometric Picture Frame
Umbra Prisma Picture Frame, 4 by 6-Inch, Copper, $14, Amazon
Forget flat picture frames — this cool structural frame is practically its own art, even without a picture.
27. The Classiest Gift For A Wine Drinker
Kamenstein Butterfly Wine Rack, $22, Amazon
Any respectable wine drinker needs a wine rack to show of their most prized possessions.
28. A Decanter Set For Your Favorite Couple
Fifth Avenue 3 Piece Our, Yours, Mine Decanter Set, Gold, $51, Amazon
This set makes me wish I had someone to share a drink with — so cute!
29. Re-Decorate With This Faux Chandelier — For Under $10!
Party in Paris Hanging Chandelier, $9, Amazon
Chandeliers are always classy, but a real one costs so much. This silhouette chandelier creates a same effect without the price tag.
30. The Handiest $5 Gift For A Candle Lover
Candle Wick Oil Lamp Stainless Steel Trim Trimmer Cutter, $5, Amazon
This is a cute little tool for someone who collects candles like there's a blackout.
Images: Amazon (30)
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