Life
50 Cheap Gift Ideas Under $50, Because Everyone Loves A Bargain
Every year when we go to look for holiday gift ideas that are cheap but still cute, it seems like we're bombarded by expensive gift guides. And while I'm still drooling over the $150 holiday bread loaf I saw in my mom's copy of The Oprah Magazine, that's just plain crazy for anyone on a budget. OK, so holiday shopping would be much simpler if you could just get everyone an iPad or a ticket to an exclusive destination spa, but most of us don't have that kind of money lying around (and if you do, please, be my friend just in time for the holiday season).
And yet, there's no reason to get all panicky and refuse to spend a penny on yourself as soon as December 1 comes around. That's right, you can totally have your wine and buy some for your friends too (we're way beyond cake this year).
Thanks to these 50 adorable but inexpensive gift ideas, you will actually be smiling as you shop — we promise. With prices ranging from $5 to $50, there's something on this list for every budget, and every person. And heck, with prices like this, you might actually end up being the kind of person who gets a gift for her boss, her neighbor, and her neighbor's cute but sassy 11-year-old.
Have yourself a merry little credit card statement.
Birchbox Subscription
The perfect gift that keeps on giving, Birchbox delivers a personalized box of beauty products to makeup mavens’ doorstep once a month.
Shaving Kit
Dear scratchy-faced boyfriend, if you’re reading this, you know what you’re getting for Christmas.
The Truman Set, $20, Bloomingales
Nail Polish
Hello, glitter! Without a doubt, a must-have for any successful New Year’s Eve celebration.
Message in a Bottle
With personalized messages (you can even add a name!), these are so perfect for any faraway lovers in need of a romantic holiday SOS.
Sugar Scrub
For those of us who can’t spend a day at the spa, this is the next best thing.
Sugar Reef Sugar Scrub, $35, Amazon
Scarf
Because we all have a woman in our life who can’t seem to get enough scarves, and this one from Zara actually feels like cashmere.
Blanket Scarf, $37, Amazon
Espresso Cups
Because the only thing better than color in the morning is coffee.
Espresso Set, $20, Amazon
Hat
Pom-poms are appropriate at any age, no matter what anyone has told you.
Honeycomb Pom-Pom Hat, $40, Amazon
Designer iPhone Case
There’s no one on your list who couldn’t use a new iPhone case. These ought to do the trick.
Designer iPhone Cases, $23, Amazon
Animal Map
This rad animal map is a great gift for anyone aged 6 and up (I may or may not just have ordered one for my own apartment).
Trinket Tray
How chic is this porcelain tray? Really wishing I had bought one of these before losing my favorite earrings…
Slippers
I’m having an UGG boots flashback in the best way possible — heaven for your feet, but only ever really meant to be slippers.
Slipper Booties, $30, Amazon
Tea Towels
Delicate watercolor tea towels: possibly the safest gift for that great-aunt you don’t know so well.
Tea Towel Set, $23, Amazon
Katniss Barbie
Because your niece deserves a Barbie that actually kicks butt.
Barbie Collector Hunger Games Katniss Everdeen Doll, $35, Amazon
Bottle Stopper
Crystal-level fanciness for less than $15? Hello, perfect hostess gift.
Bottle Stopper, $14, Amazon
Initial Blocks
A great idea for when you want something that feels more personal.
Initial Blocks, $6, Amazon
Beyoncé Calendar
A reminder to be fierce every single day of the year.
Official 2016 Calendar, $25, Amazon
Bangle
These bracelets, made by artisans in Laos from Vietnam War era bombs, plane parts, and other aluminum scraps, are pretty and powerful.
Arrow Bangle , $50, Article22
Gold and Champagne Marshmallows
I can’t even wrap my head around how incredibly fancy and delicious this seems.
Classic Tee
Give the gift of lightweight Supima cotton from an ethical company, all for much less than a name-brand tee.
The Cotton V, $15, Everlane
Faux Fur Clutch
People might stare when you start petting your purse on the subway, but it’s definitely worth it.
Goat Milk Soap
It’s like these natural soap bars are straight from another century, somewhere in the French countryside.
Tea Lights
Goodbye, pricey candlesticks; hello, adorable scalloped tea lights!
Scallop Tea Lights, $19, Spadecor
Brie Baker Set
Murray’s Cheese describes this baker set as “The Briedazzler,” which pretty much sums up all my feelings on cheese-related gifts.
Sneaker Print
All the greatest sneakers in history, illustrated, from Chuck Taylors to the Air Yeezy.
Oyster Subscription
With more than half a million titles, the “Netflix of Books” will be a Christmas miracle for any book lover.
