Whether it’s a cherished loved one, your boss or your best friend, there are endless occasions where you'll need to buy a gift for someone in your life. While the gifting opportunities may be endless, funds typically aren't. Luckily, you don't have to break the bank to get them something they'll adore.
To help you get started, we found gifts for everyone with this list of inexpensive ideas. As a bonus (for you and your wallet), they all cost less than $50!
P.S. If you're looking for more affordable options for all the people remaining on your shopping list, Shop TODAY's Gifts We Love awards has got you covered.
A journal with a message$8.97$15.99
Best beauty gifts under $50
Personalized Leather Toiletry Bag
Personalized gifts always look more expensive than they actually are. Get the traveler in your life this engraved leather toiletry bag. It’s handmade and on Etsy’s Pick list!
Laneige Icons To Go Set
Laneige has been a popular gift amongst beauty lovers for years, and that demand shows no signs of stopping amongst associate editor Kamari Stewart‘s group of BFFs. “My girlfriends and I are exchanging gifts this weekend and one of them asked for some Laneige products, so these are on my list for her to pick up soon!” she said.
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eye Mask
We don’t know about you, but we cannot sleep peacefully at night without a sleep mask. Even with blackout shades, we’re always seeing light while living in the city, constantly finding it to be disturbing to any kind of desired zzz’s. This silky soft eye mask from Brooklinen is ideal for the city-dweller in your life who desperately needs more sleep, stat.
Nudestix Mini Nudes Metallics for Eyes
When it comes to makeup and skin care, it’s hard not to fall in love with all things miniature. This trio from Nudestix features their Magnetic Luminous Eye Colors in Burnish, Nudity and Smoke and is perfect for traveling or throwing in your purse if you’re trying to create a quick day-to-night eye look.
NanoSteamer 3-in-1 Ionic Facial Steamer
This 3-in-1 steamer not only helps to rejuvenate your skin, but it also works to humidify bedrooms and can even warm up smaller towels, making it the little steamer that could.
With an included five skin care tools that work to banish blemishes and blackheads, this set aims to help you achieve your skin care goals.
Jack Black Skin Saviors
For the guy who needs a little extra help in the skin care department, gift this four-piece set from Jack Black. It’s the perfect starter kit for any dude that’s clueless about how to care for their skin.
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Discovery Kit
We’ve raved about Peach and Lily before, so this jam-packed set had to make our list. Their website explains that glass skin is “skin that’s so healthy that pores look super smooth and skin looks luminous and clarified,” and this kit provides all the things you need to achieve just that.
Kate McLeod Daily Stone Lotion Bar
This luxury lotion bar from Kate McLeod makes for the perfect gift, leaving her skin feeling softer and more supple, according to the brand.
Best home gifts under $50
Who Gives A Crap Dream Cloths
Keep it sustainable, but make it fun. These reusable paper towels are perfect for soaking up spills or wiping down appliances and countertops. The best part? They’re also washable!
Blue Bottle Craft Instant Espresso Single Serve
It doesn't take much to please the Shop TODAY team — just give them a bit of caffeine to keep the pep in their steps. This pack of five instant espresso sachets guarantees the perfect hot brew or iced latte in practically seconds.
"If somebody gifted me instant coffee from Blue Bottle, I would be thrilled," said editor Vivien Moon.
Waowoo Weighted Blanket
Everyone is looking for ways to relieve stress and boost relaxation this year, and a weighted blanket could help in both regards. This one from Amazon features tons of small pockets to ensure the glass beads are evenly distributed across your body.
Mefatus Punch Needle Kit for Beginners
“I’m gifting this punch needle kit for beginners to my sister-in-law!” says social media producer Anita Chomenko. “She loves cozy crafts and I don’t think she’s tried this out yet. It comes with everything you need to get started, plus six designs”
Pottery Barn Alphabet Marble and Wood Coasters
These marble and wood coasters from Pottery Barn are not only affordable, but they easily provide an elevated look to any coffee or side table, even when a cup isn’t resting on them. Now, they’ll never have an excuse for the water rings on the table.
Stasher Reusable Sandwich Bags
For picnics, tailgates, road trips or lunches on-the-go, gift them with this three-pack of reusable sandwich bags from Stasher. This set replaces 780 plastic bags over the span of a year, according to the brand, helping them be sustainable and save money at the same time.
Cuisinart Advantage Ceramic-Coated Color Knife Set
Having a good kitchen knife set is, well, life-changing. If not life-changing, definitely game-changing when it comes to properly prepping and cooking for meals. Gift this Cuisinart ceramic set to the aspiring Julia Child chef in your family or friend group.
Our Place Trivet
Trivets are a chic way to protect your counters and tables from hot serving bowls. It can withstand heat of up to 425 degrees. The pleated design comes in three colors and is 10 inches in diameter so it’s large enough to set under pots, too.
Lula’s Garden Succulent Box
Forget the puppy, why not give a living thing that requires little care? This succulent box is a perfectly cute addition to any plant lady’s current collection. It arrives with two pre-planted succulents in a ready-to-display box.
Baseball Park Map Pint Glasses
The baseball fan in your life is going to love these ballpark pint glasses. It displays a map and logo of their favorite team and comes with two glasses per order.
Glow & Grow Candle Grow Kit
First, it’s a candle, then it’s a plant! This candle comes in three different scents to choose from, and once the candle has burned all the way through, it also includes seeds to start growing a plant.
West Elm Glass Decanter with Wood Stopper
This wine decanter is sure to add elegance to any tablescape. It comes with the circular wooden stopper pictured and they have a similarly styled whiskey decanter, too.
Great Jones Stud Muffin
This nonstick 12-muffin pan is made with a special technology that the brand explains creates an even heat distribution in the oven. According to the brand, it’s made without PFOA, PFAS, PTFE, lead or cadmium.
Five Two Ultimate Apron with Built-In Pot Holders
Every home chef needs a good apron, and this one checks all the boxes. Not only does it look great (and come in a variety of color options), but it has three pockets to hold all your essentials. Plus, it comes with a handy conversion chart so you won't have to do the mental math of figuring out how many tablespoons are in a cup.
Molecule Sateen Pillowcases
For the partner who is always complaining about being too hot in bed, these cooling pillowcases feature advanced materials and are engineered to provide the best recovery-focused sleep. They’re soft, comfy and come in four colors.
Crate & Barrel Monogrammed Serving Board
For the person who loves entertaining at home, gift them this stunning white marble and mango wood serving board. Pick out their initial to add a sophisticated yet thoughtful touch.
Best tech gifts under $50
JBL Go 2 Portable Speaker
Just because it’s miniature doesn’t mean you need to skimp on sound! Waterproof, portable and a name brand speaker for under $40? Consider us sold. This JBL speaker is the right size to stash in a beach bag, a dry bag or to tote along for long days spent outside. According to the brand, it offers five hours of playtime on a full charge.
Amazon Fire TV Stick
Ideal for the couple who just moved into their first apartment, the college student in your life who needs streaming services in their dorm or the movie obsessive who is always asking to come over and use your TV, this gift is perfect for anyone who needs to stay up to date on their reality TV shows or binge ‘90s movies.
JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless Headphones
Whether they enjoy running cord-free or prefer to do household chores with a podcast in their ears, gift them with these budget-friendly wireless earbuds. According to the brand, they’re water- and dust-resistant and have up to 32 hours of battery life.
Ring Video Doorbell
The Alexa-enabled Ring video doorbell allows you to keep an eye on your front step or outdoor space at all times. Operate it from an app on your phone and answer your front door no matter where you are. This gift provides ease to users, especially those who travel often. “The two-way talk feature is a fantastic addition. It allows me to communicate easily with anyone at my door, whether I’m at home or away.” one reviewer said.
Best fashion gifts under $50
Ew, David “Schitt’s Creek” Sweatshirt
“Schitt’s Creek” has won a million awards and for good reason — the show is hilarious and has so many funny one-liners. Gift this tee to any fanatic of the Rose family.
Benevolence LA Velvet Travel Jewelry Storage Box
This Shop TODAY editor-approved gift is all about convenience. It’s no secret that the accessories help to dress up an outfit and give it the final touches of flair, so never be caught without your favorite pieces again thanks to this luxe velvet holder.
With an ample amount of room for rings and earrings, this jewelry travel box also has three hooks for looping necklaces and bracelets around so they don’t get tangled during transit.
Lands' End Medium Canvas Tote Bag
It might not be a ludicrously capacious bag, but this canvas tote bag from Lands' End is a hot item to shop this summer. You can customize it with short or long straps, open or closed top, and choose from embroidery or a monogram on the bag.
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L
This sporty belt bag is the ultimate accessory in our book. It can be worn around the waist or as a crossbody, and it boasts enough room for all of your daily essentials. It comes in over a dozen colors.
Carhartt Men’s Midweight Crewneck Sweatshirt
A basic, tried-and-true classic crew neck to throw over any outfit on chillier days. Carhartt has made a name for themselves in the past with blue collar workers, reinventing themselves to become a lifestyle brand with options for everyday wear. “Love the fit and softness of this sweatshirt,” one reviewer said. “I wear them on weekends for comfort and it is durable enough for working construction.”
Quince Waffle Knit Robe
For some much-needed me time, gift them with this waffle knit robe from Quince. Available in four different colors, reviewers love this robe because it's "high quality and well made," along with being "super comfortable."
Best general gifts under $50
Let That Sh*t Go Journal
For the friend who never stops cursing, this journal is a fun way to dive deep into things that are bothering you, without the usual woo-woo, up-in-the-clouds tone you’ll find in most guided journals.
Electric Guitar MasterClass
From learning to play the electric guitar from guitarist Tom Morello or learning the art of writing from James Patterson, for only $15 a month, you can gift them with an experience or the skill of a new hobby they’ve been wanting to pick up.
Mind the Gap Deluxe Trivia Game
"I tested this game out with my family over Thanksgiving and we had an absolute ball!" said associate editor Allie Wise. "Everyone from my 13-year-old niece to my 91-year-old grandma was able to play/participate. We shared lots of laughs and loved reminiscing about pop culture phenomena over the years."
Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle
For the outdoorsman in your crew, you just can’t go wrong with a solid Hydro Flask. This pick comes with a water bottle cap and will keep liquids hot or cold for hours on end. It comes in a dozen different colors and can even be customized or engraved!
Alex and Ani "Harry Potter" Love Potion Stud Earrings
Gift the muggle in your life a subtle way to show their appreciation for "Harry Potter" with these earrings from Alex and Ani. These dainty, 14-carat gold studs are a unique way to keep the Wizarding World close.
“A Game of Thrones,” by George R. R. Martin Book Boxed Set
For the nerdy friend who still isn’t over that final episode of the “Game of Throne” series, it might be time for them to dig into the original GOT books.
Papier Joy Wellness Journal
There’s never a better time than the present to help someone kickstart their self-care journey. This journal is filled with tips and prompts that will help your recipient practice mindfulness.
Stanley Quencher H2.O Flowstate Tumbler
Another editor-approved pick that is perfect for gifting is this customizable tumbler from Stanley. You can opt to have it engraved with the text, monogram or graphic of your choice for an extra $12 (which still brings it to under $50).
Homesick Barbie Dreamhouse Candle
Hi, Barbie! This sweet-scented candle is perfect for any fan of the doll, movie or anyone who doesn’t want their home to smell like Ken’s Mojo Dojo Casa House.
Lego Botanical Collection Succulents
For the plant lover who can't seem to keep them alive, gift them this Lego set that they won't have to water! It comes with nine different plants that you can build alone or with friends.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team works hard to find the best products and coolest gifts out there. We use our own personal experiences with brands and shopping to find the most unique gifts under $50 on the market that are sure to be a hit.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect present at any budget including gifts under $10, gifts under $25, gifts under $100 and more.
