Whether it’s a cherished loved one, your boss or your best friend, sometimes spending a little more money on those you love (or work hard for) pays off in a big way. We’ve got something for everyone with this list of inexpensive gift ideas. As a bonus, they all cost less than $50!
Shop TODAY contributor Chassie Post stopped by the 3rd Hour of TODAY to share some fun finds, from cookies that ship to long-distance loved ones to new jewelry that will add a sparkle along with any New Year's outfit.
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Gifts under $50 as seen on TODAY | Best beauty gifts under $50 | Best home gifts under $50 | Best tech gifts under $50 | Best fashion gifts under $50 | Best general gifts under $50
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Gifts under $50 as seen on TODAY
Ink + Alloy Etta Stone Stretch Bracelet
This super stretchy bracelet allows you to wear and pair it with others in your stack, and since it comes in a variety of colors (14, to be exact!), you can add a pop of color to any outfit or opt for neutral tones.
Plus, Shop TODAY readers can score 30% off by using the code TODAY30 at checkout now through Dec. 21.
Pottery Barn Alphabet Marble and Wood Coasters
A simple personalized gift has the potential to be the most touching thing they receive all year. These marble and wood coasters from Pottery Barn are not only affordable, but you can purchase one in any letter of the alphabet so no family member will feel left out. Now, they'll never have an excuse for the water rings on the table.
Plus, they provide an elevated look to any coffee or side table, even when a cup isn't resting on them.
PlayZoom 2 Kids Smartwatch and Headphones
With 10 different headphone and smartwatch designs to choose from, children can combine play with learning thanks to this set, which helps teach them how to tell time, set an alarm, tie their shoes and more through how-to videos.
Also, these headphones can plug into any eligible device to listen to their favorite songs or stream TV shows and movies.
Benevolence Plush Jewelry Holder
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.
Levain Bakery Cookie Boxes
Ranging anywhere from $29 to $79, cookie gift boxes from Levain Bakery can surprise loved ones both near and far. Whether they prefer an all-chocolate cookie, or enjoy a festive twist on their favorite classics, these cookies are known for their ooey, gooey ingredients that make for a rich gift.
NanoSteamer 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.
Best beauty gifts under $50
Olive and June Press-On Manicure
From solids to spunky patterns such as stars, hearts and glitter confetti, their nails will stay fresh thanks to these press-ons from Olive and June. Durable and long-lasting, these nails are the real deal, helping your nails look like they just strutted out of a salon.
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.
Natural Life Sherpa Heating Pad
For those not-so-fun days doubled over with cramps, gift them with this heating pad that will alleviate some of the pain. Filled with wheat, stick this pad in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds and place on the needed body part and feel relief.
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.
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.
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eye Mask
I don’t know about you, but I cannot sleep peacefully at night without a sleep mask. Even with blackout shades, I am always seeing light while living in the city, constantly finding it to be disturbing to my Zzzs. 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.
Glossier The Makeup Set
If they're the type who typically goes for a more natural look, this Glossier makeup set is the perfect gift. It includes three of the brand's bestselling makeup products — Boy Brow, Cloud Paint and the Lash Stick — which come together for a fresh-faced look.
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.
Province Apothecary Sculpting + Toning Facial Cupping Kit
This facial cupping kit from Province Apothecary is ideal for the all-natural skin care fanatic who needs a little bit of lift and elasticity to their complexion.
Best home gifts under $50
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.
Homeart Classic Waffle & Chaffle Maker
Whether they can't start their morning without a fluffy waffle or resist finishing the night with one, this waffle maker will allow them to satisfy every foodie need whenever the hankering hits.
Mistaken Lyrics Coasters
The music lover in your life will enjoy protecting their table from water lines with these coasters that honor the classic hits many people always sing incorrectly. Featuring mistaken lyrics like "Hold me closer, Tony Danza" and "Hit me with your pet shark," these cork coasters will make at-home happy hour that much more fun.
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, helping them be sustainable and save money at the same time.
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.
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
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.
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 has almost 29,000 five-star ratings and features tons of small pockets to ensure the glass beads are evenly distributed across your body.
Food52 Five Two Ultimate Apron
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.
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.
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 set to the aspiring Julia Child chef in your family or friend group.
Joseph Joseph Nest 9-Piece Nesting Bowl Set
Everyone’s been doing a lot of cooking these past few years, and with lots of cooking comes lots of used dishes. This set of mixing bowls is great for any baker in your life who could use some more baking materials.
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!
Best tech gifts under $50
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.
Tile Slim
Slim enough to fit in a wallet, clutch, backpack or fanny pack, this Tile tracks the whereabouts of which ever object it's placed in. Traveling with a group and want to see where your friends are? Track their Tile. Fear of losing your wallet during a night out? Keep track of it thanks to this Tile.
JBL Go 2 Speaker
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. With nearly 25,000 five-star ratings, reviewers are "amazed" by this speaker, because the sound is "sharp and clear." Just because it's miniature doesn't mean you need to skimp on sound!
Blink Home Security Video Doorbell
Amazon's version of the Ring video doorbell, this Alexa-enabled doorbell allows you to keep an eye on your front step or outdoor space at all times. Work Blink from the Alexa 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. "It did the job and we felt better knowing while on the other side of the world we could monitor our home," one reviewer said.
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.
Best fashion gifts under $50
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.
Quince Waffle Knit Robe
For some much-needed me time, gift them with this waffle knit robe from Quince. Available in 4 different colors, reviewers love this robe because it's "high quality and well made," along with being "super comfortable."
Chaco Women's Chillos Slides
An affordable and more convenient substitute to their traditional sandals, these Chaco slides will become your new go-to when running errands, at the lake or to take on vacation. With 21 colors to choose from, one reviewer with feet issues loves them. "These Chillos Slides are so comfortable," they said. "As a plantar sufferer, these feel great and help tremendously. Better than what I used before that eventually caused other painful issues.
Isaac Morris "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.
Gymshark Arrival 5" Shorts
For the fitness guru, gift them these 5" shorts from Gymshark that come in a dozen different colors and patterns, from a light grey camouflage to pepper red. Reviewers love these shorts because they are "super lightweight" and "amazing quality."
Carhartt Men's 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."
Lululemon Align T-Shirt
This Lululemon tee is lightweight and cropped, perfect for pairing with your favorite pair of leggings or biker shorts. "This top is so underrated," one reviewer said, with another one adding that this tee "complements the body," which is what we all want and deserve from a workout top.
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Best general gifts under $50
Stanley Quencher H2O 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).
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.
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.
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.
Best-Ever Homemade Farfalle and Marinara Sauce
The foodie in your life is going to love this interactive gift. From the comfort of their own home, they can enjoy a 90-minute Zoom class where an instructor teaches you how to make homemade pasta and marinara sauce.
Wonderbly Personalized Book
Yet another thoughtful gift that won't break the bank, these personalized storybooks are a great unique gift. Personalization and storylines are available for a wide range of ages, from babies to adults, and the site allows you to add names, customize lines inside the book, choose a cover and write a dedication.
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.
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.
"A Game of Thrones" Book 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.
Alex and Ani Harry Potter Studs
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.
REI Roadtripper Duffel
This 40-liter duffel bag can be used as a carry-on and when not in use, can be packed into the included packing cube. One reviewer said it best when they described it as: "No-frills, durable, and spacious," adding "I intended to use this for short air travel trips to stow overhead, but now I use it for camping, beach trips, weekend stays and anything else."
Lego Succulents Plant Decor Building Kit
For the plant lover who can't seem to keep them alive, gift them this Lego set that they won't have to water!
