The Best Gifts Under $50 (That Look Way More Expensive)
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Under-$50 gifts are often synonymous with small trinkets and stocking-stuffer doodads—but finding a more affordable present that doesn’t skimp on style or substance isn’t impossible. After scouring the web for impressive ideas that won’t cost you over fifty notes, we landed on the below lineup that belies its budget range.
Our picks for the best gifts under $50 cover the bases of well-made, functional, and fashionable. You’ll encounter the likes of a bone-handled corkscrew, a fancy bottle of Diptyque dishwashing liquid, and a porcelain espresso set. Read on to shop our full roster of convincingly luxurious finds (minus the premium price tag).
Orban & Sons Bone Corkscrew
A formidable corkscrew is a gift that will last a lifetime. This Orban & Sons style is vintage-inspired and double-hinged. But, the real razzle-dazzle comes from its natural-bone handle and wooden storage box with a sliding acrylic lid.
Grecian Bust Pot
With a 4.8-out-of-5-star rating and over 300 reviews attesting to its functional beauty, we feel confident categorizing this Grecian-bust-shaped planter as gifting catnip—especially with its $28 price tag. The hand-painted cement lends each planter a varied finish that’s been described as distinctive and luxe.
Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
A cashmere sweater for under $50 is unheard of—unless you’re shopping at the factory-direct label Quince. Domino editors and internet reviewers alike swear by the fit, feel, and overall appeal of this affordable style that’s sustainably crafted from 100%-Mongolian cashmere. It boasts a 4.9-star rating with over 4,000 reviews touting it as a versatile and crowd-pleasing gift. “It is the perfect weight, very soft and oh so comfy,” writes one shopper. “In my opinion, it truly is the perfect cashmere sweater!”
White Marcel Wolterin Edition HEii Large Espresso Cup Set
We’re still rubbing our eyes over the under-$50 price tag on these porcelain espresso cups with logo-engraved bases. The beautiful set of four is from Dutch designer Marcel Wolterinck’s modular, simple, and convenient Heii collection, which was inspired by Japanese cuisine.
Winemakers’ Selects Tasting Flight
This mini-tasting flight features a selection of varieties hand-picked by In Good Taste’s in-house winemakers, Matt and Neely. The giftable sampling of everything from crisp whites to full-flavored reds come packaged in reusable glass bottles.
Ilex Studio Avocado Vase
An elegant glass vase that doubles as an avocado-tree grower. The borosilicate-glass design is shaped to function as a low-maintenance planting system that will take your giftee’s pit to the growth levels pictured above within 14 to 18 weeks’ time. Reviewers call it everything from a beautiful piece to a crowd-pleasing gift.
Bulldog Salt & Pepper Shakers
Bonus points for gifting this cheeky stoneware duo to an actual bulldog owner. For added under-$50 charm, it’s worth noting these salt-and-pepper shakers are handmade in the U.K.
Mercado Famous Charcuterie Newbie Bundle
When the packaging is as on point as Mercado Famous’s, cured meats can (and should) be gifted. The specialty “Charcuterie Newbie” bundle includes sliced and vacuum-sealed packages of jamón serrania, chorizo, and lomo. The 100% organic and artisan-made meats are sourced directly from Spain.
The Lovers Tarot Candle
The best gifts under $50 are ones that feel distinctive—much like this divination-themed candle. Unique packaging and alluring fragrance paired with a Tarot card covering have earned this Amazon gem a rare 100%-approval rating from reviewers. It’s made of soy wax and a cotton wick and features a lengthy 60-hour burn time. (If you’re an experienced reader, pull a card to see which candle best suits your gift recipient.)
Diptyque Orange Blossom Dishwashing Liquid
Why, yes, $40 is a whole lot of quiche to shell out on dish soap. But, when it’s crafted by the purveyor of status candles and purchased as a gift for someone with fancy taste, why not? Diptyque lending its expensive French taste to the most common of household items is a surprisingly delightful idea. One made even more so by the bright, wakes-you-up aroma of the contents in its reusable glass bottle: orange blossom, mandarin, and basil notes.
JBL Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Don’t be fooled by the size of this JBL speaker; it’s portable and powerful. The aesthetically pleasing design is built to last, from tumbles to battery life, and kicks out sound quality on par with a much larger device. As one Amazon reviewer attests: “Once you turn it on it’ll blow you away.”
Taupe Unison Mug by Schneid Studio
If your giftee is more into coffee than espresso, behold: an excellent, under-$50 mug that’s handcrafted in Germany. This impressive vessel features textured detailing and a glazed interior. It’s also dishwasher safe, which makes it a strong contender for a top spot among the best coffee mugs.
Everlane The ReCashmere Mittens
While this gift barely makes the under-$50 cut, its thoughtfully sustainable edge affords inclusion. Everlane utilizes a consciously sourced blend of recycled Italian cashmere and wool diverted from landfills. The sumptuously soft mittens are more affordable than their virgin cashmere alternatives—and boast 90% lower carbon emissions to boot.
Cody Foster Vintage Glass Food Christmas Ornaments
Here’s proof that gifting Christmas decorations doesn’t have to be a snoozy situation. These vintage-inspired treasures by Cody Foster are described as “delightfully whimsical” by one of the numerous 5-star reviewers on Food52—and we’d have to agree. Select the one that best fits your giftee’s appetite for a sweet surprise that feels personalized.
Japanese Floral Scissors by Asano Mokkousho
An elegant pair of Japanese shears will surprise and delight any gardeners or floral enthusiasts in your life. The delicately designed steel blades are made in Japan and as pleasant to look at as they are efficient at cutting. “I use these beautiful scissors at my gardening sink for cutting twine and plant stems,” writes one pleased purchaser. “Very sharp and aesthetically elegant.”
OSEA Best of Body Starter Set
A limited-edition set featuring best sellers from the popular plant-based skincare brand, OSEA. With elements of the ocean infused into each product, this sensitive-skin-friendly lineup features Undaria algae body oil and butter along with salt “of the earth” scrub.
Matilda Goad & Co. for Anthropologie Soda Glass Decanter
A show-stopping decanter that looks more priceless than under-$50 score. The piece is from Matilda Goad & Co.’s exclusive collection with Anthropologie and is crafted from mouth-blown soda glass. It’s striking yet sturdy and well-suited for filtering, storing, and serving their favorite spirits.
Heliotropo 37 by Graciela Iturbide
Graciela Iturbide is arguably Mexico’s most esteemed photographer, and this new 250-photograph volume from Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain includes her most iconic work, which touches on themes of ancestral tradition, Catholic rites, and the connection between women’s societal roles and death. Included is also previously unpublished work, a new series of color photographs, and an interview with the photographer by French essayist Fabienne Bradu. If you know a photography lover, this is the book of the season to wrap up for them.
Serena & Lily Wicker Napkin Rings
This timeless set of napkin rings features an intricate design that’s handwoven from natural rattan. Although small in size, they will pack a meaningful punch to a host’s made-up table.
Ice Skating On The Canal Puzzle by Rachel Victoria Hillis
This classic pastime saw a resurgence in popularity during the early pandemic days, proving that mentally stimulating gifts are just as essential as pretty, functional homewares. Trade in hours of mindless scrolling for assembling one of the best puzzles we’ve spotted this season: the 1000-piece jigsaw of a wintry Amsterdam ice skating scene, made from recycled materials and accompanied by a drawstring cloth bag and artwork postcard.
Potted Peperomia Watermelon Plant
This lovely peperomia watermelon from Bloomscape comes planted in an eco-friendly pot available in five earthy shades: stone, clay, charcoal, indigo, or slate. The brand’s plant-parenting resource page offers up care instructions and real-time support for those new to indoor gardening, but if within the first 30 days your giftee hasn’t gotten the hang of it, Bloomscape will send a free replacement.
Transparent Anita Le Grelle Edition Terres De Rêves NR°1 Jug
From the Serax x Anita Le Grelle collaboration comes this shockingly affordable yet visually stunning glass water jug. If you’re in the market to bust out of the range of under-$50 gifts, then pair it with the brand’s just-as-impressive asymmetrical glass carafe for a curated set.
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