Shopping·9 min read

Gifts Under $50 That Look More Expensive Than They Are

the best holiday gifts under $50
Design: theSkimm | Images: Quince, Urban Outfitters, Rifle Paper Co.
October 15, 2024

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‘Tis the season for gifts that are really worth it, but won’t cut into your budget. To help get you in the spirit, we curated a collection of bestselling accessories, one-of-a-kind decor items, and high-quality tech for anyone who’s looking for something elevated and wallet-friendly (sans compromise).

Want more holiday gifting ideas? Check out our full list of gift guides for everyone on your list. 

wine glasses
Target

A wineglass to hold with a pinky up…

This set of four 16-ounce wine glasses are the perfect gift for any wine lover, new homeowner, or aspiring Martha Stewart on your list. They feature a chic tapered rim for better aeration, aroma, and flavors. Not to mention, they’ll help them avoid spills while swishing and swirling. Even better? They’re dishwasher-safe. Score. ($50, Target

$50, Target
little table lamp
Urban Outfitters

A picture-worthy mini glass table lamp…

Working from home during the winter can be a little uninspiring, but this small plug-in table lamp sparks joy in more ways than one. It comes in 11 adorable colors, including stripes, metallics, and iridescent shades. It’s a fun decor piece to add to a bookshelf, nightstand, or desk without taking up too much space. ($49, Urban Outfitters)

$49, Urban Outfitters
Sunrise alarm clock
Amazon

The perfect alarm clock for heavy sleepers…

We’re not sure what we love more: the fact that this sunrise alarm clock has a light-up ring that gradually brightens as the alarm goes off for a gentle wakeup, or that your giftee can choose up to 10 immersive soothing sounds for relaxation. It has a 30-, 60-, and 90- minute timer, an expansive volume adjuster, and a three-level dimmer. Consider it the Goldilocks of alarm clocks for a bedtime routine that’s just right. ($50, Amazon

$50, Amazon
squiggly bowl
Amazon

A one-of-a-kind ceramic fruit bowl…

If you’re a big fan of unique, handcrafted gifts, then you’ll want to add this ruffle marble bowl to your cart ASAP. It’s made out of a single piece of marble that’s 100% organic and eco-friendly — which makes it perfect for displaying fruits, veggies, or other perishables. We recommend the 6-inch size, but you can also snag it in sizes from 5 inches to 12 inches. We’re also eyeing its sets of two. ($49, Amazon)

$49, Amazon
little shoulder purse
Baggu

A trendy baguette-style purse that comes in 15 colors…

This shoulder purse from Baggu is one of the roomiest ones we’ve seen. It features two exterior pockets for easy access and a zipped interior pocket for safekeeping. In true Baggu fashion, it comes in a recycled, high-quality nylon that’s soft, durable, and machine-washable. Consider this a solid option for anyone who wants a comfortable, spacious bag that’s easy to tote around. For your fashionista friend, we suggest the Berry Chrysanthemum version, inspired by art from The Met’s Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion exhibit (otherwise known as the theme of last year’s Gala). ($46, Baggu

$46, Baggu
sunglasses
Amazon

Bestselling sunglasses our editors can’t stop raving about…

Truthfully, we’ve written about these sunglasses more times than we can count — that’s how cute and wallet-friendly they are. They feature oval-shaped, ‘90s-inspired lenses and come in eight different color combinations. They’re as great for the beach as they are for making a chic statement at brunch. ($16, Amazon

$16, Amazon
cashmere sweater
Quince

A crew neck cashmere sweater under $100…

This sweater from Quince is quiet luxury at its finest. We can attest that it’s super soft, and it’s made with 100% sustainably- and ethically-sourced Mongolian cashmere. It’s available in sizes XS-3X and pairs well with jeans, trousers, or even leggings for more casual days. Plus, it ships for free. That’s one less thing to worry about. ($50, Quince)

$50, Quince
picnic basket
Amazon

Everything they’ll need for the perfect picnic…

This large wicker picnic basket set comes with two ceramic plates, two mugs, two cotton napkins, two sets of stainless steel flatware, a corkscrew, and salt and pepper shakers to match. It also has an insulated compartment to keep perishable items stable. All that’s left is the food and drinks to enjoy a day in the park. Bon appétit. ($49.89, Amazon

$49.89, Amazon
jewelry cleaner
Amazon

An easy way to clean jewelry and glasses…

We’re big fans of hacky cleaning products, but especially ones that save us time spent running errands. This professional-grade cleaner uses tap water and 42,000 hertz of ultrasonic sound waves for a powerful clean that won’t harm jewelry or other valuables. It lets you choose from five preset cleaning cycles and has a digital display with three buttons that make it super easy to operate. Say hello to shinier bling, and goodbye to cleaning appointments at your local jeweler. ($40+, Amazon

$40+, Amazon
charm bracelets
BaubleBar

A fully customizable, colorful cord bracelet…

Charm bracelets are so back, and they’re better than ever. By better, we mean lightweight, eye-catching, and not as clunky as they used to be. This cord bracelet is soft and comfortable for all-day wear, but packs a punch with over 23 fun colors to choose from. There’s also a variety of character charms — including shapes like hearts, cherries, and clovers. Add a few to cart to create the ideal stack, or pair them with other bracelets for a subtle pop of color and nostalgia. ($34, BaubleBar)

$34, BaubleBar
patterned vases
Rifle Paper Co.

A porcelain vase that will go with any bouquet…

For your friend who’s always at the farmer’s market for fresh blooms, this porcelain printed vase is the ideal way to show off their latest haul. Its cylindrical shape gives it a sleek, modern vibe and the gilded rim will catch the natural light in their space. It’s weighty enough to hold up to two dozen roses, so your giftee won’t have to worry about knocking it over. ($42, Rifle Paper Co.

$42, Rifle Paper Co.
Dog portrait
Etsy

A one-of-a-kind portrait of their furry friend…

If there’s one thing pet owners have in common, it’s the 1,000 photos of their pet in their camera roll. Help them take their favorite picture to the next level with this custom painting from Etsy. The artist has been featured on BBC and has sold over 9,000 portraits, so you know they’re the real deal. They’ll let you choose between a digital, canvas, or poster work of art, along with over 100 backgrounds. ($33.84+, Etsy

$33.84+, Etsy
red and blue baseball hats
Ralph Lauren

A classic, all-American baseball cap…

Still reeling from the Team USA’s team’s fire looks from this summer’s Olympics? Instead of having Mr. Lauren dress us from head to toe (we wish), we’re opting for this bright chino ball cap. It comes in four preppy color combinations — each of which feature the iconic Polo logo front and center. It also has a slider buckle in the back so your giftee can adjust it as they please. Did we mention it’s machine-washable? It’s so versatile that it deserves its own gold medal. ($35, Ralph Lauren)

$35, Ralph Lauren
lemon printed linen napkins
Etsy

Printed linen napkins that’ll level up any tablescape…

The Coastal Grandmother aesthetic doesn’t stop at oversized beige cardigans or glasses of chardonnay. If your giftee is looking to incorporate the trend in their home, check out these linen napkins. Each set features hand-carved, block-printed lemons on an eco-friendly material that softens over time. Snag them in sets of two, four, six, or eight. ($30+, Etsy

$30+, Etsy
silicone mats
Amazon

Nonslip silicone mats that are equal parts cute and functional…

We love a multipurpose gem, and these colorful trivet mats definitely fit the bill. They’re anti-scald, nonslip, and 100% food-grade. Use them as hot pot holders, large coasters, jar openers, or spoon rests. They’re mini and come in six muted colors that would add just enough pop to any tablescape. ($34, Amazon)

$34, Amazon

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