Contrary to popular belief, you never have to drop more than $50 to make your favorite people feel special. In fact, half that budget (or less!) will do. The best gifts under $50 are out there, though finding them may be beyond your patience and creativity. Maybe you’re shopping for someone you barely know (like a coworker or your boss), or perhaps you’ve known them for years, but they’re either a mystery to you (like a teen) or already seem to own everything. Dad, sigh.
That’s where I come in. I’ve written about holiday gifts extensively for the past five years as a shopping editor, and can attest that some of the best gifts I’ve ever given, received, or reviewed have fallen well below that $50 price point. These presents run the gamut from fun little stocking stuffers like card games and earrings (believe it or not, Amazon has some very expensive looking jewelry under $15), to thoughtful, personalized items like coffee mugs with my initial on them, to products that feel more like self-care splurges such as massagers, skin-care gift sets, and silk pillowcases.
In this gift guide, I’ve assembled ideas that are as delightful, practical, and meaningful as you need or want them to be—and that are all, helpfully, under $50.
