The Low-Cost, High-Joy Gift Guide: 60 Under-$50 Gifts That Will Make Them Smile
Gift giving is a love language. It’s not about the price tag or material excess; it’s about finding something that makes someone feel seen and cared for. Whether you’re giving or receiving, the thoughtfulness behind it is what truly counts.
Still, finding a gift that captures that feeling isn’t always easy. When it comes time to actually start looking for holiday gifts, it can be hard to think of something on the spot—you might need a bit of help jogging your brain. That’s why we created The Low-Cost, High-Joy Gift Guide. Now in its fourth season, this year is a curation of 60 hand-selected items for all kinds of people (and tastes) in your life.
Each one meets two simple criteria: it’s under $50 and goes beyond the generic. Every pick has something extra—a sense of discovery, a touch of luxury, that small indulgence that makes the everyday feel special. Whether you’re shopping for the one who loves to elevate the ordinary, the dinner-party host, the sentimental type who appreciates something personal, or even if you’re looking to treat yourself, you’ll find something here.
From personalized keepsakes and chic homeware to tasteful beauty finds, cute games, and little luxuries, shop gifts from brands and stores like Lazy Jamie, Gohar World, Celisse, Fara Homidi, Bomi, and Tangerine below.
Whether the person you’re shopping for loves interior design or enjoys hosting dinner parties, this selection of gifts makes every meal feel like an occasion. Add a bit of panache to the everyday with artful touches such as a mother-of-pearl butter knife, sculptural glassware, a cookbook from an East London restaurant, lace napkins from Portugal, artisanal Mediterranean spices, handmade flatware, or blackcurrant liqueur from upstate New York to set the scene.
Leave it to Gohar World to turn a humble butter knife into an object of beauty. Every detail is made with intention, hand-carved from mother-of-pearl and packaged in a signature pouch.
Bomi is one of our go-to stores for finding design-forward gifts, and this striped stemmed glass is no exception. It’s an artful addition to any glassware collection.
A cookbook is always a thoughtful gift, and choosing one from a beloved restaurant, such as East London’s Café Cecilia, makes it even more meaningful. In his debut cookbook, chef Max Rocha shares 100 recipes—from soups, salads, breads, and cakes to kombuchas and a variety of fish, meat, and vegetable dishes.
These cotton-lace napkins are handmade in Portugal and sold as a set of two.
This collection includes Smoked Chili Flakes, Wild Thyme Flowers, Oregano Taygetus, and Bay Leaves—an upgrade to any spice rack.
It’s hard not to love Le Creuset, as it makes some of the most coveted cookware around. This mini version is perfect for single servings of anything from garlic confit to chocolate lava cake.
This all-natural, ruby-colored liqueur is made from New York blackcurrants, whole green cardamom, bay leaf, citrus rind, lemon verbena, wild honey, and clean distilled spirits. Like a red vermouth, it can be used in a range of drinks, such as a spritz or negroni. The brand also offers a nonalcoholic apéritif.
A set of five pieces of handmade cutlery with a spiral handle: one salad fork, one dinner fork, one dinner knife, one soup spoon, and one teaspoon.
This zebra-striped, handmade, dyed pasta is a fun twist on regular farfalle.
Cast aluminum oyster-shaped salt-and-pepper shakers for a functional yet charming decorative piece.
We all have that girl in our lives. You know the painfully cool one who’s always ahead of the curve and has us constantly updating our must-have lists after we end up coveting all their latest finds? They are notoriously hard to shop for during the holidays because they typically already have everything that they want and need, and are quickly on to the next once everyone else is just starting to catch on. We took a stab at what to get this elusive person to shop for on your holiday gift list with a range of picks spanning from a super-chic nail polish collection to a classic baseball cap, an of-the-moment fragrance, and more.
Classic baseball caps have had a major resurgence. They lend an effortless cool-girl vibe to even the most basic of outfits, and this one is no exception.
This lip pencil from New York–based makeup artist Fara Homidi is a favorite among the fashion set. It’s clean, long-lasting, and it comes in many covetable shades.
This French-made glossy black hair clip is a sleek go-to for perfecting a chic updo.
Lore is an intriguing and eye-catching new brand on our radar, and the aesthetic of the brand is unmatched. There are four inviting scents, but it is incredibly hard to pick just one.
Each of these fun, vibrant, handcrafted bags is made of recycled nylon. Standout sustainable fashion is something we can all get behind.
Of course, the iconic French brand would have the perfect compact mirror that makes a great addition to the usual essentials in every fashion person’s bag.
Celisse was founded by a former Who What Wear alum, so, naturally, it has our attention. The sheer polish is fast-drying, smoothing, and comes in three stunning colors.
This lovely book gives a visual behind-the-scenes look at Sofia Coppola's film The Virgin Suicides. The fashion inspiration is endless.
Socks have slowly become a major part of outfit building, especially in fall and winter. These are made in Italy with Egyptian cotton and come in a plethora of stellar hues.
Even the coolest of people need a moment to depuff and decompress. Rhode’s new eye patches promise to help with both.
As the name suggests, Room Service is all about hotel-like comforts and self-pampering essentials. Give the gift of relaxation with thoughtfully curated items across home, beauty, and wellness. These are perfect for a cozy night in or a slow, restorative morning routine.
Picture your giftee misting their bedding or couch with Osea’s soothing spray, washing their hands with an Italian bar soap, brushing their hair with a boar bristle brush, and sipping Greek tea from a sterling silver Lazie Jamie cup on a matching tray—all while lounging around in a robe.
This soothing Vagus Nerve Pillow Mist mist has essential oils of chamomile, juniper berry, lavender, lemon tea tree and Moroccan rosemary for relaxation.
Wooden Spoon Herbs started in Chattanooga, Tennessee after the founder studied herbalism. Mix this Magic Magnesium into water for a sense of calm before bed.
Perfumed with an orange blossom scent, inspired by the groves in Sicilia.
Conversation cards to spark intimate pillow talk.
We highly recommend anything from Lazy Jamie for gifting this season. This espresso cup set includes a cup, a saucer, and a spoon made of dishwasher-safe stainless steel.
One of the best gifts we've ever received is a robe. This one, for $35, is made from a soft cotton muslin.
This lemon verbena tea is sourced from a family of herb farmers in Crete from a small business called Daphnis and Chloe. The brand is based under the Acropolis Hill of Athens, making limited-batch, high-quality Mediterranean herbs and spices.
One of the best places to search for unique gifts online is Tangerine, such as this Tin Plate Incense Holder from Japanese Craft.
This brush, which is made with Kotibe wood and pure boar bristles, gives the gift of healthy, shiny hair.
Any wellness lover will appreciate this acupuncture pillow to help relieve tension, to use daily or as needed. Plus, it’s inspired by traditional Chinese medicine.
Custom gifts that feel truly made for them—each with its own distinctive detail. From signature stationery and engraved combs to pendant necklaces, monogrammed pillowcases, and bag charms, every piece carries a sense of individuality. Below, find horoscope-inspired incense, a 2026 Moleskine planner for their year ahead, and even a wine bottle adornment for that personal touch.
Signature stationary is always chic.
An engraved comb, personalized with its owner’s initials or name, from the cult-favorite Parisian shop Buly.
A heart pendant necklace engraved with the letter of your choice.
The enduring L.L. Bean Boat and Tote is as classic as it gets—and can be monogrammed with any words of your choice.
Gohar World offers a full personalization section, which includes this Bottle Apron, crafted from delicate Battenberg lace and hand-embroidered to order.
A customizable Zippo lighter, ideal for adding a personal touch to coffee table décor.
Maison Flâneur offers this incense tailored to all twelve zodiac signs—perfect for fans of astrology.
Abbode, a custom embroidery studio in NYC, offers this timeless pillowcase—one of their most popular designs—available in-store or online.
For those who love bag charms, Zara offers one that can be embossed with the first letter of the recipient’s name.
A 12-month Moleskine planner that can be inscribed however you like.
There’s nothing like finally getting together with your friends after trying to make plans for ages. Besides the lure of delectable snacks and drinks, a fun game or activity is a great way to entice more frequent IRL hangs. We rounded up an array of gift ideas in this regard that are sure to unleash your inner child and lead to unforgettable memories. Think whimsical puzzles, vintage classic games, thought-provoking conversation cards, and even a kit to explore the Japanese art form that celebrates the beauty of imperfections. Reach for a little something out of the ordinary that speaks to your beloved giftee in question.
We highly recommend getting lost on the Le Puzz and perusing all its quirky designs. They are definitely a conversation-starter.
This beautiful set doubles as décor. Mancala is perfect for more intimate gatherings as it’s typically a two-player game.
Set up a memorable still life and enjoy as everyone shares their takes at the end of the night.
Get to know your friends in a more meaningful way with the help of these cards. This deck has over 70 intentional questions that "focus on seven key realms of life to assist in tapping into new areas of reflection and growth."
Play is highly underrated for adults, and these game ideas help to break out of the status quo.
This game is a classic for a reason: it supposedly dates back almost 1500 years.
The cool graphic print of these tarot cards brings an artistic twist to explore the growing interest in the ancient practice.
This flower press gives the perfect excuse to go for a nice walk with friends and collect blooms and plants along the way.
Nostalgia seems to have a way of connecting people like no other. This old school game is a great way to relive the memories and create new ones with friends.
Kintsugi get-togethers are rising in popularity, and now you can do it at home. The meditative process is much welcomed, as is the final result that many love to put on display.
For many, it’s the children who keep the spirit of the holidays alive. These little beings are caught up in the magic of it all, and their excitement is palpable. That said, it’s a blessing to be able to contribute to that energy even if in the smallest of ways. This season, there is an abundance of special kids’ gifts to consider, including the cutest finger puppets, a designer book for the fashion-loving parents and their little ones, darling dress-up shoes, and even a faux roast chicken à la Julia Child (yes, you read that right).
Imagine their delight see how high or how far their saucer goes. Sometimes the simplest things can be the most fun.
This playsilk has endless possibilities for make-believe play. Not to mention, it’s super easy to travel with for on-the-go entertainment.
You had us at Hermès. Any excuse to blend both our fashion interests and a child’s interests in general.
A collection of these sweet finger puppets is guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of both adults and kids. Open-ended play is always great.
They will never forget who gifted them these fabulous dress-up shoes.
This unique tote holds three cute finger puppets, plus it’s eco-friendly and nontoxic.
These precious personalized puzzles have been handcrafted in the UK since 1979.
For the parent who keeps their eyes out for streamlined toys in a neutral color scheme.
We couldn’t resist including these adorable produce-shaped crayons. They come with a cute coloring book.
For the budding mini chef who wants to be involved with all kitchen activites.
