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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For those who love bag charms, Zara offers one that can be embossed with the first letter of the recipient’s name.
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.
This beautiful set doubles as décor. Mancala is perfect for more intimate gatherings as it’s typically a two-player game.
The cool graphic print of these tarot cards brings an artistic twist to explore the growing interest in the ancient practice.
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).

Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.