IDK about you, but holiday time for me means headaches and an unhappy wallet. Seeing as though a single tub of moisturizer or pair of boots can easily cost upwards of a hundred bucks, most of the items on pretty much anyone’s wishlist aren’t usually budget-friendly gifts under $30.
If you’re shopping for someone who loves nice things (because, like, who doesn’t?!), but you don’t have a ton of extra money to blow on presents (because, like, who does?!), we gotchu! It’s hard to shop for all the loved ones in your life when you’ve got a lot of them and not a lot of $$$, but it can absolutely be done, and these gift ideas are proof of that.
Your gifts can and will look expensive on the cheap. We have scoured the internet for the best gift ideas and only included the ones that cost a reasonable price but looked like they were worth way more than they are. Whether you’re searching for gifts for your mom, gifts for your sister, or gifts for your best friend, we’ve found the 51 best inexpensive gifts for 2021 that don’t feel at all dinky. Now scroll ahead and get to shopping already.
If unique home decor pieces have been taking over your IG feed this year, you know a lot of them simply ain’t cheap (!!). So, if you’re like me and still want the goods but can’t justify the price tags, you have to get a little creative. This Jonathan Adler mug looks way more ~luxe~ than its $24 price and gets the *aesthetic* just right. The recipient of this gift is def going to think you spent a whole lot more than you did.
Trust me when I say, you can never have too many gold hoops. Take it from someone who seems to have a million hoops, but never any that match. Gift this pair to your BFF or sis, they’ll thank you later.
Tiny shoulder bags have made a comeback, and I, for one, am here for it. This H&M bag is cozy, chic, and under $20. Plus, what’s more Christmas than something this warm and fuzzy?
One of the biggest discoveries of my adult life is how unnecessarily expensive mirrors are, but not this one. Not only does it have solid ratings on Amazon, but it’s also portable, can light up, and has a suction cup so you can move it around how you need it.
Why give them flowers when you could gift them the cutest little succulent? Each succulent is locally grown and hand planted in Los Angeles. The best part? These plants require minimal care, so they’re super hard to kill. (That includes even the most forgetful of people.)
Embrace winter neutrals with this pretty beige fedora hat. Typically, hats like this will cost ya a pretty penny, but for just under 30 bucks, you can gift your fashionista friend this one that looks like it’s worth a lot more.
If you know someone who loves their cheap boxed wine, get them this aerator to make it taste just like the expensive stuff.
If a fancy schmancy self-heating coffee mug isn’t in the budget, this mug heating pad is the next best thing.
If someone doesn’t gift you this ceramic catchall tray for the holidays, get it for yourself with your initial on it. At such a good price, you might as well treat yourself, too.
Does it get any softer than these plush socks? No, no it does not. And when it comes to inexpensive gifts, it doesn’t get any better than this, either.
You’ll ask yourself how you ever lived without a mini straightener once you have one. This one is the perfect size to slip right in your handbag, and with 100 percent ceramic plates, it doesn’t skimp on quality.
Whether they love to have snacks at the ready or need a cool place to store their beauty products, this mini fridge will definitely get use.
They’ll be so glad they have this cute and clever keychain when it comes time to press any button or open any door in public without actually touching anything.
OK, $78 is not friendly on the wallet, I’ll admit it. However, and I emphasize, however, this customizable blanket has ~quite~ a similar vibe as its more expensive cousin. *Cough cough Hermès, who?!*
If you know someone who just can’t kick their makeup wipe habit (as they should!!), replace their disposable pack with these reusable wipes that easily remove every trace of makeup.
Colorful coffee table books are trending, but they always seem to cost a fortune. Well, my friend, say hello to this equally colorful, equally fun option — oh, and did I forget to mention it’s almost half the price?
Take your pick between arcadia orange, grapefruit, or lemon flavored mimosa, then toss one of these sugar cubes in a glass for an instant cocktail. All that’s left to do is add the alcohol!
This shimmery body scrub will leave the prettiest glow behind, and the sugar, salt, and coffee grinds will remove anything that dulls their sparkle.
Pat McGrath makeup does not run cheap. But, you can join in on the fun at a more affordable price with this gold glitter gloss. Heck, even Emily Ratajkowski agrees, considering it’s one of her faves.
A 14k gold-fill ring for $15 sounds like a myth, but I’m here to tell you it’s true, and it’s right here. Get a couple of ’em if you like the stacked look, or keep it dainty and simple with just one.
Resin jewelry is a top trend at the moment. If your gift recipient likes a pop of color, consider these green cuties for just under 10 bucks.
If you inhabited the TikTok space last year, you likely know what a gua sha is. In case you missed out, a gua sha is a traditional technique used in Chinese medicine that involves rubbing the skin with a stone to improve circulation—giving a more defined and glowy look. AKA, the ultimate self-care gift.
Editor’s note: This waffle maker is my ultimate must-have. Chances are if we’ve met, I tried to convince you to buy one of your own. My mom gifted me this very waffle maker on Christmas of 2020, and I probably use it 5-7 days a week. So, obvs you need to give this to someone special in your life. Take it from me.
If you’re anything like me, you drop *everything*. And that, unfortunately, my friends, includes my laptop. If you have somebody on your list that’s just as clumsy, consider buying this cute baby blue retro flower laptop sleeve.
If you know someone with a serious sweet tooth but not the baking skills to back it up, get them this cookbook full of no-bake recipes—and throw in a cheap ice tray to go with it!
A hair comb this pretty is functional and makes for fancy decor when you display it. A two-for-one deal!
I think I did over a hundred puzzles in the past year and a half, so I’ve developed quite an affinity for them. If your gift recipient hasn’t got sick of ’em yet, this adorable champagne puzzle could be just the thing to snag for them.
I’ll be honest, I don’t know if I’ve ever used a flask before, but that’s probably because I’ve never owned one that was as cool as this insulated one with a tie-dye silicone cover.
You’ve heard it a million times: Drink! Your! Water! Hey, hydration ain’t no joke, and skincare company VERSED knows that’s the truth.
Give the gift of gold—eye masks, that is. These not only look cute, but they also work to hydrate and plump the under-eye area, and who wouldn’t want that?
If your loved one is a skincare aficionado and hasn’t yet been introduced to Golde, this papaya mask is the gift for them. Made from a whole bunch of superfoods, their skin will be left soft and bright after using this mask.
The artist behind this fun orange print creates a ton of really sleek and minimalistic pieces that are all available on her Etsy page, Love Mezay. Starting at only $10, you can download and print this image out. Present it with a cheap frame, like this one from Amazon, wrap it up real cute, and you’ve got yourself a pretty adorable gift on the low low. P.S. If you’re not up for framing it yourself, this print is also available as a poster for between $31-$57 or as a canvas for between $70-$150.
These are claw clips you’ll definitely want to wear out of the house, not just for when you’re lounging around.
For the ones obsessed with hydrating, refreshing face mist, this honeysuckle rose one will be right up their alley.
Imagine this: your glass of wine is always full. IDK about you, but that is certainly a dream of mine. Well, friends, with this handy device and tumbler, you’ll have bottomless wine whenever you want it. Nope, I’m not kidding.
There’s no denying the greatness of silk pillowcases for your skin and hair, but they’re not so great on your wallet. However, Target comes in clutch, offering this 100% mulberry silk pillowcase at a fraction of the cost of others.
You’ve got your loved one a purple silk pillowcase, they’re def going to need a purple silk sleep mask to match.
Is your workout buddy on your gift list? These one-pound bangles allow for a full range of motion while exercising. This is a present that you want but probably would never buy for yourself. But aren’t those the best kind?
You can’t go wrong with a journal. This one is extra special with customizable initials—making the gift totally personal.
This cult-favorite lip mask leaves lips feeling moisturized and soft. Take it from someone who suffers from constantly chapped lips — this mask is my savior.
If you haven’t tried the Fenty beauty gloss bomb, WYD with your life?! This is my all-time favorite gloss, and for only $19, you can’t go wrong with gifting this to your BFF. It truly is universal and looks good on every skin tone and complexion.
Capri Blue is known for its delicious scents and beautiful packaging. For $32, give your loved one this 19-ounce candle filled with yummy aromas of vanilla, white tea, and ginger. Plus, it doubles as decor due to the watercolor exterior that would look fab on any counter or shelf.
You mask your face, your hair, and your eyes, but tell me, have you ever masked your hands?! Anyone could use this gift in the wintertime, and why not grab one for yourself while you’re at it?
Sure, you can drink your alcohol, but did you know you can snack on it too?! A few genius people came up with this glorious idea, and I, for one, am a big fan of the outcome.
Does the person you’re shopping for love to travel? Then they need this toiletry bag that converts into convenient hanging storage. You’ll love it because it’s an inexpensive gift, and they’ll love it because they won’t have to unpack all their products to be able to see everything.
The person who has more throw pillows than you have friends (sad but true) could always use another decorative pillow in a fun print like this.
De-puff and soothe your skin with a cooling face roller that’s so easy to incorporate into any beauty routine. Just a couple minutes of rolling the stone over your face will make you feel so calm.
Transform your bathroom into the most luxurious spa with a heavenly bath soak that not only smells amazing but also makes your skin so dang soft.
No matter who you give these fuzzy house shoes to, it’ll be hard to convince them that they shouldn’t wear them outside as actual booties. They’re not gonna want to take them off, trust.
Anyone who can’t part with their favorite pants, sweaters, and coats—no matter how pilled they are—will greatly appreciate this portable fabric shaver.