You won’t believe the amazing gifts you can get for under $50

May 18, 2024

Budget-friendly gifts for everyone that will surely wow.

Updated October 16, 2023

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The holidays are nearly here, and our experts at Reviewed are already in motion. We've spent weeks scouring the Internet for all of the year's best gifts, whether you're shopping for your mom, your sister or your gift exchange buddy. Even better? We aren't just about getting the best gifts—we're also about getting the best gifts at the best prices.

To help you save money ahead of the holidays, we've rounded up 50 of the top gifts you can get for less than $50. Some of our favorites include the wildly popular Revlon hair dryer, the beloved Yeti mug and a weighted blanket well within any budget.

A simple and intuitive portable streaming device that stands out thanks to it’s incredibly user-friendly interface and remote.

Give anyone who loves watching TV (a.k.a everyone) a streaming device to make their next Netflix binge that much better. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is one of the best streaming devices we've tried thanks to its easiest-to-use remote and high quality streaming experience. Plus, it offers all of the major streaming services and is compatible with basically every TV.

An all-in-one hair tool that dries, volumizes, and stylizes quickly and easily

Just five more minutes: Famous last words from the person who stays in the bathroom for hours drying, straightening, curling and spraying their hair to perfection. Help them achieve the silky blowout of their dreams at home with this cult-favorite hair dryer. We put it to the test and our taster says it straightened her curly hair in just 30 minutes.

A practically spill-proof mug made for keeping hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold all day long.

While Yeti makes our all-time favorite cooler, you might not want to shell out nearly $1,000 for a gift. Fortunately, you can get your giftee the Yeti they love at a more affordable price point with the popular Rambler mug. Made of double vacuum-insulated stainless steel, it keeps coffee steaming hot (or water ice cold) for hours.

The latest generation of the Alexa-powered streams music, answers queries, and even plays well with other smart home devices including TVs, lighting, and more.

At Reviewed, we love voice-controlled smart speakers like the Amazon Echo, but the diminutive (and affordable) Echo Dot is a perfect way to bring that functionality to other rooms in your giftee's house. It's one of our top picks for a beginner looking for an entry-level Echo.

An addictive board game for all ages that turns players into 19th century train barrons.

If you’re shopping for someone who loves board games, you can’t go wrong with Ticket to Ride, a beloved family game. The goal is to create train routes across a map of North America, blocking other players as you go—there are also other editions of the game that feature Europe or specific countries. You get points for completing long routes and fulfilling “Destination Cards,” and you can play with anywhere from two to five players ages 8 and up.

Three randomly picked eight-inch Squishmallows made of high-quality, ultra soft materials that make them perfect for cuddling.

Squishmallows, which are adorable round plush toys, are all the rage right now, and the Squishmallows Mystery Box will be a welcome gift for any child or tween in your life. The box contains three 8-inch Squishmallows that are chosen at random, so it will be a fun surprise to see what’s inside. It could be a cute cat, penguin or even something like a stack of pancakes, and kids will be super excited to have new Squishmallows to add to their collection.

By weighing sleepers down, this blanket may just unlock untold levels of restful sleep.

Some of the best weighted blankets can be quite expensive, but in our testing, we found that the Tranquility Weighted Blanket is a worthwhile option for anyone shopping on a budget. It’s the perfect size for a single person, and it has a plush, cozy surface that’s comfortable for curling up under. The gentle weight of the blanket makes you feel like you’re wrapped up in a hug, and it’s ideal for anyone who needs a way to relax after long, stressful days.

A handy Bluetooth tracker with a long battery life perfect for keeping keys, phones, wallets, and more safe and secure.

If their favorite phrase is "Has anyone seen my keys?!" they'll benefit from a Tile Mate. The number one item finder on Amazon, the Bluetooth tracker clips right onto their key ring and can locate things over 200 feet away. Users praise its long battery life and the loud volume of the ringer (no way those keys are going to get away from them next time!).

A handy Bluetooth tracker with a long battery life perfect for keeping keys, phones, wallets, and more safe and secure.

In the eyes of the brunch-goer on your list, waffles are great, but mini waffles are even better. They can whip up their own snack-size brunch treat with this tiny waffle maker. We've tested it ourselves and like that it doesn't take up much counter space, is easy to clean thanks to its nonstick surface, and produces evenly-cooked, perfectly browned waffles.

An easy to operate and clean device that’s perfect for anyone dipping their toes into self-care.

Nothing melts away the stress of the day like a good essential oil diffuser. The Asakuki Essential Oil Diffuser is one of our favorite oil diffusers because it operates quietly and simple that is well within any budget. Buy one for your giftee, and another for yourself!

The Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker with IPX5 Waterproof, Stereo Sound, 24H Playtime is a great gift for

If your special someone loves to bring the jams beach or poolside, then what they really need is a waterproof, high-quality Bluetooth speaker. When we tested the best affordable portable speakers for our roundups, we found the Anker Soundcore was offered great sound and playtime for a reasonable price.

A classic for a resason.

Crocs are having a trendy moment among everyone from teens to adults right now (no, seriously). The lightweight rubber clogs are all over Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, so chances are they're already on your giftee's wish list. There’s a vast color selection, which includes everything from standard black to colors like “Taffy Pink” and “Neon Watermelon.”

An old-fashioned (in a good way) pot that’s perfect for frying, braising, boiling, and even baking on the stove, in the oven, or even on a campfire.

This potentially life-changing Dutch oven works with all manner of cooktops indoors and out, from an induction stove to a roaring fire. Its heat retention capabilities and versatility are truly unmatched.

Smart displays don’t come smarter, with the capability to make video calls, view slide shows, monitor security cameras, and a wide range of smart devices.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone who has all sorts of smart home devices, an Echo Show 5 will serve as a control hub for their gadgets. This Alexa-enabled device has a 5.5-inch screen that allows you to make video calls, view photos and even monitor smart security cameras, and it also allows you to control a wide range of smart devices (including products from other brands) using convenient voice commands.

This cold brew coffee maker is easy to use, easy to clean, and makes delicious and refreshing brews.

We need more than just a cup of coffee to get by these days, and if your giftee is a cold brew coffee aficionado, they'll love this iced coffee maker from Takeya. We chose it as the best cold brew coffee maker of the year because it was not only the easiest to use, but it also made the best-tasting coffee. Who says iced coffee is just limited to summer anyway?

Twelve hand-crafted bath bombs that pack theraputic and relaxing scents for seriously rejuvinating bath times.

If your giftee is always complaining about how hectic their week has been, they'll love our favorite set of bath bombs to have a long soak with. The top-rated LifeAround2Angels set, which comes with 12 fizzy, colorful and moisturizing bombs that can go toe to toe with more expensive offerings. We even loved their pleasant scents and how they didn't stain our bathtubs as most other bath bombs do.

A colorful, eco-friendly reusable straw that comes with a hygienic carrying case, and even a cleaning tool to keep it pristine.

Are you looking to inspire friends and family to make smarter, greener choices? This perfectly portable reusable straw is not only a joy to use with its silicone mouthpiece, but it even comes with a tool to keep it clean, and a carrying case.

Perfect for any decoration.

Teenagers will have a blast decorating their bedrooms with the Govee Smart LED Strip Lights. These LEDs are one of the best smart light strips we’ve tested, as they’re thin, flexible and easy to install. We love that you can sync up the lights with audio, making them flash along to music or a video game, and the pack comes with a 16.4 ft roll, giving teens plenty of lights to cover their whole space.

Relaxed fit pajama pants with an almost unbelievable level of cozy, available in eight different patterns and colors.

Pajamas are a perfect gift, especially for lazy weekend mornings. These highly rated flannel pajama bottoms in several different plaid and gingham prints from Lands' End are great gifts to receive because they have a “how did I ever live without these?” quality to them.

Innovative coasters that not only keep drinks cold but actively chills them with their icy gel core.

If the person on your list this year loves to chill, both literally and figuratively, invest in this set of coasters for them. Each one of these coasters is designed to keep drinks cold via a gel core that freezes, and you can get them in gold or silver, perfect for someone looking to maintain a mid-century modern aesthetic at their coffee or dining table.

These coveted candles pack the iconic Anthropologie “volcano” scent, in an attractive glass shell.

One of the best candles on the market is the Capri Blue Candle from Anthropologie. It's just a fact. Iconic and intoxicating, the incredible Volcano scent will instantly make any room in your giftee’s home smell really good. Or, to get more specific, it’ll make it smell like the inside of an Anthropologie, which is never a bad thing.

Everything young, curious minds need to grow crystals including amethyst, flourite, and rose quartz.

Indulge any kid’s love of science with a cool kit they can use to grow eight different colored crystals. When the crystal-growing is complete, they can be arranged on a light-up display base that can double as a night light, as well as a way to exhibit their experiments.

Twenty-five cupcakes with delicious flavors including fudge brownie, peanut butter and jelly, and chocolate cookie cheesecake that are perfect for all celebrations.

Baked goods are a fantastic gift at literally any time of year. If someone on your list needs a cupcake (and let's be real, everyone does), these cupcakes from Baked by Melissa are here to help. Featuring flavors like cookie dough, triple chocolate fudge and more, this 25-pack of cupcakes is one of Baked by Melissa's best-sellers.

A thick, soft, lightweight, and incredibly cozy throw blanket available at an unbeatable price.

The Bedsure fleece blanket is one of the coziest out there, at one of the lowest prices. The blanket comes in a variety of sizes, from twin to king, all as well as a huge range of colors, from neutrals to bright shades of blue and orange. All sizes are under $50, so feel free to splurge on one for everyone you love.

A handy three-speed desk fan that plugs into any USB power source.

As the world heats up, having the option to cool down is essential, especially if your workstation at home or in the office generates a lot of heat. This convenient personal fan will move air through your space, and is powered via USB cable.

A contoured memory foam travel pillow that cradles the neck for restful sleep.

If your gift receiver travels by train, plane, or car to visit you or is obsessively talking about their latest trip, then they need a comfortable travel pillow for the journey there. That way they can actually get some rest. The Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow is the best travel pillow we've ever tested for its contoured memory foam design. It'll keep your loved one supported even if they're traveling to the other side of the world.

Two stages of filtration make this portable water bottle the best, and cleanest way to hydrate in the wild.

Whether your giftee is an athlete or just loves sweating it out at the gym, they should have one of the best water bottles to keep them hydrated. We found the CamelBak eddy+ water filter water bottle to be portable, versatile, durable, and well-designed. The straw is also fitted with a filter that reduces chlorine and will keep their water fresh for up to a year.

A sleep mask that’s easy on the eyes that adjusts easily and blocks out all light for seriously restful sleep.

If your giftee loves to catch some Zzzs, they could use a sleep mask to block out light. It’s like having blackout curtains for your eyes. It’s why we named it the best contoured sleep mask we've ever tested. Because it's contoured, absolutely no light will sneak in, meaning they'll have sweet dreams no matter the time of day.

Four deliciously spicy hot sauces with edge that pack unique and innovative flavor profiles.

If your recipient likes things spicy—like really spicy—this sampler pack of portable hot sauces will definitely bring the heat. It includes four different flavor profiles of hot sauce, suited to whichever cuisine you find yourself eating. Plus, these hot sauces don't just burn your mouth, they offer incredible flavor that will amp up any meal.

A versatile reading light with three color temperatures and color settings, complete with a handy clip.

Any bookworm who shares a bed or room with someone but needs to plow through a book as their companion sleeps will appreciate an old-school reading light. This one from Gritin is slim, reliable and rechargeable, and shines a small but intense beam on the page to ensure the reader sees the words but others close by aren’t disturbed by a glare.

Give nails that salon-level finish with this user-friendly nail lamp.

Is the one on your list obsessed with their monthly (or even weekly) manicures and pedicures? Get them this professional salon curing nail lamp We've discussed our love of SunUV's nail lamps before, and much like the version we tested, this gel polish curing light blew away its reviewers.

A giraffe toy made specifically for teething babies, that stimulates the senses while providing gum relief.

This giraffe toy is not just cute, it’s perfect for giving teething babies some relief. It’s durable and long-lasting, so it can help babies endure a difficult time. Its dark spots provide visual stimulation, and the smooth and bumpy parts on the giraffe provide gum relief.

Everything homebrewers need to make a batch of kombucha, with detailed, easy-to-follow instructions.

If you know someone who enjoys drinking Kombucha, then this homemade Kombucha starter kit will surely make a thoughtful gift. One of our editors tried and loved it, as it was easy to set up and the result was tasty. I bought my mother-in-law the same kit for her birthday. She’s been brewing her own Kombucha while experimenting with different flavor combinations, which are delicious.

A great all-round makeup mirror with a tri-fold design, with multiple magnification options, and adjustable light settings.

If you’re shopping for someone who's into makeup consider getting them an accessory that enhances the experience of putting makeup on: a lighted makeup mirror! The Deweisn Lighted Makeup Mirror is the best value makeup mirror we tested, as it provides perfect views and lighting for optimal makeup application. For under $50, you can help them look flawless every day with this unique gift idea.

A charming, eye-catching, and affordable brass necklace that bears a letter.

Trends come and go, but monograms are forever. That's why we love this simple block letter monogram necklace from Anthropologie, which allows the wearer to hang a letter—their first name, last name or that of someone they love—around their neck. The letters hang individually, which makes it great for layering with other pieces of jewelry or wearing on its own.

Incredibly thick, warm, and cozy knit socks available in six colors.

The Barefoot Dreams cardigan has a cult-following, so it's not surprising their cozy socks are one of the most highly-rated pairs at Nordstrom. These socks are made with Barefoot Dreams signature CozyChic material that is knit for warmth and softness. One reviewer says these are like wearing a blanket on your feet, making them a great gift for the person who has cold feet.

A portable pillow with the power to provide a Shiatsu massage on backs and necks that melts away tension.

Your giftee can work out all those aches and pains this winter with one of the highest rated pillow massagers on Amazon. Designed to target the back and neck, this pillow massager from Papillon delivers a deep-kneading Shiatsu massage that can help loosen tight, overused muscles and relieve discomfort.

An attractive apron that provides plenty of coverage for avid cooks and bakers, complete with a built-in measurment conversion chart.

If you have a giftee that spends a lot of time messing around with new recipes in the kitchen, the Five Two apron from Food52 will set them up for success (or at the very least make it look like they know what they're doing). This apron comes in five different gorgeous colors and was our value favorite in our roundup of the best aprons.

A handy light that clips to any phone or tablet, that provides a boost of light to give photos and videos a professional look.

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Having a ring light on the go is handier than you think. Beyond the obvious uses like setting up a quick filming station or selfie light, you can also do your makeup, light a room and more. If someone you know is constantly using their flashlight app to check out their makeup, consider giving them this small, portable ring light.

A hilarious crowd-pleasing card game that sets up in minutes.

If you haven't played Exploding Kittens before, gear up; you're in for an elbow-throwing, no-holds-barred game of sabotage, yelling, and, you guessed it, exploding kittens. Games make for a great gift during the holidays because they offer the opportunity for the entire family to get together and play.

Glass storage bowls with BPA free plastic lids that are perfect for meal prep, snack storage, or keeping leftovers fresh.

Maybe they're cooking for the whole family and need a place to store leftovers. Or maybe they like to prep healthy meals on Sunday for the week. Regardless, your gfitee will benefit from some pieces from the brand that makes the best storage containers we've used: the Pyrex glass set. They keep food fresh for longer and are ideal for easy reheating.

A unique house plant in a charming pot that adds a smack of life to any indoor space.

How cute is this Little Swiss Monstera Plant from Costa Farms? It’s a special type of monstera that has smaller leaves with a line of oval holes—or leaf fenestrations, if you’re fancy—up each side, and it comes in a six-inch decorative ceramic planter that’s perfect for gifting. The live plant is sure to be a hit with any houseplant lover, and it’s a great value for an uncommon type of plant.

A simple, but unique bookmark that any lover of the written word will adore.

There’s no better way to escape reality than by curling up with a good book, and your favorite bookworm will almost certainly get a kick out of the Keep Reality Away Magnetic Bookmark. This handy bookmark has a faux leather shell, and there are magnets inside that keep it clamped shut over the page. The design is embossed with the phrase “A book a day keeps reality away,” and it will get plenty of use in any bibliophile’s library.

An eye-shadow palette with 30 unique colors that will match every outfit and occasion.

If you’re shopping for a teenager who loves makeup, the Colourpop It’s A Mood Shadow Palette is sure to be a hit. This mega palette contains a whopping 30 shades, including matte, metallic and glitter eyeshadows in a wide range of colors. It’s filled with warm, rich tones that are perfect for fall, but the brand also has plenty of other palettes to choose from, depending on the personal style of the person you’re shopping for.

Everything boba fans need to make their favorite drink, including tea, tapioca pearls, and even two thick stainless steel straws.

Bubble tea, also called boba tea, is a trendy drink that contains tapioca pearls, and if you know someone who can’t get enough of the beverage, a Bubble Tea Kit is the perfect gift for them. The kit includes classic black and rooibos chai tea, tapioca pearls and two reusable stainless steel straws, providing everything they need to make hot or cold boba at home.

Every home improvement tool set should have this laser-powered laser level, with backlit bubble vials and a a light that’s easy to read across multiple surfaces.

Every handyperson needs a good level in their toolbox, and of the best laser levels we’ve tested is the SKIL Line Laser. This affordable tool has a simple yet reliable design, and its bubble vials are even backlit, making them easier to see. The level comes with adhesive putty that lets you stick it to the wall when hanging artwork, and it’s compact and lightweight enough to store anywhere until the next time you need it.

An alarm clock that stimulates a sunrise, for an easier, more gentle way to face the day.

The Jall Wake Up Light will be a game-changer for anyone who gets up before dawn. One of the best sunrise alarm clocks we’ve tested, this light stimulates sunrise over the course of 30 minutes, helping to wake the body up more gradually (and gently) than a traditional alarm. The light worked beautifully in our testing, and we liked that there are a range of intensity settings to adjust to your needs.

A microwave and dishwasher-safe mug with a cheeky label that shy friends and family will love.

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If you’re shopping for a friend who’s a self-proclaimed homebody, the It’s Too Peopley Mug is sure to be a hit. The cute mug holds up to 10 ounces, and it has a colorful graphic on both sides that reads, “It’s too peopley outside.” The mug is microwave- and dishwasher-safe and it’s sure to earn a smile from your introverted loved one.

Personalize this charming sweater with your color and dog breed of choice.

Any dog mom will love the Personalized Pet Crewneck, which comes in five different colors and features a cute embroidered dog decal. When you order the sweater, you’re able to personalize several aspects of the design, including the thread color, dog breed, main text and dog name, which is embroidered onto the sleeve cuff. The sweater is made from a cotton-polyester blend, and it’s sure to become your giftee’s new favorite top.

A 484-piece Lego set that comes with its own storage box, perfect for sparking kids’ creativity.

If you’re trying to buy a gift for a youngster that won’t rot their minds, you can do no better than this Lego set. It includes 484 pieces with varied shapes in 35 different colors that will let them build whatever their heart desires. It’s also great for older kids looking to tap into some childhood nostalgia.

A perfectly designed stainless steel shaker that’s a great addition to any minibar.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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