The 50 Best Gifts Under $50 of 2023

We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it time and time again: There’s absolutely no need to shell out the big bucks when it comes to gift giving. Sure, there may be times and situations when you want to really go all out, but if you’re looking to keep your shopping in check and not max out your credit card, you’re in luck. One tip to consider: Think about pairing something with a smaller gift to make it feel more substantial. For example, add a plant to a flower pot, or a mini compact mirror to a lipstick. It’s an easy way to make the gift all the more special while still staying within budget. Another handy tip is to purchase sets. Sets that contain multiple items can be great one-off gifts but can also be split up and repurposed as individual (cost-effective) gifts for more than one person.

No matter whom you’re buying for, there’s no shortage of amazing and affordable gifts to be found. To further prove our point, we rounded up 50 of the best gifts out there—all of which cost $50 or less—with choices for the homebody, the foodie, the tech junkie, the skincare aficionado, and so much more.

The Byrdie team has been hard at work finding the best Christmas gifts for everyone on your list, so find the best gifts under $50 ahead.

4.9

Uoma

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Uoma by Sharon C’s Lip and Cheek Stain Is Only $7—And It’s Really Good

Forget less than $50—this rings in at less than $10, not to mention it's a major multitasker, giving you even more bang for your buck. The oil-in-water formula imparts a gorgeous wash of sheer, hydrating color, whether you use it on your lids, lips, or cheeks (or all three).

Price at time of publish: $7

What Our Testers Say

“I used my finger to blend, and it was impressively easy to achieve an even wash of color. Since this is an oil-gloss stain, you might expect the formula to be sticky. However, that's not the case. My lips felt soft and nourished, and I didn't experience discomfort or irritation around my eyes and cheeks.”—Olivia Hancock, Byrdie Editor

ouais-hand-crme-is-a-nourishing-and-elegant-dry-skin-fix

Sephora

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A hand cream is one of those things that pretty much everyone uses and could benefit from, which is why gifting a nicer, more special version is always a good call. This one fits the bill, packed with shea butter and coconut oil to combat even the driest of skin, in a sophisticated bottle and with a luxe scent.

Price at time of publish: $24

What Our Testers Say

“After using Ouai's Hand Crème, I found my hands incredibly soft, smooth, and fragrant. Unlike many other lotions and creams, this one doesn’t require constant reapplication. In fact, a dime-sized amount of product was all I needed to transform the state of my hands.”—Nicole Pulaydo, Product Tester

4.9

Haus Labs

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I Tried the Super Glossy Lipstick Lady Gaga Wore on Tour—And I'm Obsessed

As a general rule of thumb, long-lasting lipsticks tend to have a matte finish, making this all the more unique. It not only touts impressive staying power but also has a high-shine, Latex-like texture and feels weightless and super comfortable to boot.

Price at time of publish: $26

What Our Testers Say

“I've been wearing this lipstick a ton over the last two months, and it never fails to elicit questions and compliments. In my opinion, that's a testament to how great it is. I was impressed with the feel, finish, and pigment the first time I applied it.”—Olivia Hancock, Byrdie Editor

Ulta

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We Tried Tula's Radiant Skin Serum Skin Tint—And We're Obsessed

Packed with brightening ingredients (and your daily dose of SPF), this tinted serum is a one-stop shop for all your AM skincare needs. Per the tinted part, it comes in an impressive array of 30 shades, all of which deliver a dewy, glowy finish.

Price at time of publish: $40

What Our Testers Say

“One layer of the product effortlessly evened my complexion but still allowed my skin to shine through. While the tint delivers lighter coverage, it is buildable. I was able to layer product onto areas that needed more coverage (like my under-eye and mouth) without it looking cakey. Overall, I'm obsessed with the radiant, dewy glow this product gives my skin. I can see this becoming one of my everyday makeup staples.”—Olivia Hancock, Byrdie Editor

4.9

Target

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How cute would this hair accessory be as a stocking stuffer? The gold and crystal-encrusted clip with an evil eye design make it the perfect option for anyone who wants to add a little sparkle to their usual style.

Price at time of publish: $8

Owen's

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Espresso martinis are delicious yet time-consuming to make. A much easier alternative? Pop open one of these cans of mix (made with real coffee and dairy-free ingredients), mix with vodka or tequila, and you’re good to go.

Price at time of publish: $14

Bombchel

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With an extra-large, 3.5-inch size and unique cloth covering, these are anything but your basic hoop earrings. Available in blue, brown, red, and pink colors, there’s an option to fit everyone’s style preferences.

Price at time of publish: $28

Amazon

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Part nightlight, part wireless speaker, part phone charger, this is a must for any bedside table. It doesn’t hurt that it looks super stylish, too.

Price at time of publish: $50

A24films

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Perfect for any movie buff and/or crossword lover, this book was edited by a crossword puzzle constructor and film editor. Inside, you’ll find puzzles based on all kinds of different movie genres at a variety of difficulty levels.

Price at time of publish: $34

Amazon

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There are plenty of (much) more expensive hot air brushes to be found, but this super affordable version constantly and consistently pulls in rave reviews. A great choice for any blowout queen, it imparts tons of volume, bounce, and smoothness.

Price at time of publish: $32

Ulta

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Sunscreen certainly falls under the "practical gifts" category, and this is an awesome pick for anyone with melanated skin. It delivers that oh-so-important protection against UVA and UVB rays but won’t leave any unwanted residue or a white cast.

Price at time of publish: $16

Amazon

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Cleaning your rings has never been easier. Just leave them on and then wash your hands; this dual-purpose formula will both cleanse your skin and leave your jewelry looking supremely sparkly.

Price at time of publish: $22

Amazon

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These pH-balanced cleansing wipes are effective yet super gentle. So much so that they can be used on the face, body, or even more intimate areas.

Price at time of publish: $20

Burga

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Taylor Swift was recently seen with this phone case, which is just as fashionable as it is functional. The surface is scratch-resistant, and it has beveled edges and a silicone interior for shock absorption; the marbled design is gorgeous and totally unique.

Price at time of publish: $45

4.7

Bombas

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These feel just as comfy as your favorite pair of fluffy socks, but have the added benefit of grips on the outside so that you never have to stress about slipping. They come in seven fun colors and four different sizes.

Price at time of publish: $45

Jinsoon

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Another choice stocking stuffer, this mani must-have has two different sides. Use the buffing one to shape uneven tips and the shiny side to buff nails to a high-shine, topcoat-esque finish.

Price at time of publish: $8

Amazon

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Gloves are always a practical gift, especially when it’s these. The knit design is warm and comfy, and they’re made with a microfiber copper yarn that lets you text and use your phone just as efficiently as you would with your bare hands.

Price at time of publish: $14

The Hair Edit

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Here’s a great dupe for a designer version of this chignon pin (that costs nearly eight times as much). A modern style and gold hue make it perfect for pulling hair into a sophisticated bun or half-up style.

Price at time of publish: $10

Kokada

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You’ll never believe that these delicious spreads are totally free of refined sugar. Instead, they’re all coconut-based, relying on organic and natural ingredients only. This comes in all three flavors: original, brownie, and cinnamon toast. Dip or drizzle on fruit, toast, ice cream…the options are endless.

Price at time of publish: $45

Raas

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We can’t get over how expensive this clutch looks. With a black exterior, gold tassel, and optional gold chain strap, it’s sure to fool even the most devoted designer handbag lover.

Price at time of publish: $45

Chilewich

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An adorable hostess gift, these are made with multi-colored yarn and boast a fun, geometric design. They can also be used indoors or outdoors.

Price at time of publish: $25 for 4

Courtesy of Amazon

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Let’s face it, few people are likely to spend $40 on a hand soap for themselves, which is part of what makes this such a great gift. The formula is effective but gentle, the scent luxurious and high-end, and the bottle super sophisticated.

Price at time of publish: $40

What Our Testers Say

“I love giving (and getting) nice hand soaps as gifts, and this is one of my all-time favorites. I keep the bottle even once the soap is gone, and refill it with the cheap stuff, simply because it looks so nice displayed in my powder room.”—Melanie Rud, Byrdie Contributing Writer

Shoutable

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Looking for a totally unique gift unlike they’ve ever seen before? This brand lets you create a custom message for anyone on your gifting list. It's then displayed on one of over 1600 digital billboards across 42 U.S. cities.

Price at time of publish: $45

Jennifer Fisher

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Jewelry designer and foodie Jennifer Fisher created this universal seasoning. A mix of salt, pepper, dill weed, dried cilantro, red chili pepper flakes, and lemon zest, it’s delicious sprinkled on eggs, meat, veggies, and more.

Price at time of publish: $12

4.9

Courtesy of L.L. Bean

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Super sturdy, super roomy, and super practical, this classic tote bag is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Even more so, since you can personalize it with a monogram; we suggest thinking beyond just initials and using your recipient’s favorite nickname or a cute saying.

Price at time of publish: $40 (+$8 for monogramming)

What Our Testers Say

“I was given this as a gift recently, and I haven’t stopped using it. It holds a surprising amount of stuff and feels nice and sturdy, though not too stiff. For groceries, as an overnight bag, to haul around random nonsense—it’s quickly become my go-to tote.”—Melanie Rud, Byrdie Contributing Writer

Emilie Heathe

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Hailey Bieber is a fan of this aptly-named lippie, which is in fact dark and vampy. Still, the plum hue is nice and buildable, so you can easily amp up or tone down the level of drama.

Price at time of publish: $42

LBE Designs

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Anyone with a green thumb will appreciate this stoneware planter. The design is minimalistic and streamlined, it comes with a built-in saucer, and there are nine neutral colors to choose from. And at this price, you can easily afford to pop a plant into it, too.

Price at time of publish: $37

4.9

Cuisinart Vacuum Sealer Cordless Wine Opener

Courtesy of Amazon

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No more struggling to open wine bottles. This electric, rechargeable corkscrew quickly and efficiently pops open any bottle, and can open up to 80 corks on one charge.

Price at time of publish: $30

first-aid-beauty-fab-pharma-arnica-relief-rescue-mask

Sephora

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Lizzo told her TikTok followers that she relies on this skin-saving mask to soothe itch and irritation (and hey, if it’s good enough for Lizzo, it’s good enough for us). Credit a mix of calming ingredients such as calendula and arnica flower that make this leave-on so delightful.

Price at time of publish: $32

Kusshi

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For lipsticks, chargers, keys, or credit cards, these pouches are the perfect catch-all. The set comes with two, in two different sizes, both made of a machine-washable neoprene.

Price at time of publish: $39 for 2

Modern Gents

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A cool twist on a classic gold huggie, these have a geometric shape and shimmering, diamond-like stones. Not to mention that the price can’t be beat.

Price at time of publish: $50

Humanrace

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Founder Pharrell created this line to make products universally accessible to those with visual impairments; all of the packaging has braille labels, and each product has a unique shape. All of the skincare and body care options are outstanding, but we’re partial to this exfoliant. It combines chemical exfoliators (glycolic acid and other AHAs) along with rice particles for physical buffing to leave skin super smooth and glowing.

Price at time of publish: $42

Amazon

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There’s good reason why you’ve seen pretty much every influencer touting these all over social media. They really are a foolproof present, holding a ton of water (or your fave bev) and keeping it hot or cold for hours on end.

Price at time of publish: $45

What Our Testers Say

“I was hesitant that this would live up to the Instagram hype, but this water bottle is legit. The straw makes it super easy to drink out of, and I love that even though it’s so huge, it still fits in my car’s cup holders, a must for me.”—Melanie Rud, Byrdie Contributing Writer

Crate and Barrel

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Anything monogrammed is always a nice gift. A serving board is a great gift. Combine the two and you’ve got a real winner. This is made of a unique pairing of mango wood and marble, with a monogrammed initial in a brass inlay that adds a beautiful and special touch.

Price at time of publish: $50

Chamberlain Coffee

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This vegan blend is made with oat milk, vanilla, and warming spices, making for a delicious chai that you can whip up in seconds. Also nice: It can be had either hot or iced.

Price at time of publish: $14

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Sephora

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A winner of our 2022 Byrdie Eco Beauty Awards, this acts as makeup (per the highlighter part) but is also infused with tons of good-for-your-skin ingredients that help give your complexion that coveted lit-from-within glow. It’s cruelty-free, too, and comes in sustainable packaging.

Price at time of publish: $19

Blossom and Stone

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A perfect gift for any astrology and/or crystal lover on your list, there are a dozen crystals housed inside each of these hand-poured soy wax candles. They’re specially chosen to fit the needs of each astrological sign: think aquamarine for healing and strength for Pieces or moonstone for reflection and growth for Cancer.

Price at time of publish: $36

RVL Wellness

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This Black- and female-owned brand creates puzzles as a way to help promote self-care and mindfulness. Their gorgeous, handmade puzzles come in a variety of sizes and feature the work of Black female artists.

Price at time of publish: $15-$35

Bath and Body

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This line recently launched under the Bath & Body Works umbrella and is full of skincare and haircare staples, all at super affordable prices. This gel cleanser is a must-try, fragrance-free and dermatologist-tested, with pineapple extracts for a touch of exfoliation.

Price at time of publish: $11

Goodee

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Anyone who takes their lunch on the go will appreciate this updated take on an adult lunch box. There’s a removable divider, the top doubles as a tray, and it’s made from natural and recycled materials.

Price at time of publish: $28

V Smiley

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Whether spread on toast or added to a cheese board, this trio of jams makes for a great gift for any foodie. It comes in three unique flavors—raspberry redcurrant geranium, cherry rosehip hibiscus, and lavender blackberry rhubarb—and is available in two different sizes.

Price at time of publish: $22-$44

4.6

Sephora

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This body serum is unlike any lotion you’ve ever used. To be fair, that’s probably because it’s a gel serum, one that absorbs lightning-fast while still delivering tons of non-sticky hydration. It feels light yet luxurious at the same time and is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, a boon for those with sensitive skin.

Price at time of publish: $45

What Our Testers Say

“I use this almost every single day. Even though it’s lighter than a lotion, I still find that it delivers enough moisture to combat my dry skin. Plus, it absorbs so fast that I can use it immediately before getting dressed, even if I’m wearing leggings or tight jeans. And I love that it’s fragrance-free since I hate when scented body lotions clash with the perfume I might be wearing.”—Melanie Rud, Byrdie Contributing Writer

sprinkledwithpink-travel-monogram-jewelry-case

Etsy

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This travel jewelry case is perfect for packing earrings, rings, and necklaces. It can also be personalized with any set of initials, in a wide array of different colors.

Price at time of publish: $20

Amazon

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These heavy-duty packing cubes make a perfect gift for any frequent traveler. Available in three sizes, they’re great for organizing anything and everything and have an expansion zipper that over-packers will appreciate.

Price at time of publish: $25-$35

Uncommon James

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Simple yet stylish, this bracelet with beaded detailing is perfect for everyday wear. It comes in a gold or silver finish, and the dainty chain looks beautiful on its own or stacked and layered with other bracelets.

Price at time of publish: $48

Wolf and Badger

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Not only is this yoga mat foldable and great for travel, but it also has special technology that gives it an excellent grip. The top has a microfiber surface that wicks away moisture (great for hot yoga fans), and the base is made from 100 percent biodegradable rubber.

Price at time of publish: $38

bole road textiles

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Hand-woven in Ethiopia from 100 percent cotton, these are great for storing anything. Plus, the vibrant colors and prints make them easy to spot inside a crowded purse or drawer.

Price at time of publish: $48

Amazon

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Food blogger Alex Snodgrass’s second book is filled with delicious, easy recipes that any foodie or wannabe chef will appreciate. Her food is approachable, inviting, and fun.

Price at time of publish: $20

What Our Testers Say

“My husband and I have been cooking our way through this cookbook for the past year and have yet to try a recipe that isn’t a 10 out of 10. I’ve recommended it to at least 10 people, all of whom love it just as much as I do.”—Melanie Rud, Byrdie Contributing Writer

Anthropologie

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We (obviously) love giving candles as gifts, but for the candle lover who has them all, this chic set of matches in a glass cloche is a fun twist. Available in two colors, as well as a clear version, this is pretty enough to be displayed, yet still totally practical.

Price at time of publish: $34

Leatherman

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A smart smaller gift or stocking stuffer, this is a junk drawer must-have. With 14 tools inside, there’s an option for any and every situation where something needs to be loosened, tightened, or snipped.

Price at time of publish: $40

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has nearly 15 years of journalism experience covering the beauty and lifestyle space for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She’s written countless gift guides across a wide array of topics and categories and is Byrdie’s top gift guide writer. (She also prides herself on being an excellent gift-giver.)

Updated by Jill DiDonato