The Best Presents of 2025

23 Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than $50

collage of lipstick and dog ornament

Mel Haasch

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If your wallet feels lighter than usual, you’re not alone. Luckily, while the holiday season usually encourages us to splurge, finding the perfect gift doesn’t have to mean blowing your budget. Whether you’re shopping for a Secret Santa exchange, a last-minute stocking stuffer, or just something small that makes a big impression, we’ve rounded up the best gifts under $50 that feel way more expensive than they are.

Think chic home upgrades, clever gadgets, and travel essentials that’ll have your recipient wondering how you knew exactly what they needed. These thoughtful finds prove that great gifting is all about taste, not the price tag. Go ahead and fill your cart without guilt: These gems start at just $9.

For more gift ideas, visit our complete 2025 Holiday Gift Guide.

The Best Gifts Under $50

Aerotrunk Ultralight Compression Cubes

Amazon

Packing a suitcase doesn’t have to feel like a mental and physical battle. These packing cubes are lifesavers, keeping shirts, pants, and socks neatly compressed so your giftee will know where everything is without having to turn their suitcase upside down to find it. Made from durable nylon designed to not rip, these cubes make overpacking almost impossible. The most convincing detail? Katie uses these exact ones to make the most of every inch of space in her luggage.

$40 at Amazon

Travel Jewelry Case

Amazon

You can’t beat the price on these under-$10 jewelry cases, so we suggest buying a few extras and doling them out to everyone (or keeping some stashed away, in case you forget someone on your list). The interior velvet feels luxe without being over the top, and the zipper glides smoothly without catching. It’s compact enough to slip into a weekender bag, but pretty enough to leave on a vanity at home, too.

$7 at Amazon

OLEHENRIKSEN Pout Preserve Petites Mini Lip Trio

Sephora

Treat lips to a winter upgrade. This limited-edition mini trio includes three shades of peptide-powered treatments that smooth, plump, and hydrate for softer, fuller lips in just a week. Bonus points: they’re vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free — beauty that’s as kind as it is effective.*

$29 at Sephora

Quince Cashmere-Lined Gloves

Quince

Quality gloves like these will make your giftee think you robbed a bank to pay for them and left them with the evidence. The exterior is sleek and tailored, while the 100-percent Mongolian cashmere lining is buttery soft against their skin. They’ll actually look forward to stepping outside in the cold because their hands will stay warm without the bulk, and they’ll be able to use their phones without de-gloving.

$48 at Quince

Coach Luggage Tag

Coach Outlet

This bag tag will stand out for its durability and style. Not only is it chic and unmistakably Coach, it’s a lifesaver now that everyone seems to have the same hardside luggage. It’ll provide a small dose of luxury, at a shockingly low price.

$19 at Coach Outlet

Aesop Hand Soap

Aesop

Handwashing goes from an annoyance to an elegant ritual with this aromatic soap. The scent is subtle but elevated, the lather rich, and the bottle design sophisticated enough to elevate any sink or vanity. It’s also a cult favorite, known to appear in some of the fanciest restaurant bathrooms in New York City.

$46 at Aesop

Kate Spade New York Lucy Wristlet

Kate Spade New York

This simple card case will thrill any minimalist — and might even encourage your relative who hoards receipts to size down. It comes in a million fun colors, but classic black leather will suit almost anyone on your list. 

$35 at kate spade

Anthropologie Beaded Dog Ornament

Anthropologie

This tiny ornament has a big personality. Every detail, from the beaded black nose to the fringed fur, makes this adorable beaded Maltese pup feel special. A whimsical piece like this will become a cherished holiday decoration that feels thoughtful instead of generic, and it’s available in other dog breeds, too. Perfect for pet parents who already have everything.

$24 at Anthropologie

Rechargeable Hand Warmers

Amazon

When you can’t hold their hand, they’ll appreciate having this gadget to reach for. A few seconds clutching this rechargeable hand warmer will transform frozen fingers, making it a must-have for chilly commutes, winter hikes, or long football games. The sleek design makes it easy to slip into a coat pocket or handbag, and it charges quickly so it’s always be ready when needed most.

$28 at Amazon

Halo Power Bank

QVC

This charger was so captivating, our commerce editor Katie Pittman stopped someone at the airport to ask where they got it. The answer? QVC. It offers a shockingly fast battery boost, and it’s a gift that you can give out to family or friends who typically travel light or forget chargers — plus, it won’t take up precious space in their luggage.

$36 at QVC

Pat McGrath SatinAllure Lipstick

Pat McGrath

Since it comes complete with its own bow, you might not even have to wrap this lipstick. Created by Pat McGrath — a makeup artist who’ll go down in history as one of the best — this gem from her eponymous makeup line lives up to her lofty reputation. The creamy lipstick is perfect for mature lips, as it won’t dry out skin, leaving the wearer with a perfect pout.

$30 at Pat McGrath

LEGO Botanicals Happy Plants

Walmart

These plants don’t require a green thumb, so give this kit to your friend who can’t even keep a snake plant alive (no matter how hard they try). It’ll add a playful pop of color and personality to a desk, shelf, or windowsill. Building LEGOs is also strangely meditative, delivering serotonin disguised as décor.

$20 at Walmart

lululemon Water Bottle Crossbody

lululemon

Chances are they already own a fancy water bottle (or two), but do they own a crossbody specifically designed to carry that precious accessory? This stylish lululemon bag will become their new best buddy on dog walks, post-office runs, and more. Plus, you’re gifting a reminder to stay hydrated — always an important message.

$48 at lululemon

JBL Clip Speaker

JBL

Clip this onto a backpack, belt, or bike, and any space becomes a personal dance floor. With crisp sound, a lasting battery, and the shockingly portable size, it’s an ideal stocking stuffer for music lovers (or anyone who lives life according to their own soundtrack).

$50 at JBL

Cozy Earth Plush Lounge Sock 3-Pack

Cozy Earth

These super-soft socks feel — spiritually — like a cozy morning with a cup of hot cocoa in a rustic, high-end cabin. But they’ll make for perfect gift even for city slickers. And they’re from our favorite bed-linen brand, so you can rest assured they pack plenty of comfort. 

$48 at Cozy Earth

Bread Beauty Supply Hair Oil

Sephora

Dry tresses have met their match, and it just so happens to smell divine. The oil is multi-use, making it a real bang-for-your-buck buy. It can smooth flyaways, add a sheen to dull hair, act as a hydrating scalp treatment before washing, or serve as a post-wash leave-in. No matter how they use it, their hair will thank them.

$24 at Ulta

Makeup Eraser

Amazon

These handy towels will remove a full day’s worth of makeup and grime, leaving skin feeling clean and soft. Not only are they eco-friendly (no disposable wipes here), but they work magic with water alone — and without any chemical removers — whisking away every speck of mascara and foundation like a charm.

$15 at amazon

Skechers Slip-In Shoes

QVC

Comfort gets a sparkly refresh with these slip-on sneakers. They’re cushy, supportive, and light, and the rhinestones give them an extra punch of personality. Amazing for errands, walks, or casual nights out, they’re the rare shoes that can make someone feel dressed up, supported, and ready for anything. 

$50 at QVC

lemlem Lishan Scrunchie

lemlem

Chances are, your recipient owns a million black elastic hair ties, and they’ve probably lost many strands (and hours) removing and untangling those tiny beasts. Upgrade their hair-wear with a punchy scrunchie: This one, made from upcycled materials, will hold their tresses back without doing any damage. Plus, it’s cute as hell.

$20 at lemlem

L.L. Bean Boat Tote

L.L. Bean

Gift this tote and let it do the heavy lifting — literally. This beloved L.L.Bean classic is a no-nonsense upgrade for the person who “just uses whatever bag” but deserves way better. Rugged canvas, clean lines, zero frills — and yes, it’ll still look perfectly preppy after it’s been dragged through airports and grocery checkouts.

$40+ at L.L. Bean

6-Set Medium Hair Claw Clips

Amazon

If there’s one accessory we tend to lose, or at least misplace, it’s claw clips. But they are essential for quick half-up hairstyles, French twists, or keeping curtain bangs out of your eyes — so do yourself or your giftee a favor and replenish their dwindling supply with this set of neutral and bright-colored styles. They’ll have one to wear for every mood; plus, according to reviews, they’re extremely durable and keep a nice grip even on thin hair.

$17 at Amazon

Mark and Graham Leather Charger Roll-Up

Mark and Graham

The person who carries their chargers in a plastic baggie will be blown away by this small-but-mighty pouch. This leather roll won’t only prevent tangles and knots, but it’ll ensure that all the appropriate tech accessories stay where they need to be — and don’t float into some dark crevice of a backpack, never to be seen again.

$49 at Mark and Graham

Satin Lined Wooly Winter Hat

Etsy

A beanie is winter must-have, but with it comes the unfortunate addition of static and frizz — unless it’s lined with hair-loving satin. This thoughtful base layer also eliminates hat-hair or creasing, while the knit outer shell protects heads from cold.

$26 at Etsy

For more gift ideas, visit our complete 2025 Holiday Gift Guide.


*Denotes Paid Placement