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50 of the very best gifts under $50 to give anyone

Updated
50 of the very best gifts under $50 to give anyone

There's no reason you have to spend more than you can afford to give someone a thoughtful, useful gift. After all, a good gift doesn't have to be expensive — especially in this day and age. I've been testing and writing about products on the internet for about a decade — reviewing everything from the best affordable espresso machine to researching the optimal skin care routine for your 50s. During my tenure, I've learned a thing or two about the types of gifts that people like to give, how much they like to spend, and, more importantly, what their giftees like to receive as a gift.

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I've learned that the sweet spot in terms of price range for most people is usually around $50, which is enough to buy a gift that's well made, thoughtful and slightly splurgier than your recipient might spend on themselves, but it's not so expensive as to feel overwhelmingly extravagant on your part. In fact, for under $50 you could gift your mother-in-law Ina Garten's favorite cast iron skillet, a Bindi Irwin-voiced toy microscope for your curious four-year-old niece or a set of night lights that double as flash lights for your parents who live in a heavy storm-prone area.

No matter whether you're in need of an anniversary gift idea, a gift for someone who's moving, or just want some ideas in your pocket before the holidays, it's always good to have a few go-to gifts in your back pocket for all types of occasions.

From a body wash that's like "shower perfume" and a vanilla bean paste that's better than extract, to an under-eye brightening balm that both of our editors swear by, you'll find no shortage of gift under $50 below that you could give to pretty much anyone.

If you're not yet privvy to the hype around SALT & STONE's "dreamy" body washes, we're thrilled to be the ones to make the intro. 

I've been a long-time fan of the brand's Santal & Vetiver Body Wash and its deliciously gender neutral fragrance. Though it's formulated good-for-skin ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and antioxidants, I like to use it as the last step in my showering routine for an extra burst of scent, sort of like my shower perfume. 

As TikToker @meghancurrrie put it: "I never thought that a soap could replace perfume, but I'm obsessed with this."

$36 at Nordstrom
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$36 at Amazon$36 at Verishop

Upgrade his shower experience with new luxury soap. These ones from centuries-old American brand Caswell-Massey have a richly warm scent of sandalwood, cedarwood and clove for "a deeply spicy sensory experience." They're also designed with a woodgrain look. 

$36 at Amazon
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$36 at Macy's

In a year where more than 40 million flights are expected to depart carrying more than three billion passengers and their luggage, an Apple AirTag could be a smart investment for your peace of mind and to keep tabs on your checked bags.

Never loses your phone, keys, luggage or wallet again with an Apple AirTag. Use them to keep tabs on all of your most prized possessions and make it easy to find them when they're misplaced.

If you aren't familiar with AirTags, they work by using the same technology as the "Find My" features on all Apple devices. Basically, they work by sending a Bluetooth signal to nearby Apple devices that then send the AirTag's location to Apple's servers. There's also separate technology within AirTags that lets you more closely locate items within a closer range like in a room or house.

$25 at Walmart
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$30 at Verizon$30 at Target

When Ina Garten speaks, we listen. She is the Contessa of making life in the kitchen easy, breezy and joyful as she decodes French cooking for a new generation. So when she recommends a piece of kitchen kit, we're all ears.

This skillet can be used anywhere — on the stove, on your grill or even over a campfire. It's the ultimate multi-use tool, whether you're perfectly searing a steak, dry-frying mushrooms or making the best scrambled eggs ever. It comes pre-seasoned, so you don't have to fiddle around oiling it up. It's ready to use right out of the box.

$20 at Amazon
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$20 at Lowe's$28 at REI

Keeping a 4-year-old entertained is no small feat, but this microscope toy is a great way to keep them occupied at least for a little while.

For the kiddos who's curious about science, nature and animals, this microscope comes with slides that feature up-close, quality images of animal and plants — all voiced by Bindi Irwin, who will teach them about what they're looking at. 

"My curious great nephew loves learning about new things," said one reviewer. "He has used the slides over and over and even took his microscope to school for show and tell."

"I bought this for my granddaughter who is autistic and it has helped her learn so much," said one grandparent. "She is non verbal but this has taught her visual and some words. Best gift you can buy a little one who struggles due to autism or just learning in general."

It comes with 60 beautiful full-color images and has two play modes: Fact Mode and Quiz Mode.

$34 at Amazon
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$34 at Walmart$55 at Kohl's

It's both Oprah's — and my — favorite travel jewelry organizer. In 2022 Oprah declared that this jewelry organizer: "Beautiful, functional and giftable!" It's less than 4 inches wide but has enough compartments to neatly hold a surprising amount of jewelry. 

I've used mine for nearly two years, and it kept me organized when I was practically living out of a suitcase for six months while moving internationally. It holds many pairs of earrings, six rings and at least three necklaces. 

Choose from jewel tones including deep red and emerald green or softer hues such as pale pink and orange.

$20 at Amazon

Never lose your favorite eyeliner while traveling again. This travel cosmetic bag comes with compartments and organizational slots so you can keep track of everything essential while you're on the road. 

What's especially nice about the design of this bag is that it's waterproof (no spilled liquids will damage your clothing!) and it can open flat so you can see everything at one glance. It even has an easy-to-clean brush bag so you can keep your foundation, bronzer and eye makeup brushes clean and separate from everything else.

"Great size for holding creams, foundations, powders and brushes without crowding," according to one reviewer. "Love that it opens up on the counter so I can see everything inside and pockets/slots to keep things organized."

"The best makeup case I’ve ever purchased," said another reviewer who described the bag as "elegant." 

"Opens open effortlessly giving you access to everything. No digging or sorting. Very durable, zipper works great, and it folds up to take up minimal space in your suitcase or carry on bag."

Choose from Medium, Large and Extra Large sizes.

$20 at Amazon

If he’s doing more travel these days, he could probably use a stylish toiletry bag like this Kobby Dopp kit. It’s made of a durable water-resistant silicone so even if something spills it won't seep through ruin his other luggage. It’s ideal for liquids and bathroom toiletries.

$40 at Amazon

This hide and seek puzzle toy from Outward Hound is one of the easiest ways to keep your four-legged friend entertained for hours on end. Simply toss the three plush squirrels into the plush tree trunk and throw it to your pup and they'll stay stimulated for hours as their hunting instincts kick in while they try to unearth the squirrels. Plus, is a two-for dog toy as well. You can also get a good game of fetch going by tossing the squeaky squirrels at them.

It's also a great toy for dogs you have teeth and gum issues. The soft, plush material isn't damaging to their teeth. Of course, as with all dog toys, remember to supervise your dog when they're playing alone. These toys aren't designed to be indestructible so you should replace them if they become damaged.

$11 at Walmart
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$13 at Amazon$20 at Target

Play your favorite radio stations, cue up your favorite album, set timers and reminders or ask how many ounces are in a cup — an Amazon Echo device can do it all. For the senior who's perhaps living alone for the first time, or the college student who's not used to being on their own, it's a great gadget for handling everyday tasks, like setting timers for when the laundry is done and asking what the weather will be like that day. Of course, it's also a great gift for couples and new moms and dads. 

$35 at Amazon
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$59 at Macy's$35 at Target

Every teen needs a small portable speaker, ideally one that’s waterproof. This one is small enough to carry with them in their backpack or purse, and includes a handy carabiner attachment. It’s a great gift for the teen who wants a shower speaker, too.

$40 at Lowe's
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$48 at Amazon$80 at Adorama

This sharp lineup from Cuisinart has everything you need to get cookin'. It includes an 8-inch chef knife, an 8-inch slicing knife, a 7-inch santoku knife, a 5.5-inch serrated utility knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, a 2.75-inch bird's beak paring knife, six steak knives, kitchen shears, a sharpening steel and a wooden knife block.

$49 at Walmart

What's better to give as a gift that delightfully pretty treats? These marzipan candy fruits are a decadent and beautiful gift to give pretty much anyone in your life. Handmade in the U.S. by a family-owned business, these almond paste treats are sure to please lovers of marzipan. Choose from a selection that arrives in either a yellow or green box. 

$39 at Amazon

You can be sure they're drinking enough water when they have one of these Stanley Quencher insulated mugs. These 40-ounce containers come in 20 different stylish colors, and come with a lid and straw. Reviewers say that it’s “worth the money,” making it Amazon’s no. 1 best seller in the home and kitchen category.

$45 at Amazon

We dubbed these our best overall PJs for women in our guide to women's pajamas, but it's not hard to see why. I, like more than 2,600 Amazon reviewers, have discovered that stylish and comfortable PJs dont have to cost a fortune. These ones are made of durable satin polyester with just a kiss of Spandex for comfort, but they look and feel like pricey silk.

Choose from an overwhelming 27 colors and prints — the Black and Gray Stripes are a personal favorite. They're available in sizes XS to 3X.

$40 at Amazon

If they already have AirTags, or if you think they'd get the most use out of them keeping tags on their four-legged friends, then these pet collar AirTag holders are a good gift accessory. They can keep tabs on where the cat and dog are at all times by checking the AirTag location in the app on their phone.

$10 at Amazon

If they've been working on their home office set up, this mechanical, typewriter-style keyboard might be the last thing they're missing. These types of keyboards have made the rounds on TikTok, but even if they're not interested in TikTok products, they'll love hearing the satisfying click-clack of the keyboard while typing. Just be sure to get a color that matches their home office aesthetic!

$33 at Amazon

If they love coffee, then this coffee subscription gift from Trade Coffee is something they'll actually use. Choose from 2-, 3- 6-, 9-, 12- or 24-bag subscriptions to brews from some of the nation’s best coffee brands. We recommend the 3-bag plan, which allows your giftee to choose their preferred frequency of delivery for their grounds. Each delivery includes freshly roasted coffee that’s personalized based on their unique tastes, so they'll always receive a blend they're guaranteed to love.

$60 at Trade Coffee

For the tea lover on your list, gift them something unexpected rather than another tea mug or gadget they'll only use once. This tea candy taste like a sugary glass of iced tea, with a hint of milk. It'll satisfy their sweet tooth and their tea craving in one go.

$7 at Amazon

Kopiko is an Indonesian coffee candy that's popular among coffee drinkers who want to enjoy the flavor of coffee without the trouble of preparing a cup. It has a distinct combination of actual coffee bean extracts and milk that has made it a popular confectionary around the world. And yes, they do have caffeine — about three or four of the candies has about the same amount of caffeine as a shot of espresso. 

Amazon reviewers give it 4.7-stars. One five-star reviewer has this to say: "I’ve been seeing this brand coffee candy in a lot of K-dramas so wanted to give it try and WOW it is so good now I am hooked into this thing. It’s also very convenient when you don’t have time to make coffee or drink it it’s easy on the go just anywhere. I keep some in my purse and at work." 

$7 at Amazon

Add to their board game collection with a copy of Wavelength, the game that's all about mind reading — literally! If they're a fan games like Code Names or Monikers, they'll love Wavelength. It's a great game for big group too, so if they like to host board game nights, it's a game they're sure to enjoy.

$31 at Amazon
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$31 at Target$48 at Belk

Barefoot Dreams makes some of the softest and coziest sleepwear and loungewear we’ve found, and these socks are no different. Made of their “CozyChic” fabric, which has been a favorite for years, these socks are designed for maximum coziness and warmth.

$24 at Amazon

Silk pillowcases have been a favorite among those with curly hair for a long time, but they've been mainstreamed recently as a must-have for beauty lovers and skin care obsessives. Out of more than 44,000 reviewers, many say they "highly recommend" this pillowcase, and that it's good quality. Choose from over 30 prints and colors.

$24 at Amazon

When the power goes out, be ready with this combination nightlight that converts into an emergency flashlight when needed. 

I first discovered these handy nightlights from my nearly 60-year-old mother, who lives alone in a part of the country where tornados and electricity-shuttering thunderstorms are common. She purchased some lights like this so that she could see around the house at night, but also in the case of an emergency if her power were to go out. And I'm glad she did! 

These ones from Sunbeam are made with a color-changing LED light that automatically turns on from dusk to dawn for everyday use or can be set to only come on with motion. During power failures, they'll shine bright white and can be removed from the outlet and used as a portable flashlight. With a long life LED, this night light will outshine the rest. 

And it's not just a good product for aging parents who live alone — if you live in a storm area that frequently loses electricity, it's a smart idea to have a couple of these around the house for peace of mind. 

"The thing that makes this plug in light so great is that when power goes out, it stays on," said a happy reviewer. "You can also use it as a flashlight or task light, no batteries needed! I wish I bought these years ago! They are super handy. No more searching around for a flashlight when the power goes out, no more worrying about batteries."

$40 at Walmart
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$50 at Lowe's$49 at Office Depot

Their fragrance journey just got a little more interesting. MALIN+GOETZ's Cannabis Perfume Oil is a great introduction to the brand's heady and lingering aromatics. The brand describes it as "rich + earthy scent that brings to mind lazy afternoons + a lingering smokiness." It includes notes of pepper with citrus and wood. 

This gender-neutral roll-on fragrance is ideal for the person who isn't quite sure what scent they wants to commit to just yet — and it's also portable for travel. 

$36 at Nordstrom

This award-winning vegan caviar is a pantry staple that'll delight and surprise during your next dinner party. Made of sustainably sourced black seaweed pearls, this vegan alternative to black capelin caviar — sans the allergens, animal cruelty and high price tag.

The seaweed pearls mimic traditional caviar with a smooth texture and a clean, briny, oceany taste that's best enjoyed on canapés and appetizers.

Reviewers say it's a delicious treat for those who like the taste of seaweed snacks.

"If you like seaweed snacks, this is delicious! Love to add this on my charcuterie boards," said one happy reviewer.

"I have never had real caviar. It has always struck me as cruel and gross," said another reviewer. "But this caviar doesn’t repulse me in the least. It has a mellow flavor with a snap of brine and maybe a bit of olive flavor? I’m certainly no chef so it’s hard for me to pinpoint why I find this so delicious."

$14 at Amazon

This vanilla paste is recommended by chefs and pastry cooks the world over. Bakers know that what they make is only as good as the ingredients they put into it. More flavorful than your run-of-the-mill vanilla extract, and easier to use than fresh vanilla beans, this paste is an excellent addition to any home baker’s pantry. One jar contains the equivalent of 12 vanilla beans. The texture is thick and syrupy — like a vanilla caviar — and has an almost creamy taste to it. If you’re lucky, your giftee will bake you something delicious with it as a thank you.

$16 at Amazon

Kate McLeod’s Daily Stone is a solid body moisturizer that’s easy to apply, making it an especially good gift for those with grip strength issues. Shaped like a solid bar similar to soap, this lotion solid glides onto warm skin like silk and leaves you feeling soft and supple. It’s made with skin-loving ingredients like cocoa butter, sweet almond oil and apricot kernel oil to deliver powerful results you can see almost instantly. It has a light floral blend of rose, frankincense and neroli that’s subtle enough for everyday use.This starter kit includes a reusable bamboo canister to easily store the Daily Stone in, but be sure to keep it out of direct heat. Because it’s designed to melt onto warm skin, it can also melt in extreme temperatures.

$45 at Sephora

Shopping for a coffee lover? Coffee and chocolate are a classic combination, and Tony's Chocolonely is some of the best chocolate you can gift a chocolate or coffee lover — especially if they like a variety of flavors. This pack includes some of the brand's best-selling flavors: milk, dark, nougat, caramel, hazelnut, and almond and sea salt flavors.

$10 at Amazon
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$11 at Vitacost

Whether you're shopping for a new parent who's on midnight feeding duty or someone who likes to read in bed hands-free, this tablet stand holder is a useful gadget that'll get used time and time again. With it they can watch their favorite show or read their current page-turner without needing to use both hands. 

Over 14,000 Amazon reviewers have found it useful, too. "I read every night on my iPad as part of my bedtime ritual. Only problem being that I was getting tired of holding the iPad up," said one five-star reviewer. "So I was looking for something to attach to my headboard and hold the iPad for me. The MAGIPEA Tablet Stand Holder thus far has worked perfectly. My hands are now free."

$25 at Amazon

Girl math is having 10 nice purses, but still using a canvas tote bag nearly every day. If she’s going to gravitate toward a tote bag, it might as well look nice and be sturdy, like this grid lined Duck Bag from Baggu. It comes in many other colors and prints, too.

$42 at Amazon

Sure, you can probably pick up some flaky Maldon sea salt from the grocery store, but this smoked variety can be a bit trickier to find. The salt is gently smoked over oak to give it a robust, thick flavor that reminds one of good American barbeque. While it can be used to punch up pretty much any dish, it’s also delicious, simply sprinkled on a thick slice of sourdough with unsalted melted butter. 

$7 at Amazon
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$11 at Sur La Table$5 at Vitacost

This rechargeable electric candle lighter on Amazon is a smoke-free, odorless and windproof way of creating a flame — not to mention it's really satisfying to use! The lighter works by using "plasma flameless arc technology," which works by using targeted energy to light candles, stoves and more without harmful fuels and chemicals. And because it doesn't run on butane, there's no need to refill the lighter.

$7 at Amazon

Parents know that the sunscreen battle is a necessary evil. Whether they're at the pool or the beach, kids never want to pause their fun and games long enough to reapply when they need to. Getting them to apply it properly themselves is an even bigger challenge. Cue the Solar Buddy.

To use, fill the container with the best sunscreen of your choice, shake the contents towards the roller ball and apply it to your body. The sponge ring will assist with rubbing in the lotion so you don't have to end up with greasy, sunscreen-coated hands. 

It's become a cult hit among parents who say it's easy to toss into a beach bag or diaper bag when they're on-the-go.

"This has been a great add to our diaper bag," said one five-star reviewer. "We live in a state that gets a ton of sun and it’s great to have for days at the park or at the pool. The roller feature makes it easier and less annoying for our baby, as well as our older kid (9), when putting it on."

$16 at Amazon

It’s hard to buy makeup and beauty gifts for someone, but what we love about this TULA under-eye brightening balm is that you don’t need to know someone’s complexion number or shade preference since it’s good for every type of skin tone. 

It goes on with a cooling sensation, and is formulated with skin-loving probiotics to help brighten and refresh tired skin over time. As a devout user of this eye balm, I also recommend using it like a highlighter, putting just a dab on cheekbones and brows for some extra brightening power.

$37 at Amazon
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$38 at Kohl's$38 at Ulta Beauty

Whether you’re shopping for a teen or a parent with kiddos of her own, these personalized name necklaces are a great idea. Young adults might like ones of their own name or things they find funny. Those with little ones of their own might like layering necklaces with their kiddos names on them. Either route you go, this kind of personal gift will definitely be a hit this year.

$30 at Etsy

This nifty gadget has two unique uses. It can be used a bit like an old-school headphone splitter, sharing audio between two sets of wireless headphones. It can also be used to Bluetooth connect audio to pretty much any device with a standard 3.5 millimeter headphone jack. Use it on airplanes to connect AirPods to in-flight entertainment, at gyms and more.

$45 at HSN
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$45 at Amazon$45 at Kohl's

These retro vinyl record coasters come in a pack of six different record label designs. It’s the perfect gift for the person who insists records sound better than Spotify.

$4 at Amazon

Every teen needs a small portable speaker, ideally one that’s waterproof. This one is small enough to carry with them in their backpack or purse, and includes a handy carrying loop to attach a carabiner. It’s a great gift for the teen who wants a shower speaker, too.

$40 at Walmart
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$50 at Adorama$50 at Amazon

Give the gift of a beanie with over 160,000 five-star reviews. This Carhartt knit cuffed beanie is designed for warmth and comfort. It includes a sewn Carhartt label on the front cuff and is made with a stretchable rib-knit construction. It comes in over 35 colors, as well.

$20 at Amazon
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$20 at Zappos$20 at Lowe's

Dry skin season never takes a break, but we've found that Weleda Skin Food is one of the best options out there to soothe chapped, cracked skin. A little goes a long way thanks to its thick, greasy formula and lightweight scent.

$16 at Amazon
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$20 at Macy's$20 at CVS Pharmacy

This art supply kit includes three sketchbooks, graphite, charcoal, watercolor and metallic pencils, markers, colored pencils and all of the accessories a “budding artist” could need, as reviewers say. Many claim that it’s a “great gift” and “good quality.”

$25 at Amazon

This two-pack of wine stoppers is probably the most affordable wine accessory you can buy from a name brand like Rabbit. They’re a great gift to pair with a nice bottle of wine or set of glasses. Plus, they’re also dishwasher safe.

$6 at Amazon
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$6 at Sur La Table

Make sure they're not a member of the sad desk salad club with one of these electric portable Crock-Pot lunch boxes that’ll ensure they have a hot lunch every day. Reviewers say they “love this little” machine, and that because of its leak proof design it keeps food “nice and hot.” The food storage container and inner liner are dishwasher safe, too.

$42 at Amazon

Speaking from experience, these gel under-eye patches are like a cool glass of water for your under-eye. These ones, in particular, deliver a cooling sensation — though I, personally, recommend keeping them in your fridge so you get a really refreshing blast when you put them on. They’re made with cloudberry oil and bakuchiol to firm up and refresh your under eyes. Each box comes with a set of five under-eye masks.

$15 at Nordstrom
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$15 at Amazon$15 at Macy's

This neck reading light is a great gift for those who have evening hobbies where they need a little bit of extra light, like knitting, cross-stitching, reading or even camping. Out of over 100,000 reviews, many of them “highly recommend” this neck reading light and say it’s “great for reading without disturbing” their partner in bed.

$20 at Amazon

These “milky” hot springs bath salts are the next best thing to soaking in an actual Japanese onsen. They aren’t perfumes or bubble baths, but instead are minerals designed to promote circulation and warmth. Many reviewers say that these bath salts leave their “skin soft” and that they’re good for “aches and pains.”

$13 at Amazon

This mulberry silk eye mask looks a lot more expensive than it actually is. It also includes a silk-wrapped elastic band that won't pull hair while sleeping, which can happen with eye-masks that are designed with Velcro closures — perfect for the person who value their shut-eye.

$10 at Amazon

It's the chocolate that ruined all other chocolate for me. Venchi's Pistachio Cremino bar is made with alternating layers of that creamy gianduja (an Italian creation of chocolate with about 30% hazelnut paste) and delicate, lightly salted pistachio cream spread — a truly Italian flavor. The result is a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate that has a silky, soft texture and isn't overwhelmingly sweet. It's an intoxicating treat for those who know they love the flavors of chocolate, pistachio and hazelnut.

$11 at Amazon