You Don't Need to Spend More Than $50 on a Good Holiday Gift

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleTop Gifts Under $50Best Gifts for Men Under $50Best Gifts for Women Under $50Best Gifts for Friends Under $50Best Holiday Gifts Under $50Why Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

View All

In This Article

Top Gifts Under $50

Best Gifts for Men Under $50

Best Gifts for Women Under $50

Best Gifts for Friends Under $50

Best Holiday Gifts Under $50

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:Amazon (2); Smith Optics (1); Tarte (1)

Amazon (2); Smith Optics (1); Tarte (1)

‘Tis the season totrim the tree, deck the halls, and get started onholiday gift shopping. If you’re on a budget, you might be surprised to learn how many affordable gifts, including more luxury items like solid gold jewelry (yes, we’re serious), cashmere accessories, and trendy holiday candles, are under $50.

Every year, our PEOPLE Tested team spends hours upon hours researching and testing products so you know what isactuallyworth buying. And, in the words ofMariah Carey, “it’stime” to reveal the items we think make the best gifts without pushing you over your holiday shopping budget. Ahead, find our editor-approved list of the best gifts under $50.

We’re not going to lie: Some of the men on our list are the hardest to shop for — but we love a good challenge.

If you’re looking for the best gifts for men under $50, we’ve got you covered with a subtleStar Wars-themed water bottle, a must-havefanny pack, and a classic pair ofslide sandals, plus some fun stocking stuffer ideas, too.

Owala Star Wars Water BottlePHOTO: Amazon$35 at Amazon

Owala Star Wars Water Bottle

PHOTO: Amazon

$35 at Amazon

Nike Just Do It SlidesPHOTO: Amazon$43$39 at Amazon

Nike Just Do It Slides

$43$39 at Amazon

If you don’t know what to get the man in your life, you can’t go wrong with a fresh pair of slides. These Nike slides are a classic style that can be worn post-workout, on vacation, or while walking the dog (once the weather warms up, of course). We love them in the classic black and white style, but they come in 30 different colors, so there’s a pair for everyone.

“My husband has owned these sandals for years andlovesthem. They’re super lightweight and have some excellent cushioning (for a slide sandal) to offer relief from impact, so you feel like you’re walking on clouds.” –Jessie Quinn, contributing writer

The North Face Explore Belt BagPHOTO: Nordstrom$30 at Nordstrom

The North Face Explore Belt Bag

PHOTO: Nordstrom

$30 at Nordstrom

We love a good travel accessory — especially one that a guy won’t balk at carrying. The North Face’s Explore Belt Bag istheit bag for adventurers, offering a stylish solution for the miscellaneous must-haves like a wallet, phone, and more that are constantly clanging around in his pockets, plus some extra space for small essentials like lip balm andwireless earbuds.

JBL Go 3 Portable Speaker with BluetoothPHOTO: Amazon$50 at Amazon$50$36 at Walmart$50 at Kohls.com

JBL Go 3 Portable Speaker with Bluetooth

$50 at Amazon$50$36 at Walmart$50 at Kohls.com

If there’s one thing we know guys love, it’s a good speaker — and this ultra-mini wireless model from JBL is the perfect pocket-sized present to give him this season. Despite its petite frame, this speaker can make some serious noise thanks to its impressive bass and volume levels. The best part? It’s water- and dust-proof, meaning you can take it from the beach to the campsite with no problem.

More Under-$50 Gifts for MenOld World Christmas Golf Bag Glass Ornament$16 at NordstromUrsa Major Moisturizer$40 at AmazonTruff Hot Sauce$30 at AmazonUncommon Goods State Spoon Rest$28 at Uncommon Goods

More Under-$50 Gifts for Men

Old World Christmas Golf Bag Glass Ornament$16 at NordstromUrsa Major Moisturizer$40 at AmazonTruff Hot Sauce$30 at AmazonUncommon Goods State Spoon Rest$28 at Uncommon Goods

Old World Christmas Golf Bag Glass Ornament$16 at Nordstrom

Old World Christmas Golf Bag Glass Ornament

$16 at Nordstrom

Ursa Major Moisturizer$40 at Amazon

Ursa Major Moisturizer

$40 at Amazon

Truff Hot Sauce$30 at Amazon

Truff Hot Sauce

$30 at Amazon

Uncommon Goods State Spoon Rest$28 at Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods State Spoon Rest

$28 at Uncommon Goods

People / Joy Kim

Shopping for affordable gifts doesn’t mean skipping out on some luxe items. Whether it’s abest-selling makeup setor a solidgold charm, you can still find some of the best gifts for women for under $50.

Tarte Best of Maracuja Juicy Lips Set V2PHOTO: Tarte Cosmetics$45 at Tartecosmetics.com

Tarte Best of Maracuja Juicy Lips Set V2

PHOTO: Tarte Cosmetics

$45 at Tartecosmetics.com

The best thing about the holiday shopping season is all of the stellar skincare and makeup sets that get released this time of year. For a budget-friendly gift idea that feels more splurge-worthy, pick up the Tarte Best of Maracuja Juicy Lips Set V2.

This kit comes with four full-sized Maracuja Juicy lippies — two Lip Plumps (one shimmery, one glossy), Lip Vinyl, and Lip Oil — all for just $45.

Local Eclectic Solid Gold Birthstone Baguette CharmPHOTO: Local EclecticView on Localeclectic.com

Local Eclectic Solid Gold Birthstone Baguette Charm

PHOTO: Local Eclectic

View on Localeclectic.com

Jewelry is always is great gift idea, especially timeless and personalized fine jewelry pieces such as the Local Eclectic Solid Gold Birthstone Baguette Charm. This under-$50 gold pendant adds a touch of sparkle to any necklace chain or charm bracelet and is made from 9K solid yellow gold.

“Local Eclectic is one of my go-to places to buy gifts (including for myself) because the retailer carries so many unique and affordable jewelry designs from its own collections and small designers, too. I am a big fan of theFamily Goldline in particular, which is a more budget-friendly approach to solid gold jewelry.” —Jessie Quinn

Diptyque Baies CandlePHOTO: Diptyque$46 at Nordstrom$46 at BloomingdalesView on Diptyqueparis.com

Diptyque Baies Candle

PHOTO: Diptyque

$46 at Nordstrom$46 at BloomingdalesView on Diptyqueparis.com

You can never go wrong with gifting a Diptyque candle around the holidays. This fragrant candle offers the scent of spring roses and earthy foliage, transporting your giftee to a blooming garden even in the dead of winter.

“During my mom’s most recent visit to New York City, all she wanted to do was find a Diptyque candle to take home. This scent is one of the brand’s most popular and not only makes your space smell great, but looks beautiful sitting on a vanity or dresser.” —Alyssa Brascia

More Under-$50 Gifts for WomenDearfoams Warm Up Bootie Slipper$46$33 at Amazon$46$37 at Jcpenney.com$46 at Macy’sRifle Paper Co. 2025 Pocket PlannerView on Riflepaperco.comNordstrom Brushed Cashmere Tech Gloves$25 at NordstromGrace & Stella Under Eye Masks$29$22 at Amazon$10 at TargetView on Graceandstella.com

More Under-$50 Gifts for Women

Dearfoams Warm Up Bootie Slipper$46$33 at Amazon$46$37 at Jcpenney.com$46 at Macy’sRifle Paper Co. 2025 Pocket PlannerView on Riflepaperco.comNordstrom Brushed Cashmere Tech Gloves$25 at NordstromGrace & Stella Under Eye Masks$29$22 at Amazon$10 at TargetView on Graceandstella.com

Dearfoams Warm Up Bootie Slipper$46$33 at Amazon$46$37 at Jcpenney.com$46 at Macy’s

Dearfoams Warm Up Bootie Slipper

$46$33 at Amazon$46$37 at Jcpenney.com$46 at Macy’s

Rifle Paper Co. 2025 Pocket PlannerView on Riflepaperco.com

Rifle Paper Co. 2025 Pocket Planner

View on Riflepaperco.com

Nordstrom Brushed Cashmere Tech Gloves$25 at Nordstrom

Nordstrom Brushed Cashmere Tech Gloves

$25 at Nordstrom

Grace & Stella Under Eye Masks$29$22 at Amazon$10 at TargetView on Graceandstella.com

Grace & Stella Under Eye Masks

$29$22 at Amazon$10 at TargetView on Graceandstella.com

Wondering what to get your friends for the holidays? Friend gifts are some of our favorite things to shop for because you can really lean into their interests and hobbies with budget-friendly ideas such as a newbaseball cap, game, orembroidery kit.

Stanley The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate 30ozPHOTO: Nordstrom$35 at Nordstrom$35 at Target$35$30 at Walmart

Stanley The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate 30oz

$35 at Nordstrom$35 at Target$35$30 at Walmart

The Stanley Cup continues to reign as one of the best gifts to give virtuallyanyoneon your list, including your friends. We love the trendy reusable water bottle because it comes in lots of different colors and designs, and you can add some fun accessories like aStanley Cup Snack Bowland your bestie’s favorite snacks.

Hook Line Tinker Sardines Embroidery KitPHOTO: EtsyView on Etsy

Hook Line Tinker Sardines Embroidery Kit

PHOTO: Etsy

View on Etsy

When we’re stuck on what to get our friends for the holidays, we always go the activity route. Ideas such as the Hook Line Tinker Sardines Embroidery Kit are a fun way to spark creativity and self-care. This set supports a small businessandincludes everything needed for beginners to learn how to embroider their first project.

More Under-$50 Gifts for FriendsThe Wanderlust London Baseball Cap$42 at AnthropologieBrass Monkey Loaded Bloody Mary Balance Game$20 at AmazonSpalife Holiday Treats Facial Masks$20$18 at AmazonUncommon Goods Dog Salt and Pepper Shakers$49 at Uncommon Goods

More Under-$50 Gifts for Friends

The Wanderlust London Baseball Cap$42 at AnthropologieBrass Monkey Loaded Bloody Mary Balance Game$20 at AmazonSpalife Holiday Treats Facial Masks$20$18 at AmazonUncommon Goods Dog Salt and Pepper Shakers$49 at Uncommon Goods

The Wanderlust London Baseball Cap$42 at Anthropologie

The Wanderlust London Baseball Cap

$42 at Anthropologie

Brass Monkey Loaded Bloody Mary Balance Game$20 at Amazon

Brass Monkey Loaded Bloody Mary Balance Game

$20 at Amazon

Spalife Holiday Treats Facial Masks$20$18 at Amazon

Spalife Holiday Treats Facial Masks

$20$18 at Amazon

Uncommon Goods Dog Salt and Pepper Shakers$49 at Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods Dog Salt and Pepper Shakers

$49 at Uncommon Goods

Holiday-themed gifts are a fun way to spread some festive cheer this season. FromChristmas candlesto winter activities and LEGO sets, here are some of our best holiday gift ideas for under $50.

Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie Scented CandlePHOTO: Amazon$31$29 at AmazonView on Macy’sView on Boscovs.com

Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie Scented Candle

$31$29 at AmazonView on Macy’sView on Boscovs.com

It’s not the holiday season without a holiday candle, and Yankee Candle makes some of our favorites. The Christmas Cookie scent is a classic, and you can get a 22-oz. jar at Amazon, making it an excellent last-minute gift idea.

Paint Anywhere Holiday Bookstore Mini Paint By Numbers KitPHOTO: Bloomingdale’s$40 at Bloomingdales

Paint Anywhere Holiday Bookstore Mini Paint By Numbers Kit

PHOTO: Bloomingdale’s

$40 at Bloomingdales

With downtime and winter weather, the holidays are the best times to give creative activities such as the Paint Anywhere Christmas Holiday Paint Kit. This kit features a festive winter city scene that your loved one can frame and use as holiday decor once finished.

More Under-$50 Holiday-Themed GiftsRifle Paper Co. Porcelain Wine Stopper SetView on Riflepaperco.comPottery Barn Gingerbread House Lidded Stoneware Mugs$9 at Pottery BarnLEGO Friends 2024 Advent Calendar, Christmas Toy with 5 Characters and 3 Animals Included$33$29 at Amazon$29 at WalmartView on Lego.comHomesick Snow Day Candle$30 at Amazon

More Under-$50 Holiday-Themed Gifts

Rifle Paper Co. Porcelain Wine Stopper SetView on Riflepaperco.comPottery Barn Gingerbread House Lidded Stoneware Mugs$9 at Pottery BarnLEGO Friends 2024 Advent Calendar, Christmas Toy with 5 Characters and 3 Animals Included$33$29 at Amazon$29 at WalmartView on Lego.comHomesick Snow Day Candle$30 at Amazon

Rifle Paper Co. Porcelain Wine Stopper SetView on Riflepaperco.com

Rifle Paper Co. Porcelain Wine Stopper Set

Pottery Barn Gingerbread House Lidded Stoneware Mugs$9 at Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Gingerbread House Lidded Stoneware Mugs

$9 at Pottery Barn

LEGO Friends 2024 Advent Calendar, Christmas Toy with 5 Characters and 3 Animals Included$33$29 at Amazon$29 at WalmartView on Lego.com

LEGO Friends 2024 Advent Calendar, Christmas Toy with 5 Characters and 3 Animals Included

$33$29 at Amazon$29 at WalmartView on Lego.com

Homesick Snow Day Candle$30 at Amazon

Homesick Snow Day Candle

Jessie Quinnis a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. Finding the best gifts is one of Jessie’s passions, and she has spentyearscurating her own lists of gift ideas for friends and family.

As a seasoned shopping writer, Jessie also spends the majority of her time researching and testing products that are worth shopping for. With her collective experience — plus some highly recommended suggestions from the PEOPLE Tested team — Jessie put together this list of the best gifts under $50.

Our Shopping Experts

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com