Gift Edit 2023

27 Editor-Loved Gifts Under $50

updated Dec 4, 2023
Apartment Therapy received compensation for this post, which was written and edited independently by our editorial team.
Post Image
Credit: Photo: Sidney Bensimon; Prop Styling: Carla Gonzalez-Hart

This feature is part of Apartment Therapy's Gift Edit, our editor-curated collection of gift ideas. Need more inspiration? Check out all our guides here.

With holiday gifting, you want to get your loved ones the best of the best. If you had it your way, you’d probably be handing out free cars left and right like Oprah. But money has been tight for households across the country, so we understand if it’s hard to shell out tons of cash on presents for under the tree. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t find some truly nice and unique gifts for friends and family. Whether you need something for a sibling, a token of appreciation for the plant-lover in your life, or a serving piece for the hostess with the mostess, we’ve got you covered. The list below includes items across a variety of categories that won’t cost you more than $50 each. The best part? No one will ever guess how inexpensive they really are! That’s because each product was chosen with both looks and durability in mind by our editors. So feel free to be a bit of a cheapskate this year — your secret is safe with us.

1 / 30
From our partner
Murray's Cheese
$45.00

For all of your charcuterie board needs, head to Murray's Cheese. The NYC-based brand crafts and ages a wide selection of quality cheeses, meats, and other specialty foods, helping you create an authentically artisanal experience at home. As far as gifting goes, we recommend picking up this wheel of rich, woodsy soft cheese made by Uplands Cheese Company. It's only available this time of year, making the Rush Creek Reserve an exclusive gift your recipient will savor and look forward to again come the next winter holiday season.

2 / 30
Amazon
$30.15
was $39.50

Perhaps your BFF is into coffee, but they're not in the market for a pricey espresso machine with all the bells and whistles. This compact and practical Amazon find is a solid alternative. "No matter how sophisticated your coffee routine is, the pour-over is a simple, egalitarian approach to taking your morning mud to the next level — and the Hario V60 is top dog," said Ian, our sister site's senior commerce editor. "The added control, tiny footprint, and fun ritual that goes along with a pour-over coffee maker is second to none.” The coffee maker also comes with filters, a scoop, and a small glass pitcher.

3 / 30
Bloomingdale's
$44.00

You can never go wrong with a nice candle, especially one as luxe as this grapefruit-scented find by Apotheke. "I've been burning this candle for the past few weeks, and it's already become one of my all-time favorites," said commerce editorial assistant Morgan. "I already gotten a few as Christmas presents! I love the Grapefruit one in particular — it fills up the room with a fresh scent after only a few minutes of burning." The brand also has seasonal scents fitting for the holidays, and each one comes in a pretty ceramic vessel.

4 / 30
Williams Sonoma
$29.95

“Brass wick trimmers and snuffers have been my go-to gift lately," said style shopping editor Blair. "They look so much more expensive than they actually are, and they’re genuinely useful when it comes to candle care and upkeep. Win-win!" This set comes with both, and each piece dazzles with its pretty gold finish. Your giftee will also appreciate that they can put out the candle flames without filling the room with smoke.

5 / 30
Vitruvi
$27.99

If you know anyone who owns an essential oil diffuser, they likely enjoy experimenting with different scents and oil blends. Vitruvi makes some of the highest quality blends out there, and their Golden blend is a personal favorite. With notes of lavender, grapefruit, peppermint, and ginger, the scent is just as invigorating as its name suggests.

6 / 30
Artifact Uprising
$59.00

Create a one-of-a-kind gift by personalizing a calendar with your friend's or loved one’s favorite photos. They’ll be able to relive their most treasured moments one month at a time, and when the year is over, they can turn the calendar on its side and use it as a photo frame. "I gave these to my dad for Father's Day, and he was blown away," said Alicia, AT's senior commerce editor. "My parents' dog, Ellie, died last December, and my dad was very close to her, so I made several prints dedicated to her, then I filled out the set with a few family photos. I just pulled everything from photos he's sent me or Facebook. My family isn't big on getting prints made of photos, so he loved this sentimental gift. Plus, he loves that he can swap the prints easily on the easel."

7 / 30
Amazon
$42.00

I'm not one to buy expensive hand soaps for myself, so I think home scents such as the L'AVANT Collective hand soap make for the best bougie gifts. This one comes in a luxe, weighty bottle that'll dress up any vanity, and it cleans the hands without drying them out. Additionally, the soap is plant-based, cruelty-free, and has a pleasant fresh linen scent.

8 / 30
HSN
$27.99

'Tis the season for a warm cup of joe, and if you know someone needing a coffee maker, this one will do the job. "It's the best straightforward coffee maker you'll come across," said commerce SEO writer Haley Lyndes. "You fill it with water, add coffee, and press its singular button to brew. No hassle, just straight to the good stuff."

9 / 30
Coming Soon
$40.00

The benefits of this stunning glass holder are numerous. Your giftee will no doubt appreciate the bathing lady's unique shape, colorful and reflective design, and ability to hold anything from matches to jewerly. Choose among eight different hues, including a vivd aqua and an ivory shade that matches everything. "Not only is this milk glass catchall basically a piece of art, but it’s super versatile, too," wrote managing commerce editor Tamara. "I use mine to hold matches and my candle wick trimmer, but you can use it for oh-so-many things."

10 / 30
Piecework Puzzles
$32.00

Puzzles are so fun to work on with family members; they're the ultimate bonding activity. This 500-piece pursuit will provide a fun challenge for everyone involved, and the final result is well worth the effort. Even the box it comes in will impress your receiver, and they'll be eager to get started.

11 / 30
Etsy
$28.00
was $70.00

There's a chance your bestie is still using the same dirty makeup bags they've had since high school. Help them level up by gifting one or more of these leather toiletry bags. The coolest part is that you can customize each one with your giftee's initials. They'll be blown away by your thoughftulness, no doubt about it.

12 / 30
Urban Outfitters
$20.00

No matter how old your friend group gets, you're never too old for pink. This heart-shaped mirror encapsulates all things girly; it looks like something Barbie would have in her dreamhouse! That's not to say it's not functional. This vanity accessory has a convenient stand, as well as an LED frame that's helpful for applying makeup.

13 / 30
Amazon
$8.58
was $9.99

Not only is this scalp massager so cheap and a great stocking stuffer, but if you've ever used one, you know it's the most satisfying thing ever. Really, it's one of those random little gadgets that your friend won't know they need until they have it. They can use it in and out of the shower for stimulated hair growth or just because it feels good.

14 / 30
Material
$28.00
was $35.00

You've seen the typical wooden cutting board on gift guides all over the internet. Material's reBoard will set you apart as a gift-giver with its recycled plastic construction and array of pleasing colors. Riddley, our sister site's former tools editor, even owns three of them. "I find them to be the perfect, medium-sized, lightweight cutting boards," she wrote. "They’re a cinch to clean and even fit nicely in the dishwasher, too." Environmentally conscious pals will also love this board because it's made of recycled, BPA-free materials.

15 / 30
Amazon
$18.95

There are a few editor-loved candle brands that like to have fun with different themes, and Wax & Wit is one of them. "They have candles for practically any occasion, and their collection of witty candles are a lot of fun," said Best List editor Britt. "There's something for everyone, from Swifties to bacon-lovers to new homeowners, and I'm constantly checking to see what they'll add next." This laundry themed-candle has notes of bergamot, jasmine, rose, and lime, and it's completely free of harmful additives.

16 / 30
Amazon
$26.95

Everyone needs a portable charger, especially those who are planning on traveling during the holidays. This one works for any number of devices, including both iPhones and Androids, plus it's relatively skinny and compact. No more struggling to find a working outlet in the airport between flights!

17 / 30
Joseph Joseph
$45.00

We all have that one friend whose bathroom is always a jumble of makeup and skincare products no matter how much they try to stay organized. That person will definitely appreciate this countertop cosmetic organizer, which comes with its own mirror and a slide-out bottom for even more storage. Alicia said it can hold much more than she expected it to, writing, "This organizer is meant for more compact items, like brushes, small eyeshadow palettes, lipglosses, and more... It easily fits 40 products (though many of them are very slim — e.g. concealers, tester-sized perfumes, lipglosses)." Your recipient will also find that the organizer's mirror swings up and down seamlessly, concealing the items inside when closed.

18 / 30
West Elm
$45.00

The wine connoisseur in your circle will enjoy this classy decanter, which comes with its own perfectly spherical wooden stopper. It'll look absolutely decadent sitting on the table or bar cart, and the drinks will be perfectly decanted by the time appetizers are out. If you’re shopping for someone who has been perfecting their bar cart, the shapely glass decanter will make for the ultimate finishing touch.

19 / 30
West Elm
$50.00

Get the fussy sleeper this luxurious, Best List-winning silk eye mask, which not only blocks out the light, but also looks so chic while doing so. It's available in seven pearlescent colors that are sure to dazzle and awe. Slip also makes silk pillowcases, so get both, and make it a matching set!

20 / 30
Etsy
$29.00

Every dog owner is totally gaga over their beloved pup, so this customizable stuffed dog will send them over the edge — in a good way. Just send a photo of the pooch in question to the Etsy seller, place your order, and revel in the pure elation that this product is sure to elicit. No breed is off limits! Mark, AT's commerce director, ordered a plushie version of his friend's dog, Emma. "The seller immediately responded that my order had been received and that I’d receive photos of the finished product for approval before it was shipped off," he wrote. "About a week later, the photos were in my inbox, and the stuffed toy was perfect — just as adorable as Emma. So much so that I almost wanted to keep it for myself."

21 / 30
Amazon
$22.00

Pamper your loved one with the gift of comfort — these delightful DearFoam slippers feature a unique, temperature-regulating design, making them ideal for all seasons. They are easy to clean with machine-washable convenience, and their durable outsoles make them ideal for indoor and outdoor wear. With memory foam insoles to cradle their feet with every step, these slippers are the gift of ultimate comfort and relaxation.

22 / 30
Uncommon Goods
$40.00

Know of any newlyweds? Get them this personalized book that details their own personal love story. It's so sappy, but in the best possible way. Whether someone's anniversary is coming up or you want to show your own partner how much you care, this sweet gesture is bound to please.

23 / 30
Amazon
$44.99
was $49.99

Keep the wine-lover in your life happy with this marble wine chiller bucket that'll have their vino chilled to perfection. They can simply pop this bad boy into the fridge for 20 minutes prior to serving, then enjoy the ease and elegance this 100-percent marble chiller brings to the table during the holiday season.

24 / 30
Pattern Brands
$12.95

Well, folks, it's in the name. The Spoonula is the perfect gift for the home chef in your life, since it combines the best aspects of silicone spoons and spatulas in one do-it-all tool. "Since getting one, I have yet to find a dish that it isn’t perfectly suited to handle," wrote Nic, AT's former commerce SEO writer. "I use it to stir-fry broccoli and flip over chicken thighs, then take it to a sheet pan to scrape up crispy, smashed potatoes with no struggle. I’ve even used it to lift up and plate salmon filets without breaking them." And at $13, it's a steal.

25 / 30
Uncommon Goods
$25.00

Both practical and fashionable, these banana hats might be the cutest product we've ever seen. However, they serve a purpose, too: By covering the tops of your bananas, they help them stay fresh longer. Any fruit snacker will appreciate these funny little hats.

26 / 30
KitchenAid
$44.99
was $59.99

Though known for their stand mixers, KitchenAid also makes this versatile hand mixer, which you can use for everything from beating eggs and batter to sifting dry ingredients and much more. Senior commerce editor Alicia has been using this mixer for all her baking for years and loves it. Plus, it's on sale!

27 / 30
Brooklinen
$12.75
was $15.00

We were all warned as children to be good lest we receive socks from Santa. If those socks are the ones from Brooklinen, though, then being nice is overrated. These contrast socks are as comfy as they are cute, and certain colors are currently on sale. They're the perfect offering for the homebodies in your life.

28 / 30
Amazon
$42.99

This cool weather calls for some fuzzy slippers, and these plush steppers do not disappoint. It might seem weird at first, but this pair is actually microwavable, so if you need a little extra heat, you know where to stick them. Our own staffers can't get enough of these, and your loved one will feel the same way.

29 / 30
Homecourt
$22.00

Indulge in the ultimate cleaning experience with a surface cleaner that not only smells good but also adds a touch of elegance to your space — just ask shopping writer Haley Lyndes. "Its refreshing scent is like a breath of freshly cut flowers," she raves, "and sometimes I spritz it just for the delightful aroma." The best part? It's non-toxic, ensuring your cleaning routine is not only effective but also environmentally friendly.

30 / 30
Dedcool
$14.00

Get ready for a laundry experience like never before with DedCool x Ouai Dryer Sheets. Shopping writer Haley Lyndes swears by these as the perfect gift, acknowledging their slightly higher price tag as a small indulgence for their exquisite fragrance. "Infused with notes of rose, bergamot, and white musk, your freshly dried laundry transforms into an irresistible signature scent," she notes.