Gift Guide: Best Presents Under $50
This year has been stressful enough, so why add fuel to the fire by subjecting yourself to last-minute holiday shopping? With most gift buying happening online this season, the pressure of finding a special something that isn’t sold out or doesn’t double in price with two-day shipping is something we can definitely live without.
That’s why we’re tackling our list now. It’s a strategy that’s saving us from headaches...and overspending, too. Because with early-season deals on everything from 14K gold jewelry and designer fragrances to smart speakers and cozy clothes, we can give gifts that look like they cost a fortune, but don’t ring in at under $50. Find some of the best deals and limited edition offerings to score now (and with plenty time to opt for free ground shipping) — all before others have begun to browse.
SHOP: MORE GIFTS UNDER $50
Study after study shows our phones are crawling with pathogens and are, get this: less hygienic than a toilet seat. So what better tool to give in a pandemic-stricken era than a device to sanitize our phones (or keys, earbuds, watches, and jewelry) — all at 50% off to boot?
SHOP: Tzumi ION UV Phone & Accessories Sanitizer, $29.97, available at Nordstrom Rack
Think you’d ever see the day when we would wield the kind of gadgets only seen in spy movies? With this wireless bluetooth speaker, that day is here. It blasts streamed music, of course, but it also serves as a command center for setting timers, alarms, thermostats, and lighting and checking personal schedules, weather conditions, news, and just about anything Google-able.
SHOP: Google Nest Mini (2nd Generation), $29, available at Target
The savings on this eight-pack of crew neck tees is so steep, we initially thought the price was a typo. Thankfully, we were wrong: Choose from three multi-colored sets of slim-fit, tagless tees and save more than $100 in the process.
SHOP: 8-Pack Men's Crew-Neck Fitted T-Shirt, $29.99, available at Daily Steals
The olfactory gift of clean, uplifting florals (peony and peach blossom) and crisp, fresh fruits (yuzu, pineapple leaves, litchi, mandarin, and grapes) — and snagging it at nearly half price — may be just the thing to counteract a psychologically heavy year.
SHOP: Burberry Brit Sheer for Women Eau de Toilette, $29.97, available at Nordstrom Rack
We can’t think of a more affordable way to add a little color in your loved ones’ lives (and stockings) than with Essie nail polish (said to be a favorite of Queen Elizabeth). This mystery bundle eschews extraneous holiday packaging (which, let’s face it, just ends up in the garbage anyway) and delivers five shades for just $4 a pop.
SHOP: Essie Nail Polish Mystery Deal 5 Pack, $19.99, available at Daily Steals
“Huggie” earrings (hoops that fit close to the lobe) are one of the most on-trend ways to adorn ears with multiple piercings. With these 14K gold numbers marked down to more than 50% off, you can buy a few pairs to create a rich-girl look (without the rich-girl bank account).
SHOP: Sterling Forever 14K Yellow Gold Vermeil 11mm Micro Huggie Hoop Earrings, $34.97, available at Nordstrom Rack
If you haven’t heard, Birkenstock’s classic Arizona sandal has all but shed its granola image to become a bona fide must-have among designer fashion types. Limited-edition collabs with brands like Valentino and Opening Ceremony can run $400 or more, but you can get the look (and renowned comfort) with this feather weight, waterproof pair for just a fraction of the price.
SHOP: Birkenstock Women’s Arizona Eva Sandals, $45, available at East Bay
In a year full of unexpected events, one of the more delightful surprises has been the resurgence of classic athletic line Champion as a hypebeast staple. Snag a slim fit pullover from the brand in electric purple for your on-trend teen or charcoal grey for your classic dad.
SHOP: Champion Men’s Powerblend Fleece Pullover Hoodie, $36, available at Freshpair
MORE: HONEY'S ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE
MORE: BEST-SELLING TECH GIFTS UNDER $100
MORE: OUR FAVORITE THROWBACK GIFTS
On the hunt for a breathable, yet snug face mask that doesn’t pull at the ears or cost an arm and a leg? (We are talking about a simple swatch of fabric after all.) Find it in this design, which is made of 100% cotton, soft as a baby’s blanket and comes in neutral shades that the whole family will want to wear.
SHOP: Kitsch Cotton Face Mask 3pc Set, $12, available at Kitsch
Who can’t use an extra shot of color in their lives? This box of holiday socks is brimming with kicky patterns to jazz up just about any WFH outfit.
SHOP: Happy Socks Classic Holiday Socks Gift Box 4-Pack, $48, available at Happy Socks
Between Zoom school and working from home, our eyes are parked in front of a computer screen more than ever — which means if glasses aren’t a part of your friends and family’s wardrobe, they’re about to be. These ombre rainbow frames, part of the See Me Collection, not only look and feel like fancy $200 versions, they can be outfitted with prescription lenses, blue light blocking lenses, or sunglass lenses and 100% of sales are donated to LGBTQ nonprofit, The Trevor Project.
SHOP: EyeBuyDirect Freedom Square Rainbow Eyeglasses, $19, available at EyeBuyDirect
In a time when wearing a proper bra feels too confining, but a girl still wants to look cute, a brand built on the concept of leisurée (lingerie influenced by athleisure) couldn’t feel more timely. This wireless plunge bra is equal parts comfy and alluring and strikes the perfect chord for giving intimates this season.
SHOP: Lively The Crochet Lace Bra, $35, available at Lively
A holy grail brand for those with sensitive skin, First Aid Beauty has packed $127 in efficacious skincare into this deco-wrapped bundle. Inside is the fragrance-free Pure Skin Face Cleanser; The Facial Radiance Pads to gently exfoliate; the widely-loved The Ultra Repair Cream moisturizer; The Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream, which is made to address dark circles and dry skin; and The Ultra Repair Lip Therapy, a treatment that doesn’t feel sticky or thick, but heals dry and cracked lips overnight.
SHOP: First Aid Beauty All That FAB Set, $49, available at Sephora
Whether your resident Star Wars fan favors eggnog, road sodas or a cup of Joe, this triple-insulated and shatterproof vessel keeps drinks hot for 3 hours and cold through the run times of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
SHOP: Star Wars X Corkcicle R2-D2 Stemless Cup, $29.95, available at Corkcicle
For the yoga newbie who’s setting up her home gym, this 5 millimeter mat brings a touch of style to her practice while providing added padding to better support knees, ankles, and elbows. The anti-slip surface helps boost stability while water-based ink keeps the mat’s dreamy design intact, no matter how frequently you downward dog.
SHOP: Sugarmat Cranes TPE Yoga Mat, $49, available at Sugarmat
It's boots season — no matter which pair you choose, your giftee will have a use case for them all. We're particularly obsessed with these rue21 pink fur work boots, which provide the perfect balance between feminine and masculine design.
SHOP: Mauve Faux Fur Trim Work Boots, $34.99, available at rue21
There's no better way to say, "We're forever friends or partners," than with an infinity knot ring from our friends at Pandora. The knot looks very much look a bow — a sign this is a present with your loved one's name on it.
SHOP: Infinity Knot Ring, $40, available at Pandora