Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Retailers
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If gift giving is your love language, well then, congratulations! You’re already a step ahead — because for the rest of us, holiday gifting can be incredibly stressful. But no matter how you feel about the gift-giving season, it’s time to purchase those li’l last-minute gifts that will inevitably come in handy.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect game-changing beauty product for your skin-care-obsessed friend or a new craft project for your indoors-y sister, this assortment has you covered. Just remember to pace yourselves and drink plenty of electrolytes — it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Below, you’ll find the best affordable gift ideas under $50 for everyone on your list.
The Wardrobe Staple
$48
Say hello to the perfect crewneck T-shirt. It’s comfortable, breathable, and stretchy, and it comes in a wide variety of colorways.
The Ultimate Rainbow Chocolate Sampler
In addition to making delicious chocolate, Tony’s is also a B Corp– and fair-trade-certified company that works to make chocolate production more ethical worldwide.
A TikTok-Famous Facial Spray
Hyped for soothing everything from acne to eczema to general irritation.
A Buzzy New Novel
From $28
Photo: FX
As gripping as it is poignant – the perfect gift for bookworms.
For the Skin-care Lover
Sea Buckthorn is emerging as a must-have ingredient in your skin-care routine —and Ayurvedic brands have already mastered it. This lightweight oil helps boost radiance, strengthen the skin barrier, and improve skin tone.
Crown Affair’s Buzzy Leave-In
It boasts dozens of five-star reviews and is great for all hair types.
Kiss Dry Lips Goodbye
$16
Because a tube of Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment is still the ultimate “It”-girl accessory and everyone needs one in their purse during the dry winter months.
The Holiday Table Essential
Available in five whimsical patterns, these tapered candles will make their holiday tablescape look oh-so-Pinterest-worthy. You can also gift them the matching candle-holder set for just $22.
For Your Favorite Stoner
Bundle Up!
$14
You’re probably sick of hearing it by now, but red really is the color of the season. If you’re shopping for someone who lives in a cold climate, these faux-fur earmuffs are just as functional as they are stylish.
A Hair Brush That’ll Brighten Their Morning Routine
$48
Everyday hair care can and should be a luxurious experience. Aside from being so damn pretty, this pure bamboo paddle brush from Emi Jay glides through the hair with ease while teasing natural oils along each strand for a shinier and healthier mane.
A Toasty Ornament
Quirky little ornaments are a great gift option when you’re on a budget. This one is under $30 and will definitely garner some laughs from friends and family members this holiday season.
A Healthier, Tastier Hazelnut Spread
$32 for 2
$32 for 2
Not only is the packaging chicer, but the ingredients are also much more thoughtful — using olive oil in lieu of Nutella’s palm oil and cutting out half the sugar.
Darn, That’s Cute!
$33
This wooden mushroom would be a no-brainer gift even if its sole purpose were just to stand around and look adorable, but it’s also a clever darning tool.
Cozy Felted Wool Slippers
Seven Pre-Rolled Mini Joints
$35
Each has .3 grams of CBG White, a premium strain of hemp flower known for its energizing effects and “cognitive enhancing” potential.
Nice and Toasty
$50
$50
Crafted by hand, a jaunty red toast rack with twisted-rope detailing.
For a Better Buzz
$24
Cann is crafted with THC and CBD, making it the ultimate alcohol alternative that provides an energetic yet mellow buzz.
The All-in-One Beauty Product
$32
This rich multi-cream is ultrahydrating for skin, hair, and nails. It has a subtle palo santo scent.
For the Snack Lover
$22
These marble-and-brass bowls are stylish but neutral enough to match any host’s aesthetic.
The Reusable Tote
This reusable tote is all of our favorite things: pretty, practical, and sustainable.
For the Aspiring Chef
$38
Ideal for the at-home chef who wants to record their own recipes, this super-cute journal is what culinary dreams are made of.
A Fancy Incense Burner
The latest trend in fragrance is leaning into holistic scent alternatives. This piece holds incense sticks and acts as an art piece, too.
Not-So-Bare Necessities
$20
Practical? Yes. Exciting? Also yes! Really good underwear is the key to any polished look (especially holiday dresses), and these from Spanx are some of the best. They’re soft, smoothing, and totally invisible under clothing.
