67 gifts under $50 perfect for any occasion or holiday

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We found great gift ideas under $50 that prove you don’t have to spend a fortune to get just the right gift for any occasion.

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Life happens fast — and shopping for last-minute gifts happens faster. Birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations can seemingly appear out of the blue (yes, they might happen every year but hey, there’s a lot going on!). Thankfully, you don’t have to break the bank to show your love and appreciation for that special someone.

These affordable gifts are great as a standalone item or as a complement to a larger gift. Have a friend who loves ramen? A coworker who’s a pen collector? These gifts under $50 are personable and unique, fit for any celebratory occasion. 

The 67 best gifts under $50 in 2022:

A Bluetooth karaoke microphone to make events more fun

Bonaok Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone, available at Amazon, $30.99

Best for: The songbird

This Bluetooth karaoke microphone is the perfect accessory to gift the one who’s the life of the party. They can sing along to their favorite songs with this gift that offers premium sound and noise reduction. 

The fanny pack they’ll forget they’re wearing

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack, available at REI, $35

Best for: The one who’s always on the go

Made from 100% recycled ripstop nylon and treated with a silicone face coating for weather resistance, this mini pack is durable and practical. Our pick for the best small fanny pack, the Patagonia Ultralight Blackhole is so light that they’ll forget it’s on. From the trails to the streets, they’ll be secured and ready to go, always.

Authentic ramen from Japan

ICHIRAN Take-Home Ramen Kit, available at Amazon and ICHIRAN USA, from $29

Best for: The ramen lover

ICHIRAN Ramen has been delighting ramen aficionados since 1960. Known for its original Tonkatsu (pork bone) soup, its ramen combines the rich umami flavors of the broth with Hakata-style noodles that are slender, chewy, and perfect. Enjoy a little bit of heat? The kit also comes with ICHIRAN’s original spicy seasoning, using togarashi pepper spice to amp up the flavors even more.

A set of spa-worthy shower bombs

Euka Wellness Shower Bombs 6-Pack, available at Amazon, $10

Best for: The person who doesn’t have a bathtub but wants the same fun

No bathtub? No problem. With these shower bombs, anyone can transform their bathroom into a makeshift spa, and they don’t even need a bathtub to do it. These come in a variety of options including Calm, Detox, Breathe, and Happy (and come 6 in a pack). 

A personalized video message from their favorite celebrity

Cameo video, available on Cameo, from $1

Best for: The pop culture fanatic

Whether they have a favorite musician, reality TV star, comedian, or actor, there’s a good chance their favorite celebrity is on Cameo. You can even choose from pre-recorded video messages with a personal shoutout, or opt to give them a super special one-on-one video call. Of course, the price will greatly vary depending on who the star is.

A cozy knit beanie

Stormlock Rip Knit Cap, available at Jack Wolfskin, $20.99

Best for: The one who lives up north

Cold-weather accessories make a great gift for anyone braving the cold this winter and the Jack Wolfskin’s Stormlock Rip Knit Cap is exactly what they need. Built of a blend of wool and acrylic, this beanie also features Stormlock fleece which just about guarantees a warm noggin. It’s even available in two different colors to match a variety of outfits.  

A sampler box of wine

Be Mine… Wine, available at Vinebox, $45

Best for: The wine lover

Who doesn’t love a sample pack of wine? With the Be Mine… Wine box from Vinebox, you can gift the special person in your life a selection of wine that’ll tickle their tastebuds. The box includes three different tubes of wine, two reds and one white, each from a vineyard in Europe. 

A tracker for lost items

AirTag, available at Apple, from $29

Best for: Anyone always losing their keys

Whether you lose track of your keys or a bag, Apple’s AirTag is a sure way to find any lost item. This water-resistant tracker plays a sound or uses its precise distance findings to lead you straight to the item regardless of the distance on the Find My app.

An affordable fountain pen set

The Explorer Starter Set, available at Goulet Pen Company, $32

Best for: The writer

Ah, fountain pens. The most intimidating of the pen species, fountain pens have a mystique to their use that makes them daunting to approach. But no longer: this set includes all they’ll need to begin their fountain pen journey. Featuring the Explorer, Pilot’s newest fountain pen, this set includes a Pilot ink cartridge, a converter cartridge for use with bottled ink, and an A5-sized lined Rhodia staple-bound notebook.

An at-home tie dye kit

Rit x Thompson Street Studio Dye at Home Upcycling Kit, available at Nordstrom, $11.4o

Best for: The DIYer

Instead of buying something new, this dye kit can refurbish old clothes from your wardrobe with playful prints. The at-home kit includes power dyes rubber bands gloves, and an instruction booklet to begin making your closet more sustainable.

A pair of stylish wearable weights

Bala Bangles, available at Amazon, from $49

Best for: The committed athlete

Incorporate fitness into your daily life with these wearable weights that fit on your wrist or ankles. At one to two pounds, these stylish weights intensify any movement and build strength whether it’s a workout or running errands.

A hatch decanter to sophisticatedly store alcohol

Hatch Decanter, available at Crate & Barrel, $35.96

Best for: The scotch drinker

If their barware collection bares a sophisticated flair, they’ll appreciate this elegant hatch decanter. This 32oz decanter is a more affordable price than others thanks to its beautiful molded diamond pattern that resembles cut crystal.

A spice and herb kit packed with international flavors

Gourmet Oil Dipping Spice Kit, available at Uncommon Goods, $42

Best for: The seasoning aficionado 

Whether it’s a dash of Italian oregano or za’atar from the Middle East, any cook will appreciate this international spice kit that lets them cook with various tastes of the world. 

A skincare set for combination and oily skin types

Clinique Great Skin, Great Deal Set, available at Sephora, $32.50

Best for: Anyone who wants to switch up their skin-care routine

This Clinique set for combination and oily skin types is a great addition to any skincare routine. This three-step regimen includes a facial soap, an exfoliating lotion, and a moisturizing gel that make this three-step routine an easy and quick way for a fresh face.

A DIY recipe book

My Recipes Cookbook, available at Amazon, $8.99

Best for: The chef

Whether they’re a huge foodie or want to preserve a favorite family meal, this DIY cookbook offers 120 blank pages to fill with their favorite recipes. The notebook’s table of contents and additional note space at the end will help keep them extra organized. Taking the time to add in your own savory vodka sauce pasta dish or having their loved ones fill in grandma’s homemade recipes will make this gift feel extra special.

Snacks for movie night

Popcorn Snack Medley, available at Knack, $44

Best for: The movie buff

Help them take their next Netflix marathon to the next level with this popcorn mix set. The mix includes two microwavable Pop on The Cob popcorn cobs, toffee pretzels, dark chocolate-covered cherries, and Virginia peanuts. If they have a particular favorite treat, each snack can also be added in extra quantities at an additional cost.

Farm-to-skin lip balms

Beekman 1802 Ten Piece Lip Balm Set, available at Uncommon Goods, $48

Best for: The sustainable beauty fan

This farm-to-skin lip balm set is just right for the green beauty obsessive. All 10 lip balms are made from natural goat’s milk and essential oils. Beautifully packaged and scented, the fragrances include Ylang Ylang and Tuberose, Orange Blossom, Fig Leaf, Sweet Grass, Grapefruit, Oak Moss, Apricot and Honey, Vanilla, and an unscented balm.

A monogrammed clutch

Palm Leaf Rounded Clutch, available at Mark and Graham, from $49

Best for: The beach vacationer

You can get your giftee’s initials embroidered on this cute roll-up clutch for a personal touch. The bag is woven from natural palm leaves for a beachy vibe, and the blue and white striped interior adds to the fun coastal feel.

A sand-free, quick-dry towel

Sand Cloud towel, available at Sand Cloud, from $44

Best for: The avid beachgoer 

Not only are these thin towels easy to roll up and throw in your beach bag or picnic basket, but they also easily shake off sand and dry three times faster than classic beach and pool towels. Choose from a wide array of vibrant patterns and colors, from a navy blue whale shark print to tie-dye options.

An easy way to make their own bubble tea

Bubble Tea Kit, available at Uncommon Goods, $40

Best for: The boba lover

For the bubble tea drinker in your life, this kit comes with two flavors of loose-leaf tea, tapioca pearls, and two reusable stainless steel straws. All they’ll have to do is add a little milk (if they like!) and sip on this delicious brew.

Notepads chock full of affirmations

Knock Knock Notepads, available at Amazon, from $5.25

Best for: Anyone in need of a motivational talk

Whether you want to give them a quick pep talk or celebrate them just because, these notepads from Knock Knock provide a creative and encouraging way of doing so. Each set comes with 50 sheets, so they’ll make plenty of use of these witty notes.

A small but mighty smart assistant

Google Nest Mini (2nd Generation), available at Best Buy, $29.99

Best for: The multitasker

Give the gift of a virtual helper. Currently on sale for under $30, the Google Nest Mini offers a compact, affordable smart speaker with Google Assistant built-in. Friends and family members will love being able to dim lights, control the volume on their TV, check the weather, and more, all with just the sound of their voice.

Read our full review of the Google Nest Mini here.

A 51-piece art kit

51-Piece Watercolor Art Set, available at Amazon, $17.59

Best for: The artist

Encourage them to pick up a new hobby (or take advantage of an existing one) with this watercolor set that’s built for both beginners and experts. The set includes various cakes and paints, watercolor pencils, paintbrushes, a paint palette, an eraser, and a pencil sharpener — all within a pre-packaged case that can save you the pain of gift wrapping. 

A streaming stick that turns any TV into a smart one

Roku Streaming Stick +, available at Amazon, $44.94

Best for: The TV fanatic

Upgrade their Netflix marathons without actually buying them a whole new TV. The Roku Streaming Stick + offers 4K, HD, and HDR streaming in a portable package and at an affordable price. 

A meal kit from their favorite restaurant

Goldbelly Restaurant Meal Kits, available at Goldbelly, from $39.95

Best for: The foodie

Bring a bit of their favorite restaurant right to their door. From bagels to barbeque, Goldbelly ships food gifts nationwide from iconic eateries in major cities. 

A Disney+ subscription

One-year gift subscription to Disney Plus, $79.99

Best for: The lifelong Disney lover

It gives them unlimited access to movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, “Star Wars,” National Geographic, and 20th Century Fox, and costs just $7.99 a month or $79.99 a year after a free seven-day trial. Read everything there is to know about Disney+ over here.

And if you need some binge-spiration, here are all the new movies available to stream.

A set of loose-leaf teas that even Oprah loves

Vadham Chai Tea Reserve Set, available at Amazon, $29.99

Best for: The tea drinker who wants to spice it up

This classy set of loose-leaf teas made it into Oprah’s Favorite Things back in 2018. It’s filled with three variations of chai tea that any tea lover will appreciate

An at-home spa kit

Eucalyptus Spa Gift Set, available at Uncommon Goods, $40

Best for: The one in need of a break

Give them the gift of soothing relaxation with this at-home kit that includes pampering botanical bath salts and natural jute body scrubber. The recipient will also be able to grow their own eucalyptus in the bamboo pot so they can continue to breathe deep and say ahh.

A smooth olive oil that’ll instantly elevate any dish

Alive Olive Oil, available at Brightland, $37

Best for: The EVOO drizzler

If they spend a lot of time in the kitchen, they probably already know the merits of high-quality olive oil. A drizzle of Alive from Brightland adds a vibrant, zesty flavor to any dish, plus the beautiful bottle will look great on display in their kitchen. 

A cult-favorite candle

Otherland Candles, available at Otherland, $36

Best for: The fancy candle collector

We love Otherland’s candles, whether seasonally inspired or from the classic collection. Notable scent combinations such as champagne, saffron, and leather, gorgeous packaging, and a 55 hour burn time have deemed Otherland’s candles as a foolproof gift among the Insider Reviews team.

An affordable electric toothbrush subscription

Toothbrush Starter Set, available at Quip, from $20

Best for: The one who takes their dental care seriously

Help them upgrade their oral care routine with a Quip toothbrush. Not only is it a great electric toothbrush at a reasonable price, but Quip will send them a refill every three months with a new brush head and toothbrush. 

Delicious mini cupcakes

Cupcake Gift Boxes, available at Baked by Melissa, from $37

Best for: Anyone with a sweet tooth

Who doesn’t love getting a sweet surprise? With delicious flavors ranging from Cookie Dough to Pink Frosted Donut, these bite-size treats are sure to please. You can also add a special gift box to complete the gift. 

A head-to-toe mini care kit

Drunk Elephant The Littles Head to Toe, available at Sephora, $49

Best for: The hair-care aficionado 

Give this mini set for head-to-toe care they can take on the road or just to test out some new products. The set is packed with Drunk Elephant minis, including a glossing shampoo, cream conditioner, scalp scrub, detangler, body cleanser, lotion, deodorant, and a comb. It also comes neatly packaged in a fun, neon bag.

A set of magnets that are fun to play with and can boost concentration

Speks Magnet Balls, available at Speks, $34.95

Best for: The fidgeter 

Almost everyone on the Insider Reviews team has a set of Speks at their desk. The little magnetic balls can be mashed, molded, and built into fun shapes and are a fun fidget toy that even adults will love. 

A personalized pillow of their favorite fur baby

Custom Pet Pillow, available at Etsy, from $25.49

Best for: The proud pet parent

If there’s nothing they love more than their cat or dog, this pillow — featuring a blown-up picture of their pet — is sure to make them smile. 

A cute kitchen gadget that makes breakfast in a flash

Dash Mini Waffle Maker, available at Target, $12.49

Best for: The brunch champion 

This compact waffle maker makes a great addition to any college dorm or small kitchen. All they have to do is plug it in and they can make their favorite breakfast treat in a flash.

A sugary and fun snack

Sugarfina Champagne Bears, available at Neiman Marcus, $22

Best for: The one in need of a toast

Elevate their next sugar fix with these fun champagne gummy bears. Don’t worry if they’re under 21, despite the name and flavor, these gummies are non-alcoholic. There are rosé options, too.    

A simple necklace that reminds them of their intentions

Good Intentions Necklace, available at Amazon, $20

Best for: The person who exudes posi vibes

A sweet necklace with an even sweeter mission. Choose from a selection of positive intentions like “optimism,” “strength,” or “gratitude,” which they can carry with them throughout the day. For every necklace sold, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the non-profit Girls Inc.

A taste of Japan by way of snacks

Bokksu 3-Month Gift Box, available at Bokksu, $45.99

Best for: Anyone bored of their current snack rotation

Adventurous foodies will love the chance to taste-test a curated box of gourmet Japanese snacks. In this Bokksu box, they can expect to find between 10-14 snacks, a tea pairing, and an in-depth guide that details every product included.

A bestselling face mask for clearer skin

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Mask, available at Target, $9.99

Best for: The one in search of the best skincare products

Anyone in on the latest skincare trends will know about this mask. Many claim it has helped clear their skin, and it has over 12,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. The best part is that this powerful facial is just $10.

A soft pair of socks made from sustainable fabric

SoftHemp Socks 2 Pack, available at United by Blue, $30

Best for: Anyone with cold feet

With cold weather approaching, there’s nothing better than slipping on cozy socks. Made from soft, sustainable hemp fabric, these are sure to do the trick (and why not get them two pairs?).

A luxurious exfoliator to keep skin smooth

Necessaire The Body Exfoliator, available at Sephora, $30

Best for: The one dreading winter skin

Necessaire’s clean beauty products come in beautiful, minimalist packaging that looks as good in their bathroom as it feels on their skin. This gentle exfoliator will help them slough off dry winter skin for good.

A beautiful way to store olive oil

Handblown Glass Olive Oil Pourer, available at Uncommon Goods, $46

Best for: The kitchen curator

These stunning handmade jars can hold up to 12 ounces of olive oil or vinegar. Plus, they look beautiful sitting out on the kitchen counter.

Cruelty-free nail polish in a range of fun colors

Nail Polish, available at Smith & Cult, $18

Best for: The at-home nail painter

Smith & Cult’s polish is vegan, cruelty-free, and chip-resistant. With 46 fun colors to choose from, you’re sure to find one (or two, or three) they’ll love. 

Useful cable clips

Shintop Cable Clips (6-pack), available at Amazon, $5.88

Best for: The desktop organizer

Whether their phone charger is always falling under their desk or they simply have too many cables to keep track of, these affordable and efficient clips will allow them to simplify their workspace. Plus, the pink, orange, and green shades contribute a fun pop of color.

A sheet mask that’ll hydrate dry, stressed skin

Dr. Jart+ Soothing Hydra Solution, available at Sephora, $7

Best for: The face mask fan

Fall and winter skin tends to be dry and dull. While you can’t change the weather, you can throw on a hydrating face mask to stay moisturized. This one will add lots of soothing hydration to their skin to keep it feeling fresh.

A set of playing cards inspired by music’s greats

Music Genius Playing Cards, available at Uncommon Goods, $10

Best for: The music lover

Whether they love game night, music, or are equal fans of both, they’ll surely get a kick out of these playing cards. The pack features illustrations of all the big names in pop, rock, country, and R&B.

Makeup towels that make washing their face less of a chore

Makeup Towels, available at Weezie, $40

Best for: The one who struggles to remove their mascara

If they’ve never thought of washcloths as anything special, Weezie towels will change their minds. The adorable towels are embroidered with either hearts, winky eyelids, or the words “stain me.” Plus, the dark navy blue color will conceal makeup stains.

A spray that protects their shoes

Jason Markk Repel, available at Amazon, $17

Best for: The sneakerhead

If they love shoes, they should have the right products to take care of their favorite footwear. This spray protects shoes from stains caused by water and oil, and there are multiple people on our team who swear by it for every new pair of shoes they get.

A lip gloss that has all the benefits of a balm

Tower28 Beauty Jelly Lip Gloss, available at Sephora, $15

Best for: Anyone complaining about dry lips

This clean-beauty favorite delivers the glossy sheen they’d expect from a lip gloss, but it’s loaded with nourishing oils to keep lips hydrated, too. 

A unique case that protects their phone

Casetify Phone Case, available at Casetify, from $42

Best for: The one with a falling-apart phone case

Our phones are our lifelines these days and if you know someone who’s always glued to theirs, consider giving them a unique case that’s as protective as it is pretty thanks to being drop-tested and shock-absorbent. They have options ranging from watercolor forest scenes to cute sayings to cuddly animals. You can even do a customized option and put their initials on it.  

A silky-smooth sleep mask to block light

Slip Pink Marble Sleep Mask, available at Nordstrom, $50

Best for: The beauty sleeper

If there’s nothing they appreciate more than a good night’s sleep, they’ll love Slip’s silk sleep mask. It’s made from 100% pure Mulberry silk for a luxe, light feel on their skin. 

A set of colorful silicone straws that reduce plastic waste

Five Two Silicone Straw, available at Food52, $11

Best for: The environmentalist 

Bendable, sustainable, and portable (thanks to the set of carrying cases), these fun straws are the accessory any eco-conscious person should have.

A bold lip color that’ll last all day long

Lancome L’Absolu Rouge Lipstick, available at Sephora, $32

Best for: The one who sticks to one lipstick at a time

Whether it’s a pale peach or a deep-red look they crave, they’ll love this long-lasting lipstick with its saturated colors and hydrating formula.

A book subscription

3-Month Subscription, available at Book of the Month, $49.99

Best for: The obsessive reader

A subscription box that sends them an exciting new read catered to their tastes each month is the perfect gift for a bookworm. 

A coffee mug that keeps their drinks hot or cold for hours

Hydro Flask Travel Coffee Mug, available at Hydro Flask, $27.95

Best for: The hot coffee lover

Hydro Flask‘s Travel Coffee Mug is a team favorite. It combines the classic shape of a mug with Hydro Flask’s TempShield insulation to keep beverages hot, or cold, for hours— a great gift for the coffee or tea lover who’s always on the move. 

Cozy house slippers

EQUICK Cloud Slides, available at Amazon, from $13.99

Best for: The lounger

Clean space enthusiasts who enjoy a no outdoor shoe policy in their homes will appreciate these pillow slipper slides. The platform bottom and cushioned sole make for a cute and cozy fit. 

A cute reusable tote that can fit tons of stuff

Standard Baggu, available at Baggu, $12

Best for: The tote wearer

It’s no wonder these bags are bestsellers — they can hold up to 50 pounds of stuff and come in a range of fun colors and patterns. Plus, at just $12, they’re a great deal. 

A portable straw that makes water drinkable

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter, available at Amazon, $14.99

Best for: The outdoor adventurer

This portable, personal water filter is consistently one of the bestselling products on Prime Day. It filters water from creeks and rivers, making it perfect for hiking, camping, and travel.

A classy carrying case to stash chargers

Leather Charger Roll-Up, available at Mark & Graham, from $39

Best for: The expert packer

After they fill the three pockets with cables and chargers, all they have do is roll everything up and they’re good to go. The soft, supple leather comes in a variety of fun colors and patterns. 

A cult-favorite cast-iron skillet

Lodge 12-inch Cast-Iron Skillet and Handle Holder, available at Amazon, $29.90

Best for: The frequent home cook

Every cook needs a cast-iron skillet in their kitchen. Lodge makes some of the best out there, but at prices that won’t break the bank. 

A fitting vehicle for their post-run brews

Etched Marathon Pint Glass, available at Uncommon Goods, $20

Best for: The runner 

If they like to celebrate a long run with a big pint, they’ll appreciate these pint glasses etched with famous marathon routes. 

A candle that reminds them of their favorite place

Homesick Scented Candle, available at Amazon, from $26.99

Best for: The one with state pride 

This is a great gift that’s sure to make anyone sentimental. Whether it’s their hometown, college town, or favorite spot to vacation, a Homesick candle, with scents inspired by all sorts of locations, will bring them back to that favorite place. 

An apron loaded with plenty of clever features

Five Two Ultimate Apron, available at Food52, from $15

Best for: The kitchen splatter-averse

Anyone who spends a good amount of time in the kitchen will appreciate this durable apron with its sturdy fabric, clever pockets made to hold the essentials, and pot-holders built right in. 

A cold brew coffee maker to keep up with their iced coffee habit

Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker, available at Amazon, $27.99

Best for: The at-home coffee brewer

If their morning ritual includes a cup of cold brew, they’ll appreciate this convenient cold brew maker. All they have to do is fill it with their favorite coffee grinds, add water, let it sit, and they’ve got a glass of delicious cold brew on the way. 

A rocks glass etched with a city map

Urban Map Glass, available at Uncommon Goods, $18

Best for: The one who really loves their city (and whiskey)

Whether you want to bring back fond memories of a place you visited together or just want a gift that highlights their favorite stomping grounds, you can cheers to these rocks glasses intricately etched with a city map and interspersed street names. Over 30 major US cities are available to choose from.

To really up the ante, consider pairing the glass with a nice bottle of bourbon

A simple and elegant photo calendar

Walnut Desktop Photo Calendar, available at Artifact Uprising, from $35

Best for: The fan of the old-school paper calendar

All of Artifact Uprising‘s customized photo gifts are simple, beautiful, and made from eco-friendly materials. This simple calendar is an easy choice for anyone on your list. Just pick 12 photos (one for each month) of the people and places they love most to add a special sentiment to their desk setup.

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