Whoever said that the only way to show you care this holiday season is by overspending on a designer item has never experienced the true luxury of receiving a well-made pair of socks.
A thoughtful gift doesn’t have to break the bank, and to prove it, we’ve put together a list of our favorites under $50 that, while affordable, don’t sacrifice on quality. (If you want extreme savings, read our guide to gifts under $10.)
From a customizable passport case to cold brew from the internet’s favorite coffee company, our list features nearly every type of gift you can imagine: for home, tech, travel, outdoors, kitchen, food, games, wellness, fashion, beauty, and kids and teens.
Home
Anthropologie Capri Blue candle
The mini size of Anthropologie’s most popular candle is my favorite for adding a decorative touch to a small space. And it smells good too. Lauren Gould, the Filter US, editorial coordinator
Read our 163-item mega guide here.
Frontgate monogrammed towels
Have you ever seen a movie that depicts a rich person’s home or at a five-star hotel, and they have monogrammed towels? Frontgate can give you that look and feel. Jon Chan, product reviewer and writer
Read our 163-item mega guide here.
Uncommon Goods personalized photo stamp ornament
Transform favorite vacation snapshots into postage stamp-esque holiday ornaments so they can walk down that memory lane year after year. Elizabeth Brownfield, lifestyle writer
Read our custom travel gift guide here.
Levoit Dual 150 Ultrasonic Humidifier
For under $50, I highly recommend this to anyone looking for relief from the dry heating during winter. Alan Truly, tech writer
Read our roundup of the 28 gifts and treats Filter US writers are loving here .
Yinka Ilori’s AAMI plate
Guardian US editor Danielle Renwick asked journalists around the world to share their best gift ideas. This colorful plate was recommended by editor of the Filter UK Hannah Booth, who lives in London.
Read our guide for the 21 best gifts beloved globally here.
Tech
JLab Pop Party
The JLab Pop Party speaker quickly became a favorite in my house – my daughter kept stealing it to listen to music on her bike. So, I ended up getting a second one. The Pop Party was still loud enough to hear when we were going 28mph on an electric bike, and it comes with a nice, detachable silicone strap that fits around a handlebar. The battery lasts a good long time, too, which means I only have to charge it about once a week. Adam Doud, tech writer
Read our roundup of the 28 gifts and treats Filter US writers are loving here .
Breathing Pal Kyle Mindfulness Breathing Light
This adorable light serves both as a night light and a calming meditation device for relieving anxiety. Christine Persaud, tech and lifestyle writer
Read our guide for the best tech gifts for moms here.
Puffy laptop sleeve case
I always get compliments on this laptop sleeve because of how puffy and satisfying it is to look at. Laptop sleeves aren’t something I thought I’d care about, but really it’s something I use every day, and this design is simple but effective in its protection. And there’s a print sure to delight your gift recipient. Tammy Tarng, Guardian US copy editor
Read our 163-item mega guide here.
OhSnap phone case
This is the case for your butterfingered friend who has new cracks in their iPhone screen every time you see them. Adam Doud, tech writer and product reviewer
Read our tech gift guide here.
Apple TV subscription for three months
Apple TV has a great reputation for releasing quality original series and occasionally good original movies. You probably won’t see a new season of Severance next year, but you could always catch up on the other critically acclaimed Apple shows such as The Studio. Blair Marnell, entertainment writer
Read our roundup of the best Cyber Monday streaming deals here.
Protoarc seat cushion
For anyone who needs to sit for hours at a time, a seat cushion can be an incredible upgrade they may not even realize they need. After using mine regularly, I cannot live without it. Adam Doud, product reviewer and tech writer
Read our tech gift guide here.
Amazon Echo Dot
Of all the voice assistants I’ve used (all of them), Alexa is the best, providing fast, accurate answers and controlling your smart home devices just as quickly. Adam Doud, product reviewer and tech writer
Read our roundup of the best Cyber Monday tech deals here.
Kitchen and food
Fortnum & Mason Piccadilly Stem Ginger Biscuits
Another recommendation from Filter UK editor Hannah Booth: these scrumptious-looking ginger biscuits from Fortum & Mason. “The storied London food hall is known for its mouth-watering gift sets,” she says. In true British fashion, she recommends gifting them with a box of tea.
Read our guide to the 21 best gifts beloved globally here.
Chamberlain Coffee Instant Cold Brew Singles variety pack
We ordered the variety pack from Chamberlain Coffee, which is certified organic, to see how its coffees compared against other premium brands. And our team loved them. Rachel Sherman, Drexel Food Lab researcher and professor
Read our 163-item mega guide here.
Le Creuset Stoneware Signature Petite Round Cocotte
If you’re not quite ready to invest in a Dutch oven, try out one of the heritage French cookware brand’s small cocottes. Megan Wahn, home and kitchen writer
Read our roundup of the best Cyber Monday kitchen deals here.
Coffee warming tray
Every mom, especially those like me who work from home, knows the annoyance of making a fresh cup of coffee, sitting it by your side to start working, then realizing an hour has gone by and you’ve barely taken a sip. Now, it’s cold. Not with this mug warmer. Christine Persaud, tech and lifestyle writer
Read our guide for the best tech gifts for moms in the US here.
Great Jones stud muffin pan
Great Jones is known for its vibrantly hued cookware and bakeware, and the brand’s muffin tin is no exception. It doesn’t just look pretty – it will bake everything from quiches to muffins to cupcakes to golden perfection. Megan Wahn, home and kitchen writer
Read our roundup of the best Cyber Monday kitchen deals here.
Bialetti Moka Pot
In minutes, you’ll have a seriously strong cup ready to go. Bernadette Machard de Gramont, food writer
Read our 163-item mega guide here.
Chutni Punch seasoning powders
This pack of three different spices not only boosts flavor but also adds a bit of texture to everything you pair it with. Kiki Aranita, food writer and recipe developer
Read our 163-item mega guide here.
Puzzles and Games
Ravensburger 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle
Ravensburger has built a reputation for being among the best puzzle brands out there. Tim Stevens, tech journalist
Read our roundup of the best puzzles here.
Christmas tree Lego set
I picked this up before Christmas this year and my family used it as a centerpiece for our second Christmas dinner table. Adam Doud, product reviewer and tech writer
Read our lego gift guide here.
L’Apero 1,000-piece puzzle
Working triple-duty as artwork, a conversation piece and a family-friendly activity for a cozy night indoors, this vibrant 1,000-piece puzzle is a thoughtful and practical gift for anyone who needs a little less screen time. Marissa Miller, lifestyle writer
Read our gift guide for the women in your life here.
Poinsettia Lego set
This model was another purchase from last year that served as the centerpiece for my family’s main table. I had more fun than I thought I would putting together all the flowers. Adam Doud, product reviewer and tech writer
Read our lego gift guide here.
Ravensburger custom photo puzzle
The colors were vivid, the high resolution meant the photo looked clean, and it was laid out perfectly on the resulting puzzle. Tim Stevens, tech journalist
Read our roundup of the best puzzles here.
Travel and outdoors
Uniqlo Heattech socks
Women’s:
Men’s:
after newsletter promotion
I’ll always be pro-socks as a gift, especially in cold months. These socks will almost make you forget you’re braving through chilly weather and pair great with boots, sneakers and everything in between. Jacquelyne Germain, Guardian US copy editor
Read our gift guide for unique items under $10 here.
Stanley IceFlow insulated water tumbler
It features a massive 30-litrecapacity so I rarely have to refill it, a no-spill straw that’s comfortable on the lips and a handle for easy carrying. Marissa Miller, lifestyle writer
Read our gift guide for moms here.
Owala Freesip water bottle
Perfect for the person who has trouble staying hydrated. There are many reasons I love mine, the built-in straw being the chief one. I take it everywhere with me, so it helps that it’s leak-proof, the bottle itself doesn’t weigh too much and it has an easy carry loop. It easily fits in a bag or car cup holder. Tasneem Merchant, Guardian US copy editor
Read our 163-item mega guide here.
Mark & Graham leather passport case
Create a custom passport cover in their preferred color, be it navy, camel or pastel hues such as robin’s egg blue, blush pink or lilac. Then comes the fun part: designing gold foil debossed monograms or bold printed initials, all available in a couple dozen colors. Elizabeth Brownfield, lifestyle writer
Read our custom travel gift guide here.
Mark & Graham metal luggage tag
This option is particularly great for sports lovers, with designs that pair initials with engravings of golf clubs, pickleball paddles or tennis racquets. Elizabeth Brownfield, lifestyle writer
Read our custom travel gift guide here.
Wellness
Preston Lane luxury hand wash
This handwash smells lovely and is made using organic oils. Megan Wahn, home and kitchen writer
Read our 163-item mega guide here.
Papier Planner
No matter how convenient Google Calendar may be, I’ll always prefer a physical planner. Papier is my go-to for staying organized. And it doesn’t hurt that its beautifully designed cover makes it something I love to show off on my desk. Lauren Gould, Filter US editorial coordinator
Read our 163-item mega guide here.
Intelligent Change gratitude journal
This cult-favorite gratitude journal is well-loved for a reason. Made from FSC certified recycled paper, it features easy-to-follow prompts and a beautifully minimalist cover. I received one for Christmas a few years ago, and I credit it for helping me keep on top of practicing gratitude and mindfulness daily. Lauren Gould, Filter US editorial coordinator
Read our roundup of the best Cyber Monday deals here.
Jabees pillow speaker
Since it transmits sound by contact with your head, no one else can hear it, but it doesn’t require anything in your ears. That’s precisely why I love it: it doesn’t require me to wear something to sleep. Prakhar Khanna, consumer tech journalist
Read our 163-item mega guide here.
Cozy Earth adjustable bamboo sleep mask
Not only have I been free of night sweats for the last three years since owning it, but it’s never slipped off my head. Marissa Miller, lifestyle writer
Read our gift guide for moms here.
Lululemon Align leggings
These buttery soft leggings are a cult classic for a reason. Lauren Gould, Filter US, editorial coordinator
Read our roundup of the best Cyber Monday deals here.
Fashion and Beauty
Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream
Another holiday gift idea Danielle Renwick collected for our international gift guide came from journalist Raphael Rashid, reporting from Seoul, South Korea. They recommended this moisturizing cream for its quick absorption, noting that it’s said to “deliver that coveted ‘glass skin’ glow”.
Read our guide for the 21 best gifts beloved globally here.
Badger Beard Balm
This beard balm makes a great gift for the bearded friend or partner in your life. Made with natural, nourishing ingredients, it softens and tames facial hair while conditioning the skin underneath and is great for both short and longer beards. I’ve been using it for years and it actively makes my beard feel more comfortable throughout the day. Also, it smells fantastic. Tom Silverstone, Guardian US video journalist
Read our 163-item mega guide here.
Eadem Le Chouchou Peptide Lip Balm
TikTok sent me down a rabbit hole of lip balms, and this one is by far the best. The container gently buffs your lips and the balm keeps you hydrated more than most. Plus, there are excellent flavors – fig sauce or burnt malai, anyone? Tammy Tarng, Guardian US copy editor
Read our 163-item mega guide here.
Men’s Fair Isle Half Calf Sock 2-Pack Ornament Gift Box
No feeling compares to sinking your feet into a fresh pair of wool socks, especially when the mercury dips. Grab them this pack of temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking Bombas socks presented in a festive ornament. Marissa Miller, lifestyle writer
Read our gift guide for the person who already has everything here.
Undo Hairware claw clip
The claw clips from Undo are pretty dang elite. Justeen, @justeen.irl, content creator
Read our fashion gift guide here.
Kids and Teens
Kid-friendly headphones
Writer Christine Persaud asked parents of children under five what they’re gifting their little ones this holiday season, and this pair of kid-friendly headphones was on one mother’s list, offering her little one the option to “be just like a grown-up”.
Read our gift guide for kids under five here.
Kitsch thermal brush
They make it easier to curl or do a blowout faster when I’m running late. Lana, 16-year-old-teen
Read our gift guide for teens here.
Kitsch satin pillow case
I love bows and I love this pillowcase. I want my own so I don’t have to steal my mom’s. Aly, 13-year-old teen
Read our gift guide for teens here.
Massage gun
I’m an athlete and need it for recovery. Nicholas, 10-year-old
Read our gift guide for tweens here.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Food Toy Set
Another recommendation from our gift guide for children under five was this wooden food toy set, which one mother is gifting to her imaginative three-year-old who loves “pretending to feed members of the family by cutting a variety of fruit”.
Read our gift guide for kids under five here.
Abercrombie wide leg sweatpants
We asked tweens what items were on their wishlists this year, and these sweatpants were coveted by an eleven-year-old, who noted “They look cute and they’re probably cozy.”
Read our gift guide for tweens here.
Mini projector
I want to connect my cell phone and use the projector to watch movies, videos, et cetera on my bedroom wall. Jasmine, 14-year-old
Read our gift guide for teens here.
Jellycat stuffed animal
I want the elephant one. It’s so cute. Evie, 12-year-old
Read our gift guide for tweens here.
Elmer’s slime
Perhaps six-year-old Ollie, whom we interviewed for our gift guide for kids 5-8, said it best: “I want slime. Lots and lots and lots and lots of slime.”
Read our gift guide for kids 5-8 here.
