Gifts

33 Inexpensive Gifts That Say 'I’m Thinking of You'

The best gifts don’t have to cost a ton—and we’ve got proof.

by:
July 22, 2022
Photo by Otherland

We’re firmly in the camp that gasp-inducing gifts don’t necessarily have to be expensive. Sure, it’s nice to treat family and friends to an extravagant indulgence, but money really can’t buy happiness. That’s why we’ve rounded up 33 inexpensive gift ideas for... well, everyone in your life—including you. After all, who couldn’t use an affordable treat these days?

From Otherland’s beautifully packaged candles to Anthro’s bistro-inspired monogram mug you’ve seen all over Instagram, these 33 gifts—all of which fall below the $50 mark—prove that it’s really the thought that matters most.

Photo by Anthropologie

1. Glinda Glass Bowl, $12

These glass bowls are imported from Turkey and look far more expensive than their $12 price tag would suggest, so you can gift a set of four for less than $50. Though all three colors are lovely, their vintage-inspired green hue is unexpectedly delightful.

Photo by Parks Project

2. Parks Project National Parks of The USA Checklist Poster, $25

We all know that one city dweller who’d rather be camping. Give them something to look forward to with this striking poster, which doubles as a checklist to keep track of which parks they’ve visited.

Photo by Ty Mecham

3. Signed Copy: Simply Genius Cookbook, by Kristen Miglore, $35

Any home cook would be delighted to receive Simply Genius, the third and most recent of Kristen Miglore’s Genius cookbooks. Though the publication date isn’t until September, every preorder comes with a sneak-peak PDF of 14 recipes.

Photo by Rocky Luten

4. Picnic Time Outdoor Zip-Up Picnic Blanket Tote, $37

With summer in full swing, there’s never been a better time to break out the picnic blanket. This one turns into a convenient, easy-to-carry tote and features a classic red and white gingham print.

Photo by Brooklinen

5. Brooklinen Scented Candle, $35 $31.50

Even if they’re not a morning person, they’ll appreciate the Wake candle with its salty ocean notes.

Photo by Uncommon Goods

6. Budding Artistry Flower Arranging Class by Nsombi Woodson, $25–$50

If the pandemic has kept you apart from your loved ones, a virtual class where you can at least spend “time” together could be the next-best thing. A flower-arranging class is low-key and therapeutic, and you’ll both have beautiful bouquets as a lovely reminder.

Photo by Maisonette

7 . Pals Socks Chips & Guac Mismatched Socks Set, $10.50+

Finally, a pair of kids’ socks that aren’t meant to match! Get a set that features their favorite snack and we guarantee they’ll be touched that you remembered what it was.

Photo by Field + Supply

8. Neon Bars Watched The Sunset In Santorini, $24.90

To remind them of a favorite trip or to inspire their wanderlust, these handmade soaps are almost too pretty to use. They’re also plant-based and made with compostable and biodegradable materials.

Photo by Anthropologie

9. Capri Blue Pumpkin Clove Jar Candle, $38

Brand Partnerships Editor Erin Alexander can’t get enough of Anthro’s signature scent. If you’ve got a friend who feels the same, they’ll absolutely love this seasonal take with notes of pumpkin spice, orange zest, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Photo by Walmart

10. Gap Home Blue & White Assorted Plates, Set of 4, $18.97

If the recipient of your gift just moved into a new place, they’ll love a useful gift like dinnerware from Gap Home’s new collection. Bonus points for getting a purposely mismatched set to add to their eclectic collection.

Photo by Bokksu

11. Bokksu e-Gift Card, $50

An e-gift card to Bokksu means they can buy a subscription box of delicious Japanese snacks or choose from tons of options à la carte.

Photo by Hu Kitchen

12. Hu Kitchen Simple Dark Chocolate Bars, 4 Pack, $26

These have been one of our go-to gifts for friends and loved ones for years—especially vegans. Selfishly, once they unwrap the package, we know they’ll happily share a bar with us. Or will they?

Photo by Otherland

13. Otherland Rattan Candle, $36

Not only does every candle smell like a dream, but they come with a set of matches in a beautiful box—almost like a second gift that costs you nothing.

Photo by Amazon

14. Chef'n Cob Corn Stripper, $8.39

For your friend who loves to cook but hates the prep, this handy corn stripper can help save so much time.

Photo by Anthropologie

15. Tiled Margot Monogram Mug, $14

These charming Anthropologie monogram mugs are super popular for a reason. Snag a few different letters for a few different loved ones (and maybe yourself, while you're at it!).

Photo by Amazon

16. Roxy the Unisaurus Rex Presents: Oh No! The Talent Show, $18.99 $14.96

Kids and little ones will love the creative storytelling and bright artwork from New York Times bestselling author Eva Chen and illustrator Matthew Rivera.

Photo by Terrain

17. Cavallini's Houseplants Puzzle, $25

If they’ve picked up a major love of puzzles during quarantine, they’ll surely appreciate this beautiful new addition to their collection.

Photo by Crowd Cow

18. Wagyu Manhattan Cut New York Steak, $46.26

Indulge them with a Manhattan cut of ultra-marbled American Wagyu strip steak. It’s something they’d probably never buy themselves, making it an extra-special treat.

Photo by Grandin Road

19. Grandin Road White Quince Stem, Set of 3, $49.50 $39.60

For your friend who can’t keep their plant babies alive, this faux statement branch is striking and safe from black thumbs.

Photo by Rocky Luten

20. Five Two Silicone Straws, $25

Silicone straws are easy to wash and carry, making them a cinch to integrate into your eco-conscious friend’s routine.

Photo by Winc

21. Winc Wine Membership, $29.95

Help them figure out their fave red, white, or rosé with a wine subscription from Winc. You can grab four bottles of top-rated vino for a little under $30 and rest easy knowing that they'll love every sip.

Photo by Amazon

22. mDesign Natural Marble Wine Bottle Chiller, $24.99

And grab a wine chiller while you’re at it, too—this way, you can help yourself to a glass right after they pop open a bottle. Win-win!

Photo by Calpak

23. Calpak Compakt Tote Bag, $35

For the overpacker, this foldable compact tote can hold anything that doesn’t make it into their suitcase.

Photo by Rocky Luten

24. Drink Monday Inc. Monday Zero Alcohol Gin, $40

For the hostess with guests who don’t drink, this alcohol-free gin is a thoughtful—and delicious—gift.

Photo by Kohl's

25. Glow Recipe Mini Watermelon + AHA Glow Sleeping Mask, $22

Packed with radiance-boosting watermelon, moisture-packed hyaluronic acid, and exfoliating AHAs, your skincare-loving friends will love this overnight mask that epitomizes beauty sleep.

Photo by Walmart

26. Crayola Colossal Creativity Tub, 90 Pieces, $27.04

If your friend has little ones, they’ll love this overloaded package of art and craft supplies. Everything can be stashed in the bucket for easy cleanup, too.

Photo by Amazon

27. Kate Aspen Trinket Dish, $9.99 $6.62

You can never have too many catchall trays, and this one is particularly sweet. It’s also super affordable, which means you can grab a few and make it your signature gift during wedding season.

Photo by Ty Mecham

28. Branston Pickle, 2-Pack, $14.12

For anyone who's spent time in England, a jar of sweet and tangy Branston is bound to bring back memories. This is great for the traveler who hasn’t been able to go anywhere these past two years or the expat who gets a bit homesick—a bottle of the popular condiment will take them on a culinary adventure.

Photo by Goldbelly

29. Goldbelly E-Giftcard, $25+

Banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery, deep-dish pizza from Lou Malnati’s—no matter what they’re craving, Goldbelly will have it.

Photo by Society6

30. Sabina Fenn Illustration Peaceful Morocco II Art Print, $18 $13.50

Help them decorate their new space with some gorgeous artwork, like this travel-inspired print with major jungle vibes.

Photo by Anthropologie

31. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber & Green Tea, $7

I have a bottle of this spray with me at all times, plus three in my fridge as back up. It’s super hydrating and refreshing—two words that any skincare-loving friend wants to hear.

Photo by In Good Taste

32. In Good Taste Winemakers' Selects Wine Sampler, $49

Canceled the annual winery trip? Bring the winery to them with this gorgeous tasting flight from top vineyards around the globe.

Photo by Rocky Luten

33. Brightland 100% Extra Virgin Heirloom Olive Oil, $38–$40

Foodies and home cooks alike will love a bottle of fancy olive oil—the perfect finishing touch to any dish and tabletop.

We updated this post in July 2022 with more inexpensive gift ideas.

What’s your go-to gift? Drop some inspo in the comments!

This post contains products independently chosen (and loved) by our editors and writers. Food52 earns an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases of the products we link to.

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Jada Wong

Written by: Jada Wong

Jada is the market editor at Food52 with a decade of experience writing and editing for online publications such as Refinery29, Cosmopolitan, and Insider.

3 Comments

tecla21 December 16, 2020
i feel like this app is filled with hugs and suger
 
Olivia B. January 6, 2017
I am just seeing this and it is bringing me warm fuzzies all over again. Elf-ing was the best!
 
tecla21 December 16, 2020
i was thinking about the same thing you said cause when i first got here today seeing this i was so happy and now i know like how much my friend thinks about me cause she is so sweet and kind she might give me something like that or nicer. have you ever went elfing ?