45 Cheap Gifts Approved by People With Expensive Taste 2024

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The best cheap gifts can far outperform their modest price points and we’re here to help you make the most of your budget this season. Our selections includes great gifts for everyone—most of which are under $20.

A handful of our finds like a fancy (Oprah-approved) lotion tin and monogram rings make thoughtful presents for women. On the gifts for men front, funny socks you can customize with any face (his fur baby included) is one of our favorite things to give. Meanwhile a personalized leather bookmark will delight your mom or any teenager who enjoys escaping into a good novel (same), while Uniqlo’s viral shoulder bag should please even the hardest-to-shop-for folks. Stumped on what to get your sister-in-law who has a taste for the finer things? A Parisian bistro tile mug from Anthro never fails. And anyway, most giftees will agree that it’s not about spending; you just need to make them feel understood.

Without further ado, we’ve polled our team and families to find out what small gifts meant the most to them, and we’ve done a lot of shopping to find the best cheap presents money can buy. From astrology-inspired necklaces to housewarming-friendly cheese board sets, these affordable gems still feel like luxury gifts in our books.

The best cheap gifts, at a glanceBest Overall: J Jimoo Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, $24Best for Her: Vlando Initial Travel Jewelry Case, $16Best for Him: Geekey Multitool, $23Best for Teens: Glossier Balm Dotcom, $16Best for Mom: The Five Minute Journal, $29Best for Dad: Mere Initial Leather Bookmark, $16 $13Best for Boyfriends: Casio Vintage A158WA-1 Watch, $23 $21Best for Girlfriends: Mevecco Zodiac Constellation Necklace, $14Best Under $10: Nuanchu Stainless Steel Gua Sha Tool, $8Best Under $15: Lululemon Luxtreme Training Headband, $14Best Under $20: Free People Name on Your Heart Ring, $16Best Last-Minute Gift: Storm Cloud, $30 $271/45

Pavoi Huggie Earrings

We’d never guess these earrings cost less than $15, and we’re pretty sure your giftee won’t either.

2/45

Glossier Balm Dotcom

Get the person who tracks beauty TikTok with a passion a best-selling Glossier lip balm—one of Glamour editors’ favorites for its hydration and light tint.

3/45

Geekey Multi-Tool

This stainless-steel key combines 16 functions (including a bottle opener, a screwdriver, and a ruler) into one gadget—an ideal gift for men if we’ve ever seen one.

4/45

J Jimoo Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

Silk pillowcases make some of the best gifts for women, period. This option is just as good as the more expensive alternatives—thanks, Amazon!

5/45

I Dew Care Face Wash Headband

This whimsical headband will keep their hair out of their face (and free from creams) while they’re washing off their makeup or indulging in a restorative mask. Not a cat person? It also comes as a cute crown or a bear. Pro tip: Pair it with a beauty product for a themed gift.

6/45

Dash Mini Waffle Maker

Everyone at your White Elephant gift exchange will fight over this precious pink waffle maker.

7/45

Intelex Warmies Sloth Jr.

Your giftee simply has to pop this lavender-scented sloth in the microwave and snuggle to reap the full benefits.

8/45

Lululemon Luxtreme Training Headband

A moisture-wicking headband can keep sweat at bay while your fitness-enthusiast friend works out.

9/45

Mevecco Zodiac Constellation Pendant Necklace

Though this 18-karat-gold-plated constellation charm necklace is under $15, it doesn’t look cheap. A thoughtful gift for anyone who swears by their horoscope; simply choose their zodiac sign, add to cart, and let the stars do the rest (and by stars, we mean UPS).

10/45

La Chatelaine Hand Cream Trio Tin

Self-care is different for everyone, but we bet that adding this trio of gorgeous, hydrating hand creams to the mix would make anyone’s routine all the more relaxing.

11/45

Storm Cloud Barometer

For the person who never lets anything rain on their parade: a storm cloud predictor that changes when air pressure shifts. It can add a bit of whimsy to any desk or shelf.

12/45

Hana Emi Ice Globes For Face (Set of 2)

Your beauty-obsessed loved one (or person in need of some self-care) can turn to these cooling viral facial globes, which decrease redness and firm skin under the eyes after a spell in the fridge.

13/45

Burt’s Bees Timeless Minis Skin Care Set

This travel-size moisturizing kit from best-selling skin care brand Burt’s Bees contains lip balm, cleansing cream, hand balm, body lotion, foot cream, and soothing ointment. In short, it’s a lot of value for less than $20, especially if you’re shopping for someone who is always on the go.

14/45

Maldon Sea Salt Flakes Tub

Foodies swear by Maldon salt, which has unbeatable intensity and texture. This tub will have them set through next winter.

15/45

Análú Therapy Dough

This gift is basically a stress ball mixed with the childhood nostalgia of Play-Doh. Plus, it’s infused with lavender essential oil, so it provides plenty of sensory soothing.

16/45

Newgo Cooling Eye Mask

Sometimes the most thoughtful gift ideas are the simplest. Case in point: This cooling mask filled with hundreds of gel beads does wonders for puffy eyes and headaches.

17/45

Sunprint Kit

This kid-friendly printing set lets anyone make their own art—and doesn’t scream “cheap.”

18/45

Ironclad General Utility Work Gloves

These high-quality work gloves far outperform their price point. They’re a smart cheap gift idea for the tinkerer or DIY legend on your list.

19/45

MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle

Dog parents have probably seen this handy bowl and bottle combo all over TikTok, so go ahead and treat them to one.

20/45

Custom Photo Face Socks

Nothing says funny Secret Santa gift or irreverent stocking stuffer quite like a pair of socks personalized with your friend’s face on them. Simply send pics to the Amazon vendor, et voilà! They also happen to make a fab gift for husbands who appreciate good socks, especially when you’ve been together for so long you’ve run out of ideas.

21/45

FaceTory Collection Facial Mask Set

Moisturizing sheet masks make great gifts for just about anyone, and this collection of face, hand, and foot masks is especially cart-worthy. Give them all to one lucky recipient (maybe alongside some bath bombs) or break up the set for stocking stuffers.

22/45

The Golden Girls Magnet Set

Who says $9 can’t buy a thoughtful gift? This magnet set features Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia, plus an array of props and backgrounds to help anyone build the perfect episode of The Golden Girls. Pair it with some homemade cheesecake for the ultimate gift set.