As someone who identifies as fiscally conservative, I was psyched to see myself assigned to our annual overhaul of the best affordable (aka cheap) gifts.
I know that’s hard to believe, since I’m a shopping editor and all, but if this job has made me an expert in anything, it’s 1) finding a deal and 2) knowing when something is really worth the spend. News flash: a lot of things simply are not.
When it comes down to gift giving, especially of the budget-friendly variety, it’s all about finding that high-quality, functional item that’s sentimental enough that make it obvious you didn’t just stuff a dollar store find into a gift bag.
To find the best affordable gifts of 2025, I combed retailers’ best-seller pages, tapped into my shopping editor friends, and reviewed the budget-friendly items our readers have loved throughout the years. Whether you’re shopping for your wife, husband, co-worker or run club bestie, I’m confident that there’s something in this list that they (and your bank account) will be happy to receive.
From experience gifts to DIY kits, limited edition skincare, and clothing that won’t fall apart in the wash, every item is under $100 (many are less than $50), and proof that, contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend a lot to give something that whoas.
Best for the spa-obsessed friend: Salt & Stone Body Wash
A little luxury goes a long way — especially under the tree. This antioxidant-rich wash turns anyone’s (unisex scent) daily shower into a spa-level escape, and the hefty 15.2-ounce bottle means the pampering lasts well past Christmas morning. Perfect for the person who loves feeling fancy without blowing the gift budget.
Best affordable gift for women: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Boatneck Sweater
You can’t go wrong with cashmere, and the Mongolian Cashmere Boatneck Sweater from Quince is about as good as it gets. It’s soft, simple to style, and ethically produced. Best of all, it’s less than $100 and available in a myriad of colors to suit her taste.
A designer cologne Set: Gucci Guilty 3 Piece Hardbox Gift Set for Men
Surprised to see Gucci on an under-$100 gift list? Same — but we’re not questioning it. This sleek trio (full-size fragrance, travel spray, and deodorant) delivers that signature Gucci swagger for a shockingly doable price. Luxe vibes, low stress, and guaranteed “whoa, you got me Gucci?” Christmas reactions.
Best affordable gift for teens: Soundcore by Anker P20i
The Soundcore by Anker P20i earbuds are a great gift for teens and any music lover on your list this holiday season. They offer sharp sound, booming bass, and super quick charging! Best of all (and my favorite part), they’re super budget-friendly.
Affordably boujee candles: Homesick EuroTrip Mini Candle Trio
I always see this brand at the bookstore (yes, shopping editors still visit physical shops), and I never want to drop half a Benjamin by grabbing a couple. Now, thanks to the holidays and a current sale, I — and you — can grab a trio set for less than $20. While I love the notes of Parisian lights (anything gourmand makes me smile), the real crowd-pleaser will be the Santorini Cliffs candle, with notes of fig, lemon zest and herbs.
Best gift for girlfriend: Ana Luisa Elisa Delicate Huggie Hoops
Ana Luisa is one of my favorite affordable fine jewelry brands, and if you’re thinking of gifting something sparkly, its Elisa Delicate Huggie Hoops are a must-consider. Part teardrop, part huggie, the dangling earrings are hypoallergenic, tarnish and water-resistant, and effortlessly add a dash of elegance to any outfit. An ideal gift for a girlfriend, daughter, or wife, they’re available in a gold finish (shown above), as well as silver.
The gift for boyfriend: Quince Organic Midweight French Terry Pullover Hoodie
Gift a hoodie, but make it luxurious-looking. No logos, no loud colors — only clean lines, a kangaroo pocket, and French terry cloth material like his favorite bathrobe. That’s what you’ll get if you opt for this men’s hoodie from Quince, plus free shipping and the satisfying feeling that only comes when you know you’ve paid less than $50 for something that could have cost twice as much.
Best gift for grandparents Levain x Snif Candle Gift Set
When we tested the cookies from Levain Bakery, we were properly impressed, and you can’t go wrong with the Levain x Snif Candle Gift Set. The limited edition set comes with four, freshly baked chewy (and large) cookies of your choosing (14 options in total), plus a Mornings at Levain candle, which smells like nuts, chocolate, sea salt — basically the bakery. As someone who has gifted goodies from the store before, I assure you, whoever receives this will have a smile on their face and a very grateful belly.
Best affordable gift: Masterclass
Learning should never end, and now they can learn from the best! Masterclass offers video-based courses taught by ‘masters’ in a respective field. Explore personal branding from Kris Jenner or how to make restaurant-quality meals from Gordan Ramsey. There are more than 200 classes to choose from and endless opportunities to expand the mind.
For the person always losing things: Apple AirTag (4 Pack)
Whether you’re traveling or suffer from chronic absent-mindedness, the Apple AirTags make it easy to keep track of belongings. With a one-tap setup, precision tracking and audible alerts, it offers peace of mind for folks always on the go — with or without their essentials. Use it for keys, wallet, luggage — even pets.
A gift set with a little bit of everything: Bath & Body Works Champagne Toast Gift Set
This Bath & Body Works gift set will be best for anyone who loves juicy and bright scents, as well as being able to carry their favorite body care products in their purse. It includes the Champagne Toast body lotion and matching cream, shampoo, conditioner, hand sanitizer and even a car freshener. Best of all, when all the products are gone, they can still use the little carrying case all the goodies come in.
Socks he’ll actually want: Bonobos Soft Everyday Socks (3-Pack)
If he’s a man of discerning taste, he’ll be thrilled to receive a pair of the Bonobos Soft Everyday Socks. They’re cushioned and ventilated for comfort, plus have built-in arch support. Available in a variety of colors and prints, they’re an elevated basic he’ll be happy to have. While a single pair is only $15, we suggest splurging on a 3-pack for a reasonable $35.
Best gift for men: lululemon Soft Jersey Jogger Shorter
lululemon never disappoints if you’re seeking something functional and stylish. Its Soft Jersey Jogger Shorter is designed for casual wear, and features a brushed interior that makes them feel like your favorite soft pajamas. Along with being sweat-wicking and quick-drying, they also have ample storage, boasting pockets with a hidden sleeve for your phone and change.
A gift for the skincare obsessed: Typology Essential Skincare Kit
“From its sleek, Instagram-worthy packaging to its carefully curated product lineup, Typology exudes an air of sophistication and allure that’s hard to ignore,” said commerce associate editor Kendall Cornish, when she reviewed the brand. Vegan and made in France, it’s sure to be a favorite of anyone who appreciates clean beauty and aesthetically pleasing packaging. Its Essential Skincare Kit includes the Organic Peppermint Hydrolate, 9-Ingredient Face Moisturizer, Radiance Serum Vitamin C 11%, and a cotton pouch for storage. But word to the wise, grab while you can. It’s a limited edition and high-quality skincare, so in my opinion, worth the $95 asking price.
Best hostess gift: Godinger Silver Art Co Jax Drinking Glass 11 oz (Set of 4)
This four-piece set of drinking glasses makes an excellent hostess gift. Made from lead-free crystal, they’re durable and feature a vintage crystalized texture with a floral pattern that will make the giftee think you scored these at some obscure antique store on the Upper East Side. While we love the glasses in orange, they’re also available in seven other colors, including blue, and lavender DOF. With nearly a perfect rating on Wayfair, hundreds of customers rave about their weight, vibrant color, and overall aesthetic.
Something for the perfume lover: Phlur Custom Travel Trio
Phlur makes some of my favorite perfumes, so The Phlur Custom Travel Trio is one of my favorite options on this list. It comes with three travel-size body mists — each hand-selected by you! From the watery and fresh notes of Beach Skin to the spicy and sweet chords in Vanilla Smoke, there are more than a dozen options from the niche fragrance house to choose from. If you’re willing to spend a little more ($95), swap the body mist for perfumes. Or, if you really can’t decide which ones to go with, hop to Amazon, where you can find pre-made sets, ready to be wrapped and gifted.
Snuggly holiday pajama bottoms: Adult Holiday Flannel Pajama Pants
Everyone needs a new pair of cozy pajama pants, and who doesn’t love the ones from Hanna Andersson? The pants are made with warm sueded flannel, come in more than a dozen styles, and will easily keep you cozy all winter long.
Best gift for the friend who likes to cook: Brightland The Duo Olive Oils
Brightland’s The Duo can make the most basic salad or chicken breast taste gourmet. The set comes with the brand’s two most popular extra virgin olive oils: Awake, which features an herbaceous taste, and Alive, which has a peppery profile — perfect for heartier fare. A touch shy of $75, you’ll be thought of whenever they are used.
Best for the sporty guy or gal: lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag with Long Strap 1L
There’s a reason why everyone is still obsessed with the lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag. Armed with multiple pockets and made with water-resistant material, it can be worn in a variety of ways and easily fits your wallet, keys, and phone. Perfect for the person on the go, it comes in lots of different color options, too.
Best gift for coworker: Bedsure Knit Throw Blanket
It’s always tricky when shopping for someone in your cubicle crew, so go for something universally pleasing — and needed. This cozy Besure Knit Throw Blanket was made for nights by the fire and binge-watching shows. Designed with enhanced premium and anti-static microfiber, expect snuggly softness overload. Available in two sizes, it also makes a beautiful but functional accent piece for the home.
Best gift for someone who loves coffee: Bodum Chambord French Press
Who says you need to spend a lot for a nice gift? The Bodum Chambord French Press is crafted in Portugal and features a copper‑tone stainless steel frame that makes it worthy of being displayed on any kitchen countertop. Shoppers praise its delivery of strong, full-bodied coffee, as well as its ease of use.
Best gift for husband: Giftory
Spice up date night with an experience from Giftory. It has thousands of options to choose from, ranging from spas to cooking, sightseeing, adventures and more. Buy a voucher in your price range (there are plenty under $100), and then gift it to your guy to book at his leisure. Trust, it will be a lot more memorable than the basic dinner and a movie thing.
Best affordable gift for teachers: The Bon Appetit Gourmet Gift Basket
Let’s be real — your kid’s teacher doesn’t need another gift card to Starbucks. The Bon Appétit Gourmet Gift Basket is far more thoughtful and packed with noshable goodies, including a Baker Brothers Brownie, Poshi Snacks Olives, classic English vanilla fudge, and Hammond’s Lemon Cake.
Best gift for sister: Baggalini Triple Zip Crossbody Bag
For the woman who likes her bags stylish and functional, look no further than the bags at Baggallini. One of its most budget-friendly options is the Triple Zip Crossbody Bag, which features ergonomic zippers, four zippered pockets and internal organization that includes spots for your cards, makeup and more. It can be worn four different ways, including as a belt bag, and is even machine-washable. Available in a variety of colors and prints, don’t be surprised if you pick one up for yourself, too.
Best gift for mom: Donpapa Women’s Slipper
If you’re thinking of gifting a pair of UGG slippers but are coughing at the price tag, grab the Donpapa Women’s Slipper instead. The celeb-loved slipper,is a popular alternative and praised for in ultra-soft and fuzzy interior. More than 20,000 customers have given them a rating on Amazon, plus they’re available in nearly a dozen colors.
For the person who plans everything: Papier Future Leather Planner (2026)
Ideal for the person who already knows what they’ll be up to in the new year, the Papier Future Leather Planner will be an appreciated gift. Its soft flexi cover makes it user-friendly, too, and it can be personalized with your person’s initials.
A practical gift no one wants to buy for themselves: Philips Sonicare 4100 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
Thousands of shoppers swear by the Philips Sonicare 4100 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush. It has two pressure settings, a pressure sensor and timer, and has a sleek but inconspicuous design. Is it a smooth leather jacket or designer watch? No, but it will make them smile — literally.
Best affordable tech gift: INIU Portable Charger
You don’t need to buy an Elgato Stream Deck or Valve Index VR Headset to impress your techy friend. All you need to do is gift this! The INIU Portable Charger is a bestseller at Amazon, and frankly, something everyone can use in their stocking. The powerbank can charge up to three devices at once, plus it’s smaller than the typical smartphone — no one with a gadget should be without one.
Best affordable unique gift: The Woobles DIY Learn To Crotchet Kit Emotional Support Desk Plant
Have a friend who goes to paint and sips? This gift is for them. The Woobles Learn To Crochet Kit takes you stitch by stitch in building the cutest emotional support desk plants you’ve ever seen. Designed for beginners, each kit comes with everything needed to make one crochet plant character, including pre-started yarn. There’s also a step-by-step video to make the process even easier.
Best affordable gift for teens: Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler
There’s a reason why everyone’s crazy about the Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler. Offering functionality and style, its double‑wall vacuum insulation keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. The FlowState three‑position lid offers sipping customization, while its comfort grip handle makes it easy to cart around, whether you’re running to class, a boardroom, or the gym.
Best gift for daughters: LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask Midnight Minis
The LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask often makes an appearance in our roundups and gift guides, but I think this gift set is slightly better for gift-giving season. It comes with three lip masks in three holiday-inspired flavors: chocolate, caramel, and eggnog latte, plus two glow lip balms are also included.
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