50 Expensive-Looking Gifts for $50 or Less
Gift guides can be totally indulgent, tailored for the design geek, or even exceedingly specific. But what do you do when you’re on a budget and you’re stuck with multiple holiday swaps all happening within the next two weeks? Because let’s face it, these presents start adding up. To make it easier, the Cut gathered 50 of our favorite present suggestions for $50 or less.
Have a friend who’s obsessed with drinking LaCroix? Give them a quirky pin in their favorite flavor. Or maybe you received an unexpected gift and now you have to reciprocate quickly? Cozy earmuffs, sparkly socks, and the perfect red lipstick are just a few of the many options. Click ahead to see all 50 chic, last-minute gift ideas under $50.
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LaCroix addictions and tiny enamel pins: Two 2016 trends rolled into one inexpensive present.
Pockets, weird places in the car, and the bottom of a purse are no places for spare change.
Would Martha Stewart ever lie about the magic of copper cookware?
Make your bath beary, beary good.
Fancier and prettier than a Dove bar.
The product used on Gigi Hadid on every single red-carpet appearance.
These tiny, sparkly candles are just the thing to celebrate birthdays or even simply for the hell of it.
They're fluffy, pink, and will keep your ears warm through all of winter's worst weather.
Succulents make a living space look like you've gone the extra mile, no green thumb required.
Yes, socks aren't exactly the most thoughtful gift but don't overthink it. These glittery blue ones will look great peeking out of pants or jeans.
Never ask "is that my drink or yours" again with these colorful glass markers that'll prevent any accidental drink swaps between guests.
Get by with a little kelp from your new friend — an ultra-moisturizing seaweed Korean beauty mask.
No one can hate on getting a pair of fuzzy, cozy slippers.
Fill these votives with bright pink flowers for a colorful, inexpensive present.
An inexpensive alternative and dupe to P50 (the so-called "Jesus in a bottle").
Chopsticks can be ranked by degree of difficulty. Plastic or metal? Slippery and meant for people with experience. Give wooden ones to any foodie (reg...
Chopsticks can be ranked by degree of difficulty. Plastic or metal? Slippery and meant for people with experience. Give wooden ones to any foodie (regardless of dexterity) as an upgrade to crappy to the takeout ones.
Hotel rooms can smell pretty funky at times so gift this lavender-scented travel candle to anyone who spends too many hours on the road.
A stuffed-to-the-gills wallet is highly overrated. This sleek red card case is a smart way to simplify your life.
The best tweezers now come in a fancier metal.
There's always that friend who constantly asks to borrow a nail file, scissors, or a tweezer. Here's a subtle way of telling them to get their own.
For the friend who watches Clueless a little too often, this furry ponytail holder is totally '90s.
This set proves that buying a proper, well-designed flatware set doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Use it as a pretty background for your next meal or as a way to display makeup.
A gift that's cheaper than therapy.
The gift set for friends who party.
If you know someone who's really into cooking, a Japanese mortar and pestle makes for a great gift. The lucky recipient can use it to grind up spices,...
If you know someone who's really into cooking, a Japanese mortar and pestle makes for a great gift. The lucky recipient can use it to grind up spices, make pesto, and the list goes on.
A limited-edition matte from NARS's new collection with photographer Sarah Moon that you should snap up before it's too late.
Since the choker trend is here to stay why not give your trendy friend one made with 14K gold?
Give the gift of less clutter and mood-enhancing decor.
Long gloves that extend past your wrists not only keep your arms warmer but look more elegant too.
The perfect decorative bauble for any power desk.
Making a grilled cheese doesn't require much (if any) culinary expertise, but experience will tell you it's not exactly a walk in the park either. How...
Making a grilled cheese doesn't require much (if any) culinary expertise, but experience will tell you it's not exactly a walk in the park either. How does one get the cheese perfectly melted without burning the bread? What makes for a nice crunch on your toast? Too many questions, too little time. This novelty grilled-cheese maker takes the guesswork out of it.
A dad hat with attitude.
This might have been the year where Vans reigned supreme among the street-style set but that doesn't mean a sneakerhead can live off Sk8-His alone. Th...
This might have been the year where Vans reigned supreme among the street-style set but that doesn't mean a sneakerhead can live off Sk8-His alone. This pretty satin pair is a nice way to mix it up.
Use this sheer bodysuit to give a stylish touch to your standard holiday-party dress.
Everlane is still the best place for well-constructed basics, so why not jump on their newly launched category: classic sleepwear.
When you're sick of smelling like Santal 33 and everyone else, but want to smell better than Tide.
The best party dress is one that can be recycled for multiple events by swapping out the accessories. That doesn't mean you have to resort to a black ...
The best party dress is one that can be recycled for multiple events by swapping out the accessories. That doesn't mean you have to resort to a black one though — this pink one also fits the bill.
A simple, sleek black belt is a smart wardrobe staple not only to own but to gift.
All that's left is a deep, bold lip.
A go-with everything top with a twist that will work with everything in your closet.
Give a pair of downright pretty headphones for the audiophile in your life complete with a built-in mic/remote and a tangle-free cord. If they ever ge...
Give a pair of downright pretty headphones for the audiophile in your life complete with a built-in mic/remote and a tangle-free cord. If they ever get dirty, just remove the ear caps and throw them into the wash.
Dangly gold earrings are just the present to give right before NYE.
A big, fluffy scarf that can pull double duty as a blanket. Photo: Miranda De Lay
For the friend who always thinks they're the designated bartender.
It's almost too hard to believe a pair of boots like these are just $45, so the person getting them will never know you paid so little.
Keeping warm never looked so chic.
This underwear set is a throwback to the '90s and totally meant to be worn with low-slung jeans.
Anyone can appreciate the useful simplicity of a classic black leather watch, making it a foolproof gift.
For the tea lover in your life.
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