19 life-enhancing gifts under $50
Forget the toy of the year, latest-release tech, and other “it” gifts of the season. Sure, these items come with a certain cache, but they also carry the heftiest price tags and oftentimes, a wow-factor that wears off within minutes. Instead, the best gifts are those that make everyday living — taking a yoga class, fixing a warm drink, applying makeup, and even doing dishes — that much easier, elegant, and more enjoyable.
SHOP: Honey's Ultimate Gift Guide
To wit: We’ve found something to make your friend smile every time she unfurls her yoga mat (because it’s adorned with a design from an artist featured on Insecure); a gadget that will make your sister’s nook of a kitchen feel bigger whenever she does dishes; a way to stream movies in the backyard for the most epic summer parties ever. The best part? These joy-makers all ring in at $50 or less.
A ring, let along one with an infinite design, can say a lot of things. At the very least, your giftee will know they'll always be in your heart. Want to match? Now until Nov. 30, shop Pandora's Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals, get 30% off online and in stores, and you might as well scoop up a pair: one of you and one for your bestie, partner, or loved one.
SHOP: Infinity Knot Ring, $40, available at Pandora
A no nonsense carry-all dipped in street cred is in itself a rare find, but this weather-proof duffle checks all the boxes and then some: The amply-sized bag from Japanese street brand Superdry can go from the gym to wheels up in a heartbeat (thanks in part to hidden straps that convert the weekender into a backpack). The kicker? The do-it-all carryall can be had for 40% off.
SHOP: Superdry Zip Around Weekender Bag, $40, available at Finish Line
For the family member embracing the natural hair movement, this collection of reparative products (including the famed Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask; Don't Despair, Repair! Strengthening Treatment Oil; Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray; and Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Mask) will make the transition to popping, healthy curls surprisingly simple.
SHOP: Briogeo Healthy Hair Wonders Set, $49, available at Ulta
Early adopters may not remember life before wielding the latest iPhone, but in reality, it's been just a few weeks since they’ve sprung for the latest tech. That means they’re likely still carrying their prized possession around in a boring, factory-issued case. Wrap their user experience in pure luxury without breaking the bank by giving this monogrammed canvas cover, which not only stylishly protects the device from nasty falls, but is MagSafe compatible, too.
SHOP: iPhone 13 Pro Max Case In Signature Canvas With Pop Floral Print, $42, available at Coach Outlet
With trends that move at the speed of TikTok videos, giving cool gifts that fall within the teen approval matrix can feel like an impossible mission. The trick? Opt for timeless items instead of what’s #trending, like this genderless NASA logo tee.
SHOP: Long Sleeve NASA Speckled Graphic Tee, $18, available at Aeropostale
Any makeup enthusiasts worth their weight in YouTube tutorials knows you’re only as good as your brush set. The hitch? Most makeup brushes ring in at double and triple digits for one wand alone. Enter this vegan set from ColourPop, comprised of 14 new and best-selling shapes that will beef up anyone’s arsenal without sending you over budget.
SHOP: Ultimate Brush Roll, $44, available at ColourPop
Is the family college kid cooking from the same beat-up and lid-less pot that came with his or her last apartment? Upgrade their experience with a set of dishwasher safe, nonstick ceramic cookware that are made to nest within one another (and save precious cupboard space).
SHOP: Gotham Steel Nonstick Space-Saving StackMaster Mini 5-Pc. Cookware, $49.99, available at Macy’s
Think streaming sticks are reserved for tech-addled luddites? Then you haven’t met this device from Roku. Equipped with a 4-time greater signal and streaming range, this plug-and-play streamer allows you to watch 4K, HDR, and HD imagery from your backyard, car, and other far-flung locales that the household router typically won’t reach. What’s more, it effectively puts an end to doom scrolling, thanks to voice-enabled search that allows viewers to search content by actor, show, and more.
SHOP: Roku Streaming Stick+ HD/4K/HDR Streaming Device with Long-Range Wireless, $49.99, available at Walgreens
Plenty of lip service is paid to the danger of underbrushing, but as it turns out, brushing too vigorously comes with its own risks (including tooth sensitivity and gum recession). This ergonomic brush is not only shown by the brand to help remove 500% more plaque than a manual toothbrush, it’s made to help brushers strike the right balance for a perfect clean, thanks to a built-in sensor that illuminates when too much pressure is applied to the teeth.
SHOP: Oral-B Smart 1500 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush, $49.97, available at Walmart
With each iteration of its plant-forward latte blends (which include beetroot, turmeric, rose, pumpkin, and others), Blume has proven that caffeine, much less coffee, isn’t needed for a barista-worthy cup. Take this Blue Lavender Blend, which includes spirulina, coconut milk, and lavender in order to help regulate the body’s digestive system and sleep cycle. The health benefits drive a noble pursuit, but the flavor is so delicious and such a treat, you’ll forget it’s good for you. (Throw in a frother for even more professional-looking sips.)
SHOP: Blume Blue Lavender Blend, $25, available at Blume
Home cooks with tiny apartments will love this gift of doubling counter space: Though it may not look it in photos, the silicone rack is flexible enough to roll up for easy, under-the-sink storage when not in use, but is still strong enough to support a mess of pots, pans, and silverware when suspended over the sink.
SHOP: Five Two Over-the-Sink Drying Rack, $34, available at Food52
Makeup artist Jackie Aina may be best known for her beauty tutorials on YouTube, but the US Army veteran is also making a name for herself as purveyor of bougie candles that don’t break the bank. This set — stocked with coconut-and-caramel, pistachio-and-honey, hazelnut-and-coffee, and citrus-and-cedar fragrances — is perfect for the gourmand who loves their mood lighting as much as puff pastries.
SHOP: FORVR Mood Mini Candle Gift Set- Core Collection, $50, available at Sephora
Interchangeable combs may make for precise trimming, but darn it if those parts end up lost after a few months’ time. This design is made with one comb that can be adjusted to trim hair at 14 different lengths (from .4 to 10mm). What’s more, it can be used wet or dry, making it easy to shave, trim, or tidy edges for everything from bikini lines to beards.
SHOP: Philips Norelco Oneblade Pro Hybrid Electric Trimmer and Shaver, $49.95, available at Walmart
Is your bestie the kind of yogi who believes everything should be made a work of art? Give a yoga mat to help Shavasana in style, like this latex-free option, designed by pop artist Domonique Brown (whose work has been seen on Insecure).
SHOP: Crown Yoga Mat, $35.75, available at Society6
Cactus flower and moringa leaf extracts don’t just help deliver antioxidants and vitamins to the hair, they also smell good. Really good. Find them in this vegan and gluten-free shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner set from this Arizona-based hair care line, which does an incredible job of hydrating hair, boosting volume, and delivering a blissful olfactory moment.
SHOP: The Dae Daedreamer Set, $49, available at Dae Hair
Constellation piercings meet their match with this collection of sparkling studs. The mixed metals help brighten ear piercings no matter their location.
SHOP: Stella & Dot Star Struck Stud Set, $49, available at Stella & Dot
When it comes to giving sure-to-please gifts to the much-appreciated, but not intimately known people in your life (say, the mail delivery person, kid’s teacher, or the random acquaintance who got you a gift last year), Bath & Body Works makes it easy. Case in point, this hand cream and hand sanitizer duo made in a clean, white amber and jasmine scent. The affordable bundle is equal parts practical and delightful — and perfect to have on hand for last-minute giving.
SHOP: Pure Wonder Gift Set, $9.95, available at Bath & Body Works
What's better than a present that looks like one, too? A gift that's a fraction of the retail cost and is equally pretty.
SHOP: Skinny Mini Bow Bangle, Was $79; Now $32, available at Kate Spade New York
Bucket hats are back in a big way. If you want to show you're more than just a trend follower, opt for one in a quilted design to add some subtle texture to your ensemble. While you're shopping this Levi's beauty, from now until Nov. 30, get an extra 50% off sale items.
SHOP: Quilted Bucket Hat, $34.50, available at Levi's