Friday, November 19, 2021

From Cheap & Cheerful To Awesome & Affordable, Here Are The 50 Best Gifts At Any Budget

If there's one repetitive Christmas song we always vibe with, it's Eartha Kitt crooning her wish list to Santa. From a yacht to Tiffany jewels and a '54 convertible too (light blue), the girl knew how to reach for the stars. We'd imagine our own friends' and family's wish lists aren't too dissimilar — but alas, most of us aren't able to drop fantasy-gift level cash on every one of our giftees. But just because a $2,500 Peloton might be out of the question doesn't mean there aren't plenty of remarkable and thoughtful gifts that will match your budget.

Holiday shopping is far from a one-size-fits-all task. Yeah, yeah; gift-giving should be less about the gift itself and more about the thought behind it. But at the end of the day, creating a realistic present-buying budget is vital to your sanity, and shopping within tight financial constraints isn't always a simple task. Ahead, we offer a creative solution: the achievable holiday catalog. Our roundup offers the best gift ideas that your money can buy — for $100 or less. Whether you're navigating the waters of shopping for a co-worker you're comfortable gossiping with (but not comfortable spending more than $25 on) or a significant other you're willing to donate your upcoming holiday bonus towards, look no further than this list of the 50 best gifts for under $100.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

$10 & Under


If you're shopping around for cheap stocking stuffers, $10 is all you need to spend. Keep a lookout for functional items that pack in some personality from kitschy wine charms to a pastel set of reusable flatware.

Genius Music Playing Cards


Behold: A fun stack for placing poker bets, showing off magic tricks, or shuffling in your palms.

Genius Music Playing Cards, $, available at Uncommon Goods

Urban Outfitters Planets Crew Socks


May the whole universe be with you every step of the way.

Urban Outfitters Planets Crew Sock, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Slava Jewelry Store Beaded Glasses Chain


A cute croakie to keep your sunnies close at hand.

SlavaJewelryStore Beaded glasses chain, $, available at Etsy

TonyMoly Magic Food Banana Hand Milk


Applying hand moisturizer has never been so amusing.

TonyMoly Magic Food Banana Hand Milk, $, available at Amazon

Claire's Hearts and Stars Stick On Earrings - 30 Pack


Remember these? We think it's time to bring 'em back.

Claire's Hearts and Stars Stick On Earrings - 30 Pack, $, available at Claire's

Free People Bow Scrunchie


It's the bow that makes this scrunchie.

Free People Bow Scrunchie, $, available at Free People

Anthropologie Zodiac Daily Journal


Don't worry, there's a zodiac journal for every type of emotional friend on your list.

Anthropologie Zodiac Daily Journal, $, available at Anthropologie

Harry Smail Red Wine Stain Remover


When the wine starts flowing, the spills start splashing. Trust us, you'll want this handy — whether to gift or to have on hand for emergencies.

Harry Smail Red Wine Stain Remover, $, available at Uncommon Goods

Matt Lives Supplies Large Metal Fish Hair Claw


Put a set of dead fish bones in your hair, why don't you. We think you'll like it.

Mattlivesupplies Large Metal Fish Hair Claw, $, available at Etsy

Homesick Car Freshener


Make it a sweet-smelling ride.

Homesick Car Freshener, $, available at Homesick

Sephora Hello! Beauty Big Shots


All of Sephora's best sellers, as miniatures!

Sephora Hello! Beauty Big Shots, $, available at Sephora

$11 - $25


This is usually the ideal range for an acquaintance, lesser-known friend, or a Secret Santa recipient. It says that you made an effort to find something personal without having to go over your tight budget. Plenty of fun gifts can be found for under $25. Instead of stressing over finding something valuable, be on the hunt for cute gag gifts and affordable beauty products.

OXO Good Grips Sweep & Swipe Laptop Cleaner


A highly practical gift for anyone who's still working remote (probably most everyone you know).

OXO OXO Good Grips Sweep & Swipe Laptop Cleaner, $, available at The Container Store

Degrees by 180s Behind-the-Head Adjustable & Foldable Earmuffs


The muffs are worn behind the head to ensure that your 'do remains styled.

Degrees by 180s Behind-the-Head Adjustable & Foldable Earmuffs, $, available at Amazon

Chillhouse Chill Tips


Give the gift of always-perfect, never-chipped, fantastically-designed nails.

Chillhouse Chill Tips Reusable Press-On Manicure Kit, $, available at Free People

Que Collapsible Water Bottle


Introducing: The best travel water bottle in the world.


que 20oz Collapsible Water Bottle, $, available at Amazon

LEGO x Star Wars: The Mandalorian Kit


May the force be with whoever gets to assemble these figurines.

LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian Kit, $, available at Amazon

Tamanohada Round Soap


Have a s(m)oothing time with this spherical pearl of a soap.

Tamanohada Round Soap - Lavender, $, available at Goodee

TRRAPLE Croissant Light


Glow up to this tasty de(light).

TRRAPLE Croissant Light, $, available at Amazon

Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design Resin Coasters


Tabletops are about to get snazzy.

Gaetano Pesce Resin Coasters, $, available at Coming Soon

Tea Drops x Hello Kitty Bubble Tea Kit


Tasty bubble tea is only minutes away and can be made from the comfort of their own home.


Tea Drops x Hello Kitty Bubble Tea Kit, $, available at Tea Drops

janeferwong Mushroom Towel


Because mushrooms are trending in a big way, even in the realm of bathroom accessories.

janeferwong Mushroom heart Hand & Bath Towel, $, available at Society6

MerryXD Chubby Blob Seal Pillow


If you're not having yourself a merry, chonky Christmas, please reconsider!

MerryXD Chubby Blob Seal Pillow, $, available at Amazon

$26 - $50


Your wallet loves to see it. Lucky for you, there's plenty of party pleasing gifts that slide in under the $50 price point. Steer in the direction of unique tech gifts, functional fashion picks, and holiday beauty store sets.

Lululemon Double Roller Mini


Something to help your tense pals roll out their muscles.

Lululemon Double Roller Mini, $, available at Lululemon

ILIKEPAR Cereal Scented Candle


Candle-gifting for the holidays is rather overrated — unless it's in the form of breakfast cereal.


ILIKEPAR Cereal Bowl with Metal Spoon Scented Candle, $, available at Amazon

Inkach Advent Calendar Christmas Slime


For a Christmas countdown complete with 24 fun toys to kick off each December day with a surprise.

Inkach Advent Calendar Christmas Slime, $, available at Walmart

PLNTRS Nike Swoosh Mini Basketball Planter With Stand


Love basketball? And plants? The perfect gift for you does, in fact, exist.


plntrs Nike Swoosh Mini Basketball Planter With Stand, $, available at Etsy

Snuk Chile Crisp Gift Box


These top-selling chili crisps have varying flavors and spice levels and can be used on noodles, eggs, pizza and more.

Snuk Chile Crisp Gift Box, $, available at Snuk

Monopoly: Schitt’s Creek Board Game


The award-winning TV show might be over, but the Schitt's Creek fun doesn't stop.

Monopoly Monopoly: Schitt’s Creek Board Game, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Dusen Dusen for Areaware Kitchen Timer


This time-keeping kitchen pal is here to make sure you never overbake again.

Dusen Dusen for Areaware Kitchen Timer, $, available at Coming Soon

Dhaka Handicrafts Jute & Recycled Rectangular Storage Basket


Getting your living room tidied up never looked so freakin' adorable.

Dhaka Handicrafts Jute & Recycled Rectangular Storage Basket, $, available at GlobeIn

Starface x Sesame Street Elmo Bundle


Everyone's forever friend Elmo is here to help prevent skin picking, absorb fluid, and reduce inflammation to shrink pimples overnight.

Starface x Sesame Street Elmo Bundle, $, available at Starface

Our Place Set of 4 Drinking Glasses


Perfectly sized, very stackable, and cute as heck. Cheers to staying hydrated.

Our Place Drinking Glasses, $, available at Our Place

Sackville & Co. Vibrant Smoke Kit


As the brand says, this is "a classy ass kit for a classy ass smoker." Responsible puffers get a zip pouch, carry case, and a pack of pre-rolled cones.

Sackville & Co. Vibrant Smoke Kit, $, available at Sackville & Co.

Airbnb Gift Card


Give the gift of adventure.


Airbnb Gift Card, $, available at Airbnb

$51 - $100


Say hello to the most realistic budget of the bunch. Here you'll find all of the practical items your giftee has likely already added to their wishlist.

Parachute Home Cozy Bootie


They're so plush, you'd think they're baby booties. Guess again — these are made for deserving adults who want that cozy life.

Parachute Home Cozy Bootie, $, available at Parachute Home

Public Goods Self-Care Kit


An all-inclusive, luxury self-care set for the eco-conscious person who's in need of some pampering.

Public Goods Self Care Kit, $, available at public goods

Outdoor Voices Rectrek Pant


For the man who seeks a relaxed but also very active-ready pant.

Outdoor Voices Rectrek Pant, $, available at Outdoor Voices

Uncommon Goods Karaoke Microphone Speaker


Consider this the hack that allows you to bring the party wherever you go.

Uncommon Goods Karaoke Microphone Speaker, $, available at Uncommon Goods

Maison Margiela Replica By the Fireplace Eau de Toilette Fragrance


The aroma of this unisex perfume from French fashion house Maison Margiela is the next best thing to getting cozy in front of a fireplace.

Maison Margiela Replica By the Fireplace Eau de Toilette Fragrance, $, available at Nordstrom

Cooluli 4L Thermoelectric Mini Beauty Fridge & Warmer


An absolute essential for the beauty-obsessed person in your life.

Cooluli 4L Thermoelectric Mini Beauty Fridge & Warmer, $, available at Nordstrom

Everlane The ReNew Teddy Bomber


Who can deny fleece for winter? And, since this is from Everlane, you can feel extra good about gifting a cozy layer made from 100% recycled polyester.

Everlane The ReNew Teddy Bomber, $, available at Everlane

Caslon Miller Water Resistant Chelsea Boot


The fashionista on your gift list will undoubtedly appreciate a great pair of black boots.

Caslon Miller Water Resistant Chelsea Boot, $, available at Nordstrom

Crockd Pottery Kit


This pottery kit was created with mindfulness and wellbeing in mind because it stimulates the positive effects of art therapy, but from home. 

crockd Crockd Pottery Kit, $, available at Crockd

VacOne Coffee Air Brewer


Meet the world's first electric vacuum brewer, which uses air and negative pressure to produce smoother, more balanced coffee and cold brew in only 4 minutes.



Vac Coffee VacOne Coffee Air Brewer, $, available at Huckberry

Minted Custom House Portrait Art


Upload a photo of a home and the Minted team will illustrate and frame it for whomever you're gifting this to.

Minted Custom House Portrait Art, $, available at Minted

Mejuri Bold Croissant Dôme Huggies


A simple, luxurious joy that comes in the shape of golden croissants. Yum.

Mejuri Bold Croissant Dôme Huggies, $, available at Mejuri

Madewell Simple Crossbody Bag


A sleek closet staple that they can take everywhere, with enough room to hold just about everything.

Madewell The Simple Crossbody Bag, $, available at Madewell

MoMA Design Store Sky Umbrella


A rainy day is no match for the vivid blue sky printed on the inside of this umbrella.

MoMA Design Store Sky Umbrella, $, available at Nordstrom

Melon Bike Helmet Urban Active


Cute bicycle helmets are always hard to come by — but these noggin protectors get the job done.

Melon Bike Helmet Urban Active »New York«, $, available at Melon

Dr. Scholl's Running Free Bootie


Is it a sneaker? Is it a boot? What if we told you it's both — and it's all-around cushioned to keep those toes warm.

Dr. Scholl’s Running Free Bootie, $, available at Nordstrom

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