We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping The Best Gift Ideas of 2024 The 50 Best Cheap Christmas Gifts of 2023 Thoughtful gifts that won’t break the bank. By Lesley Chen Lesley Chen Lesley Chen is a San Francisco-based freelance writer who covers shopping, home, tech, health, and general lifestyle topics for various websites.Highlights *Her work has appeared on SFGate, Well + Good, BuzzFeed, Byrdie, and PureWow. *She has a BA in economics and psychology from UC Berkeley and an MBA from UCLA Anderson. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on December 05, 2023 In This Article View All In This Article Reviews FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Kevin Liang ‘Tis the season for giving, which means your credit card has the potential to go into overdrive. Christmas shopping doesn’t have to send you into debt, though: There are plenty of thoughtful gift options that are inexpensive, too. “Just spending a lot of money does not automatically mean you have given a great gift,” says Jodi RR Smith, etiquette consultant and president of Mannersmith. Instead, she recommends spending time to find out what the gift recipient would really want. Whether shopping for your best friend, mother-in-law, or children’s stocking stuffers, there are tons of heartfelt goodies that allow you to stay within a responsible holiday budget. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas gifts under $30 for everyone on your list this year. Madewell Oval Signet Ring PHOTO: Madewell $21 at Amazon $11 at Madewell.com This gold-plated signet ring will be an accessory they’ll want to wear every day. It has just the right amount of vintage style and chunkiness, and it’s made with recycled materials. Case-Mate Boho Crystal Phone Charm PHOTO: Case-Mate $30 at Amazon View on Case-mate.com Not only is this phone charm super cute, but it will also allow them to go hands-free while running errands or juggling other items wherever they go. The subtle ombre design fits any phone case, and you can charge your phone without removing it. Chic and durable, it even comes with a one-year warranty. Urban Outfitters Polaroid Picture Frame PHOTO: Urban Outfitters $10 at Urban Outfitters Taking photos is a great way to preserve memories. Hanging those pictures up will have them smiling cheek to cheek every time they look upon their wall. Adding Polaroids you took before you gift it adds a thoughtful touch, too. Kitsch Satin Pillowcase with Zipper Pillowcase PHOTO: Amazon $18 at Amazon View on Mykitsch.com A satin pillowcase helps ward off frizzy hair and breakage, is gentle on skin, and stays cool through the night. With all of the different designs offered by Kitsch, which just so happens to be our favorite satin pillowcase, you can get them something to match their current bedding, too. UGG Cozy Chenille Sock PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon $20 at Nordstrom View on Victoriassecret.com Fuzzy socks can make chilly mornings and evenings a little more bearable. These super-soft socks come in a variety of colors and will keep their toes toasty. Yogasleep Sound Machine & Night Light PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon $20 at Target View on Babylist.com With the Yogasleep Nod White Noise Sound Machine, they'll get to sleep faster and stay asleep. Drown out distractions with 20 different options, including a selection of white noise, fans, nature sounds, and lullabies for babies and kids. A sleep timer can be set for 45 minutes, 90 minutes, or eight hours, and it even comes with a dimmable amber LED night light. Intelligent Change The Five Minute Journal PHOTO: Amazon $29 at Amazon If journaling is their thing—or they’re looking at getting into it—The Five Minute Journal is a low-effort way to build a habit of gratitude and mindfulness. Daily prompts will encourage them to start and end the day with more positivity. ban.do Vintage-Inspired Rise and Shine Decorative Ceramic Vase PHOTO: ban.do $27 at Amazon $33 at Wayfair $27 at Walmart Brighten up a desk, coffee table, or shelf with this colorful vase that looks like an old-school orange juice carton. It’s perfect for holding some fresh or dried flowers in any room. Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle Ice Mold PHOTO: Williams Sonoma $25 at Williams-Sonoma Potterheads can sip happily on their drink of choice with an oversized ice cube shaped like Hogwarts. The set includes two molds, and the ice cubes melt slowly, so they’ll be able to enjoy them for longer. Accio, ice! Urban Accents Movie Night Popcorn Set PHOTO: Amazon $22 at Amazon $33 at Walmart View on Stonewallkitchen.com Movie nights aren’t complete with popcorn, and this set will make them want to invite you over for a viewing marathon. It includes three sets of kernels and five spice blends, so you can mix and match to create your own popcorn sampler. Uncommon Goods Little Dog Snack Dishes PHOTO: Uncommon Goods $18 at Amazon $27 at Walmart $24 at Uncommon Goods Liven up snack time with a set of six adorable dog-themed dishes. They’re great for entertaining guests or just adding some fun to a regular afternoon of noshing. Crate & Barrel Mercer White Porcelain Jumbo Mug PHOTO: Crate & Barrel $7 at Crate & Barrel So they like coffee? Hot chocolate? This 24-ounce mug holds everything from tea to tomato soup. It's dishwasher-, microwave-, and oven-safe up to 350°F, and the clean white artisanal design will match any decor. Isotoner Women’s Cozy Terry Hoodback Clog Slipper PHOTO: Amazon $18 at Amazon $20 at Jcpenney.com $18 at Macy's With built-in memory foam, these slippers will provide all-day comfort for anyone who spends time on their feet. They’re breathable, machine-washable, and have rubber soles, so they can withstand a quick errand outside. URPOWER Oil Diffuser PHOTO: Amazon $16 at Amazon Fill their room with the calming fragrance of essential oils with this diffuser, which has up to six hours of working time depending on the settings. There are seven different colored LED lights to set the right mood, and there’s an automatic shut-off feature so they won’t have to worry about falling asleep with it on. Mindfulness Coloring Book For Adults: Zen Coloring Book For Mindful People PHOTO: Amazon $8 at Amazon Spark creativity and relaxation with a coloring book for adults. It has 50 different animals and designs to choose from and will give them a calming analog activity to enjoy. Omsom All-In-One Asian Sauce Packets PHOTO: Amazon $15 at Amazon Up the flavor of their next meal with an Omsom sauce packet, which contains no artificial flavors or preservatives. Each set comes with three packets and recipes to try. You can choose between chili garlic sauce, lemongrass BBQ, spicy Korean BBQ, and yuzu miso glaze. Blueland Hand Soap Starter Set PHOTO: Blueland $24 at Amazon View on Blueland.com An eco-friendly gift is one you'll feel good about giving. This starter soap set from Blueland features one reusable 9-ounce glass bottle and three refill tablets of your choice, with options including classic variety (agave, perrine lemon, and lavender eucalyptus), holiday variety (peppermint, winterberry, and vanilla frost), or fragrance-free. DASH Mini Waffle Maker - Heart PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon $10 at Target $7 at Sur La Table Food is more fun when it’s mini, and it’s even more fun when it’s heart-shaped. This waffle maker can create mini waffles, but don’t let that limit you—you can also make adorable hash browns, cookies, paninis, and more. Valentine for You Leather Travel Cable Organizer PHOTO: Etsy $50 at Etsy Between their laptop charger, phone charger, and earphones, traveling with corded items can be a tangly mess. With this distressed leather storage solution, they can keep everything organized until they need to unpack it. Optional personalizations include a stamp and/or name. Leatherology Hotel Keychain PHOTO: Leatherology View on Amazon View on Leatherology.com They’ll be less likely to lose their keys with this leather key chain. It’s in the shape of a vintage hotel keychain but made with full-grain leather. You can even add their initials for a personalized touch. Glossier Futuredew PHOTO: Sephora $42 at Amazon $30 at Sephora $30 at Glossier.com Dewy skin is just a few pumps away with this oil-serum hybrid. They can use it alone, mix it with their makeup, or highlight certain parts of their face they want to pop. PopSockets Clear Phone Grip PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon Add glitter and convenience to their phone with this clear PopSocket. It has an expandable kickstand they can use as a gripper to hold their phone more easily or a stand to watch videos and FaceTime you hands-free. Sephora Collection Rose Quartz Facial Roller PHOTO: Sephora $22 at Sephora They may not be able to get a facial as often as they like, but this rose quartz roller can provide some at-home TLC for their skin. They can use it to soothe and cool the skin on both their face and body. Prima Unwind Bath Gem PHOTO: Amazon $15 at Sephora $15 at Thrive Market View on The Detox Market A good soak in the tub is a great way to end a long day. For ultimate relaxation, this effervescent bath bomb contains Epsom salt and broad-spectrum CBD to melt their worries away. Vobaga Coffee Mug Warmer PHOTO: Amazon $26 at Amazon If you have someone in your life who always wants a warm beverage, this mug warmer will make sure they never have to nuke their drink in the microwave again. It’s small, compatible with thin-walled, flat-bottomed mugs, and will keep drinks at a nice, hot temperature. Uncommon Goods Ceramic Greek Coffee Cup PHOTO: Uncommon Goods $17 at Uncommon Goods View on Vat19.com Your giftee will be reminded of sipping bodega coffee with this classic design. Only this time, they won’t have to toss the cup in the garbage and can instead reuse it over and over. Bonus: It’s dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Frito Paws Personalized Dog Magnetic Bookmark PHOTO: Etsy $15 at Etsy If there's one thing about pet parents, it's that they love anything that has to do with their pets. If they also love to read, they'll adore this 2-by-2-inch magnetic bookmark that can be customized with their four-legged friend's face or full body. And if they have more than one pet, you can upgrade to two or more for just a couple extra bucks. You can even do kitties and other animals, too. Anthropologie Seeing Stars Zodiac Book PHOTO: Anthropologie $12 at Anthropologie Whether they’re a Virgo, Cancer, or Pisces, let them explore more about their zodiac sign with this colorful astrology book. Each one provides insights on a particular sign, and they also make attractive coffee table decor. Pigment Presley Pedestal Pot PHOTO: Pigment View on Shoppigment.com They’ll be able to show off their favorite small plant or succulent (and their green thumb) with this modern ceramic planter. It comes in three different sizes and three neutral colors to match the rest of their decor. Sephora Collection Hydrating Face Masks PHOTO: Sephora $6 at Sephora Who doesn’t love a night spent on the couch wearing a hydrating face mask? It’s called self care. Give them one or a few of these masks, which come in coconut, matcha, lemon, blueberry, watermelon, and lychee scents. Yeti Rambler Mug PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon View on Tackledirect.com View on Paragonsports.com No one likes a lukewarm beverage. This YETI double-insulated mug will keep their favorite drinks hot or cold for as long as it takes to finish them. The outside has a no-sweat finish so hands stay dry, and it holds 14 ounces. Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook PHOTO: Amazon $17 at Amazon $35 at Target $33 at Walmart Help them get their note-taking to the next level. The Rocketbook smart notebook will allow them to handwrite their notes and then convert them into digital text, making notes easier to search, and leaving fewer paper notebooks to clutter up their space. HydroJug Half Gallon Water Bottle PHOTO: Amazon $22 at Amazon Daily hydration will no longer be a problem with a Hydrojug, which can hold 73 ounces of water. Despite the large size, the jug is made from shatterproof plastic that’s lightweight and able to withstand accidental drops. Sugarwish PHOTO: Sugarwish View on Sugarwish.com Let your loved one pick their favorite sweet or savory treat from Sugarwish. There are options for candy, cookies, popcorn, snacks, drinks, and even dog treats. Everything will be delivered straight to their door. Sips by Self Care Tea Box PHOTO: Sips by View on Sipsby.com Tea lovers will appreciate this gift box, which includes teas that are energizing, grounding, heart-healing, and for rest, as well as five illustrated self-care cards. There’s enough tea to make 16 cups, and one dollar from each box will be donated to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Gift Republic 100 Movies Bucket List Poster PHOTO: Amazon $23 at Amazon $15 at Uncommon Goods View on Giftrepublic.com For the cinephile in your life, this interactive gift encourages them to watch classics including Mean Girls, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and The Lion King, so they can scratch off each square and reveal the art underneath. There are 100 films to watch altogether, and if you need a family-friendly version, there's an option that includes movies rated G through PG-13 exclusively. Bean Box Gourmet Coffee Sampler PHOTO: Amazon $29 at Amazon $24 at Beanbox.com Stock their cabinet with freshly roasted coffee. Each box includes four expertly curated bags of beans, and you can choose either whole-bean or ground. Subscription options are also available. Golde Pure Matcha PHOTO: Amazon $28 at Amazon $28 at Golde.co For a coffee alternative, matcha provides both energy and antioxidants, and the ritual of making it can be relaxing. Each tin contains about 15 servings of ceremonial grade matcha powder sourced from Japan. The Original MakeUp Eraser MakeUp Eraser Mini PHOTO: Amazon $8 at Amazon Makeup-stained towels will be a thing of the past with this handy tool. With just water, it can remove even stubborn mascara and eyeliner with minimal effort. After, it can be tossed in the washing machine for a refresh. Rabbit Wine Aerator and Pourer PHOTO: Amazon $15 at Amazon No more waiting for a bottle of wine to breathe—this aerator will make sure each glass is perfectly aerated and ready to drink. It’s also drip-free, so there won’t be any unnecessary wine rings on the table. Amazon Gift Card PHOTO: Amazon $50 at Amazon It may seem impersonal to give a gift card, but think of it this way: Your giftee can get whatever they want, whenever they want it. And since Amazon carries almost everything, they’ll be sure to find something they both want and need. Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon View on Lacolombe.com $50 at Williams-Sonoma Crafting a delicious cup of coffee is an art, and this coffee dripper can hone their skills. It’s made of ceramic to help retain heat better and produce an even brew. Silpat Silicone Baking Mat PHOTO: Amazon $22 at Amazon $26 at Wayfair View on Webstaurantstore.com This silicone baking mat is so versatile and will be a go-to for anyone who loves to bake. It’s freezer-, microwave-, and oven-safe. It’s also naturally nonstick, so they won’t need to use any cooking sprays or butter. Professor Puzzle Through the Window Puzzle Advent Calendar PHOTO: Uncommon Goods $28 at Uncommon Goods This fun Advent calendar provides 24 days of puzzling. Each day will give you a mini puzzle showing a different family tradition, and after 24 days, you can put all the mini puzzles together into one complete holiday picture. Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil PHOTO: Ulta $52 at Amazon $52 at Nordstrom $16 at Target This 1-ounce bottle of body oil will make their skin feel extra luxe and moisturized every time they use it. It’s infused with seaweed and packed with antioxidants to make skin look and feel healthy. MindWare Travel Qwirkle Game PHOTO: Amazon $19 at Amazon $19 at Walmart $24 at Staples This board game will bring friendly competition to your next game night together. Up to four people can play at a time, and it’s travel-sized, so it’s ready to go wherever you go. P.F Candle Co. Mistletoe Special PHOTO: P.F Candle Co. View on Pfcandleco.com View on Urban Outfitters Fill their home with all the good Christmas smells long after the holiday is over. The 7.2-ounce soy candle comes in a festive green glass container and features four woodsy scents rolled into one: Douglas fir, eucalyptus, pine, and cedar. Anya Shop Studio Locket Necklace with Photo PHOTO: Etsy $51 at Etsy A locket is a heartwarming gift: They'll be able to carry a precious photo with them everywhere they go. You don't even have to go through the trouble of printing and cutting the photo down to size—send up to two photos of your choosing, and the artist will take care of the rest. You can also engrave an initial or symbol for an extra-special touch. Lizzielane Boutique Personalized Passport Holder and Luggage Tag PHOTO: Etsy $22 at Etsy Your favorite jetsetter will be reminded of you every time they travel internationally with this personalized passport holder and luggage tag set. You can choose from a variety of different colors and add their name or initials on both items. Birdie Personal Safety Alarm PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon $27 at Walmart $30 at Shesbirdie.com The Birdie Personal Safety Alarm is a practical gift that will give you both peace of mind. When its button is pressed, the small device will sound a loud alarm and flash a strobe light. Questions You Might Ask What are the best places to shop for cheap gifts? “Nowadays, there are wonderful ways to find fabulous gifts on a frugal budget,” says Smith. She suggests starting early and creating a list for who you plan to give gifts to and some of their likes, tastes, and interests. “The first places to visit are the ‘Buy Nothing’ and ‘Reuse Recycle’ social media sites,” she says. “Scan some of the pages so you have an idea of what is usually offered. If nothing specifically fits what you seek, most will allow an ISO (in search of) post. From clothing, to home goods, to books, to toys, you will find treasures for the asking.” Next, Smith suggests visiting some of your local thrift stores for crystal flutes that can be paired with a bottle of Champagne, a library’s worth of books, silver candlesticks that can be paired with beeswax candle sticks, designer handbags, and even jewelry. Lastly, she recommends visiting artisan fairs, holiday markets, and local small businesses, who often have a great selection of unusual and budget-friendly options. What are the best gift cards to give? When giving gift cards, make sure the venue you choose is somewhere the recipient would like to patronize. “A gift card for a massage given to someone who doesn't like massages is a miss,” Smith says. “A gift card to a sporting goods shop for someone who is a notorious bookworm is a miss. Be sure to match their likes, tastes, and interests with the gift card. When in doubt, a gift card for a credit card will work.” What are some gift ideas that don’t cost anything? “Research has shown time and time again that experiences are much more memorable and meaningful than tangible gifts,” Smith says. “There are some spectacular gifts that need not break the bank. Many outdoor hikes, parks, beaches, and even some zoos are free.” When in doubt, get creative or DIY a memorable gift. Smith suggests creating a photo scavenger hunt around your town with your family divided into teams or a snow sculpture content. You could also simply write a letter expressing your love and gratitude. “Writing a letter about how much that person means to you is all about time and thought,” Smith says. “If you are creative, writing a poem or song works, as well.” Visit your local library for more ideas: Many have access passes to local attractions for low or no cost. Remember not everything needs to take place during the holiday—it can be scheduled out to the spring or summer as something to look forward to later, Smith says. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Lesley Chen, a contributing writer for Real Simple who covers commerce, home, and lifestyle stories. To compile this list, she researched various gift options across different categories, all for under $30. For expert advice, Lesley spoke to Jodi RR Smith, etiquette consultant and president of Mannersmith.