26 Cheap Christmas Gifts That Will Maximize Your Holiday Budget
Updated: Feb. 22, 2024
Looking for a thoughtful present under $50—or even under $25? It’s totally possible with these cheap Christmas gifts that are sure to be a hit.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
The holidays may be the most magical time of the year, but once you start buying presents for everyone on your list, it can quickly also become stressful—and expensive. First, breathe. Second, check out the best cheap Christmas gifts to keep spending in check.
We promise these budget-friendly buys will delight even the most discerning recipient, including people notoriously impossible to shop for. Trust us: It’s possible to find gifts for women and men that are thoughtful and affordable. In fact, every item on this list is under $50 and most are under $25.
Best for the stylish foodie: Rainbow Socks Sushi Socks Box
Hear us out: Socks are not a boring Christmas gift. At least, not these kitschy versions shaped like your favorite sushi rolls. If your budget for cheap Christmas gifts allows, you can also serve up pairs in a pizza box, or burger, tortilla and even beer-shaped designs that make fun stocking stuffers for men.
Best for the perennial hostess: Personalized Cutting Board
Serving trays and cutting boards are reliable and classic hostess gifts, but these personalized bamboo boards also make an ideal Christmas gift that’s surprisingly inexpensive. (They’re only $18.95) Choose from five different shapes and 11 design options to have laser-engraved into this thoughtful kitchen addition.
Best for the sleep-deprived: Silk Pillowcase
The best cheap Christmas gifts are both stylish and useful. This pillowcase fits the bill: It has over 17,000 five-star ratings that call it one of the best silk pillowcases. Available in 37 colors and patterns, the supremely soft style not only looks good but benefits the skin and hair by preventing wrinkles and split ends.
Best for the body-positive beauty buff: Everybody in Love Nail Polish Set
Give the gift of great nails. This $22 nail kit is packed with four trending tonal shades and 82 nail stickers featuring silhouettes of all shapes and sizes. Each fully-pigmented polish comes infused with AHAs to help smooth and hydrate nails. Plus they’re vegan, cruelty-free and come in recyclable packaging. If you want to spend even less on cheap Christmas gifts, pick one of these top-rated nail polishes.
Best for your significant other: The Night We Met Star Map
Want a romantic gift idea for your partner? You don’t have to spend a ton to make them swoon. This personalized star map is a beautiful piece of art that’s 100% astronomically accurate. The stars are rendered to an exact time, date and location that you provide.
Take note, procrastinators: You can get a digital file to print at home (turnaround time is usually a few hours). If you prefer a physical version, have a poster or canvas mailed directly to you, with the option to add a frame. It’s a foolproof budget-friendly gift for your wife that’s out of this world.
Best for the creative cook: Trio of Oils
The health-conscious chef will eat up these yummy gourmet artisan oils. The avocado, roasted walnut and toasted sesame oils elevate any recipe. Use this Amazon gift when cooking or noshing for the perfect boost of flavor. Here’s a hot beauty tip: The all-natural avocado oil also doubles as a skin and hair moisturizer.
Best for makeup mavens: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Beautifying Lip Kit
Any makeup addict is surely obsessed with Charlotte Tilbury’s beauty-boosting collection, and now you don’t have to spend a fortune to snag her beloved products. Tilbury’s best-selling, award-winning Pillow Talk shade enhances and flatters all skin tones, creating fuller-looking lips.
This set includes a full-size hydrating lipstick and mini lip gloss, lip liner and matte lipstick in the globally adored (seriously, one lipstick is sold every two minutes) nude-pink hue.
Best for the beau or BFF with a sweet tooth: Pop the Champagne Bears Candy Bottle
Cheers to cheap Christmas gifts. Sugarfina’s best-selling confection has a surprise kick: These scrumptious candy bears are infused with Dom Pérignon Vintage Champagne. The grown-up gummies are packed in a Champagne-shaped bottle, perfect for celebrating the holiday season with an edible drink.
Best for the fragrance fanatic: Tocca Mini Discovery Collection Set
Featuring eight of Tocca’s beloved fragrances, this discounted gift set allows you to discover a new signature scent or create a custom blend to suit every mood and occasion. The trial-sized eau de parfum vials are also ideal to travel with or to stash in purses for an on-the-go spritz. The pretty gold-trimmed floral packaging is a bonus. Give it as a gift to your mom, and she’ll know she taught you well.
Best for the puzzle lover: Murder Mystery Jigsaw Puzzle
Jigsaw junkies will delight in this pumped-up puzzle in which they have to solve a murder mystery piece by piece. First, they’ll read the details of the crime, then complete the 500-piece jigsaw to reveal clues and solve the whodunit.
Best for the workout warrior: Tavi Savvy Grip Socks
A quality pair of grip socks is an essential gift for her when it comes to gearing up for a yoga or Pilates session, and Tavi is best in class. The organic cotton construction is soft but sturdy, an arch band provides compression and support, and the high-density rubber grips ensure superior traction that never slips. Fun designs like leopard print and camo and glitter and mesh accents combine fashion and function to suit any personal style.
Best for the vegan beauty junkie: EcoTools Makeup Brush Kit With Storage
These eco-friendly and vegan makeup brushes offer flawless coverage for all your beauty looks. Use these cheap Christmas gifts with foundation, concealer, blush or contour—then store them in the included container to keep the counter clutter-free. Bonus: It’s all made from sustainable packaging. Here are some of the best makeup brushes to apply your cosmetics perfectly.
Best for the coffee drinker: Cape Shore Stone Mug
This cozy-looking mug instantly puts you in the mood for hot cocoa (or coffee!), so you might want to buy an extra one for yourself. The painted stoneware sipper is just as functional as it is fun since it’s safe for both the dishwasher and microwave and comes in a variety of styles.
Best for the time-pressed cook: Dash Mini Waffle Maker
This kitchen gadget makes the perfect snacks if you ask us. In addition to the cutest breakfast waffles ever, you can whip up mini paninis, hash browns and even biscuit pizzas in just minutes with this top-rated waffle maker. There are an astounding 192,000+ five-star ratings on Amazon that sing its praises. Plus, it comes in 20 lively colors and prints that look fab in any kitchen.
Best for the tea devotee: Big Heart Tea Co. Organic Tea Box
Give someone the royal treatment, without an extravagant price tag. This woman-owned tea company is on a mission to make people feel good with the power of healing herbs. Your giftee will feel like a million bucks after sipping this refreshing mint and butterfly pea, which promotes relaxation and encourages mental and digestive function. Bonus: The tea bags are 100% compostable and perfect for tea lovers.
Best for the fancy entertainer: Lahome Marble Coaster
These ceramic stone coasters are a fancy feast for the eyes, and no one will know how affordable they actually are. Each has an eco-friendly cork back that protects tables, while the swirling, eye-catching patterns (choose from five designs) are totally unique—a true gem. It’s a clever gift for a boss to brighten their day—and their office.
Best for the perpetual snacker: Marshmallow Snowmen
When it comes to cheap Christmas gifts, you can’t go wrong with yummy seasonal treats. These vanilla marshmallows are hand-decorated with Santa faces, featuring chocolate eyes and bright orange icing noses, and they almost look too good to eat. Almost. Add them to cups of cocoa, use them to decorate cupcakes or enjoy the Belgian confections straight from the bag. This would be a fantastic gift for kids.
Best for the chef-in-training: Toyze Chef Kit
Looking for affordable Christmas gift ideas that the whole family can enjoy? This cooking kit is a fun activity for your entire crew. It has all the essential tools (20 pieces total) to get little ones involved in the kitchen, including an apron, chef’s hat, insulated oven mitt, a rolling pin and cookie cutters. A kid-friendly cookbook will have you whipping up meals together in no time.
Best for the flower fan: Little World Rose Soap Petals
If they love the look of a fresh floral bouquet, they’ll adore these rose-shaped soap creations that resemble real flowers but last much longer. Peel off one petal at a time so the rest of the flower stays together for the next experience. Use them to wash your hands or body, or drop them into a tub for a sweet-scented soak.
Best for the toy appreciator: Unique Gifts by Scott Custom Figure
This unique Lego-themed stocking stuffer idea is an excellent choice for children who are obsessed with Lego or adults who are kids at heart. To create a one-of-a-kind custom figurine, pick from hundreds of personalization options to match that special someone on your list. There are hair, clothing and accessories to suit any style, and even the ability to build a pet version.
Best for anyone artistic: Enjoy This Moment Coloring Book
The science-backed benefits of adult coloring books are well-documented. This personalized design is filled with whimsical transcendental artwork and uplifting quotes to help you de-stress and relax. It’s a fun gift for artists and novices alike.
Best for the grill master: Bear Paws Shredder Claws
Shred meat like a superhero (or a wild animal) with these claw-shaped grippers. They’re meant to last: The sharp and sturdy shredders feature BPA-free heat-resistant, dishwasher-safe nylon. We can’t think of a better gift for men who like to grill.
Best for the fashionista who has it all: Custom Card Wallet
Can’t afford a leather purse for your handbag-obsessed pal? Get the next best thing with this faux-leather cardholder. It’s ridiculously affordable (under $7) for a personalized gift. Make it extra special with a custom message, important date or an engraving of their name—there are 13 colors and 14 font styles to choose from.
Best for the budding gardener: Plantable Wish Cards
Anyone working on self-improvement will appreciate this gardening kit with an inspiring twist. Write encouraging messages on these plantable cards, put them in the dirt, water them and watch them grow into gorgeous wildflowers. They’re cheap Christmas gifts that give back to the environment.
Best for the spiritual soul: Chakra Stones Healing Crystals
Consider this the optimal gift for anyone who is mystical-minded. The crystal set includes seven natural gemstones (aventurine, red jasper, tiger’s eye, amethyst, obsidian, lapis lazuli and crystal), which are said to help with physical and mental healing. You’ll get a gift box, glass pendant and carrying pouch—plus good vibes at a value price.
Best for the creative kid: Personalized Crayon Names
Jazz up art time with a personalized set of multi-hued crayons. Starting at just $1.55 per letter, you can afford to outfit all your favorite little ones with these custom coloring gems. It’s a great inexpensive Christmas gift idea for toddlers that will keep them entertained.
Originally Published: December 16, 2023
