Gift-giving on a budget is an art. Think about the "Christmas Party" episode of The Office where Michael insists on doing a Yankee Swap with everyone's Secret Santa gifts: You don't want to pull a Michael and go way over the agreed price limit, but you also don't want to choose a gift that no one actually wants (like Phyllis' oven mitt). You've got to ride the line: cool gift, but appropriate cost.

Yes, some people possess an innate talent for thoughtful gift-giving on a budget. No matter the occasion (anniversary, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day) or recipient (wife, boyfriend, teens, in-laws), they somehow nail it every time.

Then there are the not-so-intuitive gift-givers who've maybe leaned on the same scented candle or gift basket a few too many times. If you're one of those people, that's OK! Gift-giving is hard. So we've done the heavy lifting for you.

Below, find more than 50 unique gift options for under $50 that people will actually be happy to receive.

Credit: Hoan

The Original Bagel Guillotine (opens in a new tab)

For foodies

Hoan's intensely named Bagel "Guillotine" made the rounds on TikTok for its effortless and super-satisfying slices. (PSA: It also works on regular rolls, muffins, and buns.) If someone on your shopping list can't go a morning without a BEC, grab 'em one of these in your choice of four colors: white, silver, red, or aqua sky.

Buying Options

$32.21 from AMAZON

Credit: SPONSORED BY MyHeritage DNA

"The Happy Isles" jigsaw puzzle (opens in a new tab)

For puzzle fans

There are puzzles, and then there are PUZZLES. "The Happy Isles" from Magic Puzzle Company falls into the latter category: It's a beautifully illustrated 1,000-piece feat that's got over 50 Easter eggs and a surprise twist at the end. No spoilers, but we guarantee it'll be the coolest puzzle your giftee will ever do.

Buying Options

$22.99 from AMAZON

Credit: IUGA

A yoga mat (opens in a new tab)

For active types

Yoga is a great way to be active and practice mindfulness at the same time — and you can do it pretty anywhere if you have a mat. Get the yogi in your life a non-slip mat to give them a solid foundation for their practice. (Bonus: They won't have to rely on the sweaty ones at their local studio anymore.)

Buying Options

$32.99 from AMAZON

Credit: HOMESICK

A Homesick candle (opens in a new tab)

For your friend from home

Moving away from your home state is fun and exciting, but eventually the homesickness sinks in, no matter how much you're loving the new digs. Homesick candles are designed to smell like a place so that locals are transported back whenever they catch a whiff. It's a thoughtful gift that will also make a room smell nice. That's a win-win.

Buying Options

$38 from Amazon

Credit: EZBASICS

A sonic facial brush (opens in a new tab)

For self-care

Enhance your recipient's skincare routine by gifting them one of these silicone cleansing brushes. Designed to leave skin looking and feeling more flawless than any old cotton round ever could, they use sonic technology to gently exfoliate and massage — a DIY facial that brightens and refines while removing stubborn makeup and dirt.

Buying Options

$31.99 from AMAZON

Credit: DASH

A mini rice cooker (opens in a new tab)

For meal planners

Help a food-loving pal embrace their inner Emily Mariko. This tiny rice cooker will fit just about anywhere — plus, it’s super cute. It can also cook oatmeal, soups, stews, and steamed veggies, so it's ideal for tiny apartments and college dorms.

Buying Options

$24.99 from AMAZON

Credit: ANKER

An Anker portable charger (opens in a new tab)

For the tech-obsessed

Help a loved one keep their phone and other devices juiced up all the time by giving them this portable power bank. It charges super quickly and can fully power a phone up to three times before needing a recharge itself.

Buying Options

$25.99 from AMAZON

Credit: OSTER

A personal blender (opens in a new tab)

For foodies

Smoothies are a delicious breakfast or snack, and this little blender by Oster whips up the perfect single-serving size for someone on the go. It can also blend drinks directly in its travel bottle (included), which means there's minimal cleanup.

Buying Options

$34.99 from AMAZON

Credit: DASH

A mini waffle maker (opens in a new tab)

For foodies

This fun-sized, nonstick waffle maker is ideal for anyone who takes breakfast seriously — or really, for anyone who likes to get creative in the kitchen. A recipe book that outlines how to make everything from fluffy Belgian waffles to grilled sandwiches to flavorful fajitas is included.

Buying Options

$24.99 from AMAZON

Credit: SHUTTERFLY

A photo book (opens in a new tab)

For getting sentimental

Sometimes a sentimental gift is the best way to go (especially if you're shopping for your parents or significant other). Shutterfly lets you design a whole physical book full of your own pictures and text, like a modern version of scrapbooking. It's a personalized gift the recipient will cherish for years.

Buying Options

$14.99 from SHUTTERFLY

Breakfast sandwich maker filled with english muffin, egg, and ham

Credit: HAMILTON BEACH

A breakfast sandwich maker (opens in a new tab)

For foodies

Forget about braving mind-boggling brunch lines for a savory breakfast. This ingenious device makes it possible to whip up two pro-level breakfast sandwiches at home — complete with eggs, cheese, veggies, and whatever else you want — in five minutes.

Buying Options

$46.99 from AMAZON

Credit: OVALWARE

A cold brew maker (opens in a new tab)

For caffeine fiends

Go ahead and hit that snooze button. This coffee maker lets you create delicious cold brew at home, so you can skip the morning shuffle through that outrageous line at the corner café.

Buying Options

$35.99 from AMAZON

Hyperchiller next to a glass of coffee with cream in it

Credit: HYPERCHILLER

A HyperChiller (opens in a new tab)

For caffeine fiends

The bestselling HyperChiller is another fantastic present for the iced coffee aficionado in your life. It can chill hot coffee in under a minute without diluting flavor, and it's dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

Buying Options

$35.99 from AMAZON

Credit: VIVITEST

An essential oil diffuser (opens in a new tab)

For people who need to chill

This 100ml aromatherapy oil diffuser is great for anyone who could use a calming presence in their life. (So... pretty much everyone.) It features nine color modes, four timer settings, and a minimalist ceramic/wood-grain look that will complement any modern home’s aesthetic.

Buying Options

$41.99 from AMAZON

Credit: WAOWOO

A weighted blanket (opens in a new tab)

For people who need to chill

You can't always be there to hug the people you love, but you can give them a weighted blanket that makes them feel like they're wrapped in a big bear hug. This one comes in a variety of weights, so you can select the right one to maximize your recipient's comfort.

Buying Options

$39.99 from AMAZON

himalayan salt lamp on a table with lit tealight candles

Credit: MOCKINS

A Himalayan salt lamp (opens in a new tab)

For people who need to chill

These on-trend lamps are soothing to look at and add a pop of warm light to any room. This pack comes with two lamps, so you can keep one for yourself and gift one to a friend. (You could also gift both, but keeping one is more fun.) Light bulbs are included.

Buying Options

$23.99 from AMAZON

blue coffee pot plugged into a smart plug

Credit: AMAZON

A smart plug (opens in a new tab)

For the tech-obsessed

For those interested in dabbling in the world of smart home accessories, an easy-to-install smart plug is a terrific place to start. Amazon's version has over 400,000 (!) five-star ratings — customers sing the praises of its easy installation and Alexa support.

Buying Options

$24.99 from AMAZON

Credit: TP-LINK

A multicolor smart light bulb (opens in a new tab)

For the tech-obsessed

Smart lights add such a nice touch to a home, and this one is especially great because it's both multicolor and dimmable. Users can choose from a broad spectrum of hues (including tunable white) and decide how bright they want the bulb to shine.

Buying Options

$21.99 from AMAZON

black tile pro attached to a set of keys

Credit: TILE

A Tile Pro (opens in a new tab)

For go-getters

It's hard to keep track of little things like keys (and phones and wallets), which is why the Tile Pro Bluetooth tracker makes a great gift. Loop it through any keychain or attach it to anything you don't want to lose. Then, when something's nearby but out of sight, you can make the Tile ring to find it. (Can’t find your phone? The Tile can make it ring — even if it’s on silent.)

Buying Options

$34.99 from AMAZON

Credit: ARTNATURALS

A bath bomb gift set (opens in a new tab)

For people who need to chill

Know someone who needs a spa day? If you can't afford an all-day retreat (fair), this bath bomb set makes a solid Plan B. It includes 12 essential oil bath bombs featuring scents like coconut, lavender, aloe vera, seagrass, and green tea, all made with natural, chemical-free ingredients.

Buying Options

$18.90 from AMAZON

Woman pointing to a spot on a scratch-off map

Credit: LUCKIESOFLONDON

A scratch-off world map (opens in a new tab)

For travelers

The globetrotter in your life will love scratching new countries off this map as they check off destinations on their bucket list. It also gives you a great excuse to plan some trips together.

Buying Options

$34.99 from AMAZON

Man with a pillow over his eyes, leaning against a wall

Credit: OSTRICHPILLOW

An Ostrichpillow Light (opens in a new tab)

For travelers

Okay, it looks a little silly — but who wouldn't love this? Made from high-quality eiderdown cotton, the Ostrichpillow Lite makes a wonderful neck pillow or eye mask for folks who are always on the go. It's also quite breathable, believe it or not, so you'll feel comfortable wearing it for entire naps.

Buying Options

$44.99 from AMAZON

Orange and black portable charger with mini solar panel

Credit: KARUSALE

A solar-powered charger (opens in a new tab)

For travelers

For your outdoorsy friends or family members who want to stay connected while they chill with Mother Nature, this solar-powered charging bank makes a great gift. Just remind them to not be on their phone too much, lest they defeat the purpose of their trip.

Buying Options

$29.99 from AMAZON

Credit: SMARTTECH

A bamboo wireless keyboard (opens in a new tab)

For the tech-obsessed

This pleasant-looking keyboard lends a calming natural aesthetic to any home office. Both the keyboard and its accompanying mouse connect wirelessly to your computer or gaming system, so you (or your recipient) can keep the ol' workstation clear of cords and clutter.

Buying Options

$47.95 from AMAZON

Credit: UNCOMMON GOODS

A color-changing lightbox (opens in a new tab)

For decorators

This sign is a super fun piece of decor — it comes with interchangeable letters you can use to make whatever words and phrases you desire. Like a real marquee, it's backlit. You can also change the background color.

Buying Options

$35 from UNCOMMON GOODS

Credit: HENKELION

A pet backpack (opens in a new tab)

For pet parents

Everyone has that one friend who treats their pet as if it were a human child. If you happen to be shopping for them this year, this space capsule-y pet backpack is a no-brainer. Featuring breathable mesh and a transparent hard shell, it's a fun way for them to head out on the town with their cat or small dog. Fluffy might even *gasp* enjoy it?

Buying Options

$39.99 from AMAZON

Credit: BODUM

A French press travel mug (opens in a new tab)

For travelers

For the coffee obsessive in your life, consider this wonderful device that'll let them take their delectable French press coffee on the go. This durable mug holds 15 ounces of caffeinated goodness, is safe for the dishwasher, and comes with a spill-resistant lid.

Buying Options

$38.50 from AMAZON

Mint green popcorn maker next to a bowl of popcorn

Credit: DASH

A popcorn maker (opens in a new tab)

Just for fun

There's never a bad time for popcorn, and freshly popped popcorn is always the superior option. Dash's little popcorn maker is very compact, so it can be stored easily in kitchens or dorm rooms. Plus, it comes in three different colors: red, white, and a lovely mint green.

Buying Options

$24.91 from AMAZON

Mini cocktail kit next to a glass of whiskey with a big ice cube in it

Credit: W&P

A carry-on cocktail kit (opens in a new tab)

For travelers

Sometimes a little liquid courage is necessary to make the whole hurtling-through-the-air-in-an-oversized-sardine-can thing more tolerable. W&P's carry-on craft cocktail kit is a classy addition to any traveler’s arsenal and easily fits into a toiletry bag.

Buying Options

$24 from AMAZON

Orange game box that reads "these cards will get you drunk"

Credit: THESE CARDS WILL GET YOU DRUNK

"These Cards Will Get You Drunk" (opens in a new tab)

Just for fun

The name of this card game tells you exactly what it's about. This adult drinking game involves competing, voting, and screwing over your friends. There is no point system — just follow the cards' instructions and try not to be the one taking the most sips.

Buying Options

$15.99 from AMAZON

Credit: UNCOMMON GOODS

A macaron kit (opens in a new tab)

For bakers

Macarons are famously tricky to make, so give the baker in your life a leg up with this DIY kit worthy of a French patisserie. It comes with a nonstick silicone baking mat, a refillable piping bag, and a recipe book full of cool ideas.

Buying Options

$33.98 from UNCOMMON GOODS

A glass filled with whiskey and an ice cube in the shape of the death star

Credit: WLLRUN

A Death Star ice mold (opens in a new tab)

For the home bar

Whiskey stones are so last year. This silicone ice mold is perfect for the whiskey or Scotch enthusiast who brings up Ewoks in casual conversations. (A lot of these people exist.) You can also use it to make homemade chocolates or other Death Star-shaped delicacies.

Buying Options

$13.97 from AMAZON

Credit: LODGE

A Lodge cast iron skillet (opens in a new tab)

For foodies

A cast iron skillet is a kitchen staple: It can be used on the stovetop or in the oven, and for everything from steak to apple pie (or over a campfire if you're into that). This pre-seasoned Lodge one comes with a handy silicone holder, so your foodie friend will never accidentally touch its piping-hot handle.

Buying Options

$29.90 from AMAZON

Pants in macrame hangers next to a window

Credit: JES&MEDIS

Macrame plant hangers (opens in a new tab)

For green thumbs

Macrame plant hangers add a pop of boho design to any home (while also saving precious shelf space). This set comes with five hangers in different styles and sizes, so you can split them up to use as multiple gifts or give them all to your favorite plant parent.

Buying Options

$15.88 from AMAZON

Credit: BAGGU

A BAGGU 3D zip set (opens in a new tab)

For the well-organized

BAGGU’s vibrant bags are made to last and will never go out of style. Its 3D Zip Set comes with three expandable nylon pouches that are great for travel, storing toiletries, and more. Choose from seven different pattern combinations, including "trippy swirl" and a cottagecore-y "archive forest" option.

Buying Options

$35.98 from AMAZON

Mint green shaved ice machine making a snowcone

Credit: DASH

A shaved ice machine (opens in a new tab)

Just for fun

This shaved ice machine is an inexpensive way to enjoy frozen treats like snow cones (and margaritas?) at home. Hot tip: Break it out during the wintertime to bring a little bit of summer to the great indoors.

Buying Options

$39.99 from AMAZON

glass and wood plant propagation station

Credit: HUABEI

A plant propagation station (opens in a new tab)

For green thumbs

This striking hydroponic setup makes a stylish place for plant parents to house their propagations. Plus, the three bulb-shaped vases are made of heat-resistant glass that's not easily broken. It'll look super cute on a bookshelf or desk, whether that's in a home, in an office, or...in your home office.

Buying Options

$28.98 from AMAZON

Credit: VANENJOY

A dinosaur planter (opens in a new tab)

For green thumbs

Make plant care more fun with a pot in the shape of a prehistoric lizard. These little planters are ideal for succulents and small cacti, but they can also be used to hold pencils, jewelry, and other small trinkets.

Buying Options

$15.90 from AMAZON

A light shaped like a dumpling in a bamboo steamer

Credit: SMOKO

A dumpling ambient light (opens in a new tab)

Just for fun

Quirky decor fans will love this adorable and functional dumpling light. It emits a soft, warm glow, and the little smiley face will cheer you up every time you look at it.

Buying Options

$22 from SMOKO

Three embroidery hoops with floral embroidery on each of them

Credit: CAYDO

An embroidery starter kit (opens in a new tab)

For crafters

Gift your craftiest friend this embroidery starter kit and watch as they begin to master cross-stitching. It comes with three different floral patterns, some plastic embroidery hoops, thread, fabric, and a set of tools. Maybe you’ll receive a cute embroidered decoration as a thank-you gift.

Buying Options

$21 from AMAZON

Credit: AEROPRESS

An Aeropress coffee maker (opens in a new tab)

For caffeine fiends

Whether your giftee is a frequent flyer, loves the outdoors, or has a small kitchen, the Aeropress is the ideal way to make smooth, tasty coffee. This set comes with a cup you can brew straight into, and it packs into itself so you can take it on the go.

Buying Options

$39.93 from AMAZON

Person in an 80's style leotard with Bala Bangles on their wrists

Credit: BALA

A set of Bala Bangles (opens in a new tab)

For fitness fanatics

For folks who practically live in the gym, Bala bangles will add a little extra resistance to everyday workouts. Each bangle weighs one pound, can be worn on your ankles or wrists, and will look great with all that stylish athleisure.

Buying Options

$49 from AMAZON

Credit: 39.95

An REI hiking backpack (opens in a new tab)

For outdoorsy types

If your bestie would rather take a walk in the woods than literally anything else, you can't go wrong with the REI Flash 18 pack. It's super lightweight, comes in a handful of fun colors, and will hold everything they need to do some outdoor adventuring.

Buying Options

$39.95 from REI

Black treat pouch with a phone, treats, and poop bags

Credit: Wild One

The Wild One Treat Pouch (opens in a new tab)

For pet parents

The Wild One Treat Pouch is ideal for carrying treats, poop bags, and a few everyday essentials, so the pet parent in your life will be ultra-prepared for every walk with their pup. It's also super stylish, has an innovative closure system, and comes in five colors.

Buying Options

$43.95 from AMAZON

Credit: ENO

An ENO SingleNest hammock (opens in a new tab)

For outdoorsy types

Whether your giftee's idea of "outdoorsy" is sitting in a park, hanging out in the backyard, or going on an epic backpacking trip, the ENO SingleNest hammock is an excellent gift choice. It's lightweight, durable, and can help you kick back and relax in nature.

Buying Options

$48.99 from AMAZON

Credit: Bombas

A pack of Bombas socks (opens in a new tab)

Just for fun

No one *actually* likes paying for their own socks, so grab a pair of these high-quality Bombas socks for your loved one this year. Choose from ankle socks, crew socks, no-show socks, and more. Three and four-packs are all sub-$50 and come in tons of fun colors and patterns.

Buying Options

$49.40 from Bombas

Credit: BABOON TO THE MOON

A colorful fanny pack (opens in a new tab)

For go-getters

The mini version of Baboon to the Moon's beloved fanny pack is ideal for your everyday carry items — phone, keys, wallet, and a few extras. It comes in more than five bold colors and is sure to elevate your look (in a functional way).

Buying Options

$49 from BABOON TO THE MOON

Credit: Gamewright

Abandon All Artichokes (opens in a new tab)

Just for fun

This garden vegetable-themed card game not only has adorable illustrations, but it's also fun for every age range. This is a great pick for a stocking stuffer or for a budget-friendly white elephant gift.

Buying Options

$12.99 from AMAZON

Person doing their hair with Revlon One Step

Credit: Revlon

The Revlon One Step (opens in a new tab)

For beauty gurus

The OG Revlon One Step might not be a Dyson Airwrap, but it's a damn good alternative. It'll leave your hair silky smooth with tons of volume — all at a super reasonable price.

Buying Options

$38.98 from AMAZON