Budget-friendly gift ideas under $50

Thoughtful gift ideas that won't break the bank

Published Aug 30, 2024  •  5 minute read

Affordable gift ideas they will love. Photo by Williams Sonoma, Sobr Market

Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.

In this economy, where the price of butter alone is enough to send us into an existential crisis, there’s nothing more stressful than having to give someone a gift on a tight budget. We’ve all been reciepients of the kinds of last-minute gifts that immediately go to the back of junk drawer, so we never want to be the person who gives the gift that clearly came from the discount rack.

Article content

Though we all dream of the day we win the lottery and can shower our loved ones any gift their hearts desire, until then, we’re on the hunt for something they love that doesn’t scream “budget-friendly” — even if it is. Here’s a roundup of gifts under $50 that will impress your giftee without breaking the bank.

Best gifts under $50

For sports fans: Nota Golf Pens, Set of 3
For readers: The Classic George Orwell Collection
For home chefs: Le Creuset Stoneware Mini Round Cocotte
For skincare enthusiasts: Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid
For parents: Saje Restful Sleep Kit
For jetsetters: Nécessaire The Body Essentials – Trial + Travel Set
For sophisticates: Escentric Molecule Molecule Discovery Set
For trendsetters: Small Hours Wavy Key Tag
For outdoor adventurers: Ocoopa Hand Warmers
For hosts: TӦST Original & Rosé Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine
For entertainment fans: Roku Express 4K Streaming Media Player
For athletes: On Performance High Sock

Best gifts under $50 explained

Nota Golf Pens, Set of 3

NOTA Golf Pens, Set of 3. PHOTO BY INDIGO

Why we love it: For the golf — or stationery — aficionados in your life, this three pack of ballpoint pens by Nota comes with a mini putter, driver, and iron; the perfect kitschy accessory to help them sign their next deal on the 18th hole.
Price: $20
Where to buy: Indigo

Article content

Article content

The Classic George Orwell Collection

The Classic George Orwell Collection. PHOTO BY INDIGO

Why we love it: The ultimate combo of dystopian literature, this George Orwell collection comes with five of his most famous works in paperback (Animal Farm, 1984, Homage to Catalonia, Down and Out in London and Paris and The Road to Wigan Pier) featuring graphic covers ready for aesthetic coffee table or bookshelf display.
Price: $25
Where to buy: Indigo

Le Creuset Stoneware Mini Round Cocotte

Stoneware Mini Round Cocotte. PHOTO BY LE CREUSET

Why we love it: No kitchen is complete without a Dutch oven, and this mini cocotte is made for the home chef in your life. This Le Creuset stoneware comes in all the classic brand colors, and thankfully is safe in the microwave, dishwasher, and oven.
Price: $46
Where to buy: Williams Sonoma

Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid

Peptide Glazing Fluid. PHOTO BY RHODE

Why we love it: If your giftee has a skincare routine curated by TikTok, they’ll gush over this Rhode serum. Full of niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and marula oil, this serum holds the key to the “glazed donut” look Gen Z has been obsessing over.
Price: $48
Where to buy: Rhode

Saje Restful Sleep Kit

Restful Sleep Kit. PHOTO BY SAJE

Why we love it: You may not be able to give someone the gift of sleep, but you can definitely give them some luxury accessories to sweeten their bedtime routine. This Saje Sleep Kit has mini versions of the roll-on, body butter, and mist —  all natural and cruelty-free.
Price: $46
Where to buy: Saje

Article content

Nécessaire The Body Essentials – Trial + Travel Set

Nécessaire The Body Essentials – Trial + Travel Set. PHOTO BY SEPHORA

Why we love it: As its name suggests, this award-winning, fragrance-free travel set is absolutely necessary for the frequent flyer whose skin suffers from the plane’s dry air. Each of the steps in this Body Essentials Kit contains vitamin B3 and signal peptides and works for all skin types, but is especially helpful with skin thirsting for hydration.
Price: $50
Where to buy: Sephora

Escentric Molecule Molecule Discovery Set

Escentric Molecule Molecule Discovery Set. PHOTO BY ETIKET

Why we love it:  When founder Geza Schoen named his company Escentric Molecules, he drew inspiration from the source of his scents: each fragrance is crafted around a single aroma molecule that would otherwise rarely be featured as the top note of the fragrance it’s in. Each of the brand’s fragrances, the most popular of which you’ll find in this five-piece set, are not only renowned for their unique profiles, but are said to be a unisex aphrodisiac — a gift that just keeps on giving.
Price: $45
Where to buy: Etiket

Small Hours Wavy Key Tag

Wavy Key Tag. PHOTO BY SMALL HOURS

Why we love it: There’s nothing like a little personalization to add that extra special touch to a small but thoughtful gift. This key tag from Toronto-based business Small Goods is perfect if you’re looking for a low-risk trinket for the person who has everything, and can be customized with the font, leather, and hardware of your choice.
Price: $30
Where to buy: Small Hours

Article content

Ocoopa Hand Warmers

Ocoopa Hand Warmers. PHOTO BY AMAZON

Why we love it: It might be the end of summer, but never forget: winter is coming. These pocket-sized hand warmers heat up in seconds, have three temperature settings and last four hours on a full charge. Ideal for the person who thrives in the outdoors as soon as the temperatures drop.
Price: $50
Where to buy: Amazon

TӦST Original & Rosé Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine

TӦST Original & Rosé Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine. PHOTO BY THE SOBR MARKET

Why we love it: The sober-curious movement might be growing, but the allure of a fancy drink can make it hard to go completely cold turkey. This two-pack of TOST, Original and Rosé, should be a hit for anyone craving a glass of bubbly without the hangover.
Price: $28
Where to buy: The Sobr Market

Roku Express 4K Streaming Media Player

Roku Express 4K Streaming Media Player. PHOTO BY AMAZON

Why we love it: For the person who binge watches for sport, this Roku streamer gives the gift of 4K and an unlimited selection of reasons to stay in. This media player and remote gives access to all the major streaming services (Netflix, Crave, and Apple TV, the list goes on) all in one place.
Price: $50
Where to buy: Amazon

On Performance High Sock

Performance High Sock. PHOTO BY ON

Why we love it: Yes, socks are a classic, perhaps predictable, gift, but with the rise of run clubs taking over Canadian cities, these will likely be put to good use. These non-slip socks by On will help your giftee stand out all while regulating foot temperature as they pick up the pace.
Price: $33
Where to buy: On

Recommended from Editorial

1. 

   Our favourite at-home espresso machines for a perfectly balanced cup of coffee

2. 

   Canadian fashion brands we can't stop wearing: Roots, Aritzia & more

Shopping Essentials is a category written by research-obsessed shopping experts. Explore product reviews, recommendations and launches — plus behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and hidden gems — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter.

Want a deal? We may have a coupon code for that coveted item in your basket.

Article content