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.
This holiday season, we’ve found the gifts that feel great to get and even better to give. Shop Well-Received, our collection of editor-approved holiday gift guides, here.
We’ve tackled under-$100 luxury gifts, and even the best of the best gifts under $50 — what if you’re browsing for that hard-to-shop-for friend and need something that’s super luxurious, but also good for your budget? Well, now, we’re bringing you presents ranging from perfumes to travel accessories that feel special and covetable, all for under $50.
We’ve sourced the best affordable luxury gifts for everyone on your list, whether they’re a homebody who likes cozy socks, candles, and specialty teas, or they’re a frequent flyer in need of a new toiletry bag, sleeping mask, or travel-size perfumes. Read on to discover (and shop) these under-$50 finds that look far more expensive than they actually are, and will have your giftees wondering just how much you generously spent on them. (Only we’ll know you only spent a week’s coffee budget on it — and we’re not telling.)
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. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
For more can’t-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.
Uniqlo Cashmere Knit Beanie
Cross every cozy-lover off your list this year with the help of Uniqlo’s famously affordable wardrobe staple.
Uniqlo Cashmere Knit Beanie, $, available at Uniqlo
By Anthropologie Infinity Glass Stone Bracelet
This dainty bracelet adds a hint of dazzle to any arm stack, and is a thoughtful present for anyone looking to amp up their jewelry game.
By Anthropologie Infinity Glass Stone Bracelet, $, available at Anthropologie
FP Quilted Mini Case
Think of this quilted mini case as the bag version of our team’s reigning puffer of choice, FP Movement’s Pippa. Available in a rainbow of colors, this practical pouch is perfect for storing toiletries, loose charging cables, snacks — anything one might need on the go.
FP Movement Quilted Mini Case, $, available at Free People
Violette_FR Bisou Jelly Sheer Lip Shine
French makeup artist Violette’s eponymous brand can do no wrong in our eyes, and, if we had to pick one product to gift, it would be the new Bisou Jelly, which occupies a sweet spot between tinted lip balm and creamy lipstick. These sheer kisses of color are perfect for sharing under the mistletoe.
Violette_Fr Bisou Jelly Sheer Lip Shine, $, available at Violette_Fr
Quince Organic Airy Gauze Throw
Quince’s breezy cotton blanket is the perfect way to gift some coziness this season — and it looks way more expensive than it actually is. Plus, at under $50, you can snap several trendy hues for your bedroom.
Quince Organic Airy Gauze Throw, $, available at Quince
Glossier Crème de You
In addition to creating some of the most buzzed-about formulas in modern beauty history, Glossier is also known for its beautiful packaging. Case in point: the vessel for this luxe lotion, which reimagines the brand’s iconic You fragrance in body butter form.
Glossier Crème de You, $, available at Sephora
Superdown Sonia Crystal Bag
This embellished mini bag will hold all their going-out essentials — which they’ll surely appreciate with NYE around the corner.
Superdown Sonia Crystal Bag, $, available at Revolve
Sonix AirTag Holder
AirTags serve many functions, but they’re not the most exciting to look at. Dress ‘em up with a chic fob holder — this tortoise one looks like something you’d pluck out of a fancy department store, but costs a fraction of a designer bag charm. (And they’ll never lose their house keys again!)
Sonix AirTag® Cover – Brown Tort, $, available at Sonix
ASOS DESIGN Satin Bias Cut Midi Skirt in Green
The emerald hue of this satin midi is so elegant and festive, your loved one will want to change into it right then and there.
ASOS DESIGN satin bias cut midi skirt in green, $, available at ASOS
Crown Affair The Scrunchie No.2
Not only is silk impossibly stylish, but it’s a gentle choice for strands — which makes a silk scrunchie an excellent, affordable gift. Crown Affair’s oversized version (in the brand’s signature pistachio green) is the perfect stocking stuffer for the bougie beauty lover on your list.
Crown Affair Scrunchie No. 002, $, available at Crown Affair
Skims Cotton Rib T-Shirt
Basic tees are a wardrobe staple for a reason, and Skims’ ribbed cotton version is a total upgrade on the classic. These best-sellers come in several core and limited colorways, and are so soft and comfortable, they’ll want to sleep in them.
Skims Cotton Rib T-Shirt, $, available at Skims
Nars Afterglow Lipstick & Mini Liquid Blush Duo
A little Nars goes a long way. This limited-edition holiday duo comes with purse-friendly sizes of its sheer Afterglow Lipstick and liquid blush to add a just-kissed, rosy-red flush of color to lips and cheeks.
NARS Afterglow Lipstick & Mini Liquid Blush Duo, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Nécessaire The Body Lotion
Nécessaire has made a name for itself with beautifully formulated products with elegant packaging to match, and its Body Lotion is frequently name-checked as a favorite from our own editors. It’s easily as good as luxury brands (if not better), but at a price point that won’t hurt your wallet.
Nécessaire The Body Lotion, $, available at Nécessaire
Baublebar Custom Slider Bracelet
Custom jewelry usually comes with a steep price tag, but not this one: Reader-favorite brand Baublebar has slider bracelets that can be personalized with your giftee’s initials, name, or cheeky nickname, and are guaranteed to spark joy for anyone lucky enough to receive one.
BaubleBar Bubble Custom Slider Bracelet, $, available at Nordstrom
Vacation The Royal Pine Deluxe Candle
Miami-based sun care brand Vacation is more associated with summer fun than, well, snow and holiday cheer. However, that hasn’t stopped them from developing a crisp, pine tree-scented candle that will turn any room into a posh ski chalet.
Vacation Royal Pine Deluxe Candle, $, available at Vacation
Charlotte Tilbury Hypnotising Pop Shots Eyeshadow
Charlotte Tilbury’s new Pop Shots are more akin to wearable jewelry for your eyes, transforming bare lids into scintillating masterpieces.
Charlotte Tilbury Hypnotising Pop Shots Eyeshadow, $, available at Nordstrom
Deco Beauty Nail Art Stickers
You can gift them a gift card to their favorite nail salon — or you can give them a fancy manicure they can do at home with these decals from Deco Beauty. Not only are they among the most dainty and detailed we’ve seen, but they come in so many different sheets, we can’t imagine ever running out of styles to try.
Deco Beauty Nail Art Stickers, $, available at Deco Beauty
Crocs Classic Cozzzy Slipper
A fancy pair of slippers can easily creep into triple-digit prices, but not these highly slept-on Crocs. Hovering just under $50, these have the built-to-last quality and comfort you expect from Crocs, but reimagined in fluffy faux sherpa.
Crocs Classic Cozzzy Slipper, $, available at Crocs
Aritzia Cashmere Ribbed Mittens
Cold-weather accessories like gloves and mittens serve a primary purpose of keeping your hands toasty. They can also be incredibly chic: Cashmere instantly adds a luxe touch to these practical mittens, and you can choose from several elevated colorways.
Aritzia Cashmere Rib Mitten, $, available at Aritzia
The Met x Anthropologie Stoneware Teacup & Saucer Set
High tea, anyone? Transform their morning mug of Earl Grey from routine to regal with this elegant teacup and saucer set from Anthropologie’s collab with The Met.
The Met x Anthropologie Stoneware Teacup & Saucer Set, $, available at Anthropologie
Calzedonia Short Socks with Bow
Business in the front, party in the back: These adorable bow socks from Italian hosiery brand Calzedonia (a favorite of Kendall Jenner’s) will dress up all their outfits.
Calzedonia Short Socks with Bow, $, available at Calzedonia
Cos Mismatched Pearl Earrings
Pearls don’t always have to be stuffy and prim, This huggie and stud set from Cos will allow them to mix and match their earring stack with a modern, fashion-forward design.
COS Mismatched Pearl Earrings, $, available at COS
West Elm Two-Tone Marble Bookends (Set of 2)
If #Booktok has inspired them to create a cozy reading sanctuary in their home, you can’t go wrong with gifting them a pair of bookends to decorate their shelf space. This West Elm marble duo in matching (but not matchy-matchy) natural marble hues is the perfect addition to their collection.
West Elm Two-Tone Marble Bookends (Set of 2), $, available at West Elm
Roxanne’s Dried Flowers Peony Blush Bouquet
As much as we love a fresh arrangement of blooms, the sad truth is that they typically won’t last more than a week. Enter: dried bouquets, which add a rustic charm to any space — and can last years when taken care of properly.
Roxanne’s Dried Flowers Peony Blush Bouquet, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Béis The Passport & Luggage Tag Set
Traveling may not always feel like a luxurious affair — crowded TSA lines, cramped seating in coach — but trust us: Nothing feels more posh than a coordinating passport cover and luggage tag set to elevate an airport fit check (even if you’re not enjoying a glass of champagne at the lounge).
Béis The Passport & Luggage Tag Set, $, available at Béis
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
24 Gifts Under $50 To Impress Anyone On Your List
