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Do You Need Cheap Gift Ideas? Here Are 50 Cool Things Under $20 They'll Actually Want

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by Carolyn Menyes

We all need cheap gift ideas in our lives every now and then, but honestly, sometimes I worry my friends and relatives won't like my usual inexpensive go-to's. Is there anything worse than wondering if they re-gifted it or threw it away? That's why I've searched all over Amazon to find 55 cool things they'll actually want, and they're all under $20 — yay.

What kind of cheap gifts won't get tossed in the giveaway pile? For starters, cozy fleece and memory foam slippers can be re-fluffed in the washing machine, so they're constantly at peak softness level. Also, what about a bag re-sealer that’ll change up your snack game forever?

The classic self-care gifts on this list all have luxurious upgrades like the cuticle oil formulated with milk and honey, or the bath flakes that are quick-melting and complete with magnesium. I've even found expensive-looking gifts that won’t actually break the bank, but look that way.

So, if you're looking for inexpensive gifts (I know I am) that won't immediately get tossed to the side, grab any of the products on this list. I know I'm way more confident everyone on my list will love their present with a few of these items in my cart.

1A Himalayan Salt Lamp For A Soothing Evening Glow

Add this Himalayan salt lamp to your after-work wind-down routine because it illuminates your room in a warm and soothing glow. Create the perfect calming ambiance with the dimmer switch, which helps this 100% salt lamp act as a sleep aid, as well. Plus, the crystal-like salt and natural neem wood base look nice in every room, even when it's off.

2This Classic & Multi-Use Swiss Army Pocket Knife That’s Under $20

A Swiss Army pocket knife is always an appreciated go-to gift because it has seven uses. It includes a nail file, pocket knife, compact scissors, screwdriver, and more. Each steel pocket knife is crafted in a village in Switzerland, and the sleek black case is a classic color that’s hard not to love.

3Marie Kondo’s Book For The Person Who Loves A Tidy Home

For the friend or relative who loves keeping a tidy home (or aspires to one day), grab Marie Kondo’s book with expert advice, tips, and solutions for organizing. It’s a number-one New York Times bestseller, and one reviewer raved, “I’m not exaggerating when I say this has changed my life entirely.”

4A Phone Lens That’s Way Cheaper Than A Bulky Camera

This macro wide-angle lens clamps onto an iPhone, Android, or tablet for professional photos while still keeping your gift super cheap. The aluminum shell is super durable, and one reviewer raved, “I highly suggest buying this for a quick solution to professional-looking social media photos and beyond.”

5Aloe Vera Socks For No-Mess Moisturizing

These moisturizing and washable socks have a unique design that even moisturizes between your toes. The gel lining has aloe vera, botanical oils, and vitamins. Plus, the sock design means you can walk around the house or even put shoes on and run errands while your feet have a spa day.

6A Mini Bag Sealer To Keep Your Food Fresh

Do you have a lot of half-eaten snacks around the house? This innovative mini bag sealer may be the perfect solution. It’s great for chip bags, cereal bags, and even coffee. Seals can often set in just three to five seconds, meaning that your snacks will be kept fresh in no time.

7This Easy Beer Opener That’s Stainless Steel & Party-Worthy

This stainless steel beer bottle opener pops the bottle cap off by simply pushing down and pulling up. Plus, it’s complete with a built-in magnet, so the cap never lands on the floor. Multiple reviewers love how “sleek” it is, and one reviewer even raved, “Sleek design and easy to use. Great gift for a beer drinker.”

8These Adjustable Cropped Leggings In The Best Patterns

These cropped leggings with pockets are the farthest thing from a generic gift because they come in unique patterns like abstract green stripes and three camouflage options. If you can’t decide on a pattern, they also come in blue, teal, and gray, and you won’t have to worry if they’ll fit because every color has a hidden drawstring waist.

  • Available sizes: XX-Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 7

9A Planner With Visual & Creative Scheduling Solutions

Multiple reviewers call this faux-leather daily planner “motivational,” and its unique design lets you choose a planning style that fits your personality. It’s complete with vision boards, mood boards, stickers, and traditional calendars, of course, for creative scheduling. Plus, it comes in teal, purple, pink, and blue.

10This Minimalist Apple Watch Charger That Fits Anywhere

This minimalist charging stand is the gift for anyone with an Apple watch on your list because it’s under $10 and comes in nine pastel and neutral colors. This little charger fits almost anywhere at only around 2.5 inches tall, and it still lets you see your watch screen in case you get a notification.

11This Complete Nail Kit With A Metallic Rose Gold Case

When I say complete, I mean this nail kit has 12 grooming tools, including a unique tool that helps with painful blackheads. All of the tools have a spot in the protective carrying case that comes in metallic rose gold or black. One reviewer raved, “Very pretty case and great tools for travel nail set!”

12A Facial Hair Care Kit With Organic Oil For A Long Beard

Gift this no-brainer beard kit with organic products and handy tools to encourage beard and facial hair growth. This kit gives the amateur barber tools to brush, trim, condition, and even travel with an included burlap bag. Plus, the oil and conditioner have ingredients like tea tree oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, and more.

13A Greeting Cards Kit With A Pretty & Organized Floral Box

This box of 32 greeting cards doesn’t even require gift wrap because it has a pretty floral pattern with a matching lid. Inside, each type of card is separated with included organizers, and all of the cards have beautiful hand-drawn designs. One reviewer raved, “These cards are BEAUTIFUL! They are ALL so lovely and pretty looking.”

14This Glass Nail File & Case For Glossy Nails

This glass nail file is complete with a storage case that comes in seven chic and metallic colors. Multiple reviewers say this textured buffing file gave their nails a "glossy" finish, and one reviewer even raved, "It is easy to use and really leaves your nail so smooth that it shines!"

15A Visually Pleasing Master Wine Guide

This master wine guide isn’t only super visually pleasing (seriously, every page is so well designed), but it’s also a 2019 James Beard Foundation award winner. Grab it for your favorite wine lover, and they’ll spend hours with it and reference it every time they’re looking for a new wine to try out.

16An Undereye & Facial Massager With A Calming Heat Setting

This compact undereye and facial massager only needs one triple-A battery for a calming and de-puffing self-care moment. It has a unique heat setting that increases blood circulation and makes your massage that much more soothing. One reviewer raved, "Honestly, it is feather-light and heats/vibrates on contact - easy to use and so soothing."

17An Herb Kit That Makes It Easy To Be A Plant Parent

Grab this herb kit for the person who loves all things organic and farm-to-table because they can cook with their own homegrown herbs. This kit comes with basil, thyme, cilantro, parsley, pots, soil pods, and a grower’s guide, and multiple reviewers have had major success. One reviewer raved, “Easiest plants to grow for beginners. I will buy again!”

18A Shoe Cleaning Kit With A Foaming & Biodegradable Cleaner

This shoe cleaning set is called the “essential kit” for a reason — the foaming cleaner and durable brush are exactly what you need to keep shoes extra-clean (especially those trendy white sneakers). The premium cleaner is biodegradable, and this kit has over 10,500 five-star ratings.

19This Cake Decorating Kit That Easy But Feels Professional

This cake decorating kit even comes with an easy rotating stand for a smooth icing job that looks seriously professional. Plus, it has smoothers, spatulas, pastry and piping bags, and more. At only $20, it’s an easy and helpful housewarming gift, but it’s also perfect for someone who hasn’t upgraded their baking supplies in years.

20This Glittery Wine Tumbler With A Spot For A Straw

This vacuum double-wall insulated wine tumbler is honestly prettier than all the rest, thanks to its glittery and iridescent color options. The lid has a handy spot to add your reusable straw, and one reviewer raved, “They make super gifts, too. Inexpensive and functional as all get out.”

21A Foam Muscle Roller With A Fun Speckled Design

Instead of a boring and plain foam roller, this foam muscle roller has a fun blue and black speckled design. It helps out with core stabilization, balance, and if you’re stressed, it will work out muscle tension. Choose from blue and black, orange and black, or red in one of four sizes.

22These Cozy Ribbed Ugg Socks In 15 Colors

These UGG socks are a super luxurious and cozy gift with their rib-knit fabric and mid-calf length that’s a perfect match for ankle boots. They come in 15 colors, and they’re built to be slouchy, so they’re extra-comfy. One reviewer raved, “I love these white UGG socks, roomy, slouchy, and so soft.”

  • Available sizes: One Size
  • Available colors: 15

23Simple Gold Hoops That Are Minimalist Enough For Everyone

No matter your friend or relative’s style, these simple gold hoops are trendy and have a minimalist and easy-to-wear design that everyone will love. They’re lightweight and have stainless steel posts no matter what color you choose out of the gold, rose gold, and silver tones.

24This Glass Mug That You Can Brew Tea Directly In

This borosilicate glass mug doesn’t require hooking a hanging tea infuser to the handle because the stainless steel infuser sits right on top. That means the entire brewing process is so much faster, and the thin heat-proof glass is even okay in the freezer, microwave, or dishwasher.

25An Initial Tray Everyone Can Use With Chic Gold Lettering

This initial tray is under $15 and is complete with a chic metallic gold-tone letter. Everyone on your list will appreciate it because it comes in a gift box and isn't only for jewelry. For example, multiple reviewers rave about it being an elegant spot to place their keys.

26These Stemless Champagne Flutes To Cheers Together

These stemless champagne flutes are made of double-walled and hand-blown borosilicate glass, so they’re perfect for celebratory sips without worrying about them breaking. For your bougie friend, these glasses are microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe for an everyday fancy champagne moment. One reviewer raved, “These flutes are fantastic. Extremely lightweight and very stylish.”

27A Precision Shoulder Massager For The Friend With A Stressful Schedule

We all know that person that could seriously use a precision point shoulder and neck massager that’s designed to help those stress and tension knots. They probably have a stressful schedule, so this compact massager is small enough to carry around. Plus, it has two sides for different pressure and targeted massage options.

28A Soothing Cuticle Oil With Milk & Honey

This cuticle oil feels extra special, thanks to its stylish glass bottle and its unique milk and honey formula that’s super soothing. Plus, this little round bottle has cold-pressed safflower, sunflower oil, and vitamin E. If you need to grab multiple gifts, it comes in 11 formulas, including sweet almond and more.

29A Recipe Box With Conversion Charts For Under $20

This recipe box comes in gray or an adorable plaid print in red or blue. It’s complete with smudge-proof recipe cards, cooking conversion charts, and dividers to separate recipes by meal. One reviewer raved, “The color and sturdiness of the recipe box is SO beautiful. I bought two because I loved them so much when I saw them.”

30This Reusable Straw Set With Compact Wooden Carrying Cases

These four reusable and rust-proof stainless steel straws are designed to fit perfectly in their matching eco-friendly wooden cases. This set comes with two wooden carrying cases, two straw cleaners, and a canvas carrying tote for extra protection if you’re tucking them away while on the go. These also come in a set of two, if four is too many.

31Slippers That Are Machine-Washable So They Always Feel Like New

Re-fluff these fleece-lined memory foam slippers by throwing them in the washing machine so you can wear them all day, every day. They slip on, the rubber soles have extra anti-slip traction and come in five colors, including neutrals and two shades of pink.

32A Balsam Candle With A Reusable Tin Container

This candle comes in balsam and cedar, winter white, or woodfire scents, and the decorative metal tin is complete with gold-tone accents. Once you’re done burning the candle, I highly recommend using the tin as a pretty storage container. The soy wax burns for 20 hours, and they have over 2,000 five-star ratings.

33A Finger Massager For The Person Who’s Constantly Scrolling

For the chronic social media scroller, this dual-sided finger massager helps out tired hands and hits all the right pressure points. Multiple reviewers say it helps with hand pain, and the handle is designed to be non-slip. One reviewer raved, “Easy to use. Easy to carry in purse. Helps with pain relief. Love it!”

34Quick Melting Bath Flakes With Magnesium

These bath flakes quickly melt into your bath water and absorb more than your favorite Epsom salts. These bath flakes are also better than basic Epsom salt because they are complete with organic magnesium, lavender, and cedarwood to help you sleep better after your nighttime spa moment.

35This Matcha Face Mask With All The Application Tools You Need

This clay face mask is infused with matcha, aloe vera, and volcanic mud, and it even comes as an easy-to-apply kit. The kit has everything you need to cleanly apply the mask with an application brush and a facial sponge. Plus, the container has over 4 ounces for only $15.

36A Slim Weekly Schedule You Can Tuck Anywhere

The slim design of this weekly scheduler fits perfectly below your laptop on a small desk or tucked away next to your bed. It comes in blue, red, or gray, has an included stand, and there are 60 pages for the person who loves to have a detailed plan every single week.

37A Bamboo & Glass Seasoning Station

This bamboo and glass set has three containers for an easy-to-grab countertop seasoning station. This set is complete with lids, spoons, and even a minimalist holder with slots for each spice container. Plus, each jar holds 10 ounces, so you don’t have to refill as often.

38A Phone Holder That’ll Show Off Your Case Instead Of Hiding It

While it’s incredibly handy to have a phone ring attached to your case, many times they end up blocking the art or design. That’s why this ring from El Sonador is extra special — the ring is actually a stand that’ll also help you prop your phone up when necessary. Made of thermoplastic polyurethane, this model comes in a variety of different colors, all which happen to have a ton of sparkle.

39A Bathroom Storage Set With Lots Of Display Options

This bathroom and vanity set has three pieces that you can display in so many different ways. Use the two glass jars on their own, store them on the matching bronze tray, or use one in each bathroom. Plus, they're rust-resistant, and the vanity tray won't scratch up your countertop or shelf.

40This Glass Pour Over Kit That's Always Trendy & Useful

This glass pour over kit is a trendy gift, but it’s also useful for eco-friendly coffee. The stainless steel filter can be used every morning and then easily washed for tomorrow's coffee. You can choose from the classic cork band, a black silicone band, and a double-wall option in the durable borosilicate glass.

41An Exercise Ball With Eight Colors & Digital Workouts

This exercise ball comes in the best colors, including unique pastels, and there are eight of them to choose from. There are also five sizes, and each kit comes with a hand pump, air plugs, a valve remover, and a bunch of online and virtual workout resources. One reviewer raved, "I would call this legitimately professional grade."

42A Silicone Brownie Pan With An Easy-To-Serve Textured Base

The textured and BPA-free silicone base of this brownie pan is flexible and bendable for a plate of brownies with almost zero cracks. The steel frame is sturdy to grab from the oven, and you can choose from five styles, including a silicone bundt cake pan.

43A Party Game Full Of Hilarious & Sort Of Suggestive Questions

This loaded questions game gift will guarantee you have a hilarious night — just make sure you gift it to someone you're close to. It's full of questions that are unique, funny, and somewhat suggestive. Gather around the spinner and start asking questions with this gift that's only $15.

44Washable Produce Bags That Are Easy To Scan

These tear-resistant produce bags are washable, and the thin mesh means you can scan barcodes at checkout without opening the bag. These BPA bags come in a pack of nine, and they're so lightweight, they won't add to the weight of your veggies when you're checking out.

45A Bedside Organizer That Tucks Into Sofas, Your Coffee Table, & More

Tuck this non-slip bedside organizer between your sofa cushions or drape it over your coffee table or even your desk. It's complete with four pockets, including one big pocket and mesh pockets to see all of your essentials. Choose from black or neutral brown in this organizer with over 6,000 five-star ratings.

46A Rechargeable Handwarmer In A Chic Gold Finish

This handwarmer is rechargeable, double-sided with three hours of warmth, and super safe with built-in overheating protection. It even has short circuit protection, over-charging protection, and more. It comes in the prettiest metallic gold-tone finish, or if you want something a little more toned down, there are black and silver-tone options.

47A Travel Pillow For Bendable & Fully Customizable Coziness

This memory foam pillow is long and bendable so you can twist, fold, and snap it into a unique shape that best supports your neck. Choose from gray, dark gray, black, and two shades of blue in the washable cotton cover on this super customizable and unique travel pillow.

48A Ceramic Scented Oil Warmer With A Pretty Tear Drop Design

This teardrop ceramic glazed oil warmer hangs on the minimalistic metal hanger with your tealight below. The teardrop warmer comes in blue or simple black and white options. It's only $15, and its small and dainty size means you can tuck it on every countertop or table in your home for scented oil in every space.

49This Lipstick With Avocado Oil & Bold Swatches

This popular longwear lipstick can last up to 16 hours after application — but, that’s not the only reason why it’s a solid buy. Available in tons of different colors, this lip color contains vitamin E and chamomile extract to help nourish your lips at the same time.

50An Intricate & Wonder-Filled Coloring Book

This 80-page coloring book is filled with super intricate designs and fantastical images like floating islands. You can even choose from paperback or spiral-bound for your preferred coloring setup. Every unique and wonder-filled design is hand-drawn, and multiple reviewers are raving about the high-quality paper.