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If You're Cheap But Want To Give Good Gifts, Check Out These 62 Things

These gifts are thoughtful and cool — and you can still pay the bills.

by Julie Peck
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
 If You're Cheap But Want To Give Good Gifts, Check Out These 62 Things
Amazon
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So you know you want to give your friends and loved ones something that shows them how much you care about them, but you'd also like to be able to pay your bills once all the gifting is done. It can be a balancing act, but buying presents doesn't necessarily have to be a budget-breaking situation, and these good but cheap gifts are proof of that. This list covers all the bases, too, so whether you're exchanging gifts with a co-worker or looking for a special treat for your BFF, you'll find something here (and you won't find yourself cringing when you look at the price tag).

1This Genius Mug That Keeps Your Fingers Warm While You Drink

Great for coffee, tea, and hot cocoa, this mug is uniquely designed so that you can slip your fingers into the curve to gently warm your hand while you sip. The dishwasher- and microwave- safe porcelain mug comes in an array of colors and left- and right- handed options.

2This Microwavable Popcorn Popper With A Built-In Butter Melter

Made from durable, BPA-free borosilicate glass, this popcorn popper is the perfect accompaniment to movie night. Available in a snack size and a family size, it doesn't require oil, but it does have a built-in butter-melting tray on top for extra deliciousness.

3This Foot Scrubber That Massages Tired Feet

With hundreds of flexible bristles, this foot scrubber is designed to give feet a thorough clean while also providing a relaxing massage. It's perfect for the spa lover or anyone who's on their feet a lot.

4A Cold Brew Maker For The Coffee Aficionado

Get some refreshing java at home with this cold brew coffee maker. Made of durable glass, the carafe can brew up to a liter of coffee and features a fine mesh filter and a tight-fitting, leakproof lid. Add the grounds, pop it into the fridge, and wait overnight to have a smooth, delicious-tasting cold brew come morning.

5A Bike Mount Bag That Holds Your Phone, Keys, And Wallet

If you've ever had to juggle your phone, keys, and wallet while biking, try storing them easily with this bike mount bag. Its touch-sensitive front frame means that you'll be able to navigate while you pedal, and it's compatible with most smartphone models. When it rains, you can still use your bike mount with confidence, because it's fully waterproof.

6These Drink Chilling Stones For Whiskey Lovers

These drink chilling stones are an amazing choice for the mixologist in your life, amateur or otherwise. Because they’re made of natural granite, they won’t melt and water down drinks, but they will keep them cool. This kit includes six reusable drink cubes, so your favorite beverage enthusiast will be able to share the wealth with guests for years to come.

7A Burt's Bees Hand Repair Set That Soothes Dry Skin

Now that everyone's deeply invested in hand-washing, this hand cream set is an ideal gift. It comes with six shea butter creams in scents like jasmine, cherry blossom, and lavender, and the cute tin means that all you have to do is add a ribbon.

8These Aesthetic Highlighters In Pastel Shades

It’s high time to give that neon yellow an upgrade and that’s exactly what these aesthetic highlighters do — something any avid note-taker will appreciate. They come in a set of 16 in beautiful pastel colors ranging from green to blue to pink shades. The ink won’t bleed through the page and the angled tip can create both thin and thick lines as desired.

9A Lightweight Backpack That Folds Up Into A Small Pouch — In Your Choice Of 13 Colors

Available in a rainbow of colors, this backpack weighs in at a mere 0.68 pounds. It won't feel heavy on your back and it folds up into a small pouch, so you can stash it in your glovebox or suitcase the next time you take a trip. The water- and tear-resistant material is durable and long-lasting, and the multiple pockets make organization a cinch.

10A 3-Pack Of Fluffy Socks That Are Super Soft And Cozy

Give the gift of warm feet with these wool-blend socks that reviewers report are "so soft and cozy" and the "best wool socks I have ever owned." The fluffy crew socks come in a variety of combinations and are one-size-fits-all for convenience.

11A Ceramic Jewelry Tray With Their Engraved Initial

For a truly chic gift that feels custom-created, opt for this elegant ceramic jewelry tray that comes with your choice of engraved initial. Made with a gold rim and gold lettering, the ceramic dish features an uneven texture that lends it a hand-modeled look. With all of these elements combined, it’s clear why it has earned a near-perfect 4.9-star rating.

12This Embroidery Kit To Create Beautiful Botanical Designs

The art of cross stitch has come back in a big way which makes this embroidery kit a true winner. It comes with everything needed including cotton embroidery cloth, hoops, needles, and threads to begin creating beautiful designs. Three botanical patterns are provided that, along with instructions, will help them to work on a range of stitching techniques.

13A 3-In-1 Avocado Slicer That Any Cook Will Love

Any guacamole aficionado would welcome the opportunity to add this avocado slicer to their kitchen arsenal. The easy-to-grip tool splits, pits, and slices avocados with minimal effort on your part, and it's dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

14This Wireless Charger That's Earned Thousands Of 5-Star Ratings

Instant charging is always close at hand with this award-winning charger that's earned thousands of five-star ratings. The versatile charger is compatible with both iPhones and Android phones, and it can even charge through thick protective cases.

15These Toothbrushes With Charcoal Nano-Bristles To Whiten Teeth

These toothbrushes feature thousands (!) of nano-bristles that are gentle on sensitive teeth, and they're infused with charcoal, which naturally whitens. They're a great way to get a deep cleaning without going harsh on the gums, and each set comes with two brushes in modern black and white.

16These Faux Fur Slippers That Are Pure Luxury

Available in nine gorgeous colors, these slippers have a faux fur lining that's super snuggly on the feet and a memory foam insole makes them extra comfy to walk around in. Plus, the durable, anti-slip soles give feet a firm grip while you're shuffling around the house.

  • Available sizes: Small - X-Large
  • Available colors: 9

17This Reusable Insulated Lunch Box That Looks Professional

When you're bringing lunch along to work or school, you probably want to carry it in style; that's why this reusable insulated lunch box is an awesome choice. With a heavy-duty exterior fabric that won't scuff or stain, you can clean it with soap and water in between delicious meals. Bring it with you on a bus or an airplane for mess-free snacking on the go.

18These Solid Shampoo And Conditioner Bars That Smell Like Heaven

For those who are passionate about sustainability, these eco-friendly shampoo and conditioner bars make a great gift. Compact and travel-friendly, these bars will help restore your hair’s shine while the added conditioner keeps hair soft. This four-pack includes lavender, honey, seaweed, and chamomile scents to match your mood.

19A Memory Foam Wedge Pillow That Reduces Neck & Back Pain

If sleep sometimes brings discomfort, from neck and back pain to acid reflux and snoring, this memory foam wedge pillow could help. When you sleep at an elevated angle, you could reduce or prevent a number of sleep-related health concerns, and it's unbelievably soft. Use it while you watch TV, curl up with a book, or even recover from pregnancy or surgery.

20This Lip Plumper Set For A Hydrated Pout

For fuller-looking lips without the needles or heavy price tag, try this lip-plumping duo. Formulated with mint, ginger, and vitamin E, this set repairs dry lips and boosts circulation for a plumper pout. Use it as a base before lipstick application or on its own for a fresh, dewy look.

21This Lap Desk That Has *All* The Features

With built-in features like a convenient mousepad, a smartphone slot, and a ledge to secure your computer, this lap desk is the perfect WFH gift. Plus, the two cushioned bolsters on the other side make it super comfortable to use.

22These Affordable Bluetooth Earbuds With 135,000 Ratings

If you're looking for Bluetooth 5.0 earbuds that won't break the bank, these are it. Boasting 135,000 ratings, they're perfect for calls, but since they're waterproof, they're perfect for sweaty workouts, too.

23The Small But Mighty Wireless Speaker That Goes Everywhere

Roughly the size of a hockey puck and weighing in at just under 2 ounces, this compact but powerful Bluetooth speaker can go with you anywhere. What's more, it's waterproof and features a suction cup on the reverse so you can even use it in the shower.

24A Net Bath Sponge For Full-Body Exfoliation

This net bath sponge won’t cost more than $10 and is designed to exfoliate the entire body thanks to its lengthy design. It’s made of stretchy nylon that works to slough away dead skin cells and clean the skin of dirt while folding up into a small footprint when stored. Choose from eight vibrant colors such as orange, rose, or chartreuse green, and toss it in the washing machine for easy cleaning.

25Beautiful Embossed Glass Mugs For Coffee, Oatmeal, & More

Romanticize your daily cup of coffee or elevate a simple yogurt parfait with these vintage-inspired mugs. Available in sets of two, each translucent glass mug features an embossed design, a curved handle, and a 14-ounce capacity. Two spoons are also included.

26These Lenses That Work With A Smartphone Camera

Any smartphone can become a high-end camera with this lens kit. The kit comes with nine lenses that clip onto your phone, including wide-eye, fisheye, and starburst, and the case keeps them safe when not in use.

27The Sparkly CZ Earrings Plated In 14K Gold

Available in yellow, white, and rose gold finishes, these huggie earrings feature cubic zirconia stones that'll add sparkle to any look, whether dressed up or in sweats. The delicate earrings are nickel-free and hypoallergenic.

28An Electric Wine Opener That Will Be Any Oenophile's New Best Friend

Anyone who enjoys wine will love this sleek electric wine opener that requires only the touch of a button to make uncorking any bottle fast and easy. Choose from a battery-powered or rechargeable model, with both including a helpful foil cutter for an even more streamlined process.

29The Hair Repair Treatment That Leaves Strands Soft And Silky

Rich and concentrated, this hair repair treatment nourishes hair and makes it glossy and smooth. Formulated with hydrating ceramides and strengthening collagen, this little tube is a salon-worthy treat at an affordable price.

30A Derma Roller That Makes Skin Glow

Outfitted with hundreds of ultra-tiny titanium needles, this derma roller glides over the skin to promote collagen production and brighten the complexion — and you don't have to shell out aesthetician prices. Using it before bed can also prep skin for absorption of serums and moisturizers.

31An Adorable Loose-Leaf Infuser For Those Who Love Tea

How cute is this tea infuser that looks like a sloth hanging from the rim of your mug? Made from silicone, this little guy is completely dishwasher- and microwave-safe, too.

32The Knife Set That'll Add A Pop Of Color To The Kitchen

The perfect gift for anyone who's taken up cooking, these colorful knives feature sharp stainless steel blades and comfortable grips. The set includes five knives: paring, utility, Santoku, carving, bread, and chef's, all with accompanying blade guards.

33A Color-Changing Unicorn Night Light

This colorful unicorn will lighten up any room — literally. It features three lighting modes with 10 color options including a soft white and a color-changing cycle. Its automatic on-and-off feature shuts off during the day and powers on once it’s dark.

34A UV Sanitizer That Keeps Smartphones & Other Small Items Hygienic

With just the touch of a button, this UV light sanitizer is an easy way to blast away germs on phones, keys, watches, and other small items. Plus, its compact shape and USB charging function allow you to take it on the go.

35The Vitamin C Serum That Leaves Skin Glowing

This vitamin C serum also includes ferulic acid, and together they work to brighten the complexion while evening out skin tone and protecting from environmental damage. The K-beauty serum has won over thousands of fans who say the "holy grail" formula is "outstanding."

36A Selfie Ring Light That Clips Onto Devices

It’s a cinch to have your loved one’s face illuminated during video calls with this selfie ring light that easily clips onto computers, phones, or tablets. It comes with a range of brightness levels as well as three lighting modes (daylight, white, and warm light) to best suit their environment. Plus, it conveniently charges via USB to provide up to two hours of light on the brightest setting.

37A Handheld Vacuum For All Those Tight Spaces

With a sleek, bullet-shaped design, this handheld vacuum is built to quickly clean small spaces. The rechargeable vacuum comes with a crevice tool and dusting attachment, so you can even clean your laptop keyboard and reach between couch cushions.

38A Stylish Hanging Trash Can For Any Car

This trash bin is a convenient solution for keeping the car nice and tidy. It features an adjustable hanging strap, three mesh pockets, a 2-gallon capacity, and nylon construction with a leak-proof lining. On long road trips, use it as storage for snacks or as a portable cooler. It’s available in a selection of solid colors and stylish prints for every style.

  • Available colors: 15
  • Available sizes: 2

39A Pet Hair Remover That Picks Up Every Bit Of Fur

This pet hair remover has thousands of five-star reviews for its ability to effectively extract all fur from upholstery, carpet, and clothing — something any pet owner will thank you for. As opposed to constant sticky paper refills, it utilizes static electricity created by rolling back and forth over the material to pick up hair. A built-in receptacle makes it easy to empty the collected hair right into the trash.

40A Digital Meat Thermometer That Takes Away Any Guesswork

When it comes to properly cooked meat there’s no room for estimates, which is why this waterproof digital thermometer is so essential. It’s perfect not just for grillmasters but anyone who cooks. Within seconds, it provides a highly accurate temperature reading. The automatic on/off feature, lock display function, and light are extra convenient.

41A Bidet Attachment With Adjustable Water Pressure

Add a touch of luxury to someone’s day-to-day without spending more than $30 by gifting them this bidet attachment. It can be mounted to any standard toilet and comes with the ability to adjust both water pressure and the angle of the nozzle. All hardware is included for a fast and easy installation.

42The Solar Charger That Powers Up Electronics, No Matter Where You Are

Giver your phone or tablet a charge with this solar power bank, even when you're nowhere near an outlet. A perfect gift for campers or anyone else who likes to go off the grid, the charger also features a built-in flashlight and handy compass.

43Silicone Snail Tea Bag Holders That Are Cute & Functional

These snail tea bag holders couldn’t be more adorable — not to mention functional. Their flexible silicone design makes them easy to clip onto any mug and a breeze to clean. Consider these snails a perfect stocking stuffer.

44A Jewelry Holder That Organizes Earrings, Bracelets, And More

Made with clear acrylic that makes it easy to see everything, this jewelry organizer features hooks for storing all types of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. It’s lightweight, compact, and holds up to 128 pairs of earrings.

45The Battery Organizer That Comes With Its Own Tester

This incredible battery organizer can not only store up to 93 batteries, but it also includes a battery tester to ensure each one is in top form. Batteries ranging from AA to AAA to 9-volts are neatly placed in specific slots to be quickly grabbed when needed. Mount it to a garage wall or cabinet door or easily store it in a drawer.

46A Mini Trash Can Perfect For Desks, Counters, & Nightstands

With a half-gallon capacity, this itty bitty trash can won’t take up more than a foot of space and is perfect for office desks, vanities, bathroom counters, and more. The lid easily opens and closes with the tap of a finger. Its minimal matte design is sleek for every aesthetic.

47A Sunrise Alarm Clock That Gently Illuminates The Room

If you know someone who hates jolting out of bed at the behest of a deafening sound, they will appreciate this sunrise alarm clock that gently and gradually awakens them. It slowly gets brighter over the course of 30 minutes and casts a warm glow in a range of three shades of white or eight vivid colors. As an added bonus, there are seven nature sound options to accompany the light.

48These Hand Warmers That Are Perfect For Outdoor Enthusiasts

Just snap these hand warmers a few times and they'll keep your fingers toasty and warm for up to 60 minutes at a time. They're reusable. too — simply recharge by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. This is a great stocking stuffer for skiers, snowboarders, or anyone with perpetually cold hands.

49The Digital Notebook That Sends Doodles And Notes To The Cloud

This smart notebook has codes that can be scanned with your phone so you can blast an image of the page to your cloud service of choice. Available in eight colors, it comes with an accompanying Pilot Frixon pen, and the pages can be wiped clean and used again and again.

50The Nail Drill That's Great For Acrylics, Pedicures, And More

Perfect for use on both acrylic and natural nails, this nail drill is lightweight and suitable for both left- and right-handed users. It's quiet, low-heat, and comes with multiple drill bits so you can grind, carve, cut, and remove gel polish.

51A Connector Clasp That Makes It Easy To Layer Necklaces

This layering clasp is the key to creating perfectly curated layered necklaces. The connector helps keep up to three necklaces from getting tangled and remain in place. It’s made from rust-resistant durable stainless steel and is available in gold, rose gold, or silver to seamlessly match any necklace in every collection.

52This Macramé Bedside Caddy For Extra Streamlined Storage

Crafted from a sturdy cotton canvas, this cute macramé caddy is designed to hang from a bed, chair, or even a beach chair for extra storage. Simply use the hook-and-loop straps to secure it within easy reach so you can always grab your essentials. Whether that’s your phone, glasses, reading material, or snacks and drinks, it will be an accessory you’ll appreciate on the daily.

53A Nourishing Tinted Lip Oil That’s Actually Not Sticky

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the beauty lover in your life, this tinted lip oil will definitely be appreciated. Backed by more than 10,000 five-star ratings, this popular lip oil is infused with nourishing vitamins and moisturizing fruit extracts to help heal and plump lips. As one shopper raved, “So soft and supple. It's not sticky, a little goes a long way, it lasts a good little while, and it doesn't wear off in the middle [...]I'm a fan.”

54An Adorable AirTag Keychain

This adorable dino AirTag keychain is great for anyone who relies on a tracker. Now they can have a cute, compact way of carrying their tag that also is durable thanks to the faux leather construction. As one shopper raved, “This case is super cute and fits a tile perfectly. It is easy to open and easy to attach to bag/backpack, ect. The material is nice and of good quality and the hardware is also sturdy and nice quality. I would buy again.”

55An LED Neck Light For The Bookworm

This around-the-neck reading light features LED lights at the end of each arm so you can aim a beam at your book. The lights feature customization options, like multiple brightness settings and yellow, warm white, and cool white temperature modes.

56These White Wine Glasses Made Of Lead-Free Crystal

Perfect as a housewarming or hosting gift, these white wine glasses will no doubt go into rotation quickly due to their inherent sparkle. They’re constructed of lead-free crystal which gives them high clarity and are designed in a graceful shape with long stems. Two come in every set and there’s even a gift box included ready for wrapping.

57An Aesthetically Pleasing Bamboo Mug Tree

Store all your favorite mugs in style with this sturdy and stylish bamboo mug tree; it’s a shopper favorite with nearly 2,000 glowing ratings. As one shopper reported, “Super easy to put together and doesn’t take up much counter space. The angle of the “branches” the mugs are held on are slanted up enough that there isn’t a fear of them sliding off and crashing down.”

58These Magnetic Dual-Sided Measuring Spoons That Save Drawer Space

Anyone squeezed for kitchen space will love these stainless steel measuring spoons with built-in magnets that let you nest them together for compact storage. Even better, they're double-sided, so each piece is essentially two measuring spoons in one.

59A Dry Erase Board That Also Holds Your Phone

Now you can write down all your to-do lists while also storing your phone with this smartly designed dry erase board. The board measures 5.5 inches by 9 inches, so it’s large enough to capture all your thoughts, while the back pocket is big enough to also store papers and mail. It’s a small but mighty organizational tool.

60A Practical Tablet Holder That’s Adjustable

A gift that’s bound to please the practical people in your life, this adjustable tablet holder works with tablets ranging from 4.7 to 13 inches. It has rubber pads on the bottom to prevent scratching your desk, and comes in six different colors.

61A Lip Exfoliator Made With Smoothing Brown Sugar

E.l.f. has recently given their best-selling lip exfoliator a makeover, and this is the result. It’s sold in a bunch of new scents, like coffee, creamsicle, strawberry, and brown sugar (pictured), and is made with a blend of nourishing oils, rich shea butter, and exfoliating sugar to keep your lips soft and smooth. Best of all, it’s only $5.

62These Cute Rechargeable Hand Warmers Shaped Like Pandas

How cute are these hand warmers? Designed to resemble little pands, the hand warmers are rechargeable, heat up in just a few seconds, and last for up to 20 hours on a single charge. They have three heating levels, and cost just $25 for a pack of two.

63An Eyelash Comb For Clump-Free Mascara

Say goodbye to clumpy mascara with this best-selling eyelash comb. One of the best things you can buy for $5 (if you’re someone who wears makeup), the tool brushes through clumped lashes for a more natural mascara look. Simple, yet genius.

64This Shark Tank Product That Stops Hiccups In Children & Adults

Originally seen on Shark Tank, the HiccAway Hiccup Straw purportedly gets rid of hiccups instantly. All you do is put the straw in water, take a big sip, swallow, and repeat two to three times. Amazon reviewers swear it “really, really works,” and it comes in five different colors.

65These Flameless Candles That Look So Realistic

Flameless candles have come a long way — nobody would ever guess that these realistic-looking candles are actually “fake.” The battery-operated candles flicker like real flames and add instant warmth to your space. They come with a remote control, too, so you can put them on a timer and adjust their brightness.

66A Set Of 2 Satin Pillowcases For Just $10

Bedsure’s satin pillowcases are amongst the best-selling products on Amazon (to date, they’ve amassed over 200,000 perfect five-star ratings). Soft, stylish, and incredible for your hair and skin, the pillows cost just $10 for a set of two and come in 39 different colors.

  • Available colors: 39

67These Car Visor Holders For Sunglasses

Have your sunglasses at hand all the time with these handy sunglasses holders for your car’s visor. Sold in a pack of two for just $10, the holders are a number-one bestseller on Amazon with thousands of rave reviews. They come in two colors, black or gray, and can be opened with just one hand thanks to the magnetic design.

68This Magnetic Holder For Your Bobby Pins

How clever is this? For the person in your life who’s all about the updos — maybe a hairstylist or a ballerina — gift them this magnetic holder for bobby pins and other metal hairpins. The holder has a rare, 4.8-star overall rating on Amazon (meaning it’s received almost exclusively five-star reviews) and it comes in three cute colors.

69This Silicone Travel Mat For Your Hot Styling Tools

Know someone who never travels without their curling iron or straightener? Or maybe that’s you. Either way, this silicone mat is a great buy — it’s heat resistant, so it’s safe to hold your hot tools between uses and as they’re cooling down. It comes in a bunch of different colors, and it’s sold in packs of two, too.

70This Drawstring Pouch That’s Also A Great Cosmetics Organizer

Ideal for travel, this drawstring pouch/cosmetics organizer has three interior mesh pockets and one large pocket to hold all your stuff. It also collapses when not in use, and it’s easy to keep clean in case of spills since the whole thing is machine washable. Choose from three pretty colors.

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