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35 Cheap But Thoughtful-Looking Gifts On Amazon For People You Begrudgingly Have To Buy For
Amazon / Bustle
We've all been in that situation where we need to get a gift for someone we don’t really know that well. And while this is the kind of thing that can feel panic-inducing, there's no need to sweat — Amazon is loaded with cheap but thoughtful-looking presents that are guaranteed to impress, without breaking your budget.
You may not always want to take a budget approach to gift-giving, especially for close friends and loved ones. Sometimes it even makes sense to get a big, flashy present, especially if you managed to find a great deal during Black Friday or Cyber Monday. But when you're begrudgingly buying a gift for someone and you're in desperate need ideas, Amazon has a ton to choose from, like fondue-making mugs, stress-relieving body scrubs, and in-shower wine caddies. The best part? You won't be dishing out major coin in the process (and of course, you don't have to set foot in an actual store).
Whether you're spending the holidays with your partner's family for the first time or you've been roped into an office Secret Santa situation, giving gifts to people you don't know well doesn't have to be stressful. Just sit back, relax, and let this list of clever but affordable items do all the heavy lifting for you. You'll have plenty of time left over to focus on what really matters, like surviving the holidays with your savings account (and sanity) still intact.
2. Never Worry About "Red Wine Mouth" Again With These Super Convenient Wipes
Wine Wipes, $8 (Pack Of 15), Amazon
For wine drinkers, these discreet, lightweight, and easy-to-transport wipes are a must-have. Designed to totally erase wine stains from your lips and teeth and made with natural ingredients, each compact contains 15 single-use wipes and comes in a metal case, so they're easy to store in your bag. As a little bonus, the set also includes a mirror for easy touch-ups.
3. Cozy Up By The Fire With This Holiday Tea Blend
The Republic Of Tea Comfort & Joy Holiday Spice Blend, $12 (50 Tea Bags), Amazon
Keeping this tea in the cupboard tea is like having the holiday season on demand. The Comfort & Joy holiday spice blend is filled with the festive flavors of cinnamon, cloves, apple, and licorice, all within a base of black tea. One reviewer who calls this the "best tea ever" claims that it "[d]oesn't need to be Christmas to enjoy a cup or two."
4. Indulge In Scrumptious New Treats With This Easy-To-Use Fondue Set
Kovot Personal Fondue Mugs, $19 (Set Of 2), Amazon
Enjoy easy fondue from the comfort of home with this fun set, which comes with two ceramic fondue mugs and four forks. With this personal set, melting cheese or chocolate for a delicious dipping snack is as easy as brewing a cup of tea. Each mug contains a bottom opening, where you can insert tea lights to keep the mix warm. Best of all, because this set is safe to use in microwaves and dishwashers, cleaning up after will be a breeze.
5. Sip Your Way To Bliss With This In-Shower Cupholder Specifically Made For Wine Glasses
SipCaddy Bath & Shower Portable Caddy, $14, Amazon
Tired of spilling wine in the tub? With this portable drink caddy, which is the only suction cupholder in the world made specifically for holding wine glasses, you won't have to worry about spills again. Ideal for glazed or mirror tile, each caddy can hold up to seven pounds and can also be used to hold cans, plastic bottles, and solo cups, meaning you'll never have to be without a shower beer (or whiskey) again.
6. Froth Any Amount Of Milk With This Fun Little Mixer
FAPIZI Fashion Hot Drinks Milk Frother, $.80, Amazon
Making cappuccinos at home can be just as good as getting them at a local coffee shop with this affordable milk frother, which makes milk foamy and perfect for everything from cappuccinos to milkshakes. Made from stainless steel and featuring a flexible, non-stick handle, this frother can also come in handy for beating eggs and won't damage bowls or cookware.
7. Revitalize Skin With These Nourishing Facial Sheet Masks
Mizon Essence Sheet Mask Set, $13 (16 Pack), Amazon
Sheet masks, like these ones from Mizon, are a terrific way to give skin everything it needs to bounce back from everyday stresses. This set comes with sixteen unique masks, that include popular ingredients like nourishing honey, brightening lemon, and calming cucumber. There's one to target whatever their skin is experiencing that day.
8. Keep Beer Fresh With These Silicone Bottle Caps
KegWorks Beer Savers, $10, Amazon
If you're hosting a party or sharing a pint of beer, you may not always be able to finish every last drop, which is where these silicone bottle caps really come to the rescue. Designed to keep beer nice and fresh, these dishwasher-safe bottle caps are built to lock in flavor and can fit most standard beer bottle sizes. Each set comes with six caps, so you also have plenty to go around.
9. Turn Your Bathtub Into A Spa With These Unique Pillow
The Original Gorilla Grip Spa Bath Pillow, $15, Amazon
This waterproof pillow is the kind of bath accessory that will change your life, because it can give a standard tub a spa-like feel. This pillow comes with seven ultra-strong suction cups, which help prevent slippage, and is filled with two inches of padded foam, so it feels soft to the touch. Designed to fit a jacuzzi as well, this pillow delivers excellent head, shoulder, and neck support in the tub during bath time.
10. Butter Up Your Loved Ones With This Marble Dish
Norpro Marble Butter Keeper, $18, Amazon
Cutting into a block of hard butter can be one of those kitchen pet peeves that ends up slowing people down when they're trying to cook, but with this exquisite marble dish, that won't be a setback anymore. Made to hold up to one stick of butter, this holder keeps butter naturally cool, so it's easy to slice into. The water in the base of this dish works to seal out air, so butter stays spreadable for up to 30 days, with no need to refrigerate.
11. Submerge Yourself In The Lap Of Luxury With This Bath Oil Set
Kneipp Bath Time RX Set, $25, Amazon
Get relief from stress with this healing bath oil set, which comes with a variety of oils that help to improve overall wellness. From arnica for joint and muscle relaxation to eucalyptus for cold and sinus treatment, as well as lavender for all-over balancing, this set comes with a variety of oils that can help make any bath ritual feel 10 times better. Just add at least half a bottle to your bath and soak for 20 minutes or more, and you'll be ready to experience all the benefits that healing oils have to offer.
12. Reduce Your Baggage With This iPhone Wallet Case
Silk iPhone 6/6s Wallet Case, $15, Amazon
This wallet case is like having the best of both worlds. It provides protection from scratches and damages for iPhone 6/6s models, and offers Screen Guard protection that can help prevent cracks and other damage. But this case also has an ultra-slim wallet on the back, which can fit up to three cards, as well as cash, so you'll have everything you need during a night out without feeling weighed down by a too-large purse or regular wallet.
13. Keep Track Of Incredible Memories With This Cute Travel Journal
I Was Here: A Travel Journal For The Curious Minded, $15, Amazon
When you're traveling, keeping a record of everything you're up to can be a great way to look back on memories. With this beautiful travel journal helps you record your trip in an easy and memorable way, with sections for places you went, things you tried, and other special moments. It's an especially great gift for college students who are headed abroad.
14. Purify Skin With This Cult-Favorite Mask That's Made With Indian Healing Clay
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing, $9, Amazon
This healing clay is one of the most popular offerings on Amazon because it delivers incredible results. Made from natural calcium bentonite clay, it penetrates pores and helps clear up acne and blemishes. It has a cult following in the beauty community, and fans recommend mixing it with apple cider vinegar instead of water. After 15 minutes, you'll literally feel your skin pulsate — and that's when you know to wash it off.
15. Keep Your Tacos From Cracking With This Durable Rack
2LB Depot Taco Holder, $14, Amazon
Tacos can get messy, but with this stainless steel taco holder, hard shells won't fall apart before you have a chance to take a bite. Each rack fits two to three tacos upright, making this a great pick gift for people who love to host dinner parties since it makes tacos so easy to serve. Because these are also dishwasher safe and rust-proof, they're built to last and will be a kitchen staple for the future.
16. Upgrade Small Spaces With This Chic Wine Rack
Sorbus Wine Rack Butterfly, $24, Amazon
Wine bottles can clutter up countertop space, but with this dark mahogany butterfly rack, you'll not only be able to store them in one convenient place, but you'll also add a sleek accent to your kitchen or living room. This one can fit up to eight bottles and also holds them horizontally for easy removal.
17. Scrub Away Dead Skin Cells And Other Toxins With This Body Brush
Wholesome Beauty Dry Skin Body Brush, $10, Amazon
If you know someone in need of a little pampering, consider giving them this body brush, which is made with natural bristles that stimulate and exfoliate skin. Dry brushing also helps unclog pores, increase circulation, and even target cellulite. This brush features a smooth, polished wood handle with a fabric loop, so it's easy to grasp, and it comes with a travel bag, which will help keep it protected.
18. Channel Your Inner Kid With This Enchanted Forest Coloring Book
Enchanted Forest: An Inky Quest & Coloring Book by Johanna Basford, $11, Amazon
No matter how old you are, sometimes nothing is more relaxing that settling in and coloring, which is what makes this enchanted forest-themed coloring book so much fun to flip through. Also, a recent study proved that adult coloring books are really great for your mental health. Filled with castles, treasure chests, and other magical visuals, this book allows you to slip into a fairy tale narrative for a soothing activity that encourages creativity and doesn't involve any devices.
19. Make A Delicious Cup Of Tea Every Time With This Infuser
Xcellent Global Tea Infuser, $2 (Set Of 2), Amazon
Cute, functional, and totally necessary if you're a tea lover, this cute little tea infuser is great for loose leaves. Made with stainless steel and a food-safe silicone handle that stays cool against hands, it's dishwasher-friendly, which makes cleanups easy after. It's perfect for medium to large mugs and is an amazing gift for just under $2.
20. Unwind With This Scented Sugar Scrub That Helps Relieve Stress
Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Sugar Scrub, $17, Amazon
"This is a fantastic product it feels great on the skin and leaves you feeling moisturized but not greasy," wrote one reviewer of this invigorating sugar scrub, which is scented with calming eucalyptus and exfoliates skin, leaving it soft and supple. And because it's made with natural oils, it's an especially great beauty buy for those who love aromatherapy or are in need of some serious R&R.
21. Keep Air Moisturized — Wherever You Are — With This Travel-Friendly Humidifier
Mini Portable Humidifier, $18, Amazon
Whether you're a frequent traveler or just want something small to add to a stuffy playroom, this portable humidifier is a great alternative to more expensive, bulkier options that take up space on shelves or are tough to move around. But that's not all this humidifier offers: It's also powered by a USB, which means you can even attach it to portable phone chargers. Because it operates at a whisper-quiet ultrasonic level, and comes with an auto shut-off feature that taps into effect after 12 hours, this little humidifier really makes a great gift.
22. Impress Your Friends With This Sneaky Bracelet That's Actually A Flask
Zeker Fashion Bracelet Flask, $14, Amazon
This unbelievable invention combines two important accessories — bracelets and flasks — together into one clever, super-sneaky little design. Made with stainless steel, this two-in-one accessory is bold without being over-the-top, and is designed with a secure twist-off knob that won't accidentally come off. It comes in a silver, multi-color, or copper finish to suit a variety of personal styles.
23. Make Coffee On-The-Go With This Travel Press
Espro Travel Coffee Press, $37, Amazon
Having coffee ready before you run out the door can feel necessary, but it'll also slow you down during your AM commute. Luckily, with this travel press, you can brew delicious, fresh, grind-free coffee without having to wait around or rush through your morning ritual. This double-walled, insulated, stainless steel press will keep your coffee toasty, and comes with a patented double micro-filter that helps deliver a rich, robust flavor every time. This press can make 10 ounces of coffee and holds 15 ounces as a travel mug, so you'll have plenty of caffeine to enjoy.
24. Always Be Prepared With This Ring That Doubles As A Bottle Opener
Island Dogs Bottle Opener Ring, $1, Amazon
If you're always in need of a bottle opener — and never have one — you'll love this cheap but useful bottle opener ring, which you can use to crack the tops off beers and soda bottles with ease. Although it's sized large, this ring can be attached to a necklace or keychain for convenient access. One reviewer weighed in, revealing: "Know that you'll probably end up wearing these on your thumbs (like I do) because they're quite large. That said, they don't seem to scratch easy and they're very convenient on the thumb anyway — I don't end up needing to take it off to get the bottle open half the time."
25. Removes Makeup, Dead Skin, And Oil On-The-Go With This Portable Travel Brush
Portable Facial Cleansing Brush Set, $22, Amazon
If you're traveling, giving your face a nice deep clean can still be possible with this portable brush set. A fraction of the price of other costly brushes, this set comes with everything you need to keep skin looking radiant, including an electric, multi-speed cleansing brush that works as a pore cleanser. Great on all skin types, it also comes with a convenient travel case to ensure it stays clean.
26. Create The Best Breakfast Ever With This Sandwich Maker
Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker with Timer, $27, Amazon
This sandwich maker is a great way to amp up your typical breakfast routine while also saving time in the process. It comes with multiple layers so you can prepare eggs, bagels, and much more all at once — in just five minutes. Each part is removable and dishwasher safe, and the surfaces contain a nonstick coating so they're easy to clean.
27. Keep Hair Out Of Your Face As You Mask Or Wash With This Cute Headband
Etude House My Beauty Tool Hair Band, $1, Amazon
Whether you're using a face mask or just jumping in the shower, keeping hair out of your face is easy to do with this hair band. Designed with kitten ears that give it a super cute touch, this affordable band offers plenty of character and makes for an adorable gift that'll be extra thoughtful if paired with a great skincare product.
28. Maintain Good Vibes With This Calming Aromatherapy Diffuser
URPower Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser, $30, Amazon
This oil diffuser offers a soothing blend of function and style, won't take up a ton of space, and adds plenty of pop to interior decor. It lights up in seven colors, is equipped with four timer settings, and runs continuously for 10 hours at a time. Inspired by natural wood grain materials, it comes in a unique shape that sets it apart from other diffusers on the market.
29. Amp Your Bath Game Up A Notch With This Caddy Tray
Bath Dreams Bamboo Bathtub Caddy Tray, $25, Amazon
Taking a bath can be one of the most stress-reducing, luxurious things you can do to treat yourself, and with this caddy tray, you'll never want (or need) to get out of the tub. Made from bamboo, it extends to fit most spaces and has a built-in cup holder for keeping wine glasses or mugs within reach and stable. This design also has a holder for books, tablets, or your smartphone, so you can lay back and feel confident your items won't fall in the water.
30. Cut Through Avocados Easy Peasy With This Specialty Slicer
OXO Good Grips 3-In-1 Avocado Slicer, $10, Amazon
Slicing into an avocado can be tricky, but it's effortless with this three-in-one utensil, which was created specifically for the fruit. This slicer splits and pits avocados with one simple twist and is made with stainless steel and silicone for added comfort and durability. Best of all, it's safe to use on the top rack of dishwashers, so it's easy to keep clean.
31. Enhance The Ambiance With This Himalayan Salt Lamp
Himalayan Glow Pink Salt Lamp, $19, Amazon
More than 12,000 users on Amazon have reviewed this Himalayan salt lamp, which gets high marks because of its beauty, versatility, and incredible dimming feature. Perfect for keeping on a desk or bedside table, this lamp is made from salt crystals found in the Himalayan Mountains and enhances the ionic balance in rooms, making them seem more tranquil. You can adjust the brightness to suit your preference and choose from three different sizes.
32. Soothe Tired Eyes With This Steaming Japanese Eye Mask
Kiribai Red Bean Steam Warming Eye Pillow, $11, Amazon
When your eyes need a break, this weird but brilliant pillow is the solution. It contains beans inside, and you heat it up in a microwave to deliver a hot steam that feels super relaxing, especially if you have a migraine or your eyes are strained from staring at a computer screen all day. You can use them over and over again, and they come in sets of one, four, or five.
33. Eliminate Chapped Lips With This Ultra-Hydrating Mask
MLMSY Moisturizing Lip Masks, $5 (Pack Of 10), Amazon
Lips need moisturizing in order to stay pillowy soft and supple, and these collagen masks are just the thing to ensure they get all the nourishment they need at once. Because they're filled with collagen, these masks help reduce wrinkles and signs of aging, and can also provide additional lift. They also make for a pretty hilarious selfie.
34. Unlock Your Inner Mermaid With These Rainbow-Colored Makeup Brushes
Mermaid Makeup Brushes Set, $13, Amazon
These playful makeup brushes feature plastic mermaid-tail tips and are sure to please even the pickiest person on your gift list. This set comes with 10 brushes, including an eye shadow applicator, eyebrow brush, face brush, blush brush, and more. Made with synthetic fiber bristles that glide over skin, these brushes are cruelty-free and will help unlock some truly amazing beauty looks.
35. Snooze 'Til Your Heart's Content With This Sleeping Set
Lewis N. Clark Travel Comfort Set, $13, Amazon
Travel in comfort with this full set of sleeping essentials. With an inflatable pillow, earplugs, and eye mask, this set comes with everything you'll need to snooze even in the unlikeliest of places and won't take up much space in a carry-on bag. The pillow converts into zippered carry case and includes a strap, so it can be attached to luggage for hands-free racing through the airport.
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