33 Inexpensive Gifts That Say 'I’m Thinking of You'

We’re firmly in the camp that gasp-inducing gifts don’t necessarily have to be expensive. Sure, it’s nice to treat family and friends to an extravagant indulgence, but money really can’t buy happiness. That’s why we’ve rounded up 33 inexpensive gift ideas for... well, everyone in your life—including you. After all, who couldn’t use an affordable treat these days?

From Otherland’s beautifully packaged candles to Anthro’s bistro-inspired monogram mug you’ve seen all over Instagram, these 33 gifts—all of which fall below the $50 mark—prove that it’s really the thought that matters most.

1. Glinda Glass Bowl, $12

These glass bowls are imported from Turkey and look far more expensive than their $12 price tag would suggest, so you can gift a set of four for less than $50. Though all three colors are lovely, their vintage-inspired green hue is unexpectedly delightful.

2. Parks Project National Parks of The USA Checklist Poster, $25

We all know that one city dweller who’d rather be camping. Give them something to look forward to with this striking poster, which doubles as a checklist to keep track of which parks they’ve visited.

3. Signed Copy: Simply Genius Cookbook, by Kristen Miglore, $35

Any home cook would be delighted to receive Simply Genius, the third and most recent of Kristen Miglore’s Genius cookbooks. Though the publication date isn’t until September, every preorder comes with a sneak-peak PDF of 14 recipes.

4. Picnic Time Outdoor Zip-Up Picnic Blanket Tote, $37

With summer in full swing, there’s never been a better time to break out the picnic blanket. This one turns into a convenient, easy-to-carry tote and features a classic red and white gingham print.

5. Brooklinen Scented Candle, $35 $31.50

Even if they’re not a morning person, they’ll appreciate the Wake candle with its salty ocean notes.

6. Budding Artistry Flower Arranging Class by Nsombi Woodson, $25–$50

If the pandemic has kept you apart from your loved ones, a virtual class where you can at least spend “time” together could be the next-best thing. A flower-arranging class is low-key and therapeutic, and you’ll both have beautiful bouquets as a lovely reminder.

7 . Pals Socks Chips & Guac Mismatched Socks Set, $10.50+

Finally, a pair of kids’ socks that aren’t meant to match! Get a set that features their favorite snack and we guarantee they’ll be touched that you remembered what it was.

8. Neon Bars Watched The Sunset In Santorini, $24.90

To remind them of a favorite trip or to inspire their wanderlust, these handmade soaps are almost too pretty to use. They’re also plant-based and made with compostable and biodegradable materials.

9. Capri Blue Pumpkin Clove Jar Candle, $38

Brand Partnerships Editor Erin Alexander can’t get enough of Anthro’s signature scent. If you’ve got a friend who feels the same, they’ll absolutely love this seasonal take with notes of pumpkin spice, orange zest, vanilla, and cinnamon.

10. Gap Home Blue & White Assorted Plates, Set of 4, $18.97

If the recipient of your gift just moved into a new place, they’ll love a useful gift like dinnerware from Gap Home’s new collection. Bonus points for getting a purposely mismatched set to add to their eclectic collection.

11. Bokksu e-Gift Card, $50

An e-gift card to Bokksu means they can buy a subscription box of delicious Japanese snacks or choose from tons of options à la carte.

12. Hu Kitchen Simple Dark Chocolate Bars, 4 Pack, $26

These have been one of our go-to gifts for friends and loved ones for years—especially vegans. Selfishly, once they unwrap the package, we know they’ll happily share a bar with us. Or will they?

13. Otherland Rattan Candle, $36

Not only does every candle smell like a dream, but they come with a set of matches in a beautiful box—almost like a second gift that costs you nothing.

14. Chef'n Cob Corn Stripper, $8.39

For your friend who loves to cook but hates the prep, this handy corn stripper can help save so much time.

15. Tiled Margot Monogram Mug, $14

These charming Anthropologie monogram mugs are super popular for a reason. Snag a few different letters for a few different loved ones (and maybe yourself, while you're at it!).

16. Roxy the Unisaurus Rex Presents: Oh No! The Talent Show, $18.99 $14.96

Kids and little ones will love the creative storytelling and bright artwork from New York Times bestselling author Eva Chen and illustrator Matthew Rivera.

17. Cavallini's Houseplants Puzzle, $25

If they’ve picked up a major love of puzzles during quarantine, they’ll surely appreciate this beautiful new addition to their collection.

18. Wagyu Manhattan Cut New York Steak, $46.26

Indulge them with a Manhattan cut of ultra-marbled American Wagyu strip steak. It’s something they’d probably never buy themselves, making it an extra-special treat.

19. Grandin Road White Quince Stem, Set of 3, $49.50 $39.60

For your friend who can’t keep their plant babies alive, this faux statement branch is striking and safe from black thumbs.

20. Five Two Silicone Straws, $25

Silicone straws are easy to wash and carry, making them a cinch to integrate into your eco-conscious friend’s routine.

21. Winc Wine Membership, $29.95

Help them figure out their fave red, white, or rosé with a wine subscription from Winc. You can grab four bottles of top-rated vino for a little under $30 and rest easy knowing that they'll love every sip.

22. mDesign Natural Marble Wine Bottle Chiller, $24.99

And grab a wine chiller while you’re at it, too—this way, you can help yourself to a glass right after they pop open a bottle. Win-win!

23. Calpak Compakt Tote Bag, $35

For the overpacker, this foldable compact tote can hold anything that doesn’t make it into their suitcase.

24. Drink Monday Inc. Monday Zero Alcohol Gin, $40

For the hostess with guests who don’t drink, this alcohol-free gin is a thoughtful—and delicious—gift.

25. Glow Recipe Mini Watermelon + AHA Glow Sleeping Mask, $22

Packed with radiance-boosting watermelon, moisture-packed hyaluronic acid, and exfoliating AHAs, your skincare-loving friends will love this overnight mask that epitomizes beauty sleep.

26. Crayola Colossal Creativity Tub, 90 Pieces, $27.04

If your friend has little ones, they’ll love this overloaded package of art and craft supplies. Everything can be stashed in the bucket for easy cleanup, too.

27. Kate Aspen Trinket Dish, $9.99 $6.62

You can never have too many catchall trays, and this one is particularly sweet. It’s also super affordable, which means you can grab a few and make it your signature gift during wedding season.

28. Branston Pickle, 2-Pack, $14.12

For anyone who's spent time in England, a jar of sweet and tangy Branston is bound to bring back memories. This is great for the traveler who hasn’t been able to go anywhere these past two years or the expat who gets a bit homesick—a bottle of the popular condiment will take them on a culinary adventure.

29. Goldbelly E-Giftcard, $25+

Banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery, deep-dish pizza from Lou Malnati’s—no matter what they’re craving, Goldbelly will have it.

30. Sabina Fenn Illustration Peaceful Morocco II Art Print, $18 $13.50

Help them decorate their new space with some gorgeous artwork, like this travel-inspired print with major jungle vibes.

31. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber & Green Tea, $7

I have a bottle of this spray with me at all times, plus three in my fridge as back up. It’s super hydrating and refreshing—two words that any skincare-loving friend wants to hear.

32. In Good Taste Winemakers' Selects Wine Sampler, $49

Canceled the annual winery trip? Bring the winery to them with this gorgeous tasting flight from top vineyards around the globe.

33. Brightland 100% Extra Virgin Heirloom Olive Oil, $38–$40

Foodies and home cooks alike will love a bottle of fancy olive oil—the perfect finishing touch to any dish and tabletop.

We updated this post in July 2022 with more inexpensive gift ideas.

What’s your go-to gift? Drop some inspo in the comments!

This post contains products independently chosen (and loved) by our editors and writers. Food52 earns an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases of the products we link to.

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