30 Gifts Under $30 That Anyone (Everyone) Will Love

When shopping for holiday gifts, deciding how much to spend on each person can create a headache. How much do you really want to spend on Aunt Susan who never fails to give you unsolicited advice on your love life? And should you splurge on your brother-in-law because you like him more than your sister (sometimes)?

Over the last few years, I’ve found a way to work around that painful exercise: fix a single budget across the board—an outer limit, if you will. This year, I’ve landed at $30 and I think that might just be the magic number. A gift around $30 is more than a stocking stuffer, but not quite an investment item. You can afford something substantial and thoughtful—a present that’s more original and less fleeting.

And as I’ve discovered, there are countless treasures to be found under the $30 mark, from bath balms for little ones to handmade catch-all trays for nesters. Here are the 30 best gifts for everyone you know, all under $30.

1. Crate & Barrel Aspen Wine Glasses, $4.95

Wine glasses are always a lovely gift, and at this price, you can afford to grab a few so they’ll finally have a matching set.

2. Musee Bath Little Lamb Boxed Bath Balm, $9

For little ones who love shower time or those who need a little encouragement, these bath balms are packed with moisturizing almond oil and coconut milk that works for sensitive skin, and has a fun surprise inside, too.

3. Wild One Bolt Bite Rubber Dog Chew Toy, $13

Need to tire out your pup? This rubber chew toy is as chic as it gets for pet gear, and has holes on either end for embedded treats, too.

4. Anthropologie Tiled Margot Monogram Mug, $14

Grab one for their first name or two for their initials—these tiled coffee mugs are as adorable as they are affordable.

5. The Sill Hoya Heart Plant, $14

If they’re a plant parent, they’ll appreciate a new addition to their family—especially one that’s as cute as this heart-shaped succulent.

6. Mini Capri Blue 5 oz. Volcano Jar Candle, $14

That Anthro candle is always a hit when I gift it to my friends, or tbh, when I put it on my own wishlist.

7. Shinola Playing Cards, $15

If they’ve run through all their board games and puzzles during the pandemic, a new deck of cards might help keep them company. These are designed with witty phrases and cool graphics that make them stand out from your average deck.

8. Columbia 3-Piece PFG Dry Bag Set, $18.75 $25

For the wanderer who can’t wait to travel again, a set of waterproof bags will help keep their gear safe and dry. This set of three lets them choose the best size for their next adventure.

9. Atlas Obscura, 2nd Edition by Joshua Foer & Ella Morton & Dylan Thuras, $19.07

And maybe throw in a book to feed their wanderlust, too. This hefty hardcover is filled with gorgeous images and stories about under-the-radar locales, and is a treasure trove of fun facts.

10. But First West Classic Series - Ziggy Bandana, $20

Treat your four-legged BFF to a custom bandana that makes them cuter than imaginable. It’s hand-made in California so keep shipping times in mind.

11. Mario Badescu the Facial Spray Collection, $20

Moisturizing and soothing, these mini facial sprays are a perfect little pick-me-up any time during the day. They’re also under three ounces each so they’re safe for travel.

12. Crate & Barrel Corda Hanging Picture Frame, $20

This wooden frame with exposed cording will add more dimension to their gallery wall. The frame can be hung horizontally or vertically and can fit an 8"x10" or 11"x14" photo, so they have lots of room to play around.

13. Strong Cerame Pasta Plate - Malika, $22

This colorful pasta plate would look great as decor or underneath a heaping pile of tagliatelle.

14. Poketo Bamboo Coasters in Abstract Set, $24

If they just moved into a new place or are constantly redecorating, they’ll appreciate these colorful bamboo coasters. It’ll (hopefully) remind their guests to use them and can add a punchy dose of color to their decor.

15. Candlefish Molded Metal Two-Wick Candle, $24

I visited the Charleston-based candle company a few years ago and stocked up, but grabbing them at Anthro is so much easier—and less expensive—than taking a flight down south.

16. The Rise and Fall Handmade Cotton Pot Holders (Set of 2), $24

These little pot holders will keep fingers from getting burned, not to mention they’re just so darn cute.

17. Bloomscape Small KINTO Propagation Vase, $25

If they’re trying to grow their plant family, a propagation vase looks infinitely better than a repurposed pasta jar.

18. Opinel Le Petit Chef Knife Set & Kids' Apron, $25

For budding chefs and cooks, this kid-sized apron will keep them inspired—and clean— in the kitchen.

19. The Five Minute Journal by Intelligent Change, $25

This five-minute happiness journal has short prompts to help them jot down moments of gratitude and appreciation. It’s an easy way to live more mindfully—something we can all use, no?

20. POPPY + SAGE Bali Box, $26

Handwoven and hand-beaded by Balinese artisans, these little catch-all boxes are great for corralling small trinkets, keys, little matchboxes, and more around the house. They’re also just beautiful to look at.

21. Brooklyn Candle Studio Sunday Morning Minimalist Candle, $28

A clean burn thanks to the soy wax base and with notes of jasmine, gardenia, and bergamot, they’ll want to light this candle every day—not just on Sunday mornings.

22. In Good Taste Rosé 4-Pack, $29

Year-round rosé fans will love this sampler pack with four mini bottles of vino from different regions in France.

23. Five Two Organic Cotton Reusable Produce Bags (Set of 8), $29

These cotton baggies can help keep their plastic consumption down while also keeping produce as fresh as the day they bought it.

24. Winc Wine Subscription, $29.95

If they’re not sure what kind of wine they enjoy most, help them nail it down with a Winc wine membership. The quiz can help hone in to certain flavors and once they get their first bottles, they can rate them and start developing their palate.

25. Terrain Glass Cloche with Matches, $30

Upgrade their flimsy matchbox stash swiped from bars and restos over the years with a jar of sturdy matches. It’s beautiful enough to lay out next to their fave candle and comes with a large flint sticker for easy lighting.

26. Goldbelly Gift Card, $30

A gift card to Goldbelly means you can chip in for a dish or dessert they crave from different shops around the US. There’s little guesswork on your end, but you’ll get all the gratitude—and food pics. If they need any pointers, may we suggest Magnolia's banana pudding or McLoon's lobster rolls (these are on sale rn too!)?

27. McCrea's Candies Handcrafted Caramels, $30

But if you know they have a real sweet tooth for caramels, these treats are delightful.

28. Vitruvi Eucalyptus Essential Oil, $30

Those on Team Diffuser will love a new scent to add to the mix. This Eucalyptus one is fresh and works well with any scent in their collection.

29. Terrain Sun Printing Kit, Large Paper, $30

Sun printing is so easy and fun that even those who say they aren’t creative will love it. With easy instructions and a dozen sheets of cyanotype paper, they can start their new favorite hobby in no time.

30. DANNIJO Bear Bead Box, Multi, $30

Kids will love creating their own jewelry with DANNIJO’s colorful bead box and parents will love showing it off. Actually, I want one for myself...

This post was updated in September 2021 with more great gift ideas under $30.

What are you planning to gift your loved ones this year? Drop some inspo below!

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.