Sometimes, an occasion calls for an inexpensive gift. Maybe you’re strapped for cash or you’re looking for something to go along with a larger gift. No matter the reason, you don’t want the gift you choose to look cheap. Instead, you want something that’s useful and looks a bit more pricey than the amount you actually paid. However, finding great inexpensive gift ideas can be harder than one might think. So, here are 50 amazing gifts under $30 that are sure to make a big impression – plus tips for how to choose the perfect inexpensive gift.
How to Choose an Inexpensive Gift
Your first step when choosing an inexpensive gift is to think about your loved one’s likes and interests. You don’t want to just choose the cheapest option out there without any thought as to what items they’ll want or find useful. Instead, take some time to brainstorm the things they like and you can start hunting for inexpensive options.
The best way to find a gift that’s inexpensive but looks like you spent more is to find something on sale. Scour the flyers from your local stores. Search your favorite store online and find their clearance or sale section. Clearance items are just as good as any other option as a gift and costs a lot less. You can also try a few chain discount stores in your area for items such as candles, home décor, collectibles, and gourmet snacks.
Another option is to check out our fruit arrangements and Edible Bakeshop® favorites that are less expensive than you might think. We have an entire section of gifts under $50, including some of our favorite arrangements, platters, fruit boxes, and so much more. These inexpensive gift ideas are both affordable and incredibly delicious!
Top 50 Inexpensive Gift Ideas
If you’re in need of inexpensive gift ideas, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 50 inexpensive gift ideas that will make it look like you paid more than you actually did. They’re so good you might want to grab one for yourself too!
1. Dash Mini Waffle Maker
This miniature sized waffle maker is small and compact, but will definitely have a huge on their breakfast routine. This best-selling waffle maker will allow them to make delicious 4″ waffles and is complete with a non-stick surface for even heating.
Cost: $12.49
2. Classic Indulgence Box
Perfect as a small and inexpensive gift, this box includes three chocolate covered favorites that will make it look (and taste) like you went all out.
Cost: $29.99
3. TRUFF Original Hot Sauce
For the hot sauce connoisseur, consider gifting TRUFF’s original hot sauce. This gourmet hot sauce has a carefully crafted flavor profile that will elevate any dish that it’s used with. It’s made with chili peppers, organic agave, black truffle, and a blend of savory spices that make it one of the best hot sauces you’ll ever taste!
Cost: $17.98
4. Custom Face Socks
For a fun inexpensive gift idea, order your loved one a pair of custom face socks. Upload a picture of their dog, or even yourself, to be printed onto these incredibly comfy socks. It’s a unique and fun gift that they’re sure to be surprised by.
Cost: $15.95
5. Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker
A gift that’s perfect for the coffee-obsessed person in your life, this Bodum pour over coffee maker will help them channel their inner barista. With a stainless steel mesh filter, this coffee makers extracts the aromatic oils and flavors of the coffee beans for an ultra-delicious brew.
Cost: $21.99
6. Amazon Basics Exercise Yoga Mat
Help your loved one reach their inner zen by gifting this yoga mat, perfect for everyday yoga and exercise. The extra thick design provides support and comfort, while the textured construction offers stability. Plus, it comes with elastic straps for keeping the yoga mat secured, along with a shoulder strap for taking it on-the-go.
Cost: $19.08
7. Galison Florette 500 Piece Puzzle
For an inexpensive gift that the whole family can enjoy, give this beautiful 500-piece puzzle. Once all the pieces come together, it features a bright and cheerful flower shop scene from bestselling artist Victoria Ball.
Cost: $13.99
8. Bones Coffee Company 5 Bag Sampler Pack
Looking for an inexpensive gift idea for the coffee lover in your life? Choose this sampler pack from Bones Coffee, which contains 5 bags of either ground or whole bean coffee in an assortment of unique flavors. It’s a gift that they’re sure to love, and is sure to keep them caffeinated!
Cost: $29.99
9. Color Changing Salt Lamp
This Himalayan rock salt lamp will add the perfect touch to their home decor and give their room a soft glow. Set on a beautiful wooden base and glowing in eight different hues, this gift idea is one that’s sure to be loved!
Cost: $19
10. All Out of It Grocery List Note Pad
For the one who’s always trying to stay organized, this grocery list note pad is the perfect inexpensive gift idea. There’s even keto, vegetarian, and vegan versions and various colors available to suit anyone’s taste, preference, and style!
Cost: $9.10
11. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Apples & Pineapple Box
This assortment of fresh and chocolate covered strawberries, apples and pineapples will make their day. The arrangement combines juicy fruits with delicious chocolate in an artfully arranged box.
Cost: $21.99
12. Gourmand Soy Wax Candle
When you gift the person in your life this soy wax candle, you’ll be filling their space with a decadent scent. Choose between four scents that include notes of chai, almond, vanilla, and coconut. The scents are so luxurious, the gift recipient will think it’s an expensive luxury candle!
Cost: $14
13. Mulberry Silk Sleep Eye Mask
Everyone needs their beauty sleep. Gift just that with this sleep eye mask, which is made with top quality mulberry silk that feels smooth on the skin. This lightweight and breathable sleep eye mask will make sure they’re getting the best sleep possible!
Cost: $13.99
14. Burt’s Bees Bounty Lip Balm Gift Set
Made with vitamin E and peppermint, these Burt’s Bees lip balms will keep their lips hydrated and soft. The gift set includes four moisturizing lip balms in beeswax, dragonfruit lemon, strawberry, and tropical pineapple.
Cost: $9.87
15. Mix & Match Bath Bomb 4 Pack
Made with epson salt, nourishing almond oil, and detoxifying clay, these bath bombs will allow them to enjoy an at-home spa experience. You can choose between eight different bath bombs to create a just-for-them gift that they’re sure to enjoy.
Cost: $28
16. Terracotta Planter
For the plant lover in your life, consider gifting this beautiful terracotta planter. With an embossed leaves design, this planter will be the perfect addition to their indoor plant collection.
Cost: $9.99
17. Indigo Dateless Weekly Planner
For your ultra-organized bestie, consider gifting one of these weekly planners from Indigo. These 6 month planners have spaces for weekly and monthly planning, coming in an array of stunning colors: lavender, moss, pink, cream, and navy.
Cost: $19.85
18. The Foggie Dog Bandana
The dog bandanas from The Foggie Dog are the perfect choice for the die-hard dog parent in your life. Coming in a variety of fun designs and styles, you can choose one that best suites your friend (and their dog of course!).
Cost: $26
19. The Skinimalist Set by The Ordinary
Shopping for someone who is constantly perfecting their self-care routine? This three piece skincare set from The Ordinary is the perfect choice for them! It comes complete with a hyaluronic acid, caffeine solution, and rose hip seed oil that will give them a hydrated healthy glow.
Cost: $22
20. MSC International Joie Cactus Taco Holders
These taco holders look like tiny cactuses and couldn’t be cuter. They conveniently hold tacos shells upright so they don’t topple and scatter their fillings for easy filling, serving, and eating.
Cost: $8.49
21. Koala Tea Infuser
This koala tea infuser is a useful and incredible cute addition to any tea-lovers morning routine. After being filled with loose leaf tea, it sits on the rim of a mug for a deliciously brewed cup of tea.
Cost: $14.99
22. Taste of Home Cookbook
Everyone could use a few recipes to add to their go-to recipe repertoire. This cookbook from the Taste of Home is packed with 201 classic recipes, ensuring that you’re gift recipient is never stumped on what to make for dinner!
Cost: $12.99
23. State Map Cork Coaster Pair
These state map coasters are perfect for the long-distance friend or someone beginning a journey in a new state. These lightweight and absorbent cork coasters are etched with the outline of the state of your choosing, along with major roads and cities.
Cost: $15.95
24. LIUANAN Inspirational Bracelets
This chic and elegant cuff bracelet is a beautiful reminder to be your best self and believe in the things you can achieve. It also features a groove on the outside that makes it the perfect spot for your hair tie.
Cost: $7.99
25. Slim Silicone Phone Case
Help your gift recipient protect their phone with this ultra-slim silicone phone case. This case offers durable protection, with an inner microfiber cushion and full coverage design. In addition, it comes in a variety of colors to fit anyones style!
Cost: $15.98
26. Women’s Cross Band Slippers
Give her the gift of warmth with these slippers made from high-density memory foam that provides marshmallow-like comfort and faux fur that’s super cozy and warm. They come in eight delightful colors.
Cost: $19.99
27. The Art of Mixology: Classic Cocktails and Curious Concoctions
For the at-home bartender, consider gifting this book of classic artisan cocktail recipes. The books covers traditional mixology methods, along with craft cocktail recipes, that will have them serving up delicious concoctions next time they host.
Cost: $11.08
28. Melsbrinna Passport Holder
An essential item for any avid traveler, this passport holder conveniently features slots to hold their passport, airline ticket, credit cards, and other documents. This passport holder comes in a variety of colors, allowing you to choose one that best suites their style.
Cost: $12.99
29. Sun and Moon Art Print
Help your loved one decorate their home with these beautiful sun and moon art prints with a minimalistic boho vibe. Measuring 12-by-16-inches each, you’ll be surprised they cost less than $20.
Cost: $16.13
30. Tile Slim
This tiny gadget can keep track of your wallet, smartphone, keys, or anything else you can typically misplace. If your Tile is within Bluetooth range, it will play a loud tune until you find it, or you can track it down via the included Tile app.
Cost: $16.95
31. Simple Modern Kona Insulated Travel Mug
This stainless steel tumbler is ideal to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold, with a BPA-free twist-on lid that prevents leaks and spills. To make it even more appealing, it comes in your choice of twelve colors and patterns.
Cost: $14.99
32. 100 Movies Scratch Off Poster
This scratch off poster, featuring 100 of the most iconic films, is the perfect gift for the movie buff in your life. From The Godfather to Mean Girls, they’ll have 100 movie nights where they won’t have to search for a great movie to watch.
Cost: $15
33. Toaster Grilled Cheese Bags
Searching for a gift for a grilled cheese enthusiast? Gift then a set of these grilled cheese toaster bags, which will let them create perfectly cooked grilled cheeses right in the toaster. The set comes with 3 toaster bags, each of which can make up to 50 grilled cheeses!
Cost: $10
34. Friends Central Perk Coffee Mug
I think we all know someone who is obsessed with the show Friends. Next time you’re searching for an inexpensive gift for a friends-obsessed loved one, consider this Friends-inspired mug. Featuring the logo of the show’s iconic coffee shop, this mug is sure to spark a smile each time the gift recipient enjoys their cup of coffee out of it.
Cost: $14.99
35. Delish Insane Sweets: Bake Yourself a Little Crazy – 100+ Cookies, Bars, Bites, & Treats
From the editors of Delish.com, this dessert cookbook is the perfect inexpensive gift idea for anyone who has a sweet tooth. The book is jam packed with over 100 delicious recipes, featuring Moscow mule cupcakes, death by chocolate brownies, Samoa cheesecake bars, and so much more.
Cost: $12.46
36. Drumstick Pens
Your gift recipient will be jamming out throughout the work or school day with these incredibly fun drumstick pens. These ballpoint pens resemble miniature versions of real drumsticks, perfect for that mid-work-day drum solo.
Cost: $8
37. Handcrafted Vegan Zodiac Soap
For the astrology enthusiast in your life, consider gifting a zodiac soap that corresponds to their birth date. Handcrafted with essential oils and other vegan ingredients, these unique soaps are both beautiful and nourishing.
Cost: $10
38. Debatable Party Game
Your gift recipient will be ready to host the best game night yet with this hilarious party game. Each card features a point for the group to debate, such as whether the edge or center of a brownie is the best part. Packed with over 200 debatable topics, the friend group will have hours of funny topics to “fight” about.
Cost: $15
39. Baggu Reusable Bag
For the awesome eco-conscious person in your life, gift one of these cute and functional reusable bags from Baggu. These spacious bags hold 2 to 3 grocery bags worth of stuff, and come in a fun variety of designs to choose from.
Cost: $14
40. Hypercharge Fast Wireless Phone Charger
Sometimes a practical gift is the best gift to receive, making this wireless phone charger a great inexpensive choice! The wireless charging pad has quick charge technology that will prevent their phone from overheating, promoting a healthy battery.
Cost: $10.97
41. Always Fits Oven Mitt
A unique and inexpensive gift idea for someone who loves to cook is an oven mitt from Always Fits. They feature funny, and sometimes hilariously uncensored, phrases and designs that will add some flare to any kitchen.
Cost: $17.95
42. Make My Day Activated Face Mask
This inexpensive gift idea will help your loved one have a luxurious spa experience right at home. The ultra-hydrating sheet masks are made with red algae and hyaluronic acid that leaves skin looking fresh and hydrated.
Cost: $10.99
43. Can Cooler
Help them keep their canned drinks icy cold with this stainless steel Can Cooler from RTIC. With a double walled vacuum installation design, it will keep your gift recipient’s drinks nice and cold for 24 hours. It’s perfect for the beach, camping, or just about anywhere!
Cost: $15.99
44. Broth Bomb Set
This unique and delicious gift set is perfect for anyone who loves cheffing up some delicious food. These Broth Bombs can be dropped into soups, chilis, curries, and more to add a punch of spice and flavor. The set comes with four delicious flavors that deliver incredible taste, and also helps save on prep and cleanup time in the kitchen.
Cost: $24
45. Bombas Merino Wool Calf Socks
For an inexpensive yet high quality gift, these merino wool socks from Bombas are the perfect pick. These incredibly soft socks have moisture-wicking properties that will keep their feet dry and warm on those chilly days.
Cost: $20
46. The Daily Check-In Journal
Give a gift that encourages mindfulness and healthy habits with this daily journal. With 100 pages of journaling that feature ten daily prompts, your loved one will be starting their days off in a great way!
Cost: $9.99
47. The Original Makeup Eraser – 7 Day Set
This makeup erasing towel removes makeup with just water, while at the same time gently exfoliating the skin. The towel is reusable, lasts 3 to 5 years, and eliminates waste associated with using makeup wipes and other makeup removing products. It’s a gift idea that will simplify their nightly routine and is sure to be loved!
Cost: $25
48. Rabbit Super Wine Aerator
For the one who loves a good glass of wine, consider gifting this wine aerator from Rabbit. The aerator quickly incorporates oxygen into the wine, enhancing the wine’s flavor and improving the overall taste.
Cost: $16
49. Marble Cheese Slicer
For the friend who’s always throwing together charcuterie boards for her guests, this marble cheese slicer is the perfect gift! The stainless steel wire cuts through cheeses for easy prep, and the marble design will allow her to serve guests in style.
Cost: $21.99
50. Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser
This ultrasonic aromatherapy diffuser distributes essential oils into the air, creating a light scent and relaxing mood. The wood grain finish offers a modern look, making it the perfect addition to anyone’s space!
Cost: $23.64
Whether you’re shopping for a holiday, a birthday, or just because, these inexpensive gift ideas are sure to delight your loved one. Plus, they won’t even guess you paid less than $30!
