The holidays are coming up. If inflation is high on your list of worries, getting started on your holiday shopping may be understandably daunting. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best budget-friendly gifts under $50 you can grab this year.
Top products in this article:
Amazon gift card in a premium holiday gift box
Sephora Collection Wishing You Advent calendar, $45
MyKirei by KAO foaming hand soap dispenser, $20
Whether you’re looking for holiday beauty gift sets, crowd-pleasing gift cards, super helpful travel products or just the best, most affordable toys to buy for the kids in your life this year, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Looking for more gifting recommendations? We’ve got you covered with guides on the best stocking stuffers to give this Christmas, the best headphones and earbuds under $100, the hottest toys to gift this Christmas and Hanukkah, The most unique Advent calendars: Tea, jewelry, makeup, wine and more unexpected finds and more.
Below, find our top picks for gifts under $50, all sure to make the 2022 holiday season special.
Amazon gift card
No matter their age, gender or personality, an Amazon gift card makes a perfect gift this holiday season. That way, everyone can buy what they want. Choose the amount you want to put on this gift card.
Amazon gift card in a premium holiday gift box
Best beauty gifts under $50
Holiday makeup gift sets, beauty advent calendars and more budget-friendly beauty gifts.
Too Faced Lip Injection Plumping Mobile: travel trio
This festive holiday lip gloss set includes three travel-size plumping lip glosses, including a limited edition shade that’s scented to smell like rainbow sprinkles.
Too Faced Lip Injection Plumping Mobile: travel trio, $36
Fenty Beauty Glossy Posse holiday gift set
This holiday gift set includes three full-sized tubes of Fenty Beauty’s popular Gloss Bombs. There is a fuchsia gloss, a warm-toned coral gloss and a pink volumizing gloss.
Fenty Beauty Glossy Posse holiday gift set, $38
Sephora Collection Wishing You Advent calendar
Unwrap 24 beauty surprises, worth over $105 for just $45, with this Advent calendar from Sephora. It’s filled with everything from lipgloss and eyeshadow to face masks, all from the beauty superstore’s brand.
Sephora Collection Wishing You Advent calendar, $45
Laneige lip sleeping mask
Treat someone to this moisturizing, antioxidant-rich, leave-on lip mask from Laneige.
Laneige lip sleeping mask, $24
Rodial ‘Love Your Skin’ sheet mask kit
This $40 sheet mask kit (a $100 value) includes Rodial’s Dragon’s Blood jelly eye patches, Vit C Energizing sheet mask, Pink Diamond Instant Lift sheet mask and Snake Oxygenating and a Cleansing Bubble sheet mask. This kit makes a luxurious and easy-to-store present.
Rodial ‘Love Your Skin’ sheet mask kit, $40 ($100 value)
Revlon one-step volumizer hair dryer and hot air brush
The Revlon one-step hair dryer and hot-air brush, a CBS Essentials bestseller, can dry and style your hair in one step. It has rave reviews on Amazon, where it boasts a 4.6-star rating. Verified buyers say it’s an ideal budget choice for people with curly, straight and wavy hair.
Revlon one-step volumizer hair dryer and hot air brush, $37
MyKirei by KAO foaming hand soap dispenser
This Japanese Yuzu flower foaming hand soap is dispensed in the shape of the flower to add a touch of joy to every hand wash.
MyKirei by KAO foaming hand soap dispenser, $20
Best tech gifts under $50
Streaming sticks, waterproof speakers and more tech gifts that work on a budget.
Blink Mini smart home security camera (2 pack)
Start or expand your smart home security setup with a two-pack of Blink Mini cameras. They’re on sale at Amazon for less than half price when you buy a bundle of two. (You’ll get an even better price per camera if you buy three.)
The Blink Mini smart home security camera features 1080p video recording (cloud-based saving optional), motion detection and two-way audio. Blink Mini works with Alexa, so you can monitor your cameras from your Amazon Echo Show ($35) via voice command.
Blink Mini smart home security camera (2 pack), $30 (reduced from $65)
Comiso waterproof Bluetooth speaker
If you’re looking for an affordable speaker option with a super long playtime, the Comiso waterproof Bluetooth speaker is for you. It plays for 24 hours at full volume or up to 36 hours at two-thirds volume on a single charge. Plus, it comes in seven cheerful colors, from yellow to rose gold. You can pair two of these speakers for an enhanced stereo sound experience via a single device.
This speaker is also IPX5 waterproof, which means it can resist a gentle splash but cannot be partially or fully submerged.
Comiso waterproof Bluetooth speaker, $39
Willing to spend a little more? The Sonos Roam is our must-have portable speaker this season.
Apple AirTags
Your friend or family member who is constantly losing their keys, wallet or Apple AirPods could really use some Apple AirTags this Christmas. These tiny trackers work by sending out a Bluetooth signal that can be anonymously detected by nearby devices. Then, even if your own phone isn’t handy, you (and only you) can locate these trackers on an Apple “Find My” map.
If your iPhone is handy, then it can lead you straight to the AirTag via the phone’s “Precision Finding” feature (found on the Apple iPhone 11 and newer models).
Apple AirTags are water-resistant and designed to last for up to one year on a standard, replaceable battery.
Apple AirTags (4 pack), $89 (reduced from $99)
You’ll get the best per-AirTag price when you buy a four pack. But if you only need one, single Apple AirTags are available at Amazon for less than $50.
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
The fifth-generation Amazon Echo Dot has a number of new-for-2022 features, including improved audio, a temperature sensor and Eero Wi-Fi built in (requires a compatible Eero network). Use this Amazon smart speaker to control your home via voice commands, make calls hands-free, play music, set an alarm and more. Choose from three colors.
Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen), $50
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
The Amazon Fire TV Stick is compatible with Alexa and lets you watch all your favorite streamers (Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, etc.) in 4K resolution.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, $25 (reduced from $50)
Best travel gifts under $50
A trendy new type of travel pillow, gift cards and more great and affordable gifts for travelers.
Trtl travel pillow
This soft, machine-washable travel pillow wrap is designed to hold your head in a more comfortable ergonomic position while sleeping upright. This lightweight, easily packable pillow is available in four colors.
Trtl travel pillow, $45 with coupon (reduced from $60)
Stojo collapsible reusable coffee cup
Stojo silicone coffee cups collapse, accordion-style, to fit anywhere — including a Christmas stocking. This environmentally friendly cup (with a reusable straw) makes a great gift for coffee lovers.
Stojo collapsible silicone travel cup with straw, 16 oz., $19 (reduced from $20)
Starbucks gift card
Want to give the gift of a yummy, festive Starbucks drink — or even grab one for yourself? Grab a Starbucks gift card on Amazon, available in $25 and $50 amounts.
Starbucks gift card (physical), $25 and up
Best toys under $50 to gift this year
A pooping turtle, elaborate lego sets and more great toys under $50 to give this holiday season.
Little Live Pets Mama Surprise
This 4.6-star-rated Little Live Pets Mama Surprise guinea pig gives birth to three babies. Feed and brush mama until her heart starts to glow. Then place her in her hutch, and she will have a baby that comes with a special care package. Repeat the process and she will birth three babies in total.
Little Live Pets Mama Surprise, $49 after coupon (regularly $64)
Little Live Pets Gotta Go Turdle
The Little Live Pets Gotta Go Turdle is a battery-powered toy that’s sure to be one of the hottest Christmas gifts of 2022. The 13.4-inch-tall turtle value pack comes with a bib and some Turdle food. You feed your Gotta Go Turdle, and then shortly after, the toy sings “Uh oh, gotta go!” You then place it on the included toilet, which it poops into. The so-called magic poop can be reclaimed from the water and turned back into Turdle food when dried.
The 4.3-star-rated Little Live Pets Gotta Go Turdle is wildly popular with Amazon reviewers, who say it’s great for potty training. Writes one: “Bought this for my 3 year old great grandson for his birthday and he loved it!”
“It’s very hilarious to know he has to go,” writes another verified Amazon buyer.
Little Live Pets Gotta Go Turdle value pack, $25 (reduced from $35)
Little Live Pets Gotta Go Flamingo
Is a pooping turtle not quite the right gift? Well, good news: Little Live Pets also makes a pink pooping flamingo named Sherbet.
Little Live Pets Gotta Go Flamingo value pack, $33 (regularly $35)
Lego Disney ‘Encanto’ the Madrigal house building kit
Build the Madrigal house from “Encanto” with 587 Lego pieces. It’s a three-level house that comes with a sticker sheet for decorating. It comes with two mini-doll figures and one micro-doll figure (of Abuela, Mirabel and Antonio), as well as capybara and butterfly figures.
Lego Disney “Encanto” the Madrigal house building kit, $50
National Geographic Mega Fossil Dig Kit
The National Geographic Mega Fossil Dig Kit is for the budding paleontologist on your list.
The main feature of the kit is a slab (or brick) that once chipped away at, reveals what are billed as 15 real fossils. A chisel, brush and magnifying glass help complete the set. A 16-page fossil guide is also included.
The Mega Fossil Dig Kit is recommended for ages 8 and up.
National Geographic Mega Fossil Dig Kit, $21 (regularly $25)
Slumberkins lynx self-expression collection
Slumberkins are snuggly companions that come with helpful children’s books on topics including conflict-resolution, creativity, grief, change and more. Slumberkins come in many fun forms, such as a hammerhead shark, sloth, dragon, and the lynx (pictured above). They’re machine washable, feature soft fur (with no detachable plastic pieces) and are stuffed with hypoallergenic fiberfill. Lynx comes with a book on self-expression.
Slumberkins lynx self-expression collection, $48
Lego Star Wars Advent calendar
Fun for Star Wars fans of all ages, this Lego set includes minifigures, droid figures and mini builds inspired by the popular movie franchise. Ages 6 and up.
Lego Star Wars, $36 (reduced from $45)
Squishmallows Platypus
Add to your little one’s Squishmallows stuffed animal collection with this 14-inch rainbow platypus, named Brindall.
Pokemon Advent calendar
Pikachu, Eevee, Piplup, Growlithe and Torchi are just a few of the Pokémon characters they will unwrap with this fun holiday calendar. Ages 4 and up.
Pokemon advent calendar, $50 (reduced from $60)
Best cozy gifts under $50
Cozy candles, wearable blankets and more.
Woodwick large hourglass scented candle
This wood-smoke-scented, crackling-wick candle evokes the feeling of sitting around a roaring fireplace. With a strong cedar fragrance and WoodWick’s patented wooden wick, which creates a fireside-like crackling sound, this candle offers the gift of coziness. Plus, it’s currently on sale.
WoodWick large hourglass scented candle, $29 (reduced from $31)
The Comfy original oversized microfiber and sherpa wearable blanket
As seen on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” this bestselling, ultra plush wearable blanket is perfect for staying cozy around the house. The Comfy original, oversized, microfiber and sherpa, wearable blanket comes in plenty of fun patterns and colors, making it easy to personalize your present to the recipient.
The Comfy original oversized microfiber and sherpa wearable blanket, $50 (reduced from $55)
Best gifts for pets under $50
Great gifts for pets (and their owners) all under $50.
Bark Super Chewer box
Give the magical gift of a monthly dog toy and treat delivery with a subscription to the Super Chewer box from Bark. Starting at $29 per month, the Super Chewer box offers destruction-prone pups two extra tough toys, two full size bags of treats and two meaty chews for chomping. Super Chewer also offers fun and festive-themed collections, like the “Harry Potter” inspired box pictured above. Boxes are available in subscription form or as a one-off purchase, perfect for gifting.
Bark Super Chewer box, $29 and up
Smartish Snitch Airtag pet collar attachment
Give the gift of peace of mind with the Snitch collar attachment from Smartish. This Apple AirTag holder fits up to 1.5-inch collars and creates a water-resistant seal around the tag to keep your pup and your tech safe. Apple AirTag ($29) not included.
Smartish Snitch Airtag pet collar (2 pc), $15
100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts: The best gifts to give this Christmas
It may seem early to start shopping for Christmas and Hanukkah gifts, but trust us, it’s not. Last year’s holiday season was riddled with supply-chain issues, and CBS News is anticipating more of the same in 2022. Plus, there’s inflation — unfortunately, prices may rise even more before December comes.
So it’s time to shop for holiday gifts now. Pick out a great hiding spot and check out CBS Essentials’ 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts of 2022. We’ve based our top 100 gift picks on our own bestsellers, owner reviews and our own extensive research into the most-buzzed-about gifts of 2022, such as this I am Groot Lego set, a guinea pig toy that gives birth and this pooping purple turtle.
Stay tuned to the CBS Essentials 100 Most Wanted Holiday Gifts Series for our picks of the hottest gifts to give in 2022. Our list includes some of Apple’s newest products, the top toys of 2022, game-changing kitchen appliances (such as this air fryer) and so much more.
Holiday gift guides
As always, check back to CBS Essentials for holiday gift guides for every special someone in your life. Check back for more throughout the season.
