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Every holiday season, I’m tasked with finding gifts for everyone—my parents, teen siblings, friends, my partner and his 14-person family—without blowing through my paycheck. It’s hard enough to find a perfect gift. Then there’s the added challenge of shopping for presents that won’t break the bank; with so many giftees on my list, I need gifts that are easy on my wallet, too. If you’re in the same boat as me, the best gifts under $20 are a boon for us both.
Even when working with a limited budget, you can still find great presents or stocking stuffers that won’t drain your bank account. Whether you’re shopping for the best gifts for a homebody, home chef, outdoor enthusiast, or someone serious about self-care, there’s something budget-friendly for every personality. Ahead, browse the 20 best gifts under $20, proof that with some searching, 20 bucks can go a long way in this economy.
– Best home: P.F. Candle Co. Incense Sticks, $11
– Best food: Ghia Le Fizz, $20
– Best beauty: Quince Washable Silk Scrunchie, $20
– Best style: Nordstrom Mini Round Jewelry Box, $15
– Best fitness: Waterfly Running Belt, $15
Shop the best gifts under $20
Home
As a candle lover, I’ve become obsessed with candle warmer lamps like this one. It adds an ambient candle-like glow without creating soot or smoke, and the lightbulb warms the surface of a candle to diffuse its scent—which, in turn, prevents me from burning through my candles too quickly.
The P.F. Candle Co. incense sticks come in a selection of captivating scents—like Ojai Lavender, Sandalwood Rose, and Teakwood and Tobacco—that I can personally attest linger for several hours after burning. For $11, they make a wonderful gift everyone can enjoy.
I’m a longtime fan of Dusen Dusen for its fun and functional wares. These colorfully striped napkins will make a cheery addition to a table. It’s sold as a set of four and comes in multiple colors to suit a variety of preferences.
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If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a neat freak, this set of cable ties might be it. Neatnik co-founder Katherine DiGovianni previously told Well+Good that it’s the “perfect stocking stuffer for the organizers and techies in your life. It can be bent and twisted to bundle cords or wires together, and it comes in a pack of 20. Is it the most glamorous gift? Not so much. But it sure is practical.
Food and drink gifts
Anything that is filled with love—like this heart-shaped bowl—is the perfect gift for a home cook. It’s microwave- and oven-safe up to 350 degrees, and it adds a touch of color to any tablescape.
Of all the nonalcoholic drinks I’ve brought to parties, Ghia isa constant crowd-pleaser. Its newest drink, Le Fizz, feels especially festive. A bubbly without the buzz, it has strawberry and orange flavors and a slightly dry finish that make it reminiscent of sparkling wine.
A cast-iron skillet is a workhorse in the kitchen. It’s suited for pan-frying, searing, roasting, and baking, and it’s stovetop- and oven-safe. With proper care, it can also last a very long time. (I’ve owned mine for years!)
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Transcendence Coffee creates flavored syrups that are inspired by its founders’ upbringing. The set features the flavors of baklava and gulab jamun (my personal favorite), a South Asian dessert perfumed by cardamon, saffron, and rose water. Drizzle them in coffee, tea, or matcha for a barista-worthy treat.
Self-care and beauty gifts
Anyone who appreciates shimmer will take a shine to the Internet-famous glitter freckle patches, which you’ve likely seen on TikTok or on Taylor Swift. Put them in your giftees stocking or White Elephant gift swap, and watch them sparkle.
Silk scrunchies aren’t just cute, they’re also kind to your hair. This set of three is made from 100 percent Mulberry silk and won’t snag, pull, or tug at strands. Luxury on a budget.
Got a skincare buff on your list? Zits get the star treatment with these pimple patches. The star-shaped hydrocolloid patches absorb fluid from blemishes, minimize inflammation, and prevent scarring. (Also, aren’t they just adorable?)
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Style gifts
For glasses wearers, a protective sleeve like this pick from Baggu can keep spectacles scratch-free and out of harm’s way. It’s filled with recycled Poly-fill to safeguard against scratches and scuffs, and it’s as cute as it is functional—something which Well+Good Fitness Editor Danielle Zickl has previously confirmed.
This 14-karat-gold-dipped necklace looks a lot pricier than it actually is. The sleek chain is a little over 13 inches with a two-inch extender, and it makes for an understatedly cute addition to virtually any outfit.
Claw clips are here to stay, and a flower-shaped claw from celebrity-loved Emi Jay puts a fun spin on the ubiquitous hair accessory.
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Anyone who wears jewelry may appreciate an organizer that’s as beautiful as their baubles like this one. It features various-sized compartments lined with fabric to protect against unwanted scuffs while keeping bracelets, necklaces, and earrings neatly stowed away. Plus, it’s compact enough for travel.
Fitness gifts
One of the best gifts for yogis—or anyone who sweats a lot—is a yoga mat towel. This one is made from percent polyester to absorb sweat so the yogi in your life doesn’t have to worry about slipping and sliding during their practice.
The runner who can’t leave home without their phone, wallet, and keys will appreciate a running belt. This one has multiple compartments to keep their essentials in neat order and a slim profile that helps to avoid bulk. The best part? It’s $15.
This hydration pack will keep an outdoors person hydrated on adventures. It features a two-liter reservoir and the drinking straw has a bite valve to prevent water from leaking. Compared to a water bottle, it’s easier to drink from as you run, hike, or cycle.
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