10 Hostess Gifts That Look Expensive but Aren’t

Lisa Freedman
Lisa FreedmanExecutive Lifestyle Director
Lisa Freedman is the Executive Lifestyle Director at The Kitchn. She has never met a cheese or a washi tape she didn't like. She lives in New York state with her husband and their pup, Millie.
updated May 1, 2019
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
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(Image credit: Susanna Hopler)

You do not have to spend a million dollars on holiday gifts this year. Not even close. It’s true — you can shop on a budget and still give some pretty impressive gifts.

All of these look decently spendy, but each one is $23 or less. In fact, you can buy every single thing here (including multiples of one item!) for $163.

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(Image credit: Susanna Hopler)
  1. Chicken Tote Bag, $18 at Gingiber: Have you ever seen a tote bag more appropriate for the farmers market?
  2. Milano Porcelain Bowl, $18 at Bambeco: Made in a 50-year-old factory in Portugal using reclaimed water, recycled scrap materials from previous productions, and natural clay, this bowl looks like it would cost at least double its actual price.
  3. Marta Smoke Double Old-Fashioned Glass, $2.50 each at CB2: These glasses are whisper-thin and so darn classy. And you can give a set of four for just $10.
  4. Sriracha Cross Stitch Kit, $18 at TheStrandedStitch: You can handle this gift one of two ways: Give it, as a kit, to your craftiest friend or do the stitching yourself and gift it to someone else to hang up.
  5. Hand-Dipped Ombré Beeswax Candles, $12 for 12 at KnotandBow: Whoever gets this pack will be a star when she tops the next birthday cake with these ombre beeswax numbers.
  6. Self Pour Spout Recycled Glass Dispensers, $23 at Rail19: There’s no better soap dispenser. If you’re feeling extra generous, pair this with your favorite liquid soap and pack them up together.
  7. LeWitt Creamer, $16 at Poketo: With its minimal Danish design, we can’t get over the idea of using this as a little bud vase.
  8. Geo Container, $18 at Gretel Home: Ideal for nuts or little candies, this little plastic guy has a glossy finish on the inside and a cool matte finish on the outside.
  9. Holiday Cheers Coaster Set, $14 at Charming Charlie: One can never have too many coasters. Or plaid stuff, for that matter.
  10. Copper Measuring Cups Set, $16 at Urban Outfitters: Everything else will have a hard time measuring up to this beautiful set.
(Image credit: Lindsay Ribe)