10 Editor-Loved Holiday Gifts Under $50

published Sep 28, 2023
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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Credit: KateMaxStock

This holiday season, if you’re shopping for a ton of people — or simply want to avoid breaking the bank in general — finding budget-friendly gifts is essential. However, it’s not quite as easy as it sounds. If you aren’t sure where to look, it can be difficult to find affordable products that look nice, perform well, and seem thoughtful. (That last part is the most important, of course.) Regardless of its price tag, you want your recipient to know you care about them and put some thought and effort into their gift.

And, what better way to do that than with a product that you know will see a bunch of use in their kitchen? Whereas a piece of clothing or decor is a bit of a risk — there’s a chance it won’t appeal to the recipient’s taste — it’s seriously hard to miss the mark with a food or kitchen-related item. Luckily, we’ve tried out tons of these kinds of products (economical ones included), so we know which ones will be hits when it comes time to open presents. Read on for 10 gifts under $50 that have earned our stamp of approval.

1 / 10
The 125 Collection
$38.00

A kitchen candle will help your recipient mask any unwanted scents and make the space more homey — though they do run the risk of coming across as a bit impersonal. But, you can go the extra mile and personalize one, thanks to the 125 Collection. With messages on the vessel that range from heartfelt to hilarious, they’re Kitchn contributor Amy’s go-to gift.

2 / 10
Portland Salt Co.
$28.50

Shopping for a home chef? A gift box of seasonings will be majorly appreciated. In fact, this set from Portland Salt Co. majorly boosted senior lifestyle editor Mara’s dishes. Steak Salt, Za'atar, and Toast Sugar blends are included, and the packaging alone will make you not even want to wrap it.

3 / 10
Amazon
$39.99

Everyone has an ice cream-lover in their life, and this device will give them a delicious homemade treat in minutes. Best of all, it’ll give you and your recipient a fun activity to try out. “It’s tiny — at less than a pound in weight and smaller than a football, this is way smaller than your standard countertop ice cream maker,” wrote senior commerce editor Ian in his review, adding that it makes a great gift for small kitchen owners, college students, and those moving into their first apartments.

4 / 10
Brightland
$22.00

Help your giftee upgrade their salads with this balsamic vinegar from editor-loved brand Brightland. “I’m the furthest thing from a pro chef, but their elevated pantry staples make me feel like one (almost),” commerce managing editor Tamara said. “This salad was such a breeze to whip up altogether, but having Rapture on hand instantly took the flavor to the next level.”

5 / 10
Amazon
$25.99
was $30.99

As a regular coffee (and warm beverage) drinker myself, I know I would be thrilled to receive this handy gadget that keeps your mug warm all day long without going to the microwave. It’s especially suited for those that work in an office! “When I place a hot cup of coffee on it fresh from my French press, I can sip it well into the afternoon and have it still be warm,” contributor Erin said. “Later in the day, I usually switch to tea, which means that this tool is on basically all day and has yet to show signs of wear or tear.”

6 / 10
GIR
$20.95

Reusable straws have had enormous popularity over the past couple of years, and there are a number of options you can choose from: stainless steel, glass, and (of course) silicone. Contributor Lisa swears by the latter — particularly, this rainbow option from GIR. It comes with cleaning brushes and travel cases, too. Talk about the perfect stocking stuffer!

7 / 10
Stanley
$35.00

If four of our team members use a product daily, you can trust that it’s a worthy gift. We all know those people who talk about how much water they drink — or don’t. Either way, give them the gift of hydrating on the go with this Stanley cup that we think is even better than the brand’s social media-famous Quencher. (Read all about why here.)

8 / 10
Our Place
$50.00

Our Place is an editor-loved kitchen retailer, and the internet appears to be of a similar mind, with how many influencers you’ll see using their colorful cookware. But if you want to opt for a more budget-friendly offering from the brand, snag this gorgeous apron from their Selena Gomez collab. It looks just as stylish as a dress, which would be a great fit for a fashionable cook!

9 / 10
Momofuku
$13.00

Created by chef David Chang of NYC’s Momofuku Noodle Bar, these noodles aren’t your average store-bought ramen. They’re especially suitable for giftees who like convenient, fast meals — and, they last a long time in the pantry. “I can’t get enough of the balanced heat of the Sweet & Spicy noodles, and the Spicy Chili brings the ‘I might need a glass of milk pretty soon’ punch that I crave, especially in the winter or after a long night out,” Ian said.

10 / 10
Siesta Co
$40.95

This variety pack of tinned fish would hit the mark for any seafood lover. I know, on paper, tinned fish might not sound like it’s all that, but this underrated brand that we love is high quality and totally delicious. Ian always keeps a few cans of the Yuzu Koshō version on hand for a quick meal. “I usually just pop some rice on the stove, toss some broccoli in the air fryer, whack the tuna on top, and call it a delicious, delicious day,” he wrote.