75 Cheap Gifts That Are 10x Better Than What You Usually Give
Low cost, high fun.
Finding gifts for friends and loved ones that won’t break the bank — yet deliver priceless loads of fun — can take time and effort. Luckily for you, I’ve done lots of legwork and compiled my findings into this list. From family-friendly trivia games to cozy wool socks, you can rest assured that all of the cheap gifts in here are 10 times better than what you usually give. So go ahead and add a few to your cart.
01A jewelry tray that’s personalized with a monogrammed letter
You don’t need an entire jewelry box if you want somewhere to keep your necklaces and rings. Enter: this tray. A monogrammed letter on the top gives it an elegant touch — and it’s made from sleek ceramic that’s lead- as well as cadmium-free. And if you don’t have much jewelry? It works just as well holding keys, coins, Bobby pins, and more.
02A candle making kit that comes with a pound of eco-friendly soy wax
Making your own candles is a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon indoors, so why not grab this kit? It comes with all the materials you’ll need, including a wax pouring pitcher, wicks, glue dots, candle tins, as well as an entire pound of eco-friendly soy wax. “Fun and very easy to do!” raved one reviewer. “We added essential oils to ours for our own personalized scent!”
03The miniature LED flashlight that hooks onto your keychain
This miniature LED flashlight is one of those rare items that’s best to have and not need, than need and not have. A loop at the end lets you attach it to your keychain so that it’s always within reach if you need it. And since batteries come included, you can start using it right out of the box.
04A freezable pint glass that helps keep drinks cold for *much* longer
Regardless of whether you’re in the mood for beer, soda, or any beverage in between, this glass can help keep it deliciously cold. Cooling gel inside of the insulated walls helps keep your drinks colder for longer — and if you keep it in the freezer, it’ll always be ready to go when you’re ready to start sipping.
05The rechargeable LED light that clips onto your book
Squinting at books in the dark can leave your eyes feeling strained — but that’s where this LED light comes in handy. A built-in clip lets you attach it to your book so that it’s easier to read, while three color modes (amber, daylight, and cool white) give you options when deciding which looks best splashed across the pages. The best part? The battery lasts for up to 80 hours before you’ll need to recharge it.
06A versatile multitool in loads of fun shapes
Camping, hiking, DIY projects — this versatile multitool is great to keep with you for all sorts of activities. It combines eight tools into one handy gadget, including a bottle opener, flat head screwdriver, hex wrench, can opener, and more. Plus, the included carabiner lets you attach it to your belt so that it’s always within reach.
07Geodes that you can break open to reveal sparkling crystals
Need an activity for a rainy day at home with your kids? Look no further than these geodes. Each order comes with 10 geodes, two display stands, as well as a pair of safety goggles — the only tool you need to supply is a hammer so that you can break them open. “My son loved this activity,” wrote one reviewer. “Great for rock/geode loving kids and those that like to smash things!”
08The internet password logbook with alphabetical tabs to help you stay organized
Having trouble remembering all your internet passwords? Jot them down inside the logbook for reference. Alphabetical tabs make it easy to keep your passwords organized, while the faux leather cover helps protect the pages from damage. Choose from 15 colors: green, Royal blue, orange, and more.
09A fidget spinner ring that doubles as a piece of cute jewelry
Don’t want to be caught “playing” with toys when you’re feeling anxious? Consider wearing this fidget spinner ring instead. The top layer of metal rotates with a simple press of your thumb, making it easy to fidget with in a subtle manner. And since it’s made from stainless steel, there’s no need to worry about it rusting over time.
10The half-gallon water bottle with extra space to carry your phone, keys, & credit cards
Whether you’re hiking or headed to the gym, this water bottle features extra storage space for all your essentials. A clear pocket on the side lets you use your phone’s touchscreen without having to pull it out — and there’s a bonus pocket where you can stash keys, cards, and more. Choose from two colors: olive or camouflage.
11Cozy, colorful socks made from a warm wool blend
Step off of those cold floors and slip your feet into these cozy socks. They’re made from a blend of cotton, wool, and polyester, making them just as breathable as they are warm. They’re sized to fit women’s feet up to a size eight — and the vintage patterns are perfect for a wintery weekend on the slopes.
12A color-changing wind chime with LED bulbs that have a lifetime of up to 100,000 hours
Can’t quite tell what your patio is missing? The answer could be as simple as hanging up these wind chimes. Not only do they cycle between six different colors, but they’re also powered by a built-in solar panel that keeps them lit for up to eight hours at night. Plus, the LED bulbs have a lifetime of up to 100,000 hours.
13A nonstick pan that lets you bake cookies into delicious shot glasses
Ever seen a cookie shot glass? Now’s your chance to make your own using this pan. The nonstick surface won’t latch onto your cookies as they bake, making it easy to pop them out once they’re done. Or, if you aren’t in the mood for shot glass cookies, you can also use it to create plain chocolate shot glasses.
14The rustic candle that can burn for up to 48 hours
Not only is this candle made from all-natural beeswax, but its unique design is also sure to get conversations started when guests are visiting. It has a burn rate of up to 48 hours — so you won’t have to replace it anytime soon. But if that isn’t enough? The beeswax is less likely to leave drips on your tables than paraffin.
15A weird AF dumpster pencil holder that comes with flamey note cards
Place this pencil holder on your desk so that you can get a laugh the next time that project at work devolves into a dumpster fire. Each order comes with 100 note cards included, all of which are designed to look like fire — just for the sake of enhancing its look. One reviewer also wrote, “It’s super well made, pieces punch out easily, very simple to put together.”
16A compact external battery that can charge an iPhone more than 3 times
Few things are as annoying as having your phone run out of battery while you’re away from home. Luckily, this external battery is an easy fix. It can hold enough power to charge an iPhone 8 more than three times, whereas a Galaxy S8 can be powered up to 2.5 times. But if that isn’t enough? It also features PowerIQ technology that automatically adjusts its charging speed in order to power your phone up as fast as possible.
17The wind spinner that adds a pop of color to dull patios
Regardless of how you’ve decorated your patio or balcony, this wind spinner is sure to be a gorgeous addition. It’s made from tough stainless steel that won’t rust over time — and the pieces have been laser cut so that it spins without snagging whenever a breeze rolls through. One reviewer wrote, “It looks so pretty as it spins with the wind especially when the sun is out.”
18A fire starter tool for camping (or doomsday prepping)
Whereas a regular flame lighter can quickly run out of fuel, this magnesium ferro rod lasts through up to 16,000 strikes, making it a cost-effective upgrade before your next camping trip. It’ll also work in rain, snow, or wind — so there’s no need to worry about the weather. Each one also comes with an attached whistle, compass, as well as 8-core paracord.
19An adult coloring book with fun swear words & markers included
Sometimes it’s the simplest things that can help you relax after a long day — like this adult coloring book. It’s filled with funny puns and swear words surrounded by easy-to-color designs. And since it’s made with thick paper, you won’t have to worry about the markers (which come included) bleeding through to the next page.
20The ceramic ring holder with an adorable succulent sitting in the center
There’s no denying that this ring holder is a cute addition to any vanity. The succulent in the center can hold multiple rings, while the dish underneath gives you even more storage space for your jewelry. And if you aren’t into succulents? You can also grab it as a cactus or cat.
21Concert ear plugs that come in 10 different stylish finishes
Unlike the crummy foam ear plugs you’ve likely been using, these ones help filter out noises so that you can still hear live events without the added pressure on your ear drums. The ends are designed to look like stylish gold hoops — and they even come in 10 different finished to match any outfit (black, rose gold, silver, and more).
22An icy koozie that fits both bottles & cans
Whereas some stainless steel koozies only fit cans or bottles, this one features a versatile design that can be adjusted so that it fits water bottles, glass bottles, as well as regular cans. Its vacuum-insulated walls also help keep your hands dry from condensation. The best part? Each order also includes a bottle opener for convenience.
23This nourishing mask that helps moisturize dry, cracked hands
When no amount of regular lotion seems to help hydrate your hands, it may be time to give this mask a try. Prebiotic oat and shea butter work together to deliver a nourishing dose of moisture to dry skin — and the non-greasy formula won’t leave your hands feeling slimy.
24The family-friendly trivia game that comes with more than 400 questions
You won’t have to worry about repeating questions when playing this trivia game, as each box comes with more than 400 to get you started. It’s suited for anyone aged 14 and up, as the questions are family-friendly enough to play with young teens, yet fun enough to get any party started. “From history and pop culture to science and literature, there's something for everyone in this game,” wrote one reviewer.
25Transformable fidget spinners with more than 3,200 5-star reviews
Not all fidget spinners are created equal. These ones can be transformed into one of five positions, making them fun to play with for adults as well as children. Each one also features a traditional spinner in the center — just in case you aren’t in the mood to configure their shape.
26Magnetic bookmarks with adorable animal designs
Don’t fold that page down to keep track of where you are in your book. Instead, use one of these magnetic bookmarks to save your spot. The magnets are tough enough to stay in place, yet gentle enough that they won’t leave crimps on your pages — and each order comes with 10 different fun animal designs.
27Dark chocolate mocha coffee with 5 types of nourishing mushrooms
Cordyceps, reishi, and chaga are only a few of the nourishing mushrooms you’ll find blended into this tub of coffee. They’re loaded with antioxidants that can help support a healthy immune system — and there’s no need for any brewing. Simply add a scoop to hot water, then swish it around to make a quick cup when on the go.
28A deliciously crunchy food topping with just the right amount of spice
Avocado toast, stir fry, breakfast sandwiches — this tub of Momofuku chili crunch is so versatile that you can add it to all sorts of meals. It’s made with Mexican chili peppers, crunchy garlic, and shallots, all of which come together to create a deliciously spicy topping that isn’t too overpowering. Though if you need proof? One reviewer wrote, “It's not overwhelming with the texture and the spice level is perfect.”
29A jar of f*cks that you can give out to friends & family
The next time you’re presented with a situation you don’t give many f*cks about, feel free to hand out one of these f*cks. Granted, it won’t solve any problems — but it’ll instantly clue them in to how you’re feeling. And since all the f*cks come in a cute glass jar, you can even set them out on your desk or shelves as decoration.
30A leakproof water bottle designed specifically for dogs
Instead of packing a separate water bowl for your dog when traveling, bring this water bottle with you. It features an attached bowl so that it’s easy for your dog to lap up water when they’re thirsty. And since it’s leakproof, there’s no need to worry about it spilling inside of your bag.
31Rechargeable hand warmers that can help you stay toasty for up to 4 hours
Don’t waste money on disposable hand warmers. Instead, upgrade to these rechargeable ones. Their batteries last for up to four hours before you need to plug them into an outlet — and you can even adjust the temperature up to three levels. But if that isn’t enough? The smiling avocado design is an undeniably fun touch.
32This liquid matte lip trio with velvety shades & shimmer
Lipstick with a matte finish is so on trend, so why not grab this trio from Lip Bar? Each order comes with two shades of red: one that’s deep berry, as well as one with a bluish tint. Both dry to a velvety matte finish — though you’ll also receive a tube of gloss in case you’d prefer a touch of shine. But if you remain unconvinced? One reviewer also wrote that they “last for hours” and “don’t dry out your lips.”
33Moisturizing hair lotion that can help strengthen dry, brittle strands
Anyone with dry, brittle strands can appreciate this hair lotion. Its blend of castor oil and olive squalane works to help prevent breakage — and the sugary vanilla scent is uplifting without being overpowering. Plus, the lightweight formula won’t weigh your strands down if used as a leave-in conditioner after washing.
34A car charger adapter with USB-C & lightning cords that retract
If your giftee’s car lacks charging ports, this charger adapter will change their life. It goes into the cigarette lighter and has a USB port and USB-C port for any charger you may have. Notably, this adapter also has retractable lightning and USB-C cords to keep your Apple and Android devices (and more) in the green.
35This variety pack of popcorn seasonings that cover all the flavor bases
Tired of eating regular popcorn? Grab this variety pack of seasonings to change things up. Each order comes with eight flavors: nacho cheddar, butter, cheesy jalapeno, kettle corn, bacon cheddar, white cheddar, caramel corn, and ranch. Or, if you don’t eat a ton of popcorn, you can also use them to add flavor to vegetable platters.
36A snack bowl that gives you a place to discard pits & shells
Don’t let those empty nut shells fall to the floor. Instead, toss them into the bottom compartment in this bowl. It features two parts: a base layer that’s great for discarding scraps, as well as a top layer for all your snacks. And since it’s dishwasher-safe, cleaning up after you’re done eating is a total breeze.
37The magnetic marble run puzzle that you can customize however you like
The possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to how you can configure this marble run. You can also build it anywhere that magnets will stick, including on fridges, lockers, whiteboards, and more. Plus, the snap-fit connectors make putting it together a total breeze — no real tools required.
38The jumbo-sized mug that looks just like a pot of coffee
Tired of having to constantly refill your coffee mug? Then it may be time to upgrade to this jumbo-sized version. Not only can it can hold up to 20 ounces of liquid, but it’s also designed to look just like a coffee pot. Plus, the leakproof lid helps keep your home and office safe from spills.
39The shimmery lip gloss with a handy LED & mirror built into the tube
Sloppy lip gloss application can make you look... well, sloppy. Luckily, this shimmering lip gloss features a mirror on the tube so that you can see exactly where you’re swiping it on. The wand also has a bright LED light — just in case you’re applying in the dark — and the nongreasy formula won’t leave your lips feeling gooey.
40This flameless rechargeable lighter that works on rainy & windy days
Don’t waste money on flame lighters that’ll run out of fuel. Instead, grab this rechargeable version. You can use it up to 600 times before you’ll need to recharge the battery, and the flexible gooseneck makes it easier to light awkward candles or grills. The best part? It produces an electrical plasma arc instead of flame, making it suitable for use on rainy as well as windy days.
41A mushroom night-light with adjustable brightness
This mushroom night-light is whimsical with its colorful vegetation and green leaves; it adds a pop of fun to any outlet. Of course, it’s functional, too, and has a brightness that automatically adjusts to the brightness of the room around it.
42A Large Foot Scrubber Mat That Suctions To The Tub Floor
This mat is made of rubber and has hundreds of little bristles and a few nubs to scrub, exfoliate, and massage their feet. It suctions to the bottom of the shower floor for effective cleaning but also has a little hanging hook so it can dry between uses.
43The warming lamp that lets you enjoy scented candles without lighting the wicks
Whether you’re a bit clumsy or you have kids at home, this warming lamp is a safer way to enjoy scented candles. There’s no need to light the wick — simply place the candle underneath, then turn it on. The bulb is strong enough that it’ll melt the wax on its own, allowing you to enjoy the scent without the risk of having an open flame in your home.
44This cutting board & charcuterie platter with a travel-friendly lid
Present homemade charcuterie in style with help from this cutting board. It features two sides: one flat side that’s ideal for slicing up ingredients, as well as a second side with six compartments for serving crackers, fruits, meats, and more. Each order also includes a snap-down lid so that you can take your charcuterie with you for potlucks.
45This beginner-friendly rock tumbler kit that polishes rocks into gemstones
Not only does this rock tumbler kit come with a half pound of rocks included, but the tumbling barrel is also lined with rubber. The result? It’ll produce less noise than barrels made without rubber — and the leakproof design means it won’t spill as it spins.
46Best-selling oven rack guards made from heat-resistant silicone
These oven rack guards are a clever gift for any new homeowner or frequent cook. They slide right onto the front of the oven racks to protect hands and elbows from accidental burns, and they can handle heat up to 446 degrees. They have a universal fit at 22 inches long but can be trimmed to fit your exact oven.
47Pretty mechanical pencils with 6 tubes of lead refills
Throw out that crummy wood pencil in favor of these mechanical ones. Each order comes with three big erasers, six pencils, as well as six tubes of lead refills in two widths: .5 and .7 millimeters. And unlike regular lead refills, these ones are made from a combination of resin and graphite for a smoother writing experience.
48A 5-pack of super soft hankies that absorb 7 times their weight in liquid
For the gym rat, these hankies are super compact for purses and gym bags. They’re soft and odor-free, but what makes them really stand out is their ability to absorb up to seven times their weight in liquid and then dry quickly, making them great for workouts.
49Cute toothbrush holders that don’t take up much space on the counter
These toothbrush holders are in the shape of four adorable little animals, and they’re made of ceramic, so they’re easy to clean. Each piece is less than 2 inches in diameter, so they don’t take up much space while still holding toothbrushes (or pens or whatever) without crowding the counter.
50An adjustable rolling pin that comes with a silicone baking mat
Consider this rolling pin a much-needed upgrade from the outdated wooden one you’ve likely been using. You can adjust how thick your dough rolls out by up to four levels simply by switching out the colored end pieces — and the stainless steel metal won’t rust over time. The best part? Each order also includes a silicone baking mat printed with helpful guide lines.
51Memory foam keyboard & wrist rests that look like pretty clouds
These keyboard and wrist rests are made of durable, supportive, and soft memory foam to keep you comfortable while you type away. While they’re highly functional, they’re also shaped like dreamy clouds to add whimsy to your workspace. They come in over a dozen colors, ranging from white to rainbow.
52Oversize ceramic coffee mugs with colorful centers
Anyone who loves a fresh cup of coffee or tea in the mornings can appreciate these mugs. They’re made from sleek ceramic, with colorful interiors that make it easy to keep track of who is using which mug. And unlike some mugs, these ones are also oven-, microwave-, freezer-, as well as dishwasher-safe.
53A clever, fast-working food chopper with a nonslip bottom
Give the gift of time with this clever food chopper. It has stainless steel blades inside that effectively chop and mince everything from garlic to squash. Unlike a lot of choppers, this one doesn’t require any cords or power — just your hand operating the crank. It has a nonslip bottom, too, to keep things steady.
54A trippy glow-in-the-dark blanket that’s oh-so soft
This blanket is super plush and soft, it feels like a dream. But beyond feeling so cozy, it has a unique glow-in-the-dark pattern with mushrooms on it to make it a little bit trippy and a whole bit whimsical. If mushrooms aren’t your giftee’s thing, this blanket comes in a variety of other pattens like constellations, dinosaurs, and frogs.
55A best-selling car vacuum with attachments to get into every nook & cranny
Drivers love this car vacuum; just peep its bestseller status and 168,000 five-star reviews. It has three attachments for detailing and getting into hard-to-reach spots like between car seats, under floor mats, and more. It has a HEPA filter, too, and everything goes right into a carrying case they can keep in their trunk.
56This beginner-friendly sewing kit for home or travel
Whether there’s a rip on your shirt or you need to reattach a button, this beginner-friendly sewing kit can help you out. It comes with everything you’ll need including 24 spools of colorful thread, needles, scissors, measuring tape, and more. The best part? Everything comes packaged in a handy zippered travel case.
57Easy-to-use packets that turn fires into bright, fun colors
For the outdoorsman, these packets can be tossed into a campfire. Once that’s done, they’ll send off a rainbow of colors in the flames, which is just plain fun. But don’t worry, these packets are also safe to use indoors for magical fires.
58The electric matcha whisk that can whip tea & milk into delicious froth
You’ve got options when it comes to how you want to use this electric whisk, as you can use it to whip milk into a delicious froth for your morning coffee, mix protein shakes, or even blend matcha. And since the powerful motor runs at a super-quiet level, there’s no need to worry about it disturbing your co-workers at the office.
59An ultra-hydrating lip treatment with kukui oil & shea butter
Kukui nut oil, shea butter, and vitamin E are only a few of the nourishing ingredients you’ll find inside of this lip treatment. The manufacturer states that it can deliver up to a 46% increase in hydration after just one day of usage. Plus, many reviewers noted how it didn’t leave their lips feeling “greasy.”
60A lightweight, portable water flosser with 4 modes
Give the gift of oral hygiene with this dental water flosser. It comes with five tips for the whole family and has four modes — normal, soft, pulse, and DIY — to suit your needs. The entire this is rechargable via USB, lightweight, and contained in a carrying case for traveling.
61The indoor garden kit that comes with seeds for edible flowers
Adding edible flowers to your plates is an easy way to make them look professional, so why not grab this indoor garden kit? It comes with all the materials you’ll need to grow edible flowers indoors, as well as four types of seeds: cornflower, pot marigold, shasta daisy, and viola tricolor. Plus, all the seeds are 100% non-GMO.
62Mesh grilling bags that are nonstick yet long-lasting
Grilling is one of life’s greatest joys, but grilling things like chopped veggies, seafood, and other small pieces can be a struggle. That’s where these mesh bags come in. They’re heat-resistant and nonstick, so they’re easy to use. Fill them with peppers, onions, and flip away with ease.
63This waterproof lip stain fortified with hydrating raspberry extract
Lipstick isn’t necessarily suitable for all occasions. Instead, give your lips a subtle pop of color with this stain. The waterproof formula helps prevent it from fading away throughout the day, while a touch of apple seed oil and raspberry fruit extract deliver a nourishing dose of moisture to dry lips. Choose from 13 colors: fig, apple, ginseng, and more.
64Colorful bath bombs that come in 8 soothing scents
No relaxing soak in the tub is complete without one of these bath bombs. They’re packed with essential oils along with moisturizing shea butter, and add a fizzy, aromatherapy-infused touch to bath time. Each order comes with eight bombs in eight different scents ranging from soothing lavender to energizing coffee.
65A roll-up dish rack with 30,000+ 5-star ratings
Plenty of shoppers are obsessed with this roll-up dish rack because it saves space, is durable, and surprisingly versatile. Open it over the sink to avoid puddles on your counters as your dishes dry, open it on a table to use as a trivet, or even use it as a colander. More than 30,000 shoppers have given it a five-star rating to back it up.
66Electric salt & pepper grinders with a built-in LED light
Seeing just how much pepper you’ve added to your plate can be a bit challenging. Luckily, these electric salt and pepper grinders feature a built-in LED light that makes it easy to see just how much seasoning you’ve added. The best part? You can also adjust how coarse your seasonings come out simply by twisting the knob on the top.
67Organic bath bombs formulated with “masculine”-leaning scents
Whereas some bath bombs smell like flowers, these ones feature six masculine scents: sandalwood, cedar, cologne, coffee, whiskey, and vanilla. Each one also features a dose of shea butter to help soften skin as you soak — and the individual wrapping works to keep them fresh.
68Transparent sticky notes that’ll have everyone asking “where did you get that?”
From journals to textbooks, there are a million and one uses for these transparent sticky notes which is what makes them such a fun yet practical gift. The durable material works with pencil, ballpoint pens, markers, and more. Choose between colorful and clear options.
69Hair-drying towels that are the cutest
These adorable hair towels instantly make baths more fun for kids and adults alike. Available in a few variations, including fox and chicken designs, they also speed-up drying time thanks to the absorbent microfiber material.
70These TSA-approved luggage locks with a 4.7-star overall rating
Give a little peace of mind with these tough luggage locks you can fly with. They’ve earned an impressive 4.7-star overall rating after more than 18,000 reviews because, as one customer wrote, “If you are looking for a lock that will be TSA compliant but flexible enough to fit into small openings and something that does not feel like it will fall apart, this is your lock. I was pleased with the overall feel of the lock and they functioned exactly what I needed.” Plus, they come in discreet black as well as bright colors so your luggage is easier to spot on the carousel.
71Vibrant employee appreciation cards that are great for encouraging your team
These appreciation cards are great for days when your co-workers or employees could use a little pick-me-up. Their vibrant colors combined with the striking designs are sure to lift their spirits — and the blank insides give you space to write anything you like.
72This hardcover book where you can jot down all your family’s recipes
Still keeping your family’s recipes on a bunch of flimsy notecards? Transfer them into this hardcover book instead. There’s space for up to 60 recipes, with two pages per recipe allotted — just in case the instructions are particularly lengthy. Plus, the thick pages are bleed- as well as smudge-resistant.
73An essential oil diffuser that looks so cool
Take self-care moments up a notch with this plant-shaped essential oil diffuser. Available in leafy and succulent designs, it looks great while the cordless, rechargeable device works for up to 20 days on a single charge. Plus, it doesn’t require water to operate and even comes with a rosemary and lemon oil blend to get you started.
74A silicone wine bottle stopper that looks just like an overly curious cat
This wine bottle stopper is sure to spark conversations when guests see you whip it out. Not only is it designed to look like a curious cat that’s peering down into the bottle, but the silicone material also creates an ultra-tight seal in order to help prevent spills. “I just got to use this today on a bottle of champagne and it's great - so funny!” raved one reviewer.
75Whimsical plant-watering globes for less than $10 each
Keep plants happy and well-watered for an extra week or two with these gorgeous glass bulbs. Choose from mushroom, bird, and swan designs, all of which give an elevated but whimsical touch to any houseplant.
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