The 26 Best Cheap Christmas Gifts of 2022 That Won’t Break the Bank

Best Jewelry Item

Oarse Envelope Locket Necklace

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The Oarse Envelope Locket Necklace is the perfect way to send a gift (and message) to a loved one. The titanium steel makeup ensures the necklace will never rust or fade. That means you can wear it all day without worrying if it will leave a green tint. Plus, the necklace is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction since titanium allergies are rare.

The best part of the envelope necklace is the personalizable metal card inside. Engrave a message, date, name—anything you’d like. Because of the magnetic close, the card stays hidden until opened, so it’s up to the wearer whether they want to show the message or keep it concealed. Since the necklace is small, the message needs to be brief in order to fit on the metal card. That means no long poems or quotes!

Price at time of publish: From $16

Product Details:

Includes: Envelope necklace and personalized pull-out metal card | Colors: Silver, gold, or rose gold | Material: Titanium steel

Best Coffee Mug

HydroFlask 12-Ounce Mug with Insulated Press-In Lid

4.2

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A sip from a mug feels like a pivotal part of each morning. It’s a simple form of bliss that keeps many pushing through the rest of the day. The 12-ounce mug from Hydro Flask has a closable lid and insulated inside to help keep drinks hot or cold for hours, meaning no more room temp coffee or lukewarm iced tea.

Though the temperature attributes are great, mug care is another story. The mug must be hand washed, and it cannot be put in the microwave or freezer. That means hot or cold drinks must be their desired temperature before entering the mug. As a result, the temperature can’t be changed afterward unless a secondary vessel is used.

Price at time of publish: $28

Product Details:

Includes: Insulated mug, closable lid, and lifetime warranty | Available in: 10 colors | Size: 12 ounces, 4.5 x 5 inches

Best Print

Fainne’s Set of 6 Decorative Wrap Posters in Vintage Botanical Prints

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Gift a loved one beautiful art and the chance to learn. These six vintage botanical prints include both names and pictures of leaves, cacti, trees, flowers, mushrooms, and more. They’re like prettier versions of encyclopedia pages that hang on the wall. The best part is that the $16 set comes with six prints. That divides to about $2.66 per print—a bargain that’s hard to match in other vintage botanical prints.

Though, the downside to this bargain wall art is that it doesn’t come with frames or any other method to display the prints. That’s something that will need to be purchased separately, and picture frames don’t exactly tend to be cheap. The alternative is hanging the prints on the wall with a tack or laying them on a surface.

Price at time of publish: From $15

Product Details:

Includes: Six different prints | Material: Linen | Size: 16 x 12 inches

Best Serving Bowl

The Lakeside Collection Sets of Two Stoneware Soup and Side Bowls

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Minimize dishes by investing in an option that works overtime, acting as a plate and bowl. Use it for chips and dip, soups and sandwiches, or any other favorite combo. It fits both without dirtying two containers, making it great for those without a dishwasher. For those with a dishwasher, feel free to stick it in there. Plus, it's suitable when heating meals up in the microwave or oven.

Depending on the user’s desired portion, the two areas may be too small. The bowl fits one and 3/4 cups. If you enjoy a large bowl of chili or more than a handful of chips, you may have to go back for seconds because it won’t all fit in the container.

Price at time of publish: $32

Product Details:

Includes: Two soup and two side bowls | Colors: Blue and green or red and cream | Size: 8.25 x 7 x 2 inches

Best Cocktail Item

Herb & Lou's Cocktail-Infused Ice Cubes

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Get boozy with one of the best cheap Christmas gifts—a freeze-ahead cocktail mix that doubles as an ice cube. Put the pre-prepared mix in the freezer, and add it to the alcohol of your choice for a quick cocktail. The best part about the cocktail cube is that it doesn’t water down drinks like regular ice cubes do. They pack a strong flavor that can be adjusted based on the amount of alcohol added. Get boozy or stick to a mocktail.

Now comes the downside. Herb & Lou’s does not sell sample packs under $30, so the person you are giving the cocktail cubes to is stuck with one flavor. It can be hard to guess what someone may like since taste buds vary from person to person. On the off chance they don’t like the flavor gifted to them, they will have five to 11 cocktails cubes to give away.

Price at the time of publish: $20

Product Details:

Includes: 12 cubes of cocktail mix | Available in: Five flavors | Amount: One cube (25mL)

Best Throw Pillow

Uncommon Goods Dog Face Pillow

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Have a dog-loving friend? Consider buying them a dog face pillow. The pillow is handmade using a method called hook-sewing. Because the wool material is so dense, the pillow keeps its color and shape and is fade-resistant. We love how this differentiates this specific model since most other pet pillows on the market are made by printing images onto PP cotton or polyester. Often, this process gives the pillow a cheap, plastic-like feeling; instead, the hook-sewn wool (as seen on this cushion) looks expensive, thanks to its well-made texture.

Nevertheless, the downside of these adorable pillows is their variety. This cushion is only available in four options: Bernese Mountain Dog, Boston Terrier, Golden Retriever, and Pug. That means if you own a dog outside of the offered designs, you won’t be able to purchase a pillow in the likeness of your pooch.

Price at time of publish: $25

Product Details:

Includes: One Pillow | Available in: Bernese mountain dog, Boston terrier, golden retriever, and pug | Material: Wool

Best Bath Bombs

Created by Mazzi and Erez Peled Inspirational Geode Bath Bombs

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Uncommon Goods’ Inspirational Geode Bath Bombs are nearly too cute to use. They pack a wow factor upon opening but be sure to use them within six months to witness their desired effect. They’re perfect for a luxurious, spa-like experience at home. The bath bombs are handmade and created in the likeness of different crystals—all of which correspond to ‘Focus and Balance’ or ‘Calming.’ In just three minutes, they will completely dissolve—releasing soothing scents and a colorful fizz.

Keep in mind that these bath bombs are rather pricey, with the three-pack ringing in at $10 per bomb. But we think their high quality and beautiful design justify the splurge price.

Price at time of publish: $30

Product Details:

Includes: Three bath bombs | Available in: ‘Focus and Balance’ or ‘Calming’ | Time: Fizzes for three minutes

Best Gift Basket

Etsy Succulent Kreations Gift for Her Care Package

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If you’ve browsed Etsy for gift ideas, chances are you’ve run across similar beauty boxes—all offering comparable products, such as candles, scrubs, and lip balms (to name a few). So, if you want something special, we recommend checking out some of the other best cheap Christmas gifts in our guide. However, if you love a good beauty box, prepare to meet your match.

With so many other contenders on the market, we searched for an option in a league of its own; a beauty box that offered the most products at the most affordable price. Enter: Succulent Kreations. This gift box includes six different items including a sugar scrub, bath salt, and scented lip balm (to name a few), along with a card that can be personalized. Suitable for birthdays, retirements, and even weddings, it works year-round. Do we even have to say more?

Price at time of publish: From $25

Product Details:

Includes: Scented 2-ounce candle, jar of matches, sugar scrub, bath salt, scented lip balm, satin scrunchie, and card with personalized message | Additional add-ons: Nine add-ons available | Shipping: Free

Best Slippers

dluxe by Dearfoams Teddy Scuff Slippers

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Know someone who leaves the house in slippers accidentally or on purpose? If so, we’ve found the best cheap Christmas gifts for them. The durable exterior sole of the dluxe by Dearfoam Teddy Scuff Slippers ensures they will hold up indoors and outdoors. These comfortable slip-on are equipped with a memory foam insole to cushion each step. Perhaps the best attribute of these slippers is their temperature regulation and breathability. They help wearers avoid sweaty, smelly feet.

Depending on how you like your shoes to fit, these slippers may present a problem. They’re available in sizes S–XL—not the standard numerical sizes of 5–12. Each size encompasses two numerical sizes, meaning anyone with a size ranging from 7–8 would wear a medium. If you wear a 7, the slipper might feel loose. Or, if you wear an 8, the slipper might feel snug. Broad sizes mean greater chances of ill-fitting footwear.

Price at time of publish: From $18

Product Details:

Includes: Pair of slippers and a one-year warranty | Colors: Black, oatmeal, or ivory | Sizes: Available in S–XL

Best Candle

Milkhouse Candle Company 14 ounce Milk Bottle Jar

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Who doesn’t love a good candle? It’s a gift that spans ages, genders, and backgrounds. This milk bottle candle from Milkhouse Candle Company offers the ultimate two-in-one; make your place smell great and look so, too, thanks to the cute reusable container. Use it to pour milk, hold flowers, or display on its own. The vintage milk bottle container is versatile! Just make sure to enjoy the delicious scent of the candle before using the bottle.

Oh, and speaking of scents, blindly purchasing a candle without smelling it first can be difficult. That’s where the list of fragrance notes comes in. Fragrance notes describe the scent by comparing it to familiar items (i.e. coffee, lavender, nutmeg, etc.). Though we can’t guarantee the candle will smell incredible, fragrance notes should help you decide which candle will suit your loved one’s preferences.

Price at time of publish: $22

Product Details:

Burn time: 90+ hours | Available in: 30 different scents | Size: 14 ounces

Best Cookbook

Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

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We can’t prove it, but a new cookbook is good for the soul. Ina Garten’s latest one is full of her favorite go-to recipes—the ones she makes on the fly that she knows will be an instant success. Garten has won one of the most notable awards a chef can receive, a James Beard Award, and hosts a five-time Emmy-winning show on Food Network. If that’s any indication of the deliciousness of her cookbook, who wouldn’t want to get a copy this very second?

However, we wonder if “simple to follow” and “works every time” mean the same to Ina Garten as it does per se to the average cook. Compared to us, Garten has more knowledge and experience in the kitchen than most. Sure, we can’t guarantee the recipes will be as simple and dependable as they claim, but we also can't say they won't.

Price at time of publish: From $25

Product Details:

Available in: Hardcover or digital | Pages: 256

Best Kitchen Towel

Wake The Wolves Tea towel / Apron / Furoshiki (I Stay Woke)

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Give a multi-functional gift to the ultimate money saver this holiday season with a kitchen towel that can go from a tea towel to an apron to a bag in minutes. All you need is a shoestring, to help secure the apron to the waist, and folding skills. This gift is great for anyone with limited kitchen space, as it gets rid of the need for an additional apron and bag.

If you’re looking for a towel that’s not red, white, or black, this tea towel may not be the best fit. Though versatile, there are limited color and design options. Do some sleuthing to make sure the towel will match the recipient’s kitchen.

Price at time of publish: From $25

Product Details:

Colors: White and orange or white and black | Material: Cotton | Size: 28 x 28 inches

Best Organization Item

HAY Colour Storage

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Storage is essential, but cute storage is the icing on the cake. Give your miscellaneous household goods a place to reside in colorful, magnetic-close boxes. Match the hue of the box to the surrounding space, or mix and match to create a storage statement. These boxes are great for open shelves because they are minimalistic and chic. Plus, they’ll tuck away everyday items, making them one of the best cheap Christmas gifts.

If you are dead set on a particular color, check their website and make sure they carry it in the size you’d like to gift. The small box comes in 11 colors, while the large box only comes in three—gray, navy, and tan. Consider buying several small boxes to ensure they have your desired color or opt for the neutral offerings.

Price at time of publish: From $10

Product Details:

Available in: Three to 11 colors, depending on size | Material: Recycled cardboard | Size: Small (3.3 x 13 x 10 inches); medium (5 x 14 x 12 inches); large (5 x 16.3 x 14 inches)

Best Journal

Woodland Journal

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Sturdy journals do not get enough love! They are great for writing on the go. The book-like cover and back of the woodland journal make it easy to write from anywhere. Whether you are writing against a solid surface or on your lap, the writability of the journal is top-notch. Great for travel, it’s designed with a boarded outside, keeping this journal safe from ripping or tearing (even when tossing it in a bag or stuffing it under a bed).

Design-wise, the outside of the journal stands out, but the inside falls short. It features standard lined paper and sporadic woodland pictures throughout. If the person you are gifting this to loves a traditional setup, this journal is great. However, if they prefer more bells and whistles, such as prompts, headings, bookmarks, etc., this journal may not be the best fit.

Price at time of publish: From $19

Product Details:

Features: Watercolor illustrations | Size: 7.5 x 6.35 x 0.8 inches | Pages: 160

Best Macrame Plant Hanger

Windfall Macrame Plant Hanger Three-Tier

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Macrame plant hangers are great for plant lovers, minimalists, and people who love to stay on-trend. This plant hanger, in particular, offers exceptional bang for your buck with three planters in one. The vertical design is perfect for corners. It adds something extra to an otherwise troubling area to style. The best part about the macrame plant hanger is that it can mold to fit the pot, and small or medium pots can fit happily inside.

It’s important to note that the plant pots must be purchased separately. If you’re on a tight budget, consider checking whether the intended gift receiver already owns three small- to medium-sized plant pots. If not, it may not be the best gift, given the receiver will have to purchase additional items in order to use it.

Price at time of publish: From $10

Product Details:

Features: Can be used both indoors and outdoors | Material: Woven cotton | Length: 70.87 inches

Best Socks

Earth Therapeutics Super Plush Aloe Moisture Socks

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These Earth Therapeutics socks take cozy to the next level by infusing aloe into the fabric. Aloe soothes dry, irritated skin, giving it an extra dose of softness and hydration—benefits that go straight to the feet! The two-pack comes with two different sock lengths: ankle and micro crew. That’s a nice break from most fuzzy socks, which are mid-calf length.

The selling feature of these socks, the aloe, is great while it’s present. However, over time, the aloe washes out of the fabric—leaving the wearer with a standard, fuzzy sock. To extract the most wear out of the aloe socks while they last, follow the wash instructions on the packaging: machine wash on gentle and tumble dry on low.

Price at time of publish: From $12

Product Details:

Includes: One printed short-length pair and one solid long-length pair | Available in: One size fits most | Colors: Green or grey

Best Throw Blanket

Lomao Fuzzy Soft Blanket

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Give the gift of comfort with a high-quality, reversible blanket. One side has a fun geometric pattern to display on the bed or couch. The other side is solid fleece for warmth and softness against the skin. The quality of the blanket shines when washed. It doesn’t shed or shrink—it comes out good as new.

When compared to other fleece-based blankets on the market, where those blankets tend to matte over time, this blanket will also lose its fluffiness and softness. There are hacks on the internet to fix this, but it will require extra time and effort. For those who want durable items that will sustain over time, this fleece throw may not be a match made in heaven.

Price at time of publish: From $30

Product Details:

Available in: 15 colors | Materials: Polyester, microfiber, and fleece | Sizes: (50 x 40 inches), (63 x 51 inches), (80 x 60 inches), (80 x 71 inches), or (90 x 90 inches)

Best Vase

Sage & Sill Crystal Glass Bubble Vase

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Colored glassware is making a return as one of the best cheap Christmas gifts available, and these fun, bulbous vases are at the forefront of that return.  Featured in six colors, this glassware will match any space and offer versatility. Reach for dry or fresh flowers for added appeal, or choose to keep them bare. It's up to you. Plus, the vase comes in two heights—three bubbles (6.3 inches) or four (8.7 inches). Mix and match several in different colors and sizes for dimension or stick to one for a cohesive look.

Due to the small opening at the top of the vase, the container cannot fit many flowers or an entire bouquet. It is made for a few flowers or sprigs. This is not the vase for large displays. Because of the small opening, the vase is also difficult to clean. A hand cannot fit through the top, so an additional tool will be needed to clean it.

Price at time of publish: $15

Product Details: 

Colors: Clear, bisque, dark blue, olive drab, or dark salmon | Sizes: Three bubbles (6.3 x 2.3 inches); four bubbles (8.7 x 2.3 inches) | Shipping: Free

Best Bluetooth Speaker

Crosley Electronics Rondo Bluetooth Speaker

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Take a trip back to the '60s with a retro, portable bluetooth speaker. The midcentury modern design adds a touch of vintage charm to a room. Since the speaker was created by the well-known electronic brand Crosley, it has top-notch audio and sound quality. Though retro in appearance, the speaker has modern amenities: Bluetooth, a USB port, and hands-free calling.

This speaker packs a punch with its sound, considering it’s only 3.75 x 4.75 inches. For reference, that’s roughly the same size as a postcard. Though it may not be a large statement piece to set centerstage, it still looks cute atop side tables and shelves.

Price at time of publish: $23

Product Details:

Includes: Speaker and USB cable | Features: Portable and wireless | Size: 3.75 x 4.75 inches

Best Watering Can

Gardener’s Supply Company Copper Indoor Watering Can

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A watering can is one of the most overlooked items to gift someone special—which is why it's also one of the best cheap Christmas gifts. This copper-plated indoor watering is designed to hydrate inside plants, set on display as décor, or be used as a vase for flowers. Watering cans are more versatile than they seem. The small spout on the can makes it easy to control the flow of water, meaning it won’t charge out and wet the floor. It is precise, giving the user a stream of water rather than a waterfall.

The issue with this particular can is that the copper material will patina over time, which may be a welcome change for those who prefer a more antique look. To help the watering keep its original shiny hue, the recipient will need to maintain it regularly.

Price at time of publish: $30

Product Details:

Features: Holds three quarts | Material: Copper-plated steel | Size: 12 x 16 x 6 inches

Best Planter for Houseplants

Etsy SeedTube Herb Garden Terracotta Trough Planter

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This small to the medium-sized planter is great for beginning herb growers. The trough style design is perfect for planting a few different herbs without feeling overwhelmed by the large amount. Let’s be honest: The thought of using fresh herbs is lovely, but it can be tough to use everything that grows. This trough keeps the harvest manageable.

Though controllable in size, the planter is still too large to fit on most windowsills because of its 5-inch width. Another home will have to be found. For those with few windows, minimal direct sunlight, or small living quarters, it can be difficult to find a place to set the planter. However, if space can be found, the planter is one of the best cheap Christmas gifts to give.

Price at time of publish: $18

Product Details:

Features: Can be used both indoors and outdoors | Material: Terracotta ceramic | Size: 4.7 x 9 x 5.1 inches

Best Calendar

deCoyLab Monthly Planner

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Are you looking for a less structured, non-linear planner to give to a loved one or friend? This calendar is a solid pick. It comes with 15 undated months, so the user can start or stop the calendar as they please. This is a great choice for anyone who needs a calendar in the middle of the year—a time when calendars can be difficult to find. It’s also a great option for those who like to customize. Blank dates and sheets are ripe for creativity.

Many calendar users appreciate it when beautiful images accompany each month. For some, imagery is the biggest selling point of a calendar. However, this planner airs on the side of minimalism with no pictures or designs. It is simplistic and sophisticated. If you want something with more pizazz, it’s best to keep looking.

Price at the time of publish: From $20

Product Details:

Features: 15 months, undated sheets | Colors: Water blue or sand | Size: 8.5 x 11 inches

Best Game

Hygge Games The Hygge Game

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Embrace the definition of hygge by snuggling into a blanket, brewing a hot cup of coffee, and chatting with a friend. This conversation game includes 330 questions to spark stories, memories, and better ways to learn about other players. Without prompts, it can be difficult to uncover the ins, outs, and quirks of those around you. This game helps lessen those barriers and lulls in conversation.

A conversation-centered game is not revolutionary. It has been on the market for a while with card games such as ‘Table Topics’ and ‘We’re Not Really Strangers.’ The Hygge Game offers a similar take on other conversational games while narrowing in on the market of ‘comfortable, cozy’ questions. If you have similar question cards, there may not be a need for The Hygge Game, but it is a solid option within the conversation game category.

Price at the time of publish: $20

Product Details:

Includes: 110 cards with 330 questions | Players: Two or more | Ages: 14 and up

Best Beauty Item

Plum Beauty Cooling Facial Tool Set

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Soothe puffiness and inflammation in the face or body with cooling globes. Let them chill in the fridge, then take them out and glide them over puffy skin to calm. The cold temperature shocks the body, promoting blood flow and circulation to help drain and heal. Ice globes work particularly well under the eyes, on the jawline, and down the neck—guiding drainage for swollen lymphatics.

The greatest attribute of these ice globes is also their greatest weakness—coldness. Because there is nothing to cover the handles, they reach the same level of coolness as the globes. This makes them chilly to use and hold. Of course, makeshift covers can be made with towels or gloves, but that requires additional materials.

Price at time of publish: $15

Product Details:

Includes: Two facial tools | Material: Glass | Size: 5 x 2 x 2 inches

Best Coffee

Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. Eight Blend Sample Kit

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Coffee is always one of the best cheap Christmas gifts of the season! Anything to make the morning ritual seem a little more special can go a long way in a person’s day. This Eight Blend Sample Kit offers an array of flavors and roasts, so your favorite caffeine fiend can try new coffees while benefiting animal rescue organizations. Not to mention, each 2.5-oz packet of grounds makes eight to 10 cups of coffee. That’s 64-80 cups in total—all for $30.

Sample kits are great for those who want to stray from their usual morning cup and try something new. They are not for coffee lovers with a specific palate. If the intended receiver of the kit dislikes a specific roast, this may not be the best gift for them. They would only be able to enjoy part of the kit. However, if they are open to all types of coffee, this is a true bang-for-your-buck option.

Price at time of publish: $30

Product Details:

Includes: Eight different bags of ground coffee | Features: Roasts vary from espresso to dark | Amount: One bag (2.5 ounces) | Grind: Medium-coarse