30 Best Gifts Under $20 That Are Way More Impressive Than Their Price Lets On

Every holiday season, I’m tasked with finding gifts for everyone—my parents, gifts 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, stocking stuffers, or white elephant gifts that won’t drain your bank account. Whether you’re shopping for the best gifts for a home cook, outdoor enthusiast, or someone serious about self-care, there’s something budget-friendly for every personality. Ahead, browse the 30 best gifts under $20, proof that with some searching, 20 bucks can go a long way in this economy. For more, affordable—and amazing—budget-friendly presents, peruse our best gifts under $50.

Best gifts under $20, at a glance:

Best home:P.F. Candle Co. Incense Sticks, $11Best beauty: Quince Washable Silk Scrunchie, $20Best style:Nordstrom BP. 14K Gold Dipped Herringbone Chain Necklace, $20Best food:Ghia Le Fizz, $20Best fitness:Waterfly Running Belt, $15

Shop the best gifts under $20

Home

Better Homes and Garden Candle Warmer Lamp — $16.00

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.

Modwix EcoLighter — $16.00

An electric lighter makes the perfect complement to a candle. It operates without flame, and you can use it up to 300 times on a full battery. Plus, it’s windproof and water-resistant for outdoor use.

P.F. Candle Co. Incense Sticks — $11.00

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.

Smart&Cool Reusable Magnetic Cable Ties (20-Pack) — $17.00

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.

The Sill Tiny Terracotta Pet Greens Grow Kit — $13.00

This grow kit is perfect for the aspiring green thumb. The seeds sprout catnip within 10 days, and it comes with a miniature terracotta pot thatcan be used longafter you’ve given it to them.

Uncommon Goods Pasta Candle Collection — $20.00

Gift the Strega Nona in your life thiscandle which comesin the shape of either farfalle or rigatoni pasta. It’s also wonderfully scented with notes of jasmine, neroli, and orange blossom.

Self-care and beauty gifts

Turbie Twist Hair Towels (Set of 4) — $25.00

These extra-soft hair towels are super gentle on strands while still being super absorbent. Plus, the pack of four makes sure they always have one handy.

Elf x Kitsch Satin Overnight Curling Set — $16.00

Kitsch’s internet-famous Overnight Curling Set is perfect for those who want to style their hair without the heat. Plus, this limited-edition version looks just like candy canes.

Fazit Gold Glitter Freckles Makeup Patches — $16.00

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.

Kate McLeod Mini Daily Stone Solid Body Moisturizer — $12.00

Kate McLeod’s solid body moisturizer is a budget-friendly luxury. It boasts cocoa butter, nourishing oils, and a subtle floral scent of rose, frankincense, and neroli.

Quince 100% Washable Silk Scrunchies — $20.00

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.

Starface Hydro-Stars (32-Pack) — $13.00

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?)

Glamnetic Press-On Nails — $20.00

For that friend who is always getting their nails done, Glamnetics press-on nails are perfect for achieving a polished look in minutes—and look like a professional manicure. Better yet, you can select from dozens of different styles.

Style gifts

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Heathered Socks — $18.00

Sometimes, achieving coziness can be as simple as wearing a pair of fuzzy socks, and this pair from Barefoot Dreams is as cozy as it looks.

BP. 14K Gold Dipped Herringbone Chain Necklace — $20.00

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.

Baggu Puffy Glasses Sleeve — $17.00

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.

Emi Jay Midi Super Bloom Clip — $12.00

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.

Free People Cherry Bag Charm — $20.00

Charm the pants of your loved one with this cherry-shaped bag charm. It’ll add instant pizzazz to their everyday purse.

The Hair Edit Brilliant Cuff — $17.00

A hair cuff can elevate anyold ponytail, and thisone looks especially luxurious—you wouldn’t know it was under $20!

Food and drink gifts

Le Creuset 8 oz Stoneware Mini Cocotte — $23.00

How cute is this mini stoneware cocotte?! Perfect for the home chef or baker who is short on space—when it’s not being used, they won’t mind leaving it out on the countertop or kitchen table.

BambooWorx Matcha Whisk Set — $13.00

For the matcha lover in your life, this set is perfect for creating their favorite drink at home. It includes a bamboo whisk, spoon, and scoop.

DASH Mini Maker — $20.00

If your giftee loves waffles, they will love this mini waffle maker. It makes waffles in the shape of aheart, and its compact size won’t take up precious kitchen space so it’s easy to store between uses.

Ghia Le Fizz — $20.00

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.

Lodge 6 1/2-Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet — $15.00

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!)

Transcendence Coffee Mini Founder’s Flavors Bundle — $18.00

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.

W&P The Popper — $20.00

Make their movie nights all the merrier with W&P’s popcorn popper. You can use it to pop kernels in the microwave, serving asan affordable alternative to single-use popcorn bags. 

Fitness gifts

AeroPilates Towel — $15.00

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.

Free People Super Wide Stripe Soft Headband — $14.00

Anything that functions as a cute accessory and can keep hair out of the way during workouts is a win, and this Free People headband is sure to get gold among fitness enthusiasts.

Waterfly Running Belt — $20.00

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.

Ozark Trail Pearson Creek 2-Liter Hydration Pack — $20.00

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.

Smartwool Everyday Solid Rib Ankle Socks — $19.00

Socks aren’t the most exciting gift, but a runner or outdoors enthusiast can never have too many socks. Smartwool makes some of the best out there. Made from merino wool, this is a perfect pair for colder days—it’s soft, warm, and moisture-wicking.

Sankuu Yoga Straps — $10.00

If you know someone who wants to further their yoga practice, consider giving them this yoga strap. It offers a hand for more difficult poses, and it can also work as an aid to stretch tired muscles.