72 affordable yet thoughtful gifts for her that are all under $50

A customizable photo book

Color Series Photo Book, available at Artifact Uprising, from $22

Get a little sentimental by commemorating their life highlights with this custom photo book. You can choose from 10 colors and fill up to 30 pages with photos, cool layouts, and special messages.

A starter kit from a popular makeup brand

If she’s always asking for makeup recommendations, this set from Glossier is bound to please. It comes with three brand favorites: Ultralip, a sheer lip tint; Lidstar, a cream shadow; and Cloud Paint, a liquid blush. Plus, the cult classic Cloud Paint doubles as a dewy cheek tint and vibrant eyeshadow. 

An elegant bottle holder

Wood Marble Wine Cooler, available at Pottery Barn, $39.95

This elegant marble-wood bottle holder keeps her favorite wine cool for hours on end. When she isn’t staging it next to a charcuterie board, the holder is just a bouquet away from doubling as a vase. 

A set of our tried-and-true SPF favorites

SPF from Head-to-Toe Kit, available at Supergoop!, $28

Every skincare fan knows SPF is a basic necessity and this Supergoop! set offers head-to-toe protection from UV rays. True to its name, the cult-favorite Unseen Sunscreen applies without a white cast that won’t mess up her makeup. If you’re unsure of her skin type and tone, you can’t go wrong with the best overall pick in our sunscreen guide, Supergoop’s PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50.

Read our full review of the Unseen Sunscreen here.

Read our full review of the Defense Refresh SPF 40 here.

A trio of succulents for the aspiring plant mom

Succulent Assortment, available at The Sill, from $24

For the aspiring plant mom, there’s nothing better than to start with tiny succulents. Marked by the brand as best for beginners, she can enjoy fresh houseplants delivered straight to her doorstep. This assortment can include either three succulents or six succulents, with both options under $50. 

Read our full review of The Sill here.

A picnic blanket for the spring and summer

Victory Blanket, available at Moosejaw, $43.99

With the sun coming out, there’s no better way to lay out or see friends than with a picnic. This blanket is fit for the occasion with its soft flannel top and waterproof bottom, plus straps to keep it compact and loops to hold it down on windier days. We’ve even ranked this one as the best for comfort in our guide to the best picnic blankets.

A personalized ring

Micro Signet Ring, available at GLDN, from $49

A ring is one of the ultimate gifts for her because it can signify so many things. You can get a letter of the alphabet engraved in this ring, and at no additional cost. The personal touch will make this a gift she’ll keep for years and years to come.

A cozy throw blanket to keep her warm

Wicked Plush Throw, available at L.L.Bean, from $29.95

This blanket has been a fan favorite for a while, which is why L.L.Bean carries this new and improved version. The brand has made the blanket even softer with 100% polyester that’s been brushed on both sides for an even more deluxe feel. It’s so soft she’ll want to be wrapped in it at all times, which is why we’ve also included it in our guide to the best throw blankets.

A personalized video message from her favorite celebrity

Personalized video message, starting at $1, available at Cameo

When trying to think of a thoughtful gift for her, one that might not immediately come to mind is Cameo. The online service has tons of famous people she might want a personalized video message from. Whether it’s for her birthday or the holidays, there’s something for everyone on Cameo, with prices as low as $1. You can get her favorite contestant from “The Bachelor,” Jay Jackson from “Parks and Recreation,” or Chris Gorham from “Ugly Betty,” each for under $50. 

Read more about Cameo and how to use Cameo.

A letter subscription service for the history buff

History by Mail Six-Month Subscription, available at Uncommon Goods, $37

Once a month for six months, this mail subscription service will send detailed replicas of historical documents, like Albert Einstein’s correspondence with FDR. A team of archivists digs up fascinating historical documents and graphic designers replicate them — handwriting, signatures, and all. 

A toiletry bag for smart organization

Skye Essentials Pouch, available at Dagne Dover, $35

Help her gear up for summer with Dagne Dover’s latest launch. Made with the brand’s signature neoprene material, the Skye zip pouch stores her essentials safely and stylishly and features multiple organizational pockets inside. 

A puzzle that commemorates a special date

New York Times Custom Front Page Puzzle, available at Uncommon Goods, $49.95

Celebrate her special day — birthday, anniversary, or milestone — with this puzzle, an interactive memento. Enter any date since 1851 and find the New York Times front page printed from that exact date.

An interactive cooking class

Sur La Table Online Cooking Classes, starting $29 per household

With Sur La Table’s virtual cooking classes, she can follow along to expert chefs live from the comfort of her own kitchen. These hands-on 90- to 120-minute classes cover everything from seasonal dishes to cocktails and desserts.

The at-home blowout tool

One-Step Hair Dryer And Volumizer Hot Air Brush, available at Ulta, $45.99

This all-in-one hairdryer from Revlon garnered a large following online and won the hearts of the Insider Reviews team. It rivals luxury hair tools at a fraction of the price. It’s a gamechanger for cutting down on time and heat damage to your hair, without sacrificing your look. 

Read our full review of the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Hot Air Brush here.

A workout tee for all seasons

Women’s UA Tech Twist V-Neck, available at Under Armour, $24.99

This bestselling workout shirt from Under Armour will keep them moving with four-way stretch construction and quick-drying, sweat-wicking fabric. Its looser fit encourages comfort during workouts, and it comes in 15 colors. It’s a solid, dependable choice for apparel, but if they’re in the market for accessories or gear instead, check out Under Armour’s gift guide.

The ultimate diffuser set

Aromatherapy Diffuser & Essential Oil Set, available at Amazon, $39.95

Help her find her inner zen with this essential oil bundle which includes, well, the essentials. The diffuser has seven ambient light modes and 10 oils that are perfect for creating an at-home spa vibe. 

A wearable sherpa blanket

The Comfy Oversized Wearable Blanket, available at Amazon, $39.99

As seen on Shark Tank, this wearable blanket lets you take comfort wherever you go. The plush, fluffy lining will keep her warm and cozy while lounging, camping, and more. Choose from 17 fun colors and opt for the original hoodie style or the quarter zip. Its large, oversized design is one size fits all.

A DIY birth month flower kit

Birth Month Flower Grow Kit, available at Uncommon Goods, $34

For a twist on the traditional bouquet of flowers, give her this flower kit that’s an easy and fun project. She’ll appreciate the personal touch of choosing her birth month flower, whether it be a sunflower, daisy, or marigold.

A box of chocolate bars from Madagascar

The chocolate connoisseur in your life will savor this gift box of four dark chocolate bars from Madagascar. She can indulge in flavors like Salted Almond, 80% Dark, Toasted Coconut, and Sea Salt, but you can also opt out of specific flavors to fit her taste preferences.

A reusable tote bag for trips to the market

Nothing compares to strolling through a farmer’s market with a sturdy tote instead of numerous plastic bags. This tote is both a convenient and eco-friendly choice for the avid shopper. Not to mention, it’s handmade and supports artisan women in rural Bangladeshi communities.

A painting kit for beginners

Springtime Paint-by-Number Kit, available at Uncommon Goods, $30

If she’s artistic — or strives to be — she’ll appreciate this painting kit that anyone can follow with ease. Creating her work of art will take up to three hours, but she’ll end up with a frame-worthy masterpiece.

A Kindle case that looks like her favorite book

KleverCase Kindle Paperwhite Case, available at Amazon, $29.95

You’ll find many classic book covers cleverly printed onto Kindle cases, along with one that looks like an unmarked leather-bound book. All she has to do is pop it on her e-reader.

An all-purpose tote with a detachable wristlet

Street Level Reversible Faux Leather Tote and Wristlet, available at Nordstrom, $49

Your first thought may be that a plain tote is sort of a boring gift — but hear us out! This one is reversible and features a detachable wristlet, which basically means you’re getting three different bags for $50. It’s a utilitarian gift with a fashion-friendly twist.

An exceptionally useful set of silicone container lids

Five Two Airtight Silicone Lids, available at Food52, $40

If she enjoys cooking, chances are she’s probably spent a good amount of time battling with her Tupperware drawer to find the right container and lid for her leftovers. These silicone lids have saved me over and over again and I recommend them to everyone — all you have to do is pop one over a bowl or baking dish and you get an airtight seal for easy storage in the fridge.

A portable charger that also lights up the bottom of her bag

Smart Handbag Light and Charger, available at Uncommon Goods, $35.95

No more frantically searching for gum or lip balm at the bottom of her giant tote bag — this little light can be attached to her keychain or even a zipper on her bag so she can easily see everything in its depths. It can also charge her phone.

A relaxing Himalayan salt lamp

Himalayan Glow Large Salt Lamp, available at Amazon, $12.14

There’s nothing quite as calming as the warm glow of a pink salt lamp. This sits on my list of all-time best gifts I’ve ever received — turning it on each night creates a relaxing vibe in my living room and helps me let go of the day’s stress.

A clever attachment that holds her AirPods

AirPods Wrist Fit Adapter, available at Amazon, $8.49

The frustrating thing about using AirPods is figuring out where to store them. This small attachment goes around any watch’s wristband and features two grippy holes that hold each AirPod.

A subscription to Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime gift subscription, three months, $39

Amazon Prime opens up a whole new world of access, be it to fast two-day shipping or any of the other 25-plus perks you’ll get with a membership. If you know she doesn’t have one yet, this is a smart gift — but in the case she does, she’ll get to use the $39 on anything she wants or needs from the site.

An Alexa-enabled smart plug

Alexa-Enabled Smart Plug, available at Amazon, $24.99

This voice-controlled smart plug allows her to control lights, chargers, and whatever else she wants through Alexa simply by plugging her devices into these outlets. She can also just use the Alexa app to turn the outlets on and off if she doesn’t have an Echo or wants to use her voice.

A highly coveted candle

Baies Candle, available at Bloomingdales, $38

Diptyque candles are about as chic and beloved as they come among candle lovers. The Baies scent is the company’s signature, with warming and sophisticated notes of rose and blackcurrant. This candle is best gifted to partners or very good friends. 

An inexpensive accessory for her phone

PopSockets, available at Amazon, from $10

PopSocket Grips are an inexpensive but extremely useful gift she’ll be happy to have. She can pop them on the back of her phone, Kindle, iPad, or any other device to create a comfortable grip that allows her to hold her device one-handed.

A monthly book subscription

Book of the Month, three months, starting at $49.99

Each month, this service curates five book choices — some of them early release — from which she’ll choose her favorite. The service will send the book directly to her, and she can also skip a month if she’s behind on her reading.

An adjustable rolling pin

Adjustable Rolling Pin, available at Amazon, from $15.99

Anyone who loves to bake will appreciate this adjustable rolling pin that allows for more precision in the thickness of dough. All she’ll have to do is remove or add the different sized rings and let them guide her.

Really nice socks she’s bound to want more of

Quarter Socks 4-pack, available at Bombas, $68.40

Bombas makes the best socks out there. Yes, they’re pricey, but you don’t know how worth it nice socks are until you try a pair yourself. There are no uncomfortable toe seams to give her blisters, and the special honeycomb stitching around the middle of the foot actually provides a bit of arch support.

Read our full review of Bombas socks here.

A letter board she can leave notes or cute phrases on

Felt Like Sharing Felt Letter Board, available at Amazon, from $20.95

Sporting events, holidays, parties — there are a ton of occasions during which these come in handy, but she’ll love being able to play around with it day to day at home with her favorite lyrics, phrases, or even messages to roommates. Choose from tons of felt colors (I’m partial to the light blue; it’s the one I use at home!). 

A pretty place to keep her phone

Bedside Smartphone Vase, available at Uncommon Goods, $32

This bedside vase is a fun way to spruce up her night stand, whether with fresh or faux flowers. It also works beautifully in the kitchen if she likes to follow recipes using her phone.

A comfy tee that goes with everything

The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Pocket Tee, available at Everlane, $18

Skip the boring pajamas — get her something she’ll want to wear every day. This cozy short-sleeve T-shirt from Everlane is as great for running errands as it is for wearing to work, depending on how she styles it. It also comes in a few other color options. 

Read our full review of The Cotton Box-Cut Tee here. 

The newest Amazon Echo Dot

Echo Dot (4th Generation), available at Amazon, $34.99

If she loves to blast music, talk on the phone, and have control over the home, this Alexa-powered speaker could be just what she needs. The most recent iteration of Amazon’s signature smart speaker has a new spherical shape that adds a modern feel to any room.

Read our full review of the Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) here.

A wine saver for open bottles

Wine Saver, available at Amazon, $14.99

Sometimes you just can’t finish the bottle of wine. That’s when the Vacu Vin comes in. It’s a simple, small gadget that removes the oxygen from your open bottle and gives it an airtight seal to preserve the freshness and prevent oxidation.

A cold brew maker

Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker, available at Amazon, $18.99

Caffeine lovers who can’t get enough of their favorite drink tend to spend a lot of money at coffee shops to get their fix. Make it easier for her to drink cold brew at home with this simple-to-use brewing pitcher.

Read our full review of the Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Ice Coffee Maker here.

A perfume subscription

Scentbird subscription, three months for $44

If she loves to switch up her scents, Scentbird is an affordable service that lets her choose a month’s supply of perfume from thousands of well-known and new fragrances. With a three-month subscription, she can switch it up each month or stick to the ones she knows and loves.

A popular cookbook she’s probably seen on Instagram

“Dessert Person” by Claire Saffitz, available at Target, $22.99

Whether she’s new to the kitchen or it’s her favorite room in the house, Claire Saffitz’s new cookbook will guide her through tons of easy-to-make desserts.

The Insider Reviews team has also loved “Indian-ish: Recipes and Antics from a Modern American Family” by Priya Krishna, which is chock full of Indian-American and nontraditional recipes like Roti Pizza and Saag Feta. Check out our guide to the best cookbooks here. 

A trendy candle she’s probably already got her eyes on

Otherland Candles available at Otherland, $36

An Otherland candle makes for one of the best gifts you can give for any occasion if you ask us. They come beautifully packaged, and they feature scents that are complex and rich.

Read our full review of Otherland candles here.

A flexible herb garden for the home

Mason Jar Indoor Herb Garden, available at Uncommon Goods, $20

These mason jar planters can be set up in so many ways — from the window sill to the kitchen counter. They’re great for anyone who loves cooking with fresh herbs, especially if they live in cold climates where their outdoor herb gardens don’t grow for half the year.

A way for her to share and pass down memories and traditions

My Life Story So Far, available at Uncommon Goods, $30

This book is sort of like a guided journal for her to record her memories, accomplishments, and experiences. No matter her age, it’s something she’ll undoubtedly enjoy keeping track of and sharing with others.

A natural body scrub

Coco Rose Exfoliating Body Scrub, available at Sephora, $36

Pamper her with this coconut and rose infused body scrub that gently exfoliates. It’ll leave her skin feeling soft and moisturized – not to mention she’ll smell of coconut and roses wherever she goes. You can read more about this product in our guide to the best body scrubs. 

A tablet for easy entertainment

Fire 7 Tablet with Alexa, available at Best Buy, $49.99

Great for traveling or lounging at home, the Amazon Fire 7 Tablet is an affordable way to stay connected to all her favorite apps, games, and streaming services on a larger screen than what her phone has to offer.

A fashion-friendly belt bag

Herschel Belt Bag, available at Nordstrom, from $31.99

Belt bags (aka fanny packs) are making a comeback, and we’re not mad about it. They’re convenient, practical, and a simple way to add a stylish pop to any outfit.

An excellent cookbook for entertainers

“Platters and Boards: Beautiful, Casual Spreads for Every Occasion” by Shelly Westerhausen, available at Amazon, $15.40

If having people over is more of a pleasure than a chore for her, she’ll adore this cookbook full of clever recipe ideas for casual entertaining.

A smart way for her to stay organized while traveling

Travel Cord Roll, available at Uncommon Goods, $20

Frequent travelers need a way to keep all their cords and cables organized. This leather roll-up organizer has eight slots for cords and headphones plus a pouch where your charger base can fit.

A simple knitting kit for beginners

Braille Beanie Knitting Kit, available at We Are Knitters, $44

Whether she’s new to knitting or a long-time pro, this crafty beanie kit has everything she needs — from the yarn, to the needles, and of course, the instructions.

A clever way to collect accomplishments and hopes

Birthstone Wishing Balls, available at Uncommon Goods, $32

These wishing balls come with a strip of paper for every week in the year on which she can write everything from her hopes and dreams to the things she’s proud of accomplishing over the past seven days. You don’t have to go for her birthstone — you could easily just choose her favorite color.

A comfy neck pillow for trains and planes

Neck Pillow, available at Amazon, $29.99

If she travels a lot (or has bad travel anxiety), the gift of comfort is one she’ll undoubtedly appreciate.

Read our full review of the Trtl Neck Pillow here.

A guide full of inspiration for her future adventures

“The Bucket List” by Kath Stathers, available at and Amazon, from $21.11

This worldwide bucket list won’t cure her wanderlust, but it’ll definitely provide her inspiration and fodder for planning her travels.

A set of tinted lip balms

Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment, available at Nordstrom, $24

If her beauty preferences tend to be more on the natural side, it’s likely she loves a good tinted lip balm. Fresh makes some of the best — the color options are universally flattering and the easy, and the formula is smooth, hydrating, and buttery. We’ve even named this one the best tinted lip balm with SPF in our guide to the best tinted lip balms. 

A dainty pair of hoops that are anything but average

Shooting Star Open Hoop Earrings, available at Maison Miru, $39

It seems like everyone on our team has a pair of these open hoops. Their horseshoe shape is just different enough to set them apart, while a tiny, twinkly cubic zirconia catches the light just enough to add a bit of sparkle.

A customizable box of candy for adults

Satisfy her sweet tooth with a custom box of candy. Sugarfina’s candies are distinctly “adult” — but she’ll still feel like a kid when she digs into a box of rosé gummies.

An armband that holds her phone on runs or at the gym

Water-Resistant Arm Band, available at Amazon, $14.98

If she loves to run or spends a lot of time at the gym, this top-rated arm band will definitely be a lifesaver for her. Just make sure you know what model phone she carries as you may have to check different brands for different phone sizes. 

A makeup and skincare subscription

Birchbox three month gift subscription, $45

Birchbox is a skincare and makeup subscription that sends tons of beauty samples for her to test out and play around with. If she loves any of them, she can easily buy the full-sized version through the service. You can opt to give a longer subscription if you’d like. 

Read our full review of Birchbox here.

A picture frame for Instax Mini photos

Polaroid Cube Picture Frame, available at Urban Outfitters, $12

This cube picture frame is meant to hold photos from a Polaroid camera, but even if neither of you have one, it would still be a sweet gift to print out some photos of you together in the proper dimensions. 

A convenient yoga mat carrier

Go Play Yoga Mat Bag, available at Manduka, $35

If she’s a fitness enthusiast who frequents local yoga classes, a carrying strap will make her life much easier (especially if she walks or takes the subway to her class).

A puzzle of her heroines

Nevertheless She Persisted Puzzle, available at Uncommon Goods, $18

This puzzle features illustrations of both prominent and lesser-known women who have shaped and changed the course of history.

A portable external battery

PowerCore 10,000mAh External Battery, available at Amazon, $24.99

A good external battery is one of those practical gifts she probably needs but won’t buy herself. Treat her to a good one that holds enough juice to charge her iPhone three times, or her Galaxy twice over.

A massager to melt away tension

Shiatsu Massager, available at Amazon, $49.95

This shiatsu massager is, to date, one of the best things we’ve ever bought. It kneads away tension and stress in the back and shoulders, and can even be used on sore leg muscles after a workout. She’ll be thanking you for years to come.

Read our full review of the Zyllion Shiatsu Massager here. 

A planner to help her stay organized

All-In-One Planner, available at Ivory Paper Co., $49

Working out your day, month, and year can sometimes feel overwhelming, but this planner makes life easier with its neat and straightforward layout. Plus, you can pick the start date and length of the planner and even add her name for a more personal touch. For more options, you can check out our roundup of the best planners. 

Reusable produce bags

Reusable mesh produce bags (5-pack), available at Amazon, $7.97

If she’s an avid grocery shopper who opts for eco-friendly products, she’ll appreciate this functional and sustainable set of mesh produce bags. The color-coded tags and drawstrings are an added bonus that’ll help keep things organized.

Red and White Wine Inspired Bath Soaps

Set of Four Wine Soaps, available at Uncommon Goods, $30 

If she always has a glass of wine at the end of the day, make it a daily routine with these wine inspired soaps. This all-natural vegan soap mimics favorite red and white wines through its oils and scents. The wine soap set includes chardonnay, cabernet, pinot noir, and pinot grigio. So whether it’s the citrus scent of a bar of chardonnay or the fruity odor from a pinot noir, let your skin drink and soak in these charming soaps.

Cozy Heatable Pair of Slippers

Aromatherapy Heatable Slippers, available at Grommet, $48

The aromatherapy heatable slippers can become her new at home spa treatment with minimal effort. To help her unwind, warm the insoles in the microwaves with the included bag for up to 30 seconds. She’ll feel a greater peace of mind, especially with its long-lasting flax seed and lavender scents.

A monthly subscription to handpicked rental jewelry pieces

Rocksbox Jewelry Subscription Box, available at Rocksbox, $21 per month

Let her experiment and curate her jewelry tastes with this monthly jewelry subscription box. It offers a three piece jewelry rental according to her personal style. From a choker necklace to statement earrings and rings, the choices are affordably limitless. The monthly membership allows her to wear and swap sets whenever she likes, with the option to eventually buy them at an additional price. It’s hard to gift jewelry she’ll absolutely love, so give her options. 

Handcrafted Set of Minimalist Coasters

The Vintage Vogue Linea Coasters (Set of 4), available at West Elm, $29

A clever way to keep her home clean and stylish is with these vintage Vogue Linea coasters. These minimalist chic coasters provide any home decor with more flair and care. 

A female figure candle

Goddess Figure Candle, available at Uncommon Goods, $50

Any candle or art enthusiast would love how this candle exquisitely captures the female form. It shows an appreciation of women’s beauty in its varying body types that promote body positivity and inclusivity. Available in black, brown, or a natural wax color, this single candle evokes the inner goddess in her.

A pair of one pound wearable weights

Balabangles Wearable Weights, available at Uncommon Goods, $49

If she’s into fitness or enjoys accessorizing her athleisure outfits, these one pound weights are a chic and comfy choice. They are adjustable weights that can be worn on the wrists or ankles. In either black or pink soft silicone material, this stylish workout tool adds intensity to any workout whether it’s pilates or a mini workout like simply running errands.