Along with sweet memories and mugs full of piping hot cocoa, the holiday season can also come with headaches (or, if you're me, constant panic) and an unhappy wallet. Seeing as a single bottle of fancy moisturizer or pair of cute sneakers can easily cost upwards of a hundred bucks, most of the items on pretty much anyone’s wish list aren’t usually budget-friendly. So if you’re searching for a lil something for someone who loves luxurious gifts (because, like, who doesn’t?!), but you don’t have a ton of extra money to blow on presents (because, like, who does?!), we’ve got your back.
Here at Cosmo, we like to think of ourselves as the bougie frugal types, so when it comes to getting the best cheap Christmas gifts that are top-tier quality, we know all the ins and outs on where to find them. And since you have your whole family (and then some!), with maybe not a whole lot of $$$ to spend on presents, you can trust you're in the right place. We've scoured the internet for the absolute best holiday gifts that won't wreak havoc on your budget. So whether you're on the hunt for a gift for your mom, sister, or BFF, below are 66 affordable gift ideas that look and feel expensive on the cheap.
TBH, this is a perfect gift for anybody on your list. Thanks to its built-in Alexa, this Amazon Echo Show 5 can help anyone stay organized, keep track of reminders, remain in contact with friends or fam, and, if you live alone, can even feel like a virtual roommate to keep you company now and then.
One of the biggest discoveries of my adult life is how unnecessarily expensive mirrors are, but not this one. Not only does it have solid ratings on Amazon, but it is also portable, can light up, and has a suction cup so you can move it around how you need it.
Give the gift of fab nails this season with these custom press on sets. Similarly to Etsy, West Tenth is a marketplace where you can shop small businesses; with LIT Nail Co. being a Black-owned salon that specializes in nail art and has stunning reusable sets you can buy all for under $65.
Who doesn't love to have fun while accessorizing? This acrylic ring with green crystals is from a celeb fave brand (hello, Ariana Grande and Doja Cat), and will add a pop of color to any OOTD.
A pair of chic black sunglasses are a wardrobe must for any fashion enthusiast. They'd really appreciate a pair or two if they're always on top of the latest trends.
This necklace makes an impression all on its own, needing little to no effort to make any outfit a knock out of the park. I know it's on the pricier side but the fashionista in your life is sure to use it whenever they want all eyes on them (which...is probably always).
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this luxe fragrance set
Yves Saint Laurent Libre Black Opium & Mon Paris Trio Perfume Set
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this luxe fragrance set
Yves Saint Laurent Libre Black Opium & Mon Paris Trio Perfume Set
Got a perfume collector on your list? Gift them these adorable YSL mini fragrances. The set includes the brand's classic Black Opium fragrance (which is the perfect going-out scent with notes of coffee, white flowers, and vanilla) and the Libre perfume (which has notes of lavender, orange blossom, and musk accord). Plus, you'll get the Mon Paris Eau de Parfum where red berry blends with datura flower and musk.
Candles are always an easy route if you're stumped on what to get. This pretty one smells just as good as it looks, if not better, thanks to sweet notes of pineapple, honey, and coconut mixed with the warm scents of musk and vanilla bean.
This sleek coffee maker is ideal if counter space is limited for them. This lil guy can make a full 16-ounce cup of coffee using pre-packaged coffee pods or their fave coffee grounds. Plus, there's no paper filter needed, as it has a removable filter for easy cleaning.
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this pretty print
Frank Moth You Loved me a Thousand Summers ago Art Print
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this pretty print
Frank Moth You Loved me a Thousand Summers ago Art Print
If their apartment aesthetic is all about eccentric prints and patterns, they'll love to receive this pretty floral art print. Wherever they decide to hang it, it'll surely be a statement piece.
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these stud earrings
Nordstrom 1ct tw Cubic Zirconia Earrings in Platinum
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these stud earrings
Nordstrom 1ct tw Cubic Zirconia Earrings in Platinum
Okay, $108 is not exactly friendly on the wallet, I’ll admit it. However, and I emphasize, however, this customizable blanket has ~quite~ a similar vibe as its more expensive cousin. *cough cough Hermès, who?!*
Trust me when I say, you can never have too many gold hoops. Take it from someone who seems to have an endless amount of hoops, but never any that match. Gift this pair to your BFF or sis. They’ll thank you later.
Jacquelyn Greenfield is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers the best gift ideas, sales, and more across all things beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and sex. She has a serious obsession with sneakers and lives for a great clear lip gloss. She previously worked at Nylon and has had bylines in The Zoe Report, Coveteur, and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty in the makeup, skin, and hair spaces, as well as some fashion and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to achieve ridiculously glowing skin, a super bouncy blowout, or exactly how to use that viral face mask? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As NYC's newest resident, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini this city has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram where you'll see that her account is mostly dedicated to pics of her cute dog and that magazine life.
Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram.