It’s been an incredibly tough year financially for most people, so it’s no wonder you’re looking for some unique and thoughtful gifts that won’t break the bank. And, you honestly don’t need to fork out heaps of money to find a gift that your friends, family and co-workers will love. In fact, some of the most budget-friendly gifts are those that are fun, quirky and practical and leave the longest impact on the gift receiver.
To save you some time in this extremely busy period, we’ve rounded up some of our favourites to help you find the right fit. From beauty to candles, tech products and apparel, our selection of gifts for under $50 has you covered for a stress-free holiday season.
Deus Ex Machina New Classics Tote Bag, $34.99
Cult streetwear brand Deus is the master of creating effortlessly cool products and this tote bag is no different. Made from 100% cotton canvas, this tote has the Deus logo on both sides and can be used for everything from shopping to beach days.
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+, $40
Sunscreen is a product that should be used for everyone, every day, so give the gift of sun protection this Chrissy. Mecca Cosmetica’s Superscreen contains SPF50 and offers protection against UVA and UVB rays as well as free radicals. As far as sunscreens go, this one is a winner and layers under makeup seamlessly.
Koala Eco Gift Collection (Lemon Scented Eucalyptus & Rosemary), $41.90
Made with safe, powerful, plant-based Australian essentials oils, this Hand Wash and Hand & Body Lotion set from Koala Eco makes caring for your hands much more enjoyable. And, you can rest easy in the knowledge that everything made by the team at Koala Eco is biodegradable, greywater and septic safe and there is no new plastic used in the creation of this bottle thanks to the use of post-consumer recycled plastic.
The Body Shop Shave Away Kit, $35
Shopping for your dad, brother or partner can be tough at times but if there’s one thing they need, it’s definitely a shaving kit. The Shave Away Kit by The Body Shop includes a skin-soothing shaving cream and a shaving brush, packed together in cute cork packaging.
Freixenet Pinot Grigio, $26
The glamourous and ornate diamond-cut bottle that holds Freixenet’s newest wine — a sumptuous Italian Pinot Grigio — simply screams ‘party’, and in the holiday season, we can’t think of a better gift for the host with the most. Get it now from all good wine retailers.
Revlon Oh! My Glow, $39.95
Take the hassle out of Christmas shopping by picking up Revlon’s Oh! My Glow kit. With four products, which includes Revlon’s Volumazing Mascara in Blackest Black, the Photoready Prime Plus Primer Perfecting and Smoothing, Kiss Glow Lip Oil in Bouncy Beige and Powder Blush in Tickled Pink, this is the perfect gift for the makeup fan in your life.
Ecoya Juniper Berry & Mint Kitchen Gift Set, $44.95
Chic cleaning products is where its at and Ecoya’s kitchen cleaning set is one that your loved ones will be happy to leave on display. The set comes with a washing liquid and spray and wipe as well as a cotton cloth for cleaning.
Flex Factory ReFlex Conversation Card Game, $39.99
Influencer, DJ, TV presenter, podcaster and entrepreneur, Flex Mami, has created a series of conversation card games designed to bring about meaningful conversation with friends, strangers, family, you name it. The deck includes 49 cards with topics on love, life, death, politics, religion, purpose, and career, with one example being: “Do you think your ex would have nice things to say about you?”.
Fenty Beauty Holo’daze Eyeshadow Palette + Mini Mascara, $44
Fenty Beauty’s Holo’daze kit includes a mini Full Frontal Mascara and Eyeshadow Palette that is perfect for the glam girl or boy in your life. The bright and bold eyeshadows shades will allow them to create fierce holiday-inspired eye looks, finished off with a lick of mascara.
Vitaman Shave & Beard Oil, $25
This two-in-one product by Vitaman can be used as a shaving oil that helps achieve a close shave, or for those beardy guys, works to nourish and hydrate their skin and facial hair. Perfect for sensitive skin, this is a great stocking stuffer for the man in your life.
Saint Belford Wisdom Within Journal, $34.95
With 198 lined pages, this journal from Saint Belford is a great gift for pretty much anyone in your life. Journalling is a wonderful practice to get in the habit of as it can help you process what is going on, while also planning for your future. This journal also contains a section called “Lightbulb Moments” where important thoughts and ideas can be jotted down to come back at a later date.
Barney Cools Leisure Club Hat, $39.95
Not only does this cap by Barney Cools look, um, cool, but it’s also a much-needed accessory for the sunny summer months. The hat has an adjustable snapback fastening and thanks to the simple design, is versatile enough to be worn with a number of different outfits.
Endota The Perfect Pair Bon Bon, $35
Treat lips and hands to a burst of hydration with Endota’s The Perfect Pair Bon Bon, which is housed in festive packaging design by Deborah Yadda from Marnin Studio — Indigenous art and therapeutic studio operating out of the Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre in Fitzroy Crossing in the West Kimberley. A percentage of Endota’s COLOUR retail sales also goes back to Marnin Studio.
Mecca Cosmetica Mask Library, $35
Who doesn’t love a sheet mask? The Mask Library by Mecca Cosmetica is a genius pressie idea and is literally the equivalent of gifting self-care to your friend or family member. Filled with four masks, including two sheet masks, a lip mask and an eye mask, this is perfect for those who prioritise skincare and relaxation in equal measure.
Thermos Microwavable Food Jar, $39.95
A practical gift is a good gift and you can’t go past a trusty Thermos. Not only does this product cut down the need for single-use plastic, but it allows the user to keep their food hot for up to four hours or cold for up to nine. It’s also microwavable and is cool to touch with hot liquids and sweatproof with cold.
The Melbourne Pawtisserie DIY Pupcake Kit, $34.95
Treat your four-legged friend to some puppy cupcakes this Christmas. Easy to make and packed with veg and dog-friendly ingredients, this is a cute way to celebrate your furry friend, or as a gift for your dog-loving human friend.
Synergie Skin Christmas Bonbon Kit, $29
Housed in a festive teal bonbon, this limited edition pack includes two deluxe minis of Synergie Skin’s bestselling Vitamin B and ÜberZinc as well as two bonus sachets of ImprovEyes Day and SuperSerum+ for an extra treat. This is an easy and affordable way to give the gift of luxury skincare without blowing out your budget.
The Body Shop Christmassy Body Butter Trio, $25
The Body Shop is famous for its nourishing body butters, so who wouldn’t want to receive a Christmas-themed trio of these cult products?! With scents including Festive Berry, Warm Vanilla and Winter Jasmine, these butters will leave skin feeling soft and nourished.
Milky Feet Exfoliating Foot Treatment, $29.95
Milky Foot is an intense exfoliation treatment that leaves feet looking and feeling silky smooth and is perfect for the beauty enthusiast in your life. Formulated with AHAs, BHAs and herbal extracts, this treatment removes hardened skin, softens calluses and moisturises feet. It’s truly a weird but wonderful experience.
