11 Brilliant Gifts for $20 and Under

It may feel tempting to splurge on your loved ones this time of year, but a gift doesn’t have to be expensive to show someone you care. Here are 11 smart options to consider when holiday shopping on a budget.

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1. SNICKERDOODLE S’MORES KIT; $19

Nothing melts away the winter blues like a toasty s’more. This kit from Ticket Chocolate mixes up the classic formula with four cinnamon marshmallows, four cinnamon vanilla bean white chocolate squares, and eight honey graham crackers. The result is a snickerdoodle-inspired treat that can be whipped up in less time than it would take to mix the cookie dough.

Find It: Ticket Chocolate

2. STATE SLATE CHEESE BOARDS; $20

Maybe you're shopping for a Wisconsin cheesehead, or someone who hails from the cheddar-loving state of Vermont. No matter their home state, there’s a cheese board out there for every American. These slate boards are available in all 50 states and the continental U.S. The cut and polished material keeps fromage naturally cool, and the surface can be safely scribbled over with chalk. That means hosts can label their cheese selection at parties—or label their state’s top geographical landmarks for fun.

Find It: Uncommon Goods

3. COCKTAIL-INFUSED ICE CUBES; $15

You don’t need to be a master mixologist to stir up a killer cocktail. All it takes are these infused ice cubes. Each one contains a bold combination of flavors—from blood orange ginger to cucumber watermelon. After the 12 packets of liquid have been frozen, imbibers can pop one into their liquor of choice and wait for the ice to dissolve for a quick, bar-quality drink.

Find It: Uncommon Goods

4. CUSTOMIZED GREETABL BOX; PRICE VARIES

Even in the age of email and social media, nothing compares to receiving a physical card from a loved one. Greetabl has found a way to make greeting cards feel even more personal by transforming them into gift boxes. To create a Greetabl of your own, visit the website and pick a pattern for the box’s exterior. From there, you select what goes inside—options include chocolates, candles, and beauty products ranging from $3 to $20. The real gift is the packaging itself. Greetabl gives you the option to print tearable photos and a personal message on the inside of the box. The final cost comes out to anywhere from $12 to $29.

Find It: Greetabl

5. HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN PERSONAL STYLE KIT; $19

Consider this an essential survival kit for a night on the town. This 4-inch-by-2.5-inch aluminum tin contains everything necessary to look and feel great for hours on end, including emergency cufflinks, lint remover, stain remover, a mending kit, nail clippers, a deodorant towelette, breath freshener, lip balm, and aspirin. The lid even provides instructions for tying a tie, in case a refresher course is needed.

Find It: Papersource

6. THE BEATLES LIMITED EDITION NOTEBOOK; $20

Show your favorite music fan how in-tune you are with their love for the Fab Four. Moleskine's Beatles Limited Edition notebook, inspired by the 1968 film Yellow Submarine, offers up 192 blank, ruled pages as well as themed stickers.

Find It: Moleskine

7. NÜGG FACE MASK 4-PACK; $20

The holidays can be stressful. Give a loved one the gift of relaxation with this set of four cruelty-free masks—beloved by beauty pros—that promise results in just 5 minutes. Each set includes an exfoliating mask, a soothing mask, a hydrating mask, and a revitalizing mask, all made of natural oils and ingredients.

Find It: Amazon

8. 3-PIECE TIE BAR SET; $19

A snazzy tie clip is the perfect accessory to complement your loved one’s sharp style. At 1.5 inches long, these clips are best suited for slim and moderately skinny ties. The set includes three options—black, gold, and silver—to wear in both professional and relaxed settings.

Find It: Amazon

9. PRISM JEWELRY TRAY; $15

This gem-shaped tray is just as pretty as the jewelry it’s meant to hold. Brass-plated bands connect to form the elegant 9.5-inch-by-6.5-inch frame. The linen bed is perfect for holding rings, bracelets, and earrings, but keys or a cell phone would fit in just as well.

Find It: Uncommon Goods

10. HOMEMADE GIN KIT; FROM $20

There’s something deeply satisfying about sipping booze made at home. And we’re not talking about backyard moonshine—this home gin kit lets you brew a complex, dignified drink that’s fit to serve any guest that may walk through the door. No bulky distilling equipment required: Brewers provide the vodka base and the juniper berries and botanical herbs do the rest. In addition to the aromatics, the kit comes with two Italian glass jugs for brewing and a funnel and mesh sieve for straining out the final product.

Find It: Uncommon Goods

11. LAPTOP SLEEVE CASE; $11

OURAI’s chic laptop sleeve protects computers in style. The outer coating is high-quality felt, and the interior is soft flannel designed to safeguard devices from scratching, water, and mold. It also features smaller compartments for holding books, tablets, ear-buds, smartphones, and other gear. When owners are ready to pack up, the sleeve folds into a bag with a synthetic leather Velcro strap to keep the contents secure. The 14.4-inch-by-10-inch case is the perfect fit for any laptop 13.3 inches or under.

Find It: Amazon