OG etiquette expert Emily Post has lots of guidance on gift-giving etiquette: don’t re-gift something handmade, always send a thank you even if the gift sucks, and never under any circumstances show up to someone’s house empty-handed. She doesn’t, however, have any bones to pick with inexpensive gifts.
That said, you can confidently proceed without spending too much and still give a gift that really wows. And etiquette notwithstanding, there are plenty of crowd-pleasing, unique options that don’t break the bank. Here are some options.
Lafco Candle
Candles are for everyone, and Lafco is a high-quality brand that’s not too spendy. “The gardenia scent is DIVINE,” says Houston-based interior designer Lizzy Shaw. “And the pretty glass tumbler could be reused once the candle is out. It smells so strong but fresh.”
Check Utensil Holder
Checks and gingham are in, and this blue checkerboard utensil holder will make the recipient’s kitchen look more on-trend. Plus, if you do want to spend a little more, you can give it with some kitchen tools inside. This would be great for a housewarming or host gift.
Lalo Blanco Tequila
Are you sick of Casamigos everything? You’re in good company. George Clooney’s ubiquitous, aggressively marketed tequila is full of additives that give it a saccharine finish. The good news is there’s better stuff out there. Lalo Blanco tequila is clean and smooth — a “pure expression of agave,” according to VinePair, which included the brand as its highest-rated tequila in its list of top-rated spirits of 2022.
Yeti Mug
Yeah, these things are everywhere, but that’s because they actually do the job they’re supposed to do. And if you’re giving a gift to the type of person who sips on coffee all day long, this is the thing for them! It will actually keep their java warm so those additional visits to the microwave won’t be necessary.
Hot Ones Sampler
Condiments are surprisingly great gifts, and Hot Ones is one of the first names in hot sauce. This sampler comes with three options, which are said to fit into America’s grand hot sauce traditions. Hard to argue with that!
Fishwife Classic Smoky Trio
Thanks to TikTok, tin fish is having a moment — just last year, sales of the product category were up 10 percent. Fishwife sells delicious, aesthetically pleasing tinned salmon, tuna, and so much more. This sampler offers three of the brand’s favorites at an affordable price point.
Modern Five-Line a Day: One Year Memory Journal
This journal is one of SPY wellness editor Taylor Galla’s picks for an affordable gift. “This One Line a Day journal is a great gift for the person in your life who wants to journal but never has the time,” Galla said. “Everyone has time for one sentence a day, and it has space for one sentence on each date for five years in a row so you can look back down memory lane after enough time and dedication. It’s a gorgeous notebook with a few different color options and high-quality detailing that makes it feel expensive despite the sub-$20 price tag.”
Garden Jar
Maybe there’s someone in your life who wants to tip their toe into the waters of gardening, but they don’t have the time or the space to do so. Modern Sprout’s garden jars are an accessible way in, and they’re only $20. Basil’s a good choice, too, because it’s an ingredient that most people use all the time.
Levain Signature Cookie
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better cookie than the ones from Levain. They’re spendy, sure, but they’re, as the millennials would say, dank AF. They’re thick, full of decadent ingredients, and delicious. Send a sampler to someone special.
Diptyque Bar Soap
Diptyque is certainly a pricey brand, but its soap bars are a taste of luxury without having to drop a dime. It also goes without saying that pretty much anything from Diptyque smells absolutely amazing.
Latime Ice Roller
A little recovery never hurts. “Hungover, tired, or not — an ice roll feels heavenly on the face first thing in the morning,” Galla said. “Leave this baby in the freezer and come the early hours, tired, puffy eyes will be soothed by its little orb. It doesn’t take up a ton of room while being a lovely self-care ritual the first thing in the morning.”