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Thanksgiving is coming, which means there are lots of choices to make: sweet potatoes or mashed, dressing or stuffing, pumpkin or pecan pie (or both)? After all of that, you have to decide on gifts for everyone on your list. Luckily, we’ve done some of the work for you: We've scouted the best gifts under $50, so once the turkey has been carved and the decision fatigue has started to settle in, you'll be in very good hands.
A few favorites…
- For the sober-curious host: Pentire Adrift, $48 at Big Night
- For the pasta-loving oracle: Pasta Tarot,
$22$17 at Amazon - For the fancy chocolate connoisseur: Spring and Mulberry Essence Collection, $45 at Spring and Mulberry
- For the meal prepper: Zojirushi 3 Cup Rice Cooker,
$60$50 at Amazon
You may have noticed we really like food around here. Well, we’re pretty sure we’re not the only ones. A lot of the gifts on this list are edible, like fiery chili crisps, chocolates infused with essential oils, and a fancy pasta meal kit. There are also some gifts that are food-inspired, like fruit-infused skin care, and a 1,000-piece breakfast-themed puzzle.
Whether you’re buying for the consummate host, the stylish globetrotter, or the hard-to-impress foodie, we believe there is a perfect gift for everyone. We also believe that the phrase “gifts under $50” doesn’t have to mean impersonal gift cards, or yet another boring candle (although we do feature a cute one on this list).
So go ahead: kick back, enjoy that leftover Thanksgiving sando you've been dreaming about all year, and do some stress-free shopping. It'll be the easiest thing you do all month.
When we're in the middle of a big cooking project and only need a pinch of something, it's kind of a drag to haul out an electric spice grinder. That's just part of why we love this cast-iron model by Frieling—it's super simple to break down pods and seeds with just a few turns. It's also chic enough that you won't mind seeing it on your countertop if you need to store any leftover spices inside.
There are many reasons to be “sober-curious” (and now, more than ever, many alternatives to boozy bevs). The next time you're going to a house party or dinner, try bringing a bottle of this zero-proof spirit from Pentire. Your host and their guests can spend the night toasting with nonalcoholic versions of vodka or gin cocktails and wake up the next morning hangover-free.
The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is a classic, but when you're shopping for someone who loves classic red sauce Italian, you need to get them this deck. The traditional Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles give way to different pasta shapes (short, stuffed, long, and tiny, respectively), and tarot reading has never been more delicious.
Confession: ever since Emily in Paris showed us how fun it is to drink champagne from a coupette, we've been a little obsessed. Call us basic (or ringarde) if you must—these gorgeous, lightweight crystal glasses are anything but.
The next best thing to the smell of freshly baked pastries? This cute cake stand candle from Anthropologie, which brings a touch of retro whimsy to your baking bestie’s home. There are a variety of colors and scents to choose from, but we think this Winter Woods and Vanilla scent is particularly delicious for the holiday season.
Not to be nerdy, but we kind of have a thing for food-themed puzzles. Le Puzz’s super-colorful 1,000-piece puzzle is a great way to unplug for a bit, and it’s currently our favorite way to get breakfast on the table.
Tell your mom her ancient Bundt pan can finally rest. This beautiful braided pan from Nordic Ware will breathe new life into bakes, whether it’s an autumnal Apple Butter Spice Cake or a Christmas gingerbread.
How do you repay that friend who always greets you with an incredible snack spread? Buy them this chic ceramic Brie baker. Think of all the herb-baked Brie, lemony crab dips, and confit garlic you’ll have to look forward to on your next visit.
As food people, we’re huge fans of chocolate gifts, and this handsomely packaged gift set of botanically infused, date-sweetened dark chocolate bars from Spring & Mulberry is on our wish list. This would be equally great as a treat for your favorite chocolate lover or as a hit at a White Elephant party.
For the friend who is always complaining about their boring packed lunches or same old take-out dinners, we have the cure: this trio of sauces from Fly By Jing. They’re tangy, spicy, and sweet, so no more excuses, Boring Lunch Friend. Our food director, Chris Morocco, loves their Zhong Sauce on everything from dumplings to scrambled eggs.
Oxo’s Rapid Brewer will help the caffeine fiend on your list make a perfect cup of hot or iced coffee literally anywhere. It’s super low-profile, so it travels well and stashes easily. We’re big fans of the stainless-steel filter basket, which makes annoying paper filters a thing of the past.
Travel mugs are great, but we have a soft spot for one that actually looks like a mug. We love this redesign of MiiR’s classic Camp Cup. It comes in a variety of colorways (we love the tidal blue speckle pictured below), and the extra-wide base means your gift-getter doesn’t have to worry about the dreaded desktop spill.
Printfresh x Sean Taylor’s toile “Girls’ Trip” pattern is full of cute Easter eggs–including croissants, piña coladas, and actual eggs. We love it on this quilted pouch, which is roomy enough to pack enough healthy snacks for the whole squad on your next trip.
Skin care can be intimidating. You know what isn’t intimidating? Fruit. This six-piece sampler of fruit-infused skin care is fun and friendly with ingredients like watermelon essence and avocado oil, so it’s a great starter kit for that sibling who, at 35, is finally thinking they should maybe moisturize.
As you may have already heard, we believe every kitchen needs a Zojirushi rice cooker. This small, single-switch model is a thoughtful gift to the determined home cook who is short on time and counter space.
For that friend that always tells you “the camera eats first,” these marble trays provide an elegant backdrop for food photography. Plus, they make a swanky addition to a guest bedroom, which means your ears will be ringing as your friend collects compliment after compliment from their visitors.
San Francisco restaurant Flour + Water is serious about pasta (they literally wrote a book about it)–but if a trip to SF isn’t in the cards for you, this collab with Jacobsen Salt Co. is the next best thing. Armed with a recipe by co-chef Ryan Pollnow and Jacobsen’s genius Disco di Sale, this is the perfect gift for the timid chef who seeks an impressive at-home dinner for two.
Eating well is important, and that includes what you're feeding your skin. Weleda's Skin Food line is chock full of nutritious ingredients like sunflower seed oil, cocoa seed butter, and shea butter (and it's cruelty-free), making this an incredibly nourishing gift for that person on your list who always has chapped lips and dry skin in the winter.
