The Low-Cost, High-Joy Gift Guide: 53 Gifts That Are Impossible Not to Love
So you want to buy a good gift that brings a smile to its recipient's face—not an "Oh, thaaanks" response, but a genuine one—yet doesn't result in entering 2024 with debt? You're not alone in feeling like that's an impossible ask. After years of doling out gift advice, we're very familiar with the pressures of the festive season. Accordingly, the Low-Cost, High-Joy Gift Guide was born. We're in our second season and have another batch of truly special gifts for you.
For weeks, Who What Wear's team of expert gift givers has been scouring the web, hand-selecting presents with explicit guidelines. It has to be affordable (the average price in this guide is $33) and be unique enough to spark joy. French gifts were selected, as were items recommended by the coolest in-the-know individuals and luxury gifts that have no business being affordable. There's food, stuff to put food in, and some more food. In other words, the 53-part gift guide below isn't like the others you've seen—it's better. Scroll down and let us convince you that good gifts don't have to be pricey.
If you're someone who, in addition to listening to holiday music before Thanksgiving, starts thinking about the gifts they need to buy way early, going the custom route is always a good idea. No matter what it is that you personalize, it'll inherently pass along the message to the recipient that you put some serious thought and effort into their gift, thus winning significant brownie points. The gifts below are both customizable and shockingly impressive for their low prices, and you're pretty much destined to do well in the post-holiday gift rankings.
Who What Wear editor Eliza Huber replaced her boyfriend's decades-old rubber coin pouch that he used as a kid for his lunch money with one that felt more relevant in his adult life. The result? Near everyday use. But if thrifting or books aren't your person's thing, scroll through this website to find the text that feels right.
Whether it gets put to use as a high schooler's pencil case or a frequent flyer's makeup bag, this checkered pouch, which can be embroidered with up to seven letters in your choice of color and font, will never know what it's like to be stored away and forgotten about after the holidays.
This recipe book makes it easy to pass down beloved recipes from generation to generation. Associate editor Yusra Siddiqui got one for her sister as a gift, and now, it's full of their mom's cooking tips and tricks. So really, it's a gift for everyone involved. Plus, there's space to jot down restaurants you love and what to order from each one or new spots to try. The site even created a list of ideas for what to jot down inside.
Unless your friend hates pretty things, they're going to absolutely lose their mind over these vintage-inspired, handmade French knickers, which are made of cotton and linen and feature a tiny butt pocket on one side where you can have their monogrammed initials sewn on. So dreamy.
Find us a person who doesn't leave a restaurant that has matches at the front without snagging a pair—we'll wait. They're such a fun collectible, and now, you can offer them something a bit more close to home. Whether they're getting married, planning a party, starting a business, or just want something cute to decorate their home with, these customizable matchbooks will be a huge hit.
If bougie on a budget is the goal, then you've come to the right place. There's nothing more luxurious than a French lip balm in a monogrammed leather-like case. We included the balms in last year's guide before they were famous on TikTok, but the brand just released neon colors, so we thought they merited another inclusion.
Quiet luxury? Well, we're introducing little luxury. Buying something for that one designer-obsessed loved one doesn't mean you have to make a dent in your bank account. We're always writing about the best designer bags, shoes, and clothes, but we promise that these little designer buys are just as, if not more, special. From a Hermès picture book to Louis Vuitton travel guides, the gifts below will easily give you the best gift-giving reputation.
While any other item from Hermès may make a dent in the bank account, this one won't.
Anytime a mundane item like a plastic lighter can be elevated into a chic accessory, we're going to jump at the chance. This gold refillable lighter is nothing short of luxurious, especially with the vegan lizard-skin casing.
Designed in 1919, these chocolates were made as a gift for first-class steamship passengers. After all, if it's good enough for a princess, sultan, and maharaja, it'll be good enough for your loved one.
If your loved one is dreaming of a trip to a certain destination soon, why not surprise them with a city guide? The recommendations are top-notch: "To capture the spirit of each city, Louis Vuitton reaches out to journalists, writers, and major figures in the world of art and letters, whose contributions, together with those of artists, businesspeople, and creative talents from many fields, make each City Guide a publication like no other." Plus, it comes with a mobile app so you can access the recs on the go.
For the fashion and beauty lover, this is a gift that meshes both worlds. After you pick which case to purchase (each of the prints is inspired by Dries Van Noten's collections), you can pick a lipstick out of 30 options in satin, matte, and sheer finishes.
Whenever you can get a vetted gift recommendation from someone you trust, you're pretty much destined to receive some positive reinforcement upon handing it over all wrapped up and pretty. Not to brag, but no one gives better recs than our fellow members of the Who What Wear team. You'd know—you've probably all bought at least one thing from this site. (Same.) That's why we had to go straight to the ultimate source to find out which affordable gifts have been received and given by our editors.
"I've never been much of an incense person, usually preferring candles, but I got these at a preview a few weeks ago and haven't stopped burning them. Each bundle is named after and inspired by a major metropolis around the world—I picked Marrakech and Bahia and have been trading off between them every night. The scent isn't quite as strong as a lot of other incense, which is what's always turned me off from them. It's really subtle but smells so good. If I were gifting them, I'd try to personalize the picks to find a good fit for the recipients, either where they're from or just which combination of scents fits their personality best." — Eliza Huber, Editor
"I was gifted this traditional Japanese watercolor set, where the colors are based on those seen in nature. I pull it out every time I write a letter to make the address on the envelope a little more special and colorful." — Kat Collings, Editor in Chief
"I just think these are the most genius food/drink items ever made. I saw these all over Italy in gas stations and convenience stores, and basically, they're mini chocolates with about a third of the amount of caffeine that coffee has, so combined with the sugar from the chocolate, you get a nice boost of energy whenever you eat them without getting overly jittery or having to actually make or buy a coffee." — Huber
"There are a lot of tacky wine charms out there, so when I first saw these chic, minimal markers, I immediately bought them for myself. Since then, I've gotten them for multiple people as stocking stuffers and housewarming gifts. They pair perfectly with a bottle of wine or wine glasses." — Allyson Payer, Senior Editor
"I know candles can be an obvious gift, so I try my best to find ones that are really special, whether it's a very specific scent or something that will stand out in one's home. These painted candlesticks are a perfect example of one that your recipient will appreciate, especially if they care about the little aesthetic details in their space!" — Yusra Siddiqui, Associate Editor
"Tinned fish is the kind of thing that feels like a luxury, which is exactly why I would love to be gifted with it. The boxes are wildly cute, and the fish is the most delicious in the business. You can't go wrong." — Lauren Eggertsen, Editorial Director
"My new favorite gift is to get friends magazines from the month and year they were born to give a window into the world at that time. If your friend is into fashion, a vintage copy of Mademoiselle is the pick. You can find lots of options on eBay. The magazine's famous guest-editor program for college women included everyone from Sylvia Plath and Gloria Steinem to Joan Didion and Betsey Johnson." — Collings
There are your average foodies, and then there are people whose taste works at levels you didn't even know existed. Gifting for them is serious business, which is why we did the research to find the items they'll actually put to use in their kitchen. From mushroom chocolates to Portuguese olive oil, the gifts below are sure to impress any gourmand. Their hearts and taste buds will be happy.
For those who don't want to drink alcohol—for whatever reason—these recipes will ensure that there will always be a delicious drink in their hand. Plus, the author is a former Bon Appétit editor and a James Beard Award nominee.
Made by a former WWW staffer, these cheese knives will add just the right touch to a grazing board. Something about the little swirl at the end tickles our aesthetic sensibilities.
Whether you need to regain your focus or finally get a good night's sleep, there's a set of mushroom chocolates to tackle both situations. You'll get a midday renewal or a restful evening all thanks to a decadent and delicious bite of all-natural chocolate.
Enjoy a beautiful kitchen accessory that will enhance the look of your table, and you can actually play a game of backgammon with it too. After all, the best gifts are the most useful ones!
When life gives you lemons… You find aesthetically pleasing gadgets to help squeeze them.
Usually, gifts that have two equally amazing components involve, well, buying two gifts and doubling the cost. Not so with this olive oil and carafe, which is pretty enough to leave out on the counter.
Here at Who What Wear, we think about, write about, talk about, and generally admire French women on a near-hourly basis. They're known for having the best taste in not just fashion but also pretty much everything, so of course, we defer to them and the local products they use and love when it comes to gifts. From scented erasers made by a ceramic workshop/printing press and publishing house based in Paris to bar soaps from the Parisian brand Bienaimé that are almost too pretty to actually use, the gifts below are much more affordable than a flight voucher to France, yet each one still manages to give a sense of being there.
This made-in-France net bag is utterly unique, whether you're wandering through the Bastille Market or Trader Joe's. The black with white trim makes it stand out from the pack. Also, if you're in the market for a monogrammed one, this site has playful fonts and cool thread colors.
Astier de Villatte is like a Renaissance man but in business form. Opened in 1996 in Paris, the shop is a printing press, publishing house, and ceramic workshop that creates everything from candles, pottery, and perfume to books, homeware, and stationery. While a chandelier from the brand will set you back thousands, this delicately scented eraser will take your senses to Paris for just $11.
Since 1931, a Parisian stationer's been whipping up these stunning 25-card sets that can either be gifted as a whole or used to accompany every one of your holiday-season gifts this year. They not only come in this cornflower blue, but they're also available in an equally buy-worthy baby pink. I say get both—you'll still come in under budget.
There's no gift like the gift of utter comfort, which is exactly what your friends and family will receive if you buy them a pair of these sheep-wool slipper boots, which are handcrafted in a small factory in Provence, France.
If you've been waiting to hear more about the too-pretty-to-use soap, you've officially made it. This custom-molded bar features notes of almond, violet, geranium, vanilla, and musk, leaving behind a gentle scent with each wash. We're just as enamored with the elegant, reusable case that would make for a perfect jewelry box on the off chance that you or your loved one ever stops looking at this soap and actually uses it.
If your gift recipient is someone who finally needs a moment to themselves or you're simply looking to treat yourself to some relaxation, the finds below will get the job done. If you end the night with a little face massage with a Gua-Shroom, an incense burning out of a chic oyster holder, and a bath running with salts from the Mediterranean Sea, you're sure to have the most calming evening of your life.
When it comes to pretty things, Sandy Liang is an expert. These bow socks would pair greatly with her ballet flats or just spruce up one's experience lounging at home.
Cast from a rock oyster shell in Sydney and then plated in silver, this gift is a sure way to bring an element of nature into one's home. The incense will fill the space, and the silver sparkles in a way reminiscent of sunlight dancing across ocean waves. Talk about an overall calming experience.
Turn their bath into a five-star spa with these 100% Mediterranean Sea salts. They're naturally harvested, hand-roasted, and delicately infused with essential oils, making for a deeply relaxing and exquisite experience. It'll be the best way your loved one can unwind from their day. Plus, we adore the little pouches they come in.
We've all heard of the gua sha, but have you heard of the Gua-Shroom? Derived from traditional Chinese medicine, the uniquely designed shape will help encourage lymphatic drainage and perfectly smooth over your skin. Plus, it'll just look excellent standing alongside your skincare products.
These traditional facial soaps are proudly billed as the best five-minute facial on the planet and are the secret behind many Belgians' flawless skin. After lathering up, you leave the mask on for five to 10 minutes and rinse off to discover a luminous complexion.
Opening gifts is fun for everyone, but it's so much more special when you're a kid tearing through the wrapping paper. Whether you're shopping for your own kids or want to be the best aunt or uncle of the bunch, we knew we had to include a selection of kid gifts that can't just be picked up in the toy section of a department store.
Kids are more open and inquisitive than we think, and this game offers a way to create meaningful and fun conversations with them about all sorts of topics.
There are so many creative ways we can help our children engage in the outdoors, and this little vase is one of them. Head out on a nature walk with your favorite little, have them pick the best acorn they can find, and help them set up the vase so they can watch the magic of nature unfold on their windowsill.
For the child who already has way too many toys scattered across their playroom, a vintage-edition board game disguised as a book offers an activity for families to do together and a decorative piece for the home.
Parents are usually just trying to find clothes that simply fit, as children grow at a rapid pace, so it's always nice to treat them with a special outfit or fashion item they may not be prioritizing for their kids at the moment.
This personalized mini suitcase can hold all their favorite treasures. Good luck picking a font and color combination—there are way too many excellent choices.
If your best friend, sibling, parent, or partner spends more money annually on museum and gallery passes than you do on shoes—religiously attending Art Basel, TEFAF, and Frieze whenever possible—you've come to the right place. Artsy gifts can either be the most expected or the most creative, depending on the items and responsible artists you choose to have wrapped up and delivered. The five options below, though, are anything but boring or easy to anticipate.
Art and entertainment collide in the form of this 21-piece domino set inspired by one of America's most famous pop artists, Keith Haring.
Even if you haven't been to Chicago, you've probably either heard of or seen photos of the Bean, more formally known as Cloud Gate. That or you've run into a newer miniature version in New York City, which was completed this year. Designed by Indian-born, Britain-based sculptor Anish Kapoor, the large bean-shaped sculpture is one of the city's most beloved monuments and a particularly famous photo spot. Whether you've visited with a friend or have one who's always wanted to, skip the plane ticket and order this tiny table bowl inspired by the artist's famous structure.
Food is an art form, and that's a theme this cookbook, published in 1973 by famed surrealist artist Salvador Dalí and his wife Gala, more than proves. It was rereleased by Taschen in 2016 in English with all of the same 136 recipes, each with illustrations by the artist himself.
Created by Italian industrial designer Giulio Iacchetti, this fish-shaped Alessi paper knife is the perfect addition to any art lover's desk situation.
Who says the everyday baseball cap can't be a work of art? This hat exclusive to the MoMa features Ed Ruscha's 1961 oil painting "Boss," which is currently held in Los Angeles's Broad Museum. To tie with the original painting's home, the cotton hat was embroidered by a small L.A.-based embroidery shop.
According to the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, this shrunken replica depicts a Greek horse believed to be from the ancient Greek city of Phigaleia in Arcadia.
We often look to our favorite celebrities and industry experts for fashion inspiration, so why not defer to them in the gift-giving department as well? The items below might be a little "if you know, you know," but when the people who know range from Zoë Kravitz to Jenna Lyons, you can trust that the resulting items will pleasantly surprise whoever receives them.
When our editor in chief spotted this gorgeous cheese grater in the kitchen of the Jenna Lyons on an episode of The Real Housewives of New York City, she shared it with us immediately.
It's always great when a celebrity shares an affordable beauty product they love, which is why we just had to share Kravitz's lip balm of choice.
Brother Vellies founder Aurora James hand-selects items to be featured in the Bodega section of her website and never misses. We're quite taken by this handmade ceramic checkered dish made by artisans in Vietnam.
It's Sofia Coppola's world, and we're just living it. For the film lover, you can now purchase the underwear shown in the opening shot of Coppola's film Lost in Translation, which was worn by none other than Scarlett Johansson.
She lead J.Crew straight back into our hearts, so we'll trust anything Olympia Gayot has to say. When she recommended this book on her Instagram, our interest was piqued. Celebrating over 2500 pigments of color, it just might get you inspired to add some saturation to your wardrobe.
In 1816, Debauve was appointed as the sole chocolate supplier to the French royal families. Marie Antoinette was a fan, and now, so is Sofia Coppola. The chocolate may be sold out (unless you want to take a trip to its store in Paris), but the tea is available and just as delightful.