The holidays are fast approaching, and while many people might be understandably overwhelmed by the thought of shopping for all of their loved ones, I am nothing short of excited. As a shopping writer, I spend countless hours every week researching the best products on the internet and beyond, so when it's time to start holiday shopping, I'm ready to go. Think of me like a professional athlete training for a big game, except the sport is shopping and the big game is Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the like.
The only thing I love more than shopping for my friends and family is helping other people choose gifts for their own loved ones. And, if there's one thing I've learned in my time as a self-proclaimed professional shopper, it's that you don't have to spend a fortune to give thoughtful gifts that will get lots of love for years to come. To help inspire your holiday shopping list, I've rounded up some of my favorite gifts under $50 -- and you can shop all of them right now on Amazon.
Slippers are one of my go-to holiday gifts because who wouldn't want to feel cozy when it's cold outside? These moccasins from Dearfoams are great because they're plush and warm with an ankle cuff that won't rub on the back of the heel or cause blisters. They have memory foam insoles with plenty of arch support for healthy and happy feet, and their indoor/outdoor soles mean you can wear them anywhere and everywhere. Plus, they're machine washable, which prolongs their lifespan.
I have an ongoing obsession with BrüMate's lineup of ingeniously designed drinkware, especially the Müv insulated mug. It's one of the most versatile travel mugs I've ever encountered because it's great for both hot and cold beverages, has a large capacity, a comfortable handle, and a leak-proof lid that never fails. No matter your beverage of choice, the Müv is hands down the best cup for taking it on the go. It comes in several beautiful colors, is dishwasher safe, and has a cup holder-friendly base.
Scented candles are one of my favorite gifts to receive, so I tend to gift them to others fairly often during the holiday season. I love Salt & Stone's candles because they're made from a clean, cruelty-free blend of coconut and soy-based wax with a 100% cotton wick, so they're free from harmful chemicals. While $49 is a little bit pricey for a candle, I love the idea of treating my friends and family to a luxurious treat that they might not necessarily buy for themselves. The scents are incredible, and they have a long 50-hour burn time, so they'll get to enjoy them for quite a while.
Baggu's Small Nylon Crescent Bag is by far the most versatile bag I own: it's packable, lightweight, and can be worn as a shoulder bag or crossbody. It comes in more than a dozen colors, so you can opt for a goes-with-everything neutral, like black, or something bold like red or blue. The bag is roomy enough to carry all of your everyday essentials and then some, and it's durable enough to withstand plenty of daily wear. It's the perfect gift for anyone who's always on the go or loves to travel in style.
A little self-care goes a long way, which is why I love gifting Wander Beauty's Baggage Claim Brightening Under Eye Patches. Each pair comes individually wrapped, so you can pop a pair into your bag before a long flight or road trip. They're so easy to use: just wash and dry your face, then place them under your eyes and leave them for 10-15 minutes. You'll notice visibly plumper skin, less puffy under eyes, and a brighter appearance. Best of all, you can use the leftover serum all over the rest of your face for brighter skin all around.
For my friends and family members who love to cook, Graza Sizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the gift I simply cannot wait to give. It's made from the highest quality olives and delivers a mellow flavor, which is great for cooking and baking. I love the easy-to-squeeze bottle because not only is it convenient, it's cute to display on your kitchen counter. Olive oil is a kitchen staple, and Graza's is the best of the best.
We're in the midst of a GAP renaissance, which is why I can't wait to buy this classic GAP hoodie for my most fashionable friends. With so many different colorways, there's something for everyone, and you can go for your regular size or size up for a cozy, oversized fit. The hoodie goes with everything like sweatpants, leggings, and jeans -- it's so easy to style and perfect for cold weather months. The more you wash it, the softer and more lived-in it gets, and it's safe to say that it will never go out of style.
Nothing makes my shower routine feel more luxurious than using Necessaire body care products, and I love gifting this body care set to give my family and friends the same cozy and sophisticated feeling. Each set includes The Body Wash, The Body Lotion, and The Deodorant in compact mini sizes that also happen to be great for travel. Choose from three of Necessaire's most popular scents: Santal, Eucalyptus, and Olibanum. They're all hypoallergenic, meaning even those with the most sensitive skin can enjoy an ultra-luxe at-home spa night.
If there's one blanket in my house that gets the most use, it's this soft, plush, checkered throw from Bedsure. It comes in so many colors and two sizes, the larger of which could fit a twin bed or serve as the perfect couch cuddle blanket for movie night. It is, by and large, the coziest blanket I have, and I use it all year-round. I've given this blanket as a gift at least half a dozen times over the last few years, and it's always a hit -- the hardest part is choosing only one adorable color.
Drinking coffee or tea from a chic mug is one of my favorite ways to elevate my mornings, and this Le Creuset stoneware mug is one of the most elegant around. It's made from premium stoneware that helps keep drinks hot, and the colorful glazed exterior is scratch and stain-resistant. In other words, these mugs are made to last. What I love the most is that when they're not in use, they double as kitchen decor, and you can choose from so many colors to match your loved ones' kitchen color palettes.
This mulberry silk pillowcase from Fishers Finery is the gift that keeps on giving. For starters, it instantly makes any bed feel infinitely more luxurious, but the real reason silk pillowcases are so beloved is for all of their beauty benefits. Sleeping on silk can help reduce wrinkles and prevent hair damage, giving the old adage "getting beauty sleep" a whole new meaning.