44 Awesome Gifts Under $5 That Don’t Look Cheap

By Laura Fiebert | Updated: February 28, 2024

    It’s time to smash some stereotypes: budget-friendly gifting doesn’t have to mean diving into the “last resort” section of the store. Whether you’re trying to keep your holiday spending in check or just want to sprinkle some joy without emptying your wallet, we’ve lined up some absolute gems for you.

    Here’s the deal: our under-$5 gift guide is living proof that you can absolutely slay the gift game without spending a ton. We’re talking hidden gems that’ll get you those “OMG, where did you find this?” reactions. So, let’s tighten those financial belts and get ready to drop some jaws, because we’re about to navigate the sweet spot where saving meets slaying.

    Your bank account’s going to be sending you all the love, but first, let’s dive into this adventure where thriftiness and thrill coexist. Ready to uncover that high-quality doesn’t have to mean high-cost? Let’s prove that the most memorable gifts come with thought, not just a big price tag.

    *Note: gifts were under $5 at the time of publishing.

  1. Cute Note Pad
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    The bright and colorful notepad brings a fun and happy touch to your daily routine or goal-making list and is a delightful replacement for typical stationery. Each decorative notepad includes 50 pages that would be perfect for teachers, parents, and students—a great, inexpensive gift for a co-worker.

  3. Wine Tumbler
  4. Everyone needs one of these! They’re fantastic for all hot and cold beverages – wine, coffee, beer, whiskey… The Double-Wall Vacuum insulated thermal design keeps drinks cold for 9+ hours or hot for 3+ hours while the insulation protects hands from the temps. A great holiday gift or stocking stuffer for any of your loved ones.

  5. Artisanal French Soap
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    Using old-world methods in France’s Provence region produces soap with fewer impurities and an incredibly smooth texture – creating a longer-lasting soap. Pre de Provence luxurious soaps create a rich, creamy lather to moisturize and soften skin, and your giftee will feel like they’re bathing in the French countryside.

  7. A Pretty Bookmark 
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    The exquisite design of this golden feather bookmark will put a smile on any book lover’s face. Made of pure copper, this simply modern bookmark won’t fade or rust and will stay as bright as new.

  9. Manicure Set
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    Here, you’ll find everything needed for salon-perfect nails – whether you’re a guy or a gal. The super convenient travel-size mani kit includes a cuticle trimmer, cuticle pushers, nail clippers, and more.

  11. Geometric Triangle Hair Clip 
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    An elegant 2-piece gift, you’ll get both the gold and silver clip for less than five bucks. The classic triangle shape is minimalist, stylish, and perfect for little girls and full-grown ladies—a classy penny saver.

  13. Minimalist Credit Card Holder
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    This minimalist wallet feels almost non-existent. Card wallets make a particularly excellent gift idea because we all need something to carry all those cards around! These days, most of us aren’t carrying around wads of cash. That’s why minimalist wallets are all the rage. If you are looking for a gift for a guy or gal, a cool minimalist wallet might do the trick.

  15. Bracelet Keychain
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    Keep her keys safe in style with these bracelet/keychain combination sets. The tassel adds a bit of flair and makes it easier to find in the bottom of your handbag, while the beads are made of super-soft silicone – perfect for rolling between the fingers as a stress reliever.

  17. Face Stone
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    Discover your inner cover model with our rose quartz gua sha facial tool, a traditional revitalization technique that rejuvenates your skin and balances your spirit. This Skinfluencer’s secret weapon smooths out fine lines and wrinkles improves circulation, and boosts your natural radiance while also reducing dark circles, puffiness, and the appearance of breakouts – all for that “I-just-had-a-makeover” look without makeup!

  19. 101 Blessings Cards
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    Designed to encourage and inspire others, these cards are the perfect reminder that God is always near – an excellent way to encourage anyone. Each card has been beautifully designed with floral watercolors and has a scripture verse on the front and back. Conveniently packaged in a small reusable box, you can keep these cards in your car or office or take them with you on the go—an excellent gift for Valentine’s Day.

  21. Car Coasters
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    These coasters are exactly what you’re looking for to give a nice touch to your vehicle while keeping those cup holders clean. Crafted from a soft silicone material that absorbs moisture, it keeps drinks from sliding and protects your cup holders.

  23. Adult Coloring Book
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    This delectable and very impolite coloring book is about to become one of their greatest small pleasures! From minimal to highly detailed prints, you’ll find cute animals, leaves, and abstract patterns uniquely articulated around swear words and expressions such as ‘Be Happy It Drives Assholes Crazy,’ ‘Cheer The F*ck Up,’ and many more.

  25. Charm Necklace
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    This sweet necklace makes a great gift for any occasion as a reminder to smile, stay positive, and let the sunshine in. It also comes packaged with a cute heart envelope.

  27. Water-Proof Phone Protector
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    These universal waterproof cases protect your phones, ID, credit cards, cash, phones, and keys from water and other damage. Perfect for swimming, surfing, fishing, rafting, and even skiing. And you can get a top-notch selfie for Instagram while hanging in the water. Each case has a detachable lanyard and is waterproof up to 100 feet. It fits devices up to a 6. 5-inch screen.

  29. 11 in 1 Multi Tool
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    This stainless steel tool card is so convenient and can be taken anywhere, like camping, hiking, fishing, and beyond. Keep one in your car, toolbox, backpack, or wallet. It features 11 essential tools such as a can opener, bottle opener, flat screwdriver, wrench for various size bolts, saw blade, and more—a cool birthday gift for the guy who loves gadgets.

  31. Reusable Produce Bags
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    It takes thousands of years to decompose plastic in landfills or the ocean, and the earth is becoming crowded with plastics, which pollute the environment and harm wild animals. So it’s a kind idea to embrace reusable produce bags – and they also save you money—a thoughtful gift idea for the vegan in your life.

  33. A Killer Spoon
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    A spoon might seem like a small gift, but they’ll use it daily! This spoon duo is the perfect gift for someone who eats straight from the family Nutella jar. They’ll get a set of two spoons, so when one’s in the dishwasher, they’ll always have another option. Or, if they’re feeling romantic, perhaps they’ll throw a spoon your way.

  35. Bath Bomb
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    Dissolve stress! Melt anger! This fragrant fizzer is designed to do just that. So the next time you’re FRUSTRATED, drop an F-bomb (into your tub, of course.) These bath bombs are handmade in the USA using just a few simple ingredients.

  37. Magnetic Wristband
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    No more headaches from losing or dropping screws, nails, bolts, washers, pins, needles, drill bits, fasteners, and small tools. This wristband can carry a portable toolbox on one arm! And you’ll have easy access to all your tools in seconds. The wristband features 15 powerful magnets. It’s like having an extra hand.

  39. Lip Gloss Gift Set
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    We could all use a new gloss, and this set of three covers all bases. The rosehip essential oil reduces lines on lips, peppermint oil soothes cracked lips, and coconut oil hydrates lips and locks in moisture. The best part, these glosses will give you shine without stickiness.

  41. Waterproof Notebook
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    This all-weather paper won’t turn to mush when wet – it will downright repel water, sweat, grease, and mud, and even survive the accidental laundry mishap. Everything in this bound book is designed to survive Mother Nature’s wrath, from the Field-Flex cover to the Rite in the Rain paper– even the glue is weatherproof!

  43. Reusable Chopstick Set
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    Chopsticks are the ultimate versatility, and with enough practice, they can become graceful extensions of your fingers. Slim and inexpensive, chopsticks are a great addition to almost any kitchen. These chopsticks are both durable and gorgeous and a great gift for those who love Japanese culture.

  45. Fruity Silicone Coasters
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    Add a sweet touch to any room with these fruit-themed coasters. Set down drinks all summer long using these adorable coasters. Made out of silicone, they each feature a tropical fruit pattern in lime, orange, lemon, and watermelon. They’re great for everyday use or passing out during your at-home luau.

  47. Light-Blocking Sleep Mask
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    Pull out this lightweight, comfortable sleep mask anywhere – in a bed, on a flight, on a long car ride, while camping – and enjoy an uninterrupted, deep, restful sleep. Naturally improve your mood, energy levels, and cognitive function, and get a full night’s sleep with this silk eye mask that naturally blocks light for a faster, deeper sleep every time.

  49. Gourmet Dark Chocolate
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    Inspired by a passion for Mexican chocolate traditions, they hand-carve granite millstones to make these rustic, organic dark Mexican-style chocolate discs bursting with bright tastes and bold textures. Enjoy as a hot or iced chocolate beverage—a perfect gift for chocolate lovers. Oh, and try the dark salted almond!

  51. Tropical Face Mask
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    Enter The Tropics with this fresh face mask. It’s full of magical algae – a powerhouse of nutrients that feeds your face with minerals and antioxidants. It will nourish, brighten, tighten, and leave you looking like you’ve just come home from a long holiday in the Caribbean.

  53. Clean/Dirty Dishwasher Magnet
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    It’s happened to all of us. Grabbing a dirty glass or plate out of the dishwasher is just gross. Twist to rotate the magnet and indicate whether the contents are clean or dirty. With a white background and black lettering, this kitchenware accessory will complement any kitchen environment and serve you well for years.

  55. Personalized Wine Glass Charm
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    These are the perfect addition to the Christmas stocking season, a bachelorette weekend, or any occasion that warrants a heartfelt, personalized gift – y’know, like Friday night drinkies. These are super elegant and look way more expensive than they are.

  57. Bourbon Lip Balm
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    Guys need to keep their lips moist, too. So this man-made bourbon lip balm is the perfect stocking or gift basket stuffer for a dad, brother, boyfriend, or a whiskey-loving lady like myself. It may sound overly hip, but it’s also intensely moisturizing.

  59. Brown Sugar Bear
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    Got a baker in your life? Then they need a Brown Sugar Bear! These adorable clay pieces help keep brown sugar moist for up to three months. First, soak in water for 20 minutes, then place in brown sugar. You can also use the lil’ guy with baked goods, cakes, cookies, marshmallows, or dried fruit to soften and maintain moistness. Then, reverse the system and use him dry to keep spices, salt, crackers, pretzels, and chips crunchy and crispy.  

  61. Artisan Hot Sauce
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    Even food needs its hero. This sweet and spicy hot sauce adds fiery flavor to tacos, eggs, pizza, burgers, anything! Give them a taste that kicks you in the mouth—a great stocking stuffer or cheap Christmas gift idea for any hot sauce lover or foodie.

  63. Meat Claws
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    These bear claws are the answer to perfectly shredded meat without the mess and headache of knives and forks. The unique design gives you a solid handhold for safely managing the super-sharp shredding blades. Easily grasp and shred pork, chicken, and beef, or use them as turkey lifters!

  65. Mom Life Mug
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    This adorable #momlife mug is a sweet gift for mom on her birthday, Mother’s Day, or any other special occasion. The white ceramic coffee mug features a rose gold font and black dots, adding a cute modern touch. Capable of holding 16 fluid ounces of mom’s favorite beverage (probably wine).

  67. Dude Wipes
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    Flushable DUDE Wipes are wet wipes specifically for cleansing the “dude regions.” Individually wrapped or in a 48-count dispenser, his dude parts are in good hands. These wipes are 25% larger than the average flushable wet wipe and unscented, with naturally soothing aloe vera and vitamin E: a fun gag gift or a really practical one. You decide.

  69. Cosmetic Bag
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    Who doesn’t love a cute pouch? And though we’ll call this a cosmetic bag, it could just as well be used as a pencil case. It’s the perfect gift for adults and kids alike – as a stocking stuffer, birthday gift, or – just because!

  71. Fancy Mints
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    This little tin of mints is both practical and cute. Of course, anyone could use a tin of mints in their bag, but you can skip the 7/11-style icebreakers and give them something classier! These mints will also make a great add-on if you’re already gifting someone a purse or backpack.

  73. Creamy Matte Lipstick
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    A luscious lipstick with bomb colors for under five bucks? Yes, indeed! Almay has hit onto a bestseller here, judging by those reviews – and they come in super cute, motivational casings. It’s creamy and dreamy with rich pigmented color and formulated with vitamins E and C and Shea Butter. And kind to rabbits.

  75. Beard Comb
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    This 100% natural wooden beard comb comes with a gift-card-sized case, so you can easily carry it around. The dual-sided comb is designed for the best grooming experience with fine and coarse teeth. These make the most fabulous stocking stuffers for every bearded man in the family.  

  77. Gamer Cushion Cover
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    If you think you can’t buy inexpensively for a gamer – think again! This cushion cover is the perfect foil for saving a buck while helping them deck out their “gamer pad.” It’s 18×18 inches, and you don’t need to provide an insert with your gift.

  79. Gua Sha Massage Tool 
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    The “Skinfluencer’s” Secret Weapon, the jade Gua Sha facial tool, relieves facial and jaw tension, improves circulation, detoxifies the skin, promotes circulation, and can reduce the signs of aging. The practice is thousands of years old, and the stone is also celebrated for cultivating compassion and releasing toxic energies and emotions by ancient Eastern monks.

  81. Four-In-One Pen Tool
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    This back ink ballpoint pen is much more than it seems. Look a little closer, and you’ll discover it’s a little DIY dream tool – a ruler (cm and in), a Phillips-head screwdriver, and a level! So no matter who the handy guy or gal is in your life, this one’s a surefire winner!

  83. Ceramic Dipping Bowl
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    Imagine… if you could dip your fries in ketchup, and that ketchup was in a dipping bowl shaped like a bottle of ketchup…Whaaat?! Insert mindblown emoji! This “tomato ketchup” ceramic dipping bowl is quirky, cute, and perfect for any dipping sauce. It’s also sure to win you the “gift giver of the season” prize from your fries-obsessed cousin.

  85. The Golden Girls Mad Libs
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    Thank you for being a NOUN! Golden Girls fans will love to relive their fave memories with Blanche, Dorothy, Sophia, and Rose by filling in the blanks of the 21 stories inside this hilarious book. A must-have gift for fans of the show!

    What is a good small but thoughtful gift to give?

    Choosing the perfect small gift is all about finding something thoughtful and delightful, no matter the size! Consider gifting a beautifully scented candle, a charming keychain, or a cozy pair of socks to bring warmth and joy to someone’s day. For those with a sweet tooth, a box of gourmet chocolates or a selection of their favorite teas or coffees can be a delectable treat.

    Whether you’re seeking the best gift ideas for the holiday season, a birthday party, Mother’s Day, Dad’s Day, or to say “thanks” to your best friend or co-worker, you’ll find the best “gifts under five bucks” here in this ol’ gift guide. We’ve done all the research to make your life easier! Ultimately, the best small gifts come from the heart and show the recipient just how much they mean to you!

    What kind of gifts can you buy for $5?

    Snagging a fabulous gift for just $5 is totally doable, and it’s all about getting creative! Think about picking up a quirky bookmark or a colorful set of sticky notes for the bookworms and planners in your life. For a touch of self-care, you could opt for a soothing sheet mask or a mini hand lotion to pamper your loved ones.

    Don’t forget about sweet treats like a gourmet chocolate bar or a unique flavored popcorn to delight their taste buds. With a keen eye for value and a little imagination, you can score some amazing $5 finds that’ll bring your friends and family smiles!

    And don’t let the price bring you down! It truly is the thought that counts, and you should never get into debt to show someone you care! Plus, these offerings will make you look thoughtful, funny, clever, and savvy, and they’ll never guess you only broke a fiver! So scroll down to satisfy every family member – from kids to grandparents.