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When it comes to gift-giving, who says bigger and better makes for a more memorable gift? Sometimes the most thoughtful, most meaningful, and most unforgettable gifts are the ones that don’t break the bank and are better for our planet. It’s time to say more with less.
During gift-giving season, we look for thoughtful keepsakes and the chance to give back with our purchases. But in addition to being conscious of our values, we may need to be conscious of our budgets. Below is our roundup of gifts under $50 from brands that are fair trade, handmade, or sustainable, and all are on a mission to make the world a better place.
Looking for more ethically made and sustainable gifts for the holiday season? Check out our guide to the best sustainable gifts for her, gifts for minimalists, and the best gifts for better sleep. Happy giving! 🎁
1. Well People Lush Lips Essentials Quad Set
Best For | The person who keeps losing their lip gloss
Price | $41
This limited-edition lip set from Well People includes four beautiful, plant-powered tinted oils in soft, neutral shades, perfect for anyone who loves a bit of gloss without the stickiness. Each lip oil provides a sheer wash of color with a high-shine finish and is enriched with nourishing ingredients like vegan lanolin, shea butter, and a botanical oil blend to keep lips soft and moisturized. The smooth doe-foot applicator makes it easy to swipe on some shine anytime, which is ideal for those who struggle with dry lips. This dermatologist-developed, vegan, and cruelty-free set is a clean, thoughtful gift for those who value both beauty and safety in their skincare!
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2. A Slow Rise Cookbook
Best For | Sunday morning bakers
Price | $38
The book “A Slow Rise: Favorite Recipes from Four Decades of Baking with Heart” is a heartfelt journey through Daniel Leader’s 40 years of artisan baking, offering over 60 soulful recipes from his iconic Bread Alone bakery. Known for pioneering American artisan bread making, Leader shares a hands-on approach to baking that goes beyond strict measurements, encouraging bakers to embrace their senses and connect with their dough. The book includes everything from whole wheat classics to elaborate pastries, making it a treat for any level of baker. With environmentally thoughtful recipes and personal stories, this book is a fantastic gift for anyone who loves to bake, experiment with bread, or appreciates a rich culinary history in their kitchen.
3. Typology Hand & Nail Serum
Best For | Nail salon regulars
Price | $30
The L93 Hand & Nail Serum from Typology is a plant-powered formula made to soften hands, nourish cuticles, and strengthen brittle nails. With 1% plant-based keratin and 2% hyaluronic acid as its star ingredients, this vegan, fragrance-free, and highly rated serum is a must-have for hand and nail care. The serum also combines biotin and D-panthenol to support healthy, resilient nails and cuticles. Just apply a few drops daily to experience smoother, stronger nails and hands. It’s perfect for anyone dealing with dry, brittle nails, or who wants an extra boost to their hand-care routine.
4. Five Minute Journal For Kids
Best For | Instilling mindfulness is kids
Price | $25
The Five Minute Journal for Kids offers a simple, daily way for kids ages 5-12 to build happiness and gratitude in just five minutes a day. This vibrant, illustrated journal encourages children to reflect on the positives in their lives, with prompts designed to promote gratitude, self-growth, and mindfulness. Each day, kids jot down things they’re grateful for, fun observations, and insights for self-improvement, creating a joyful habit that builds confidence and resilience. Packed with inspiring quotes, a word of the day, and weekly challenges, it’s both a fun activity and a memory keeper for years to come.
5. Grazola by Graza
Best For | Sweet & salty lovers
Price | $18
Our friends at Graza don’t just make delicious cooking olive oil, they’ve delivered it into the granola space with their new Grazola. This granola is the perfect sweet-and-salty, gluten-free mix made with toasted oats in Graza’s “Sizzle” Extra Virgin Olive Oil for extra crunch and flavor. With just four simple ingredients — gluten-free oats, olive oil, maple syrup, and salt — it keeps things deliciously wholesome and has only 6g of sugar per serving. This vegan granola is perfect over yogurt with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey for a satisfying breakfast or snack. Each bag contains 12 oz of Grazola, so you and your giftee can indulge in the crunch together!
6. Dieux Forever Eye Mask
Best For | Skincare minimalists
Price | $25
The Forever Eye Mask from Dieux is the forever solution to eye masks — reusable, eco-friendly, and made of 100% medical-grade silicone. All one has to do is pop on their favorite cream or serum, let it get tacky, and apply the mask to lock in hydration and maximize absorption, leaving the under-eyes plump and refreshed. These handy patches can even help catch makeup fallout or perfect a cat eye! Just wash, pat dry, and store back in the tin to reuse again and again — simple, effective, and totally low-waste. Send this guide to your special someone once they receive their gift so they can optimize their Forever eye mask.
7. Quince Cashmere Leather Lined Gloves
Best For | East coast commuters
Price | $40
These lambskin leather gloves from Quince are lined with plush Mongolian cashmere and are the ultimate winter luxury, making them a perfect gift for anyone who loves both style and warmth. The sustainably sourced cashmere is super cozy — three times warmer than wool — while the sleek leather finish keeps things effortlessly classy. Plus, the touch-screen-friendly fingertips mean no freezing fingers while texting in the cold! Durable and easy to care for, these gloves are designed to last, making them a thoughtful and stylish addition to anyone’s winter wardrobe.
8. Sloww The Label’s Personalized Ceramics
Best For | Sentimental gifting
Price | $4+
Sloww The Label specializes in beautifully crafted, handmade ceramics that make perfect, meaningful gifts for any occasion. Each piece, from mugs to wedding decor, is personalized to your style and crafted with Australian clay, ensuring it’s both sustainable and safe for daily use. The brand’s attention to detail and dedication to creating warm, joyful pieces mean that every order is truly intentional and unique. Whether it’s a gift or a treat for your home, these ceramics bring a touch of tranquility and charm to any space.
9. FEND Pocket Mister
Best For | A pick me up when under the weather
Price | $30
FEND is an innovative, science-backed hydration device designed to support airway health using natural salts. Created by Dr. David A. Edwards, a Harvard scientist with decades of research in airway health, FEND works to improve whole-body hydration from the inside out. This Pocket Mister uses calcium and magnesium to hydrate the upper airways effectively for up to 4 — 6 hours by promoting cellular osmosis, with added magnesium to support healthy airway function. This gift is something your loved one will appreciate, especially during cold and flu season.
10. Amaaya Bracelet
Best For | Your best friend
Price | $45
Amaaya is all about creating jewelry that blends the elegance of fine jewelry with the fun of fashion jewelry. With quality metals like 925 sterling silver and thick 24K gold plating, each piece is designed to be timeless, durable, and accessible. The “Our Own Language” bracelet makes the perfect gift for a friend, celebrating the enduring bond you share — whether you’re laughing together or navigating life’s ups and downs. At just $45, this piece is a meaningful yet budget-friendly way to remind them of your special connection.
11. MATT & NAT Vegan Wallet
Best For | The person who struggles to fit their wallet into their purse or bag
Price | $45
Founded in 1995 in Montreal, MATT & NAT is a pioneer in eco-friendly and vegan accessories, committed to sustainable design and ethical practices. The brand values integrity, inclusiveness, and environmental responsibility, refusing to use animal-based materials and focusing instead on innovative alternatives like recycled nylon, rubber, and even recycled windshield resins. Their bags and wallets use linings made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, with over 9 million bottles repurposed each year. The Nolly Vegan Wallet is a perfect gift for those who appreciate functional and sustainable style, with six card slots, a top zipper, and a front slip pocket — all available in four bold, versatile colors.
12. Fly By Jing Chili Crisp
Best For | Foodies
Price | $15
For all our condiment lovers out there, this is one to add to the top of your list. Fly By Jing’s premium chili sauce is not like other hot sauces. Described as savory and rich and with a flavorful umami profile, each signature chili sauce is inspired by the soulful flavors of hole-in-the-wall eateries in Chengdu, China. The brand’s famous Sichuan Chili Crisp is made in small batches using sugar-free and non-GMO ingredients like organic caiziyou and tribute peppercorns, harvested from the Qingxi mountains. Your special someone will love drizzling it on their favorite foods or incorporating it while cooking for a tasty tingle!
13. Verloop Beanie
Best For | Friends & family who love to wear color
Price | $28
Verloop transforms deadstock yarn that would otherwise go to waste into vibrant, quality knitwear. With a commitment to eco-consciousness and creativity, this brand operates in a tight-knit, family-run factory in the Philippines, where every piece is designed with a playful, experimental spirit. Their Simple Grid Knit Beanie makes a fantastic gift for anyone who loves unique, colorful accessories that are both functional and eco-friendly. Soft, lightweight, and hypoallergenic, this versatile beanie fits all sizes and can be worn cuffed or slouchy, adding a cute and cozy touch to anyone’s look all year round.
14. P.F. Candle Co. Incense Sticks
Best For | Home decorators
Price | $11
These charcoal-based incense sticks from P.F. Candle Co. are handcrafted and fragranced by a Los Angeles team, and offer an effortless way to elevate any room. Packaged in eco-friendly kraft boxes, each set includes 15 sticks that burn for about an hour, with their warm, lingering aroma lasting up to four hours. Simply light, extinguish the flame, and enjoy the transformative smoke as it fills the space with a signature scent. Ideal as a gift for anyone who loves creating a cozy, aromatic ambiance, these incense sticks are perfect for unwinding after a long day or setting the mood for relaxation.
15. Baggu Set
Best For | The person that keeps forgetting their reusable grocery bags
Price | $42
The Standard Baggu Set of 3 offers a durable, eco-friendly option for anyone looking to reduce waste in style. Each bag in this set is made from a single piece of 100% recycled nylon, sourced from pre-consumer waste, which makes these bags both long-lasting and environmentally conscious. They even come in a compact carrying pouch made from the bag’s neck for easy storage. With 100% recycled packaging and recyclable mailers, this thoughtful design minimizes waste at every step. These bags are a perfect gift for eco-conscious friends who appreciate sustainable fashion and practical, reusable solutions.
