As someone with a gift-giving love language, I absolutely thrive during the holidays. Choosing the perfect gift and wrapping it up with a big bow makes me truly giddy. From buying extra special gifts for friends to curating little tiny gift bags for coworkers or neighbors just because, gifting with purpose without breaking the bank is something I’m proud to say I have managed to learn how to do (after years of ignoring the fact that money doesn’t grow on Christmas trees, of course.) A wonderful and thoughtful gift doesn’t have anything to do with the price tag, and there are hundreds of incredible items that are actually affordable. Ahead, we are sharing under-$40 gifts for friends that you can give this holiday season, and rest assured that your end-of-year budget meeting with yourself won’t be a total disaster.
Nothing says, “I’m classy, trendy, and have my life together” quite like a velvet hair bow. We love this easy-to-secure hair tie that can be added to any hair style, no matter your friend’s hair texture.
We’re obsessed with this two-tone phone—basically everyone on our team owns one. Thanks to its trendy pattern and protective design, it makes for a standout gift that anyone will love.
Infused with caffeine and peptides, these cooling patches smooth and hydrate tired eyes in minutes. They make an easy under-$30 gift that still feels luxurious and is Hailey Bieber-approved.
Featuring dreamy photography of Nantucket, this puzzle offers a delightful challenge for just about anyone. Each piece fits perfectly together to reveal stunning coastal scenes—and it’s only $30.
If you’re looking to bring the party wherever you go, look no further than this perfectly priced deck of Where Should We Begin connection cards. With 200 story-starting cards, a dice for endless variations, and a compact design, it’s the perfect gift to take office happy hours, date nights, and girl’s night up a notch.
Icon juice glasses are still having a moment, and this one feels especially trendy thanks to its western detail. No matter who you’re gifting to, this glass, or one of the other icon glass designs, makes for a fun, affordable gift at only $16.
Available in six adorable dog and two sweet cat breeds, this photo holder adds a charming touch to any interior. Want to make it extra special? Print a photo for them before you gift it.
Anything that doubles as a cute accessory and keeps us warm in the winter is an automatic win, which is why we adore this Mongolian cashmere twist headband.
6 colors available
This classic tote bag is made from heavyweight canvas and has reinforced handles and double-stitched seams, so you can rest assured that no matter what your friend uses it for, it will stay intact for years to come.
This chic ornament catches the eye without raising the price point—a subtle, sophisticated pick for the girl who doesn’t settle for anything less than Veuve Clicquot.
Available in sterling silver, gold, and rose gold, this delicate and dainty bracelet makes for the perfect personalized accessory that will be worn for years to come.
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw that this custom birthstone ring is under $35. Adorned with your choice of baguette and pear-cut gemstones, it is just as special and stunning as it is affordable.
The ’90s-inspired cap is perfect for weekend errands, coffee runs, or just hiding a bad-hair day in style. Soft, adjustable, and effortlessly cool, it’s a gift that’ll make it into their weekly rotation.
A soft quilted bag with a sweet pink floral print is not a want but a need for any beauty-loving friend you have. The best part? Its under $10.
10+ colors available
Yes, brushes this chic do exist. It offers quick, easy, and painless detangling for all hair types, so whoever is receiving this gorgeous brush will benefit from smooth, shiny, and tangle free hair for the foreseeable. Plus, it’ll look gorgeous on their vanity.
4 colors available
The perfect gift for list-makers and multitaskers, because everyone needs a planner or calendar to keep their life in order.
This heatless curling set helps to create effortless yet polished curls or waves without heat (or hassle). The best part? The satin construction keeps hair frizz-free and prevents breakage. Perfect for anyone who’s on a hair journey or wants to save some time in the morning.
There’s nothing more fun than when your zodiac just gets you. Gift them a cheeky yet uplifting mug that perfectly captures their vibe—one that makes them laugh and say, “That is so me!”
READ: What to Buy Your Pickiest Loved Ones for the Holidays
Whether it’s shopping lists for the holidays or grocery lists for dinner parties, anyone can benefit from having a to-do list notepad by their side.
For the beauty lover on your list—and your budget—this lip stain set delivers long-lasting color, four stunning shades, and a formula that punches above its price.
These are the ultimate cool-girl reusable bags. (Yes, that’s a thing.) Available in tons of colors and patterns, this bag can be used for groceries, wine, workout clothes, office essentials, and more.
10+ patterns available
I am all for a multi-purpose product. This scrunchie features a large hidden pocket that can hold keys, makeup, earbuds, or cash for when a purse is just not in the cards.
For wearing in their hair or tying around their bag or waist, a set of scarves is a multi-functional gift that any trend-setter will love.
Know a favorite quote or lyric of theirs? Get it printed on this vintage-inspired gingham-backed design. Since this is a digital download, it makes for a great last-minute gift, too. Just add a frame!
A luxuriously lathering, hydrating, and beautifully scented hand and body wash is a gift I’m happy to receive over and over again. Trust us, they’ll be asking you where you got it once it’s time for a restock.
The candle scent that we all know and love is a no-fail gift idea time and time again. Available in multiple sizes, you can gift whichever one fits your gifting budget best.
Combining the functions of traditional gua sha facial tools and ice globes, these stainless steel facial sticks are the ultimate self-care gift to give. Who needs a salon when you can get lifted, firm skin at home?
For the friend who loves a little at-home pampering, this mani prep set has everything she needs to get polished and prepped. From clippers and a buffer to a clean-up brush and polish remover pot, it makes DIY nails feel easier than ever.
When you spritz this mist on your pillow before bed. it instantly creates a more relaxing atmosphere. This is a great gift for your friend who takes their closing shift seriously.
Take any pair of shoes up a notch with these novelty shoe laces. We love the blueberry tone of these, but they also come in a fun red plaid and a polka dot pattern. Choose whichever fits your friend’s style best!
For astrology lovers or puzzle fanatics, gift this bright puzzle featuring zodiacs and constellations. It includes a magnetic keepsake box that looks great on a bookshelf or coffee table, too.
Bangles can be extremely expensive, but this classic hinge bangle is just as beautiful as high-end options. Pictured is the classic thin gold bangle, but Baublebar has multiple style options and finishes, all at an affordable price point.
A blanket is a classic gift that everyone loves. And this one for under $30 will become their new favorite. It’s lightweight, soft, and stretchy, so basically, it feels like you’re wrapping yourself in a cloud.
8 colors available
This spa set includes a full-size ice roller, silk sleep mask, gua sha, exfoliating mitt, hair clip, shower steamer, scalp massager, and silk scrunchie—all for $40!
3 colors available
READ: 40+ Practical Gifts They’ll Actually Use and Enjoy Long After the Holidays
There is something about Anthropologie’s mugs that feel ultra luxe. At just $16, this “Holiday in the City” mug would make a perfect gift alone or paired with a gift card.
7 locations available
We love these wavy personalized keychains because they perfectly blend fun and function. Choose from sturdy denim or classic canvas, add a name or a word to be embroidered, and gift it to any (or all!) friends in your life.
These herbs, spices, and seasonings will elevate any pizza—no matter if its made from scratch or taken straight from a freezer box. I can’t think of a single person who wouldn’t want to make a slice taste even better.
Made with real pressed wildflowers, this bookmark is a beautiful addition to any reader’s collection.
This plaid scarf comes in tons of unique color combinations, so no matter your friends style, you can be sure this cozy and warm scarf will be a hit.
10+ colors available
This is perfect for cocktail lovers (*raises hand*) as well as anyone interested in learning about cocktail culture. It’s both a recipe book and a fact-filled history guide with interesting stories explaining how some of the best drinks, famous bars, and bartenders have shaped our world.
So every book that your friend lends to another finds it way back home, gift them this custom book embosser personalized with their birth flower.
Small but mighty, this sleek phone stand keeps your device propped up for video calls, content creation, or hands-free scrolling. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who works from their phone or is constantly on the go.
10+ colors available
This gorgeous initial necklace can be customized on one or both sides and is available in multiple lengths and finishes.
This gift screams luxury—at a fraction of the cost. Since cashmere is incredibly long-lasting and three times as warm as wool, you can be sure that whoever you gift these gloves to will wear and love them for years to come.
6 colors available
A non-negotiable in the cold months? These sherpa slippers. We love that they are lightweight and comfortable and that they look and feel way more expensive than they are.
6 colors available
Travel jewelry cases aren’t just a want, they are a need, and we love this affordable option because of its functionality. If you need further convincing that this is a great pick, just look at the 13k reviews.
7 colors available
Designed to alleviate stress and anxiety, gifting a weighted sleep mask is like gifting self-care. Since it’s lightly weighted and made from soft fleece, it’s both comfortable and effective.
9 colors available
This leopard printed makeup organizer features multiple divided compartments to help keep brushes, makeup, and other accessories separate and handy in one spot. The best part? It’s only $20.
As soon as I saw these ruffle socks, they became an immediate need. You friend will be just as obsessed as I am with this ultra-comfy neutral set.
From book club to after-dinner drinks, these conversational card decks are a must-have to get to know those around you. They are so unique, we can almost guarantee your friend doesn’t have a deck already.
Shop All of The Everygirl’s Holiday Gift Guides
- Gifts for The Quiet Luxury Girl
- Gifts for The Homebody
- Gifts for The Traveler
- Gifts for The Wellness Expert
- Gifts for The Classic Femme
- Gifts for The Cool Girl
- Gifts for The Corporate Girlie
- Gifts for The Coastal Grandma
- Gifts for The Person Who Has It All
- Gifts for Guys
- Gifts for Moms
- Gifts for Dads
- Stocking Stuffers for Women
- Stocking Stuffers for Men
Why You Can Count on Us
The Everygirl Media Group has published our beloved gift guides for 12+ years. Whether you’re shopping for a gift for your work wife, an insanely cool cousin, or your significant other’s dad (why are dads so hard?!), we have an idea they’ll love. The Everygirl editorial team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible and affordable list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.

Hailey Tagliarino, Assistant Managing Editor
As the Assistant Managing Editor for The Everygirl, Hailey Tagliarino oversees, writes, and edits content across various categories on the site. From the pitching stage through publishing, she works alongside the team to ensure that the content that our readers see every day is inspiring, relatable, and timely.
This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Sephora, e.l.f. Cosmetics, CVS, and Carlyle Avenue, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
Products included in graphics linked within article.


