Great Gifts For $20 and Under

Stock up on nifty holiday finds that won’t break the bank

As tricky as it is to find the perfect gift for mom and dad, it’s even more challenging to shop for those who are a little further down your list — and to stay on budget at that. This year you don’t have to surrender a hefty wad of cash to find a thoughtful present. From your masculine brother-in-law to your sweet co-worker, we’ve meticulously assembled our favorite $20 and under picks for everyone in your life. Get ready to start gifting!  

Your Brother-In-Law

You see the guy just once or twice a year, but he always has the same overgrown bit of stubble. While it might be a little weird to hand him a razor, give him a hint by gifting him a bottles of Anthony Logistics Shave Cream ($16.50), packed with aloe and eucalyptus oil, and Shaveworks The Cool Fix ($11.00) aftershave gel. Throw in a three-pack of Field Notes ($11.50) notebooks — ideal for jotting down to-do lists — for good measure.

Your Secret Snowflake

You picked a name out of the hat, and now you’re facing the secret snowflake dilemma: finding a thoughtful, affordable gift. For male giftees, how about refreshing treats like Supersmile Whitening Toothpaste ($21.00), Anthony Logistics® Lip Balm with SPF 25 ($7.50), or the callous-busting, peppermint-scented J.R. Watkins Foot Repair Salve ($8.99) If you chose a girl, go for Clark’s Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Tint, which will add a pop of color and moisture to winter-dry lips or Zoya's holiday red Sooki ($8.00). An all-around crowd-pleaser? Dr. Hauschka’s Radiant You Set ($11.95), which gives anyone an angelic glow.

Your Co-Worker

This year, go beyond the drugstore greeting card and questionable cookie tin. Show your hardworking office pal just how much you appreciate her with beautifying treats. AHAVA’s Salt Celebration Wands ($10.00) will soften her skin during long evening soaks in the tub, while Korres Showergel ($19.50) turns morning showers into invigorating aromatherapy breaks and Weleda’s Skin Food ($11.00) is an all-over dry skin healer during the cold months. The finishing touches? Zhena’s Gypsy Tea Herbal Tea Sampler ($7.99): a freshly brewed cup will help her relax before that big PowerPoint presentation.

Your Little Niece

Besides a pony, the best gift for a little princess is a bunch of fun goodies that will make her the envy of her class. Alex & Isabelle’s The Bow ($12.00) hair ties will dress up her school ‘dos, and she’ll want to stash Jurlique’s Rose Love Balm ($6.00) in her backpack to ward off chapped lips. Chuao’s Assorted Chocopods ($7.95) make the yummiest lunchtime desserts — they’re so good, she won’t want to share. We don’t blame her!

—By Mai Wang