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50 Best Gifts Under $20 That Look Way More Expensive

Trust us: A twenty can go a long way.

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gifts under $20

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In theory, $20 doesn't seem like very much money — I'll admit: I've bought salads more expensive than this shopping budget. However, it's possible to track down an inexpensive holiday gift that doesn't feel cheap (or worse, lazy). We're here to help.

Our shopping editors actively track new and best-selling products and rounded up dozens of unique gifts under $20 for everyone on your list — including kids, mom and dad, your coworker or your partner. Not only have I personally tried (and gifted) a number of these products, we've included top-tested items from recent awards, like our Good Housekeeping Best Beauty Awards and Best Toy Awards. Of course, we took the latest TikTok trends and online reviews into account, too.

1
Surprisingly Popular Gift In Recent Years

Cleaning Gel

Cleaning Gel
Now 25% Off
Credit: PULIDIKI

I never know what to buy my car-obsessed dad, but he loved this cleaning gel last year. It's great for tackling hard-to-reach spots (a.k.a. car consoles and keyboards). Nearly 50,000 Amazon reviewers have given this unique product five stars.

2

Chunky Scarf

Chunky Scarf

Chunky scarves – especially plaid ones — are going to be everywhere this winter. Pick them a scarf in their favorite colors, with options including pink, blue and yellow.

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3

Monogram Bag

Monogram Bag

I gifted this monogrammed bag to my bestie on her bachelorette party, and she loved how sturdy it felt when traveling to and from the beach. It's 17 inches wide and has an inner zipper pocket to store her phone.

Our Lab experts tested several of PackIt's products and each one proved to keep drinks cold for hours on end. We love that this wine bag comes in different colors too.

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5

Fuzzy Socks, Pack of Six

Fuzzy Socks, Pack of Six

Socks, especially cozy ones, are actually a great holiday gift. This set of six is available in tons of colors and designs, from neutrals and stripes to adorable animals. Online reviewers are impressed by how soft and warm they feel.

6

Jewelry Travel Case

Jewelry Travel Case
Now 15% Off

Available in a ton of colors, this mini jewelry box is perfect for packing up rings, earrings and necklaces on the go. There are separate compartments to keep jewelry organized and prevent chains from tangling.

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7

9-in-1 Multitool Pen

Best Seller
9-in-1 Multitool Pen
Now 31% Off

As one of the most popular gifts on Amazon, this pen does it all. It's a nightlight, level, screwdriver ... and those are just a few of the nine functions. One reviewer writes: "It has so many different tools in it, they're very durable. We've used it for leveling TV mounts, tightening screws, opening bottles, etc., and it has held up through it all."

8

Electric Wine Opener

Electric Wine Opener

Perfect for all wine drinkers, this cool kitchen gadget opens every bottle with ease — they just need to click a button. Not to mention, it's available in a ton of colors. Before you check out: You may want to pick them up 4 AA batteries to go with it.

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9

Burt's Bees Everyday Beauty Gift Set

Everyday Beauty Gift Set

This affordable gift set includes five travel size essentials: Deep Cleansing Cream, Hand Salve, Body Lotion, Foot Cream and Lip Balm. Its earned nearly 70,000 five-star reviews, with many noting it was a hit when gifted to friends and family.

10

Dual Foot Massager Roller

Dual Foot Massager Roller

This massager is an easy way to treat achy feet — great for people who spend all day walking around, like nurses or house cleaners. It's also designed to stimulate blood circulation, per the brand, and includes a reflexology chart.

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Ditch the paper filters and plastic capsules. I've been using Bodum's cold brew press for years and it works every time — they should be willing to grind their own beans, though.

12
Cult-Following Gift Under $20 for Her

Body Restore Shower Steamers

Shower Steamers
Credit: Body Restore

These luscious shower bombs are making waves after going viral on TikTok. They come in scents like lavender, eucalyptus, jasmine and more, and many Amazon reviewers (nearly 15,000) agree they offer a spa-like experience.

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13

Portable Charger

On Sale
Portable Charger
Credit: VANYUST

They can power up their devices on the go with this portable charger. It's compatible with most smartphones and comes with two USB ports if they need to charge more than one device at a time.

14

Fluffy Shoulder Bag

Fluffy Shoulder Bag

A top product on TikTok, this adorable bag is super soft, but also durable enough to hold all of their belongings. It features a zipper closure and comes in tons of colors and fun patterns.

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15
GH Beauty Award-Winning Moisturizer

Clinique Skin School Supplies: Cleanser Refresher Course Set

Skin School Supplies: Cleanser Refresher Course Set

Clinique is a large and prestige beauty brand that's been around for decades, and their products typically retail on the higher end. But this set — that highlights three of their best-selling skincare picks — sits just under $20. Our Beauty Lab pros vet the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, which won a GH Beauty Award.

RELATED: 30 Best Skincare Products of All Time, Tested in Our Labs

16

Urban Map Glass

Urban Map Glass
Credit: Uncommon Goods

Whether they've recently moved or have an emotional tie to a major city (think Nashville, NYC or Paris), these etched glasses are ideal for whisky, bourbon or scotch.

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17

Pillow Slippers

Pillow Slippers

Everyone (including GH editors) are obsessed with how comfortable cloud slippers truly are. This affordable pair, available in 12 different colors, was rated the best value pillow cloud slides by GH experts.

RELATED: 11 Best Pillow Cloud Slides That TikTok Cannot Get Enough Of

18

Candle Lighter

Candle Lighter

There's nothing more annoying than trying to light a candle that's burned down too far. This electric candle lighter can be recharged a whopping 500 times and doesn't use a flame, making it safer than the average lighter.

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19

Stuffed Burger Press and Recipe eBook

On Sale
Stuffed Burger Press and Recipe eBook
Credit: Grillaholics

Fixing up a burger just got a whole lot easier thanks to this plastic burger press. All they have to do is push down and seal it to create a perfectly formed burger patty with all their favorite toppings.

20

Flashlight Gloves

Flashlight Gloves

Upgrade his bulky flashlight with these nylon gloves, which make rummaging around in the dark so much easier. The battery-powered gloves are made of breathable nylon material, and they feature LED lighting that is surprisingly powerful.

Headshot of Alyssa Gautieri
Alyssa Gautieri
Associate Lifestyle Editor

Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.

Headshot of Cailey Lindberg
Cailey Lindberg
Commerce Editor, Gifts & Lifestyle

Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today's shopping network, Reviewed.com. 

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