Gift ideas under $50

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Finding the perfect gift can be difficult, especially on a budget. On average, Aussies spend $100 per month and almost $1,200 a year on gifts alone. But thoughtful gifts don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. What’s important is the thought behind the gift and not the price. 

To help you with your gift shopping, whether for Christmas or other special occasions throughout the year, let’s explore some affordable gift ideas for everyone, from children to friends and family!

Gift ideas under $50 for children

Finding gifts for children might be the easiest, as they’re generally happy with any gift they receive, especially when they are still in their early years. However, the different options to choose from can be slightly overwhelming, which is why we’ve gathered some examples to help you out.

  • Lego: Every kid loves playing with Legos, no matter the gender or age.

    It is important to note that some legos are more difficult than others so finding one that is suitable for their age is important.

    Here are 3 Lego sets under $50 to get you started:
    1. Lego creative box
    2. Lego camera
    3. Lego Disney Princess

Legos are very convenient to buy, you can purchase them online, you can pop into their store in the city or even visit your nearest BigW or Kmart. 

  • Books: Sometimes, the simplest thing can be the best. There are so many options to choose from when it comes to books, and each genre provides a different feeling and excitement. 

Here are some trending books right now:

    1. Three wild dogs and the truth by Markus Zuzag  
    2. The life impossible by Matt Haig
    3. RecipeTin Eats: Tonight by Nagi Maehashi

It is important to note the quality and difficulty of books when giving them to children, as some might be either inappropriate or too difficult. You can buy books in your local bookstore or try online stores like Dymocks or Kinokuniya and take advantage of seasonal sales. If you’re unsure what to get, they also give recommendations for the various genres or in general.

Gifting your old books that you found amazing is also a cost-effective option with sentimental value! 

Gift ideas under $50 for teenagers

Finding teenagers a gift might seem difficult, especially with trends shifting in a heartbeat. But when it comes to gifts, finding something thoughtful will always speak for itself. Being able to understand their style, hobbies and sense of adventure might help you find what you’re looking for. 

Here’s a collection of affordable gift ideas that’ll make them smile:

  • Skincare essentials: Teens today are increasingly conscious of self-care, making skincare kits a popular and thoughtful gift. Look for affordable, gentle sets with face masks, moisturisers, or cleansers suitable for their age and skin type. 

Here are some popular skincare products:

    1. Novelty hand care trio
    2. Shea Body Lotion
    3. Vitamin E Moisture Day Cream

Places like The Body Shop might offer special promotions on skincare sets during special celebrations like Christmas.

  • Portable bluetooth speakers: For those who love technology, gadgets like portable chargers, wireless earbuds, or smart home devices make functional and fun gifts. Even if you’re inexperienced in the area, you can find plenty of articles and videos reviewing the quality alongside the value based on price. 

Here are some best sellers on JB Hi-FI:

    1. JBL Go Portable Speakers
    2. Logitech Z150 multimedia speakers
    3. Creative pebble USB speakers

A good place to look for tech would most likely be JB Hi-Fi, as they are the largest electronic retail company in Australia. What’s even better is that in some cases, they might “price match”, which is when the store matches the price of a product sold in a different store, as long as you show proof.

Gift ideas under $50 for partners

When it comes to finding a gift for your partner, being genuine and putting some thought into it can make all the difference. 

Some examples of romantic gestures or personalised things are:

  • Spa sets: Bring relaxation home with a spa kit that includes bath bombs, scented candles, and essential oils. This thoughtful gift helps your partner unwind, adding a luxurious, pampering touch to their day. 

Here are some best sellers on Lush:

    1. Deep sleep bath bomb
    2. Sticky dates shower gel
    3. Super Milk conditioning spray

You can find great options at Lush and Priceline, tailored to suit any mood, from calming lavender to invigorating eucalyptus.

  • Personalised Items: Taking something ordinary and making it one of a kind, makes the gift invaluable. 

Here are some customisable gift ideas:

    1. Custom Mugs
    2. Custom Tote Bags
    3. Custom Water Bottles

Depending on where you buy these, because they are personalised, they might take a while to be ready, so if you are planning to get one of these or something similar make sure you have a spared enough time for the gift to be ready.

Gift ideas under $50 for friends and family

Friends and family members each have unique interests, so choosing something thoughtful yet practical is key.

Finding the balance between needing and wanting can make the gift even better. Might want to consider gifts that cater to their hobbies. 

Here are some examples of hobby-related gifts:

  • Shared experiences: Shared experiences can sometimes mean more than material gifts. Whether it's planning a surprise date or getting tickets to a local concert, experience-based gifts create memories you can enjoy together. 

Some ideas for fun and thoughtful experiences:

    1. Movie Night
    2. Zoo
    3. Escape Room  

Depending on the season and movies, the cinema might offer special promotions. The two largest cinemas in Sydney are Hoyts and Events Cinema, checking their website for any special promotions. 

  • Board games: For a bit of fun, consider board games, perfect for family gatherings and friend hangouts. There are countless options, from classic board games to strategic games or even card games, catering to all personality types. 

Here are some examples of classic board games:

    1. Monopoly
    2. Jenga
    3. Codenames

Visit JB Hi-Fi, BigW or Games World for a selection of popular and affordable choices.

Gift-giving is more about the thought rather than the price tag. Making sure you get the highest value with your money is important, but saving is equally important. These thoughtful ideas under $50 show that with a bit of creativity and consideration, it’s possible to find something that resonates with everyone, bringing joy without exceeding your budget. Happy gifting!


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