Gifts For $5 That Don’t Suck
You can still give quality gifts while being on a budget.
The holidays can cause a lot of undue stress on people, especially if money is looking particularly tight at the moment. You still want to give your loved ones something special, but you also can’t afford to spend hundreds of dollars. But don’t worry—we’re here to help!
We’ve rounded up some of the best gifts you can give everyone on your list, all for under $5. Scroll to finish off your Christmas shopping and save money (all at the same time).
Beauty
Thayers Milky Face Toner with Snow Mushroom
Thayers toner is some of the best on the market, which is why it’s such a cult classic. This milky toner is extra hydrating, which is perfect for restoring moisture to dry winter skin.
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
Continually voted one of the best mascaras you can get, this version from Essence gives the illusion of false lashes without going through all the hassle (and cost) of having falsies. It’s a perfect stocking stuffer!
Tonymoly I’m Real Pearl Sheet Mask
K-beauty fans have been singing the praises of Tonymoly for years, especially their iconic sheet masks. There are tons of varieties to choose from, so you can easily grab one for everyone on your list without buying repeats.
Food
Glico Pocky Strawberry Biscuit Sticks, 9 Packs
Pocky is the perfect sweet treat, and now that the Japanese cookie is available on Amazon (in bulk, too), it’s never been easier to get your hands on it. Plus, you get nine packs for under $5, making it a great gift option for everyone you’re shopping for.
Duncan Hines Mega Cookie Chocolate Chunk Pan Cookie Mix
For the friend who has the ultimate sweet tooth, give them the gift of being able to whip up a skillet cookie at a moment’s notice. Plus, since you were the wonderful person who gave them the gift, you’ll likely be able to sample the finished product!
Nutella Hazelnut Spread
Who doesn’t love Nutella? Grab a small jar of this to add to stockings or round out the perfect holiday care package for your friend who lives far away.
Stationary
Pentel Fude Touch Sign Pen
Trust me when I say a nice pen can really make all the difference in the world. This Pentel calligraphy-style pen is perfect for the stationary enthusiast in your life.
Lucky Cat Message Pads
Perfect for leaving fun notes to roommates and friends alike, these adorable cat notes can be folded into little pyramids to keep your note secure. They also just make cute to-do lists!
Aesthetic Cute Highlighters Assorted Colors
Help your friends add some flair to their planners or class notes with a fun highlighter set. With unique colors available, they won’t get bored color-coating anything and everything they write down.
Miscellaneous
Friendship Gold Compass Necklace
It’s not often you find a cute piece of jewelry for under $5, but that’s the case here. Gift it to your bestie to show them just how much they mean to you all year long, not just during the holidays.
Heart-Shaped Sunglasses
Do you have that one friend who can’t stop talking about Taylor Swift and/or the Eras Tour? (Hi, it’s me. I’m the problem. It’s me.) They’ll love these sunglasses to wear once it’s streaming on December 13 or when they attend the second leg of the tour in 2024.
Scunci by Conair No-Slip Grip Thick Hair Jaw Clip
Claw clips aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, so grab a few for the friend who’s always pushing their hair out of their face. This one from Scunci is designed to not slip all day!
Get all your holiday shopping done with a discount from Student Beans
Need more shopping inspo? Check out these viral beauty products that are having major sales right now!
