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Your holiday shopping list for family and friends is a mile long. You want to find something special for everyone to open. How is that possible without breaking your spending budget? Shopping at unexpected places to buy affordable Christmas gifts!
Some of the most popular retailers, such as Amazon, Walmart and Target, still have holiday shopping deals as we head into December. But if you’re looking for affordable holiday gifts beyond the “Big 3,” you’re in luck!
We decided to do our best imitation of Santa’s elves and build a list of some of the best affordable gift options for all ages at unexpected places.
All of these gifts are less than $50 and most have extra savings for a limited time to bring savings up to 50% off the regular retail price.
Are you ready to finish that shopping list and save money? Let’s get to it!
Aldi
The discount grocery store chain has spent the last few years upping its game by bringing in a wider variety of products to appeal to more customers. That is why Aldi’s social media popularity continues to grow, and it has become more than just a place to buy inexpensive food.
Featured Gift Item: Huntington Home Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets are meant to help calm anxieties and promote better sleep habits, so why not gift it to a friend who needs a bit of a pick-me-up? The 15-lb. Huntington Home Weighted Blanket features a classic plaid pattern and comes in three color schemes: green herringbone, buffalo check and grey.
Other affordable gifts from Aldi:
- Ambiano Holiday Mini Waffle Maker (gingerbread man, holiday tree or snowflakes): $8
- Candle Wax Warmer Set: $13
- Workzone Multi-Tool Giftbox: $13
- Zak! Color Changing Coffee Mug (various Disney characters, TV shows, movies and more): $6
- Crofton Ceramic/Silicon Travel Mug: $5
Chewy
Don’t forget the pets on your holiday gift-giving list! The animals in our lives deserve a little something this season. We know they’re all on the nice list!
Featured Gift Item: Outward Hound Fun Feeder Bowl
Make your dog’s mealtime as fun as it is satisfying! The Outward Hound Fun Feeder Bowl transforms an ordinary meal into an interactive experience. This is not only challenging and entertaining for the pup but can help slow down eating, which can help with digestion.
Other affordable gift options from Chewy:
- PetSafe Healthy Pet Food Station Gravity Refill Feeder: $20
- Goody Box Holiday Dog Toys and Treats: $28
- NylaBone Power Chew Textured Dog Chew Ring: $8
- Lightweight Frisco Quilted Water-Resistant Insulated Jacked (Dog and Cat): $18
- Cactus Cat Scratching Post – 22 inches: $33
Etsy
For custom-made gifts with a more personal touch, Etsy might be the perfect place to find special holiday gifts at an affordable price.
Featured Gift Item: Winter Holiday Gift Box
Send a cozy care package box set to a dear friend or relative to keep them happy during the long winter months. Starting at $35 per box, you choose to include items such as coffee and a mug, candy, a stuffed animal, a blanket, tea and much more.
Other affordable gifts from Etsty:
- Set of 5 shower steamers (various scents): starting at $26.25
- King of the Grill Cutting Board: starting at $22.50
- Personalized Engraved Wallet: starting at $15.99
- Personalized Custom Night Light: starting at $24.44
Five Below
Known as a deep-discount/dollar-store type retailer, Five Below has expanded to online sales and boosted its inventory to include tech items, toys, clothing and more.
Like most dollar-store-style stores, Five Below has more than $5 items. However, prices are significantly lower than many stores that sell similar products.
Featured Gift Item: Wireless Karaoke Speaker and Microphones
Know someone who loves to sing or be the life of the party? This Wireless Karaoke Speaker with 2 Microphones is a portable party. All that’s needed is to connect a Bluetooth device (smartphone, tablet, computer, etc) to get the show going! The set also has a USB charging cable for the light-up speaker and mics.
The machine is sold out for delivery, but you can do in-store pickup!
Other affordable gifts from Five Below:
- Thermal lined gloves: $5
- Squishmallows, Various Characters): $6
- Photo Rail Shelf: $6
- Character Graphic T-shirts (Buddy the Elf, Disney, more): $6
JCPenney
JCPenney — one of three traditional department stores on our list — has made a dedicated effort to keep prices low on popular items for the holiday season. You’ll find clothing, toys, jewelry and much more on sale.
Featured Gift Item: Cooks 5-in-1 Power Blender
The Cooks 5-in-1 Power Blender might be one of the best buys on this list. First, the limited-time price of less than $25 is a steal. But, even at the regular price, a mini blender like this is so versatile in the kitchen. It’s a gift that will be useful and appreciated long after the holidays end.
Other affordable gifts from JCPenney:
- St. John’s Bay Women’s Crew Neck, Long-Sleeve Pullover Sweater (18 colors): $14 with code UNWRAP30 at checkout
- Toddler 2-Piece Paw Patrol Pajama Set: $14 with code UNWRAP30 at checkout
- LEGO Disney Wish Building Set (150 Pieces): $22
Macy’s
The second department store on our roundup surprised us with their price cuts for the holidays, especially if you’re looking for jewelry or clothing,
Featured Gift Item: Diamond Cluster 18-in. Pendant Necklace in Sterling Silver
At 83% off the regular retail price until Dec. 6, this 18-in. Sterling Silver Diamond Pendant will add extra sparkle for the holiday. We also like how this pendant looks like a snowflake; it’s a lovely accessory for any winter outfit.
As an added bonus, you can get a pair of 1/4 ct. total weight diamond earrings for just $39.99 when you checkout!
Other affordable gifts from Macy’s:
- Sun + Stone Men’s Long-Sleeve Thermal Shirt (9 colors): $17 (was $30)
- Nine West Linnette Small Zip Around Wallet with Wristlet: $25 (was $45)
- Champion Men’s Powerblend Fleece Zip Hoodie: $41 (was $55)
Nike
For the active people on your holiday shopping list, head to Nike to find fun and useful gifts to help them enjoy their passion year-round.
Featured Gift Item: Nike Club Fleece Kids Gloves
Kids love getting outside to play in the winter. Keep their hands warm with a pair of gloves they won’t mind wearing with this pair from Nike Club Fleece. You can choose from pink or Grey/Black in three sizes, small to large.
Other affordable gifts from Nike:
- Nike Heritage Waistpack: $23 (was $27)
- Nike Shoe Box Bag: $23 (was $37)
- Nike Unstructured Futura Wash Cap: $20 (was $26)
- Nike Dri-FIT Boys’ Basketball shorts: $26 (was $30)
Nordstrom
The last of our department store inclusions in our collections has gifts for anyone on your list and big savings that will make the shopper happy, too.
Featured Gift Item: Kate Spade New York Idiom Heart of Gold Bracelet
Save 50% off the regular retail price of this beautiful gold bangle bracelet from Kate Spade New York. It’s engraved with a “heart of gold” message on the inside and can be stacked comfortably with other bracelets.
If you order now, you can have it delivered by Christmas.
Other affordable gifts from Nordstrom:
- MAC Cosmetics Lustrelite Lipstick Trio: $25
- Men’s Energizing Essentials Skin Care Gift Set: $43
- Men’s Cotton & Cashmere Crew Sweater: $42 (was $50)
- Fisher Price Little People Choo-Choo Zoo Train: $15
- Fragrance Discovery Set: $25
Shutterfly
With so many of us having our digital photos out of sight on our smartphones and computers, a Shutterfly gift showcasing those memories can mean so much.
Featured Gift Item: Soft Plaid Frame Fleece Photo Blanket
Wrap a grandparent or distant friend in love with a blanket designed with favorite photos! The Shutterfly Soft Plaid Frame Fleece Photo Blanket can be customized with photos, layout design, and type of material at prices as low as $47.
Other affordable gifts from Shutterfly:
- Personalized Monthly Planner with Photos: Starting at $8
- Customized Wall Calendars: Starting at $23
- Customized Coffee Photo Mugs: Starting at $10
- Customized Photo Books: Starting at $18
- Photo Puzzles: Starting at $23.99
Urban Outfitters
With a whole collection of gifts under $50, Urban Outfitters has exactly what your favorite people would love for a touch of pampering and style. Check out these affordable gifts to give those special people some extra love.
Featured Gift Item: The Official Netflix Cookbook: 70 Recipes From Your TV To Your Table
The Official Netflix Cookbook is a collection of recipes inspired by various Netflix original series and movies. If you’re a fan of shows like “Bridgerton,” “Nailed It!” “Squid Game,” “Stranger Things,” and many more. You’ll find dishes that pair perfectly with your favorite shows, from appetizers to decadent desserts.
Other affordable gifts from Urban Outfitters:
About the Author
Marie is a freelance writer and content creator with more than 20 years of experience in journalism. She lives in southwest Ohio with her husband and is almost a full-fledged empty nest mom of two daughters. She loves music, reading, word games, and Walt Disney World. You can find her writing about her personal health journey at marierossiter.substack.com and connect with her at marierossiter@gmail.com More.
