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25 Best Gifts under $20 That Will Make an Impact This Holiday Season

From skincare to fashion accessories, there’s a lot you can buy with this price range!

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Courtesy of Ying Chen

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There are two kinds of people in the world: Big spenders that throw caution to the wind during the holiday season, and those who know a high price tag doesn’t necessarily mean a quality gift. If you identify with the latter (which I’m guessing you do since you’re reading this), I know for a fact you’re a seasoned smart shopper. And honestly, I not only respect it, I admire it. Yes, despite inflation practically causing everything to skyrocket in price (Lol please tell me why I paid $8 for an iced oat milk latte last week?) there are still some gifts under $20 you can find for your loved ones that make a real impact.

Don’t believe me? Well, my gift to you all this year is this curated list of items that will make great prezzies for anyone on your list. Seriously, there’s a bit of everything here. From skincare items to cute trinkets to stylish accessories—all for under $20. Just call me Santa! But in more of a Mariah Carey kinda way instead of the whole old guy with a beard type of vibe, ya know? Below, gifts under $20 for your friends, family, and anyone in between. Happy holidays!

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1
This skincare duo

Glossier Essential Travel Duo

Essential Travel Duo
1
This skincare duo

Glossier Essential Travel Duo

Now 13% Off
$13 at Glossier
Credit: Glossier

Glossier is that girl and this holiday season you can snag a mini set of their Olivia Rodrigo-approved Milky Jelly Cleanser and After Baume. Hydrated skin is kinda my ideal type of gift, just saying!

2
These comfy slips

TOBVZOO Cloud Slippers

Cloud Slippers
2
These comfy slips

TOBVZOO Cloud Slippers

Now 20% Off
Credit: Amazon

Having a good pair of slip-on shoes to lounge around the house with or use during errands is one of those simple luxuries in life that just can’t be beat. These slippers will feel like a literal soft cushioned cloud for their feet, aka the dream.

3
This fun trinket

Mark and Graham Lips Ceramic Catchall Tray

Lips Ceramic Catchall Tray
3
This fun trinket

Mark and Graham Lips Ceramic Catchall Tray

Credit: Mark and Graham

I’m all for a funky piece of home decor that adds some character to a space. They can use this cute ceramic tray for their jewelry, on their coffee table, or bathroom.

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4
These gorge pens

LUSH Energizers Bath Bomb Duo

LUSH Energizers Bath Bomb Duo
4
These gorge pens

LUSH Energizers Bath Bomb Duo

Credit: Lush

If they’re the type that loves cute office supplies, then they’ll truly appreciate this set of two snazzy gold pens. They just make writing lil notes that much more special.

5
These gorge pens

luxye Gold Pens with Gold Pen Cap 3 Piece Pen Set

Gold Pens with Gold Pen Cap 3 Piece Pen Set
5
These gorge pens

luxye Gold Pens with Gold Pen Cap 3 Piece Pen Set

Credit: Amazon

If they’re the type that loves cute office supplies, then they’ll truly appreciate this set of two snazzy gold pens. They just make writing lil notes that much more special.

6
This oversized bow

J Crew Oversized Satin Bow Hair Clip

Oversized Satin Bow Hair Clip
6
This oversized bow

J Crew Oversized Satin Bow Hair Clip

Now 58% Off
Credit: J Crew

As a proud supporter of the bow agenda, I couldn’t be more of a fan of this gift idea. This large red bow clip is a must-have for the coquette, ballet-loving, soft girl aesthetic people in your life!

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7
This fruity floral candle

VOLUSPA Mini Forbidden Fig Decorative Tin Candle

Mini Forbidden Fig Decorative Tin Candle
7
This fruity floral candle

VOLUSPA Mini Forbidden Fig Decorative Tin Candle

I’m sorry, but a candle will never not be a good gift IMO. It literally lights up their life! This one in particular smells like a wild fig tree and it’s giving all the Evermore and Folklore vibes.

8
This handy gadget

Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer

Mug Warmer
8
This handy gadget

Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer

Credit: Mr. Coffee

For the tea-lovers or hot coffee drinkers, this mug warmer will be a game-changer. It’ll save them the hassle of having to reheat their drink and is something they can use over and over again, a win!

TikTok made this hair tool go viral, and for good reason. Imagine waking up with fluffy curls after a good night’s sleep without ever having to pick up a heat styling tool—that’s possible with this satin rod headband!

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10
These rollers

Drybar High Tops Self-Grip Rollers

High Tops Self-Grip Rollers
10
These rollers

Drybar High Tops Self-Grip Rollers

Credit: Drybar

Another product that’s been revived thanks to #BeautyTok are hair rollers. What can I say, loose voluminous waves are in! These rollers are some of my favorites and are so easy to use whenever you’re in the mood for some curls but don’t want to spend time heat styling them.

11
These sponges

SEPHORA COLLECTION Total Coverage Blending Sponge Set

Total Coverage Blending Sponge Set
11
These sponges

SEPHORA COLLECTION Total Coverage Blending Sponge Set

Now 40% Off
Credit: Sephora Collection

Anyone who follows Alix Earle and Monet McMichael knows that these triangle-shaped sponges are a beauty routine need. It makes applying setting powder under your eyes so much easier than using their typical beauty sponge. Don’t be surprised if your giftee enters their GRWM era after receiving these!

12
This cult-favorite dinnerware

Le Creuset Stoneware 7 oz. Stackable Ramekin

Stoneware 7 oz. Stackable Ramekin
12
This cult-favorite dinnerware

Le Creuset Stoneware 7 oz. Stackable Ramekin

Credit: Le Creuset

Le Creuset fans are just built different and if you’ve ever entered your friend’s home and immediately spotted their Dutch oven displayed proudly on their countertop—you need not look any further than this stackable ramekin. This mini container is for serving sauces or separating ingredients, inside the freezer or out.

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13
These press-on nails

Chillhouse 90'S Supermodel Nail Kit

90'S Supermodel Nail Kit
13
These press-on nails

Chillhouse 90'S Supermodel Nail Kit

Credit: Chillhouse

Press-on nails are such a great product to have handy. Whether they save them for a time when they’re not able to go into the salon for a nail refresh or just love the ease of press-ons, this is a hit for anyone on your list.

14
These headphones

Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones

ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones
14
These headphones

Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones

Now 23% Off
Credit: Sony

It’s a universal experience to either have broken or lost headphones every couple of months on repeat, don’t ask me why but it’s true. These headphones from Sony will ensure they can listen to all the hits (true friendship!).

15
This adorable jar

Etsy Fake Cake Screw Top Jar

Fake Cake Screw Top Jar
15
This adorable jar

Etsy Fake Cake Screw Top Jar

Credit: Etsy

These cake-themed jars are so adorable, I’m honestly thinking of grabbing a few for myself. They’ll make such a fun addition to any home and can store anything they want inside.

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16
This soft dress

Victoria's Secret Velvet Slip Dress

Velvet Slip Dress
16
This soft dress

Victoria's Secret Velvet Slip Dress

Now 38% Off
Credit: Victoria's Secret

Velvet dresses and holiday parties are one of those pairings that just go hand-in-hand. This slip is such a cute item to give this season and is sure to inspire an IG photo dump sesh moment.

17
This scarf

Cider Check Tassel Scarf

Check Tassel Scarf
17
This scarf

Cider Check Tassel Scarf

Credit: Cider

When it gets cold out, you won’t catch me without a blanket-like scarf wrapped around my neck. This one will be a go-to in their closet, trust!

18
This pimple patches

Mighty Patch Original from Hero Cosmetics

Original from Hero Cosmetics
18
This pimple patches

Mighty Patch Original from Hero Cosmetics

Credit: Hero Cosmetics

At any given moment I always have a pack of these acne patches from Hero Cosmetics in my home. The hydrocolloid stickers just work so well! Get this for a friend that you know will appreciate having these in their cabinet for emergency moments.

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19
This simple T-shirt

Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee

Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee
19
This simple T-shirt

Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee

Credit: Madewell

A person can never have too many basics in their closet, so why not get them this simple V-neck shirt with a pocket? It’s sure to become a staple in their wardrobe!

20
This probiotic soda

poppi Sparkling Prebiotic Soda (Pack of 4)

On Sale
Sparkling Prebiotic Soda (Pack of 4)
20
This probiotic soda

poppi Sparkling Prebiotic Soda (Pack of 4)

Credit: Poppi

Team Poppi, forever! I can’t function without my daily can, and if your loved one is a soda fan but wants to try something a little more gut-friendly, this will become their new obsession.

Headshot of Daisy Maldonado
Daisy Maldonado
Associate Shopping Editor

Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram. 

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