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As the cost of living surges, many Australians are looking at ways they can navigate the festive season on a budget. According to early research from Roy Morgan, 30 per cent of shoppers will cut their Christmas gifting budgets this year, and fewer Australians will purchase presents at all compared to 2022.
Whether you’re looking for an office secret santa, stocking filler or simply trying to spend less this Christmas, here is our guide to the best gifts under $50 in 2023.
And if you’re looking for even more gift ideas, don’t forget to check out our full 2023 Christmas gift guide.
Best Christmas gifts under $10
Muji incense sticks
Japanese favourite Muji have a range of affordable gifts for the minimalist in your life. Their incense sticks ($6.50) come beautifully packaged in a simple box, and come in a range of fragrances including yuzu (our pick for a refreshing, citrus summer scent), Japanese cyprus and green tea. You can even add their ceramic incense holder ($3.50) and stay within budget.
The Little Veggie Patch Co. seeds
Vegetable seeds make a thoughtful and affordable gift for the budding home gardener. The Little Veggie Patch Co.’s heirloom collection ($5 each) allows them to grow non-GMO, heritage varieties not easily found at their local supermarket, like “cosmic purple” carrots and “Bulgarian giant” leek. We especially love their vintage-inspired packaging.
Fukuroya hand towel
A beautiful hand towel never misses as a thoughtful gift, ideal for travel or the home bathroom. These Fukuroya hand towels ($8) are sourced from Senshu Osaka, said to be the birthplace of Japanese towels. Crafted from soft cotton, they’re highly absorbent and feature a simple woven pattern available in five colours.
Koko Black Percy Penguin Pop
Australian chocolatier Koko Black is a firm favourite among those with a sweet tooth. Their Koko Critters collection – including this Percy Penguin Pop ($4.50) – features their delicious chocolate in the adorable form of Australian native fauna. Not only are they adorable, but a portion of funds from each sale go to support conservation programs for our native wildlife.
Underworks x WWF socks
Underworks have partnered with WWF on a collection of socks to raise awareness for threatened wildlife. The range features koalas and tigers embroidered in pastel colourways ($6 for a pack of two), and are crafted from 97 per cent recycled fibres. Plus, 5 per cent of proceeds from each sale go towards WWF’s Regenerate Nature by 2023 initiative. The perfect gift for the animal lover in your life.
Billie Justice Thomson Bánh mì magnet
A fridge magnet might sound like a gift that would put you on the naughty list but these adorable (mostly food-related) magnets from Australian artist Billie Justice Thomson are a crowd-pleaser. Some of our favourite single magnets include Bánh mì, a pelican, a bunch of spring onions and a chomp chocolate bar ($8).
Best Christmas gifts under $20
Chotto Motto Japanese curry chicken salt
Chicken salt is practically a nation treasure at this point. Melbourne Japanese restaurant and bar Chotto Motto decided to put their own spin on the tuckshop classic with the flavours of Japanese Curry ($12.50). Sprinkle on roast potatoes, eggs, fried chicken – basically anything that needs a little flavour boost. And despite the name, it’s also vegan.
Bed Threads Cloud Coasters
Coasters are one of those things we place firmly in the category of “grown up” stuff for home. These Cloud Coasters from Bed Threads ($20 for a set of four) are crafted from their signature French flax linen and add a delightful pop of colour to any table setting. The soft linen absorbs condensation, protecting wooden surfaces, and they can be easily chucked in a gentle wash if they are marked or stained.
Orbitkey multi-tool
This little guy may not look like much at first glance, but is a nifty, high-achieving helper. Orbitkey’s multi-tool ($15) performs nine different functions in one: it’s a box cutter, bottle opener, pry bar, flat-head screwdriver, PH2 Phillips head screwdriver, letter opener, metric ruler, imperial ruler and coarse file all in one. If you have the budget, you can pair it with one of their key organisers (from $32.90).
Minimax x Foodbank spatula
Minimax has partnered with Foodbank on a fun spatula this Christmas. Five prominent Australians, including Hamish Blake and Attica head chef Ben Shewry, have been enlisted to lend their creative touch to a limited edition spatula ($19.95). The result is a fun collection that includes adorable hearts, pastel roses and pop art cupcakes. The purchase of each spatula provides 25 meals for Australians in need.
Keep it Cleaner app membership
Fuel the health and wellness-obsessed person in your life with a one-month gift membership to fitness app KIC ($19.49 for one month). The membership gives you access to over 1000 workouts from Pilates, strength, yoga, running and more, as well as recipes and guided meditations.
Best Christmas gifts under $30
Earl of East air freshener from Incu
London-based home fragrance brand Earl of East has collaborated with a range of high-end brands over the years including Selfridges and JW Anderson. Their range of air fresheners ($25), available at Incu, are a cut above your average petrol station offerings. Suitable for the car, gym bag or wardrobe, they come in a range of scents including onsen and flower power. Plus, the pretty packaging means you probably don’t even need to bother with gift wrapping if you’re in a pinch.
Strapsicle
If they have a Kindle or Kobo, consider gifting a Strapsicle ($22). The Australian invention was created when a mum accidentally dropped her Kindle on her baby’s head. Strapsicle’s simple design consists of two silicone straps that allow one to read lying down in bed, poolside or while babysitting – basically any situation where one risks dropping their e-reader. It’s also great for those with arthritis, cerebral palsy or nerve damage.
Bananagrams
Most people will be familiar with the classic game Bananagrams ($25). Perfect for scrabble-lovers or Wordle fans wanting to take their obsession offline, it’s a word puzzle with a simple goal: the first player to use all their tiles wins. The game can be played solo or with up to eight players, making it perfect for summer trips with the family.
Bread Puff hair scrunchie
Scrunchies are the perfect stocking stuffer. The Bread Puff hair scrunchie from Bread Beauty Supply is a super-stretchy band covered with a satin finish that won’t leave dents or tug on the hair – and looks cute. ($26)
Best Christmas gifts under $40
Maison Blanche flameless candle lighter
Candles are often though to be a cliché gift. But if there is someone in your life you know to be candle-obsessed, consider gifting them a flameless lighter. Maison Blanche’s version comes in a slick black package, without the need for butane or chemicals ($36). Plus, it’s rechargeable, meaning they’ll never need to buy another disposable lighter or box of matches again.
Journey of Something sparkle art kit
Craft time isn’t just for kids. Journey of Something’s sparkle art kits ($39) are a step up from your childhood craft projects. Suitable for ages eight and up, they give you everything you need to create a veritable piece of art for your home (frames are not included but can be purchased from their site). A range of styles is available, including a May Gibbs-themed kit and this Mediterranean-inspired piece above.
Gentleman’s Hardware sneaker cleaning kit
Just about everyone owns a pair of sneakers these days, and the struggle of keeping them fresh against the rhythms of daily life is real. This sneaker cleaning kit from Gentleman’s Hardware ($34.95) is the perfect antidote. A tough-on-stains cleaning fluid, wooden brush and microfibre cloth come packaged in a neat box perfect for travel.
Pepe Saya breakfast pack
People who take their butter seriously know that Australian artisans Pepe Saya are the real deal. Their breakfast pack offers a rather decadent breakfast, with rounds of their signature cultured butter, sourdough crumpets, lemon curd and crème fraîche ($35). For a gluten-free breakfast option, they offer a pancake pack ($35).
Foile Angel Eye Jellies
Want to impress the beauty guru in your life without breaking the bank? Sydney brand Foile skincare’s Angel Eye Jellies ($40) is a fully recyclable and refillable under-eye silicone patch that is used over a serum to de-puff and lock in hydration.
Best Christmas gifts under $50
Outside Beauty & Skincare SPF 50+ Lip to Cheek
Warm weather is in full swing – and with it the need to protect our skin from the sun’s harsh rays. And while we’re using more SPF than ever, our lips are often forgotten. Our Beauty & Skincare’s SPF 50+ ($45) is made in Australia and doubles as a physical sunscreen and lip and cheek tint. The soft pink adds a subtle glow for beach days.
Jimoto Foods Izayaka gift box
Jimoto foods was founded by two Australian chefs who had been working side by side in Japanese restaurants for years. The company makes delicious condiments and seasonings for dedicated home cooks, or for those who want to add a little zing to a lazy weeknight meal. Their Izayaka gift box ($46) includes their bestselling teriyaki sauce, infused with Sydney-grown shiso leaf, an umami rich miso hot sauce and a fresh yuzu and chilli dressing perfect for barbecued meat and summer salads.
MICO Toastie
If they’re constantly on a quest to perfect their kimchi toastie or mortadella focaccia, then this nifty sandwich press might be for them. The MICO Toastie ($49) is a compact accessory perfect for use in the office kitchen or during travel. Simply prepare your sandwich and pop the gadget in the microwave for the perfect toastie.
Good Time cooler bag
This cooler bag ($49.95) from Queensland brand Good Time Co. is designed for those who don’t want to lug a heavy Esky with them to the beach or barbecue. Featuring a soft cotton exterior and insulated interior that can keep its contents cool for up to five hours, the attractive bag can double as a tote or market bag. This is the original version, but there are other cheeky options on their website.
Seven Sistas tea towel x Kaylene Whiskey
Design store Third Drawer Down teamed up with Indigenous artist Kaylene Whiskey on this quirky and vibrant tea towel ($50). Born in Indulkana, a remote aboriginal community in South Australia, Whiskey’s visual lexicon reflects a childhood obsessed with 1980s pop culture. Her piece “Seven Sistas” is an ode to the strong women in her life. The perfect kitchen accessory or home artwork.
Oimu incense
Seoul-based design studio makes these beautiful incense sticks, which at $40 for 160 sticks are excellent value for money. They’re handcrafted using traditional Korean techniques before being left to dry in the wind for several months. Fragrances included citrus, fig and sandalwood, and the foil-stamped boxes feature charming illustrations.
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