20 Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are

Discover the art of luxurious gifting on a budget with our curated guide to finding presents that impress without the hefty price tag.

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The holidays are a time for giving, and while you may want to share gifts with as many friends and family members as possible, your bank account may not be able to support such generosity. The good news is that it’s possible to find terrific gifts that are stylish, functional, and high-tech—without a hefty price tag. We’ve put together the ultimate gift guide for shoppers who are looking to impress without the financial stress. These picks offer quality and a sense of luxury but are available at surprisingly low price points. Read on for 20 gift ideas that look way more expensive than they are.

1. Indoor/Outdoor Wireless Security Camera

Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are Indoor Outdoor Wireless Security Camera
Photo: amazon.com

Security systems used to be considered a home luxury, but these days, brands like Wyze are changing the game with affordable, effective solutions. The Wyze Cam v3 offers quality livestream footage straight to your smartphone. You’ll even get 14 days of saved videos for free, plus no monthly fees or required subscription.

Get the Wyze Cam v3 at Amazon for $34.99

2. Candle Warmer Lamp

Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are Candle Warmer Lamp
Photo: amazon.com

Candle lovers looking for a safer way to enjoy their favorite scents will love this candle-warming lamp. It releases a candle’s fragrance without the need for an open flame, making it safer for homes with kids and pets. It provides consistent heat from above and melts the wax evenly, which prolongs the life of the candle while eliminating potential fire hazards.

Get the Luzdiosa Candle Warmer Lamp at Amazon for $29.99

3. Massage Gun

Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are Massage Gun
Photo: amazon.com

Athletes, workout enthusiasts, and anyone who experiences regular aches and pains are sure to appreciate this deep-tissue massage gun. It’s considered a dupe of the much pricier Theragun but offers similar performance at a much lower price point. With 30 speed levels and nine different heads, users can customize their experience based on their particular needs.

Get the APHERMA Massage Gun at Amazon for $18.99

4. Silk Eye Mask

Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are Silk Eye Mask
Photo: brooklinen.com

Give the gift of a luxurious night’s sleep with this mulberry silk eye mask from Brooklinen. The much-loved bedding brand may be known for their sheets and comforters but they’ve also crafted an eye mask that’s designed to protect your hair and skin while you sleep. The material is cool to the touch but also provides heat insulation, making it comfortable to use in all seasons.

Get the Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eye Mask at Brooklinen for $20.95

5. Plush Throw Blanket

Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are Plush Throw Blanket
Photo: nordstrom.com

A throw blanket makes the perfect gift for a housewarming, and this one from Nordstrom looks like it costs much more than it really does. It’s made from polyester and features an ultra-soft finish, making it perfect for snuggling up under. Since it’s available in a variety of colors, it can suit different home decor styles. As an added bonus, it’s machine washable and can be tumble dried.

Get the Bliss Plush Throw Blanket at Nordstrom for $29

6. Wine Aerator and Pourer

Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are Wine Aerator and Pourer
Photo: amazon.com

If the budding oenophile in your life doesn’t already have a wine aerator, this affordable pick is a great entry-level option. It aerates wine as you pour so that the bottle doesn’t need to be opened ahead of time in order to breathe. It’s also designed for drip-free pouring, ensuring your table remains free of red wine stains.

Get the Rabbit Wine Aerator and Pourer at Amazon for $9

7. Digital Meat Thermometer

Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are Digital Meat Thermometer
Photo: amazon.com

Give the gift of precision this holiday season with the ThermoPro TP06B grill thermometer. It offers expensive features such as preset temperatures for nine types of meat based on USDA-recommended doneness temperatures. There’s a timer, too, and a stainless steel probe with a step-down tip design for more precise measurements. Yes, it’s under $20! Any home cook or backyard BBQer will be thrilled with this gadget.

Get the ThermoPro digital meat thermometer at Amazon for $19.99.

8. Personalized Notebook

Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are Personalized Notebook
Photo: papier.com

Personalized stationery and paper products scream luxury, but they don’t need to come with a luxury price tag. Papier offers a wide variety of options in different styles, including this on-trend scallop-edge notebook that’s customized with the recipient’s initials. It comes in several colorways, and shoppers can choose from plain, lined, or dotted paper.

Get the Scallop Spine Hardcover Notebook at Papier for $32

9. Wireless On-Ear Headphones

Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are Wireless On-Ear Headphones
Photo: amazon.com

It’s easy to assume that buying top-notch wireless headphones costs an arm and a leg, but these ones from JBL offer incredible performance at the budget price point. They offer a ​​dynamic frequency response range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and provide up to 40 hours of wireless playtime. While users can take advantage of the controls on the ear cups, these headphones also pair with voice assistants like Siri or Google.

Get the JBL Wireless On-Ear Headphones at Amazon for $24.95

10. Essential Oil Diffuser

Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are Essential Oil Diffuser
Photo: amazon.com

Aromatherapy isn’t just for the spa! Gift a loved one this diffuser so they can create the ultimate relaxation experience at home. A woodgrain look adds a touch of richness to this diffuser, while a choice of seven light colors encircling the unit adds sparkle. Four preset time modes ensure your giftee can customize the diffuser to their specific needs, and they’ll love the 10 essential oils that come with the diffuser.

Get the HLS Store Essential Oil Diffuser at Amazon for $39.99

11. Picnic Blanket with Carry Handle

Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are Picnic Blanket with Carry Handle
Photo: amazon.com

Picnic in style with this chic blanket featuring a gray and black checkered design and synthetic leather handle. The high-quality blanket will elevate any outdoor experience, whether you’re camping, hiking, at a sporting event, or enjoying a romantic picnic!

Get the PortableAnd Extra Large Picnic Blanket at Amazon for $25.99

12. Touch-Sensor Color-Changing Table Lamp

Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are Touch-Sensor Color-Changing Table Lamp
Photo: amazon.com

Another surprisingly affordable home decor item, this cool lamp brings color-changing illumination and a calming ambiance to any space. The touch-activated technology allows you to select your favorite color with just a tap.

Get the Enbrighten Color-Changing LED Lamp at Amazon for $11.99

13. Gold Vanity Tray

Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are Gold Vanity Tray
Photo: urbanoutfitters.com

A vanity tray is the type of item that people may not buy for themselves, making it an excellent gift idea. This one from Urban Outfitters has a gold finish and a reflective surface that will bring a touch of glam to any space. It’s perfect for storing jewelry and accessories or simply acting as a chic catch-all.

Get the Gold Vanity Tray at Urban Outfitters for $24

13. Metal Watering Can

Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are Metal Watering Can
Photo: hm.com

The plant lover in your life is sure to appreciate this stylish watering can, which provides both function and aesthetic value. It has a 2-quart capacity and a long spout that makes it easy to water houseplants in a variety of container types. The matte black finish is both modern and timeless, making for an attractive addition to any shelf.

Get the Metal Watering Can at H&M for $26.25

15. Amazon Fire Stick

Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are Amazon Fire Stick
Photo: amazon.com

The Amazon Fire Stick transforms any TV into a smart TV, allowing users to easily access streaming services like Netflix, Prime, Hulu, and more. While the compact, high-tech item may seem like it would cost a lot, it’s regularly priced under $40 and is often discounted even further during Amazon’s savings events.

Get the Fire Stick at Amazon for $39.99

16. Nameplate Necklace

Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are Nameplate Necklace
Photo: etsy.com

Personalized jewelry is a thoughtful and considerate gift, but it doesn’t need to break the bank. Shoppers can find countless options on Etsy, and this nameplate necklace is just one great example. Choose from a variety of fonts and finishes in order to find the option that your recipient will like the most.

Get the Gold Nameplate Necklace at Etsy starting at $15

17. Personalized Cutting Board

Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are Personalized Cutting Board
Photo: etsy.com

Looking for a unique gift for a wedding or anniversary? Consider this personalized wooden cutting board from Etsy. It’s engraved with the couple’s last name and their wedding year, making it both functional and sentimental. It’s made from organic bamboo, which is naturally antimicrobial, and comes in five sizes to best suit your budget and preferences.

Get the Personalized Cutting Board at Etsy starting at $19.98 

18. Black+Decker Single Serve Coffee Maker

Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are BLACK+DECKER Single Serve Coffee Maker
Photo: amazon.com

The Black + Decker Single Serve Coffee Maker makes the perfect gift for the person who’s always taking their morning coffee on the go. It comes with a 16-ounce thermal travel mug that fits perfectly into the machine, allowing users to brew their daily cup of joe directly into their to-go mug.

Get the Black+Decker Single Serve Coffee Maker at Amazon for $29.99

19. Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Photo: amazon.com

The OontZ Angle 3 Bluetooth Speaker delivers crystal-clear, distortion-free sound, even at high volumes. It features Bluetooth 5.0 for faster connections and an impressive 100 ft wireless range. Lightweight and IPX5 water-resistant, this portable speaker offers up to 14 hours of playtime and doubles as a hands-free speakerphone, making it a versatile gift idea.

Get the OontZ Angle 3 Bluetooth Speaker at Amazon for $25.99

20. Mini Projector with Screen

Gifts That Look Way More Expensive Than They Really Are Mini Projector with Screen
Photo: amazon.com

Home cinema enthusiasts will be wowed by the performance of this mini projector from TMY. Using a projector instead of a TV offers a more immersive experience, and this model comes with a 100-inch screen, transforming any room into a home theater. This projector features a powerful 9500 Lumen LED light source with native 720P resolution and 1080P HD support, offering vibrant and intricate color details through its latest 3LCD technology.

Get the TMY Mini Projector at Amazon for $65.58

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Savannah Sher

Contributing Writer

Savannah Sher started writing for BobVila.com in 2020 and has worked as a content writer since 2016. She specializes in home and gardening but also covers lifestyle, beauty, fashion, and pop culture for other publications. She writes both direct-to-consumer and B2B content.

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