A Little Says a Lot
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.
1. Indoor/Outdoor Wireless Security Camera
Security systems used to be considered a home luxury, but brands like Wyze are changing the game with affordable, effective solutions. The Wyze Cam v3 delivers 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 $35.98.
2. Hand-Painted Teacup
Your dear one can savor a morning cup of tea in this lovely hand-painted cup and saucer set. The clear glass set is adorned with wispy stalks of lavender flowers that appear to be bending and twisting in a light breeze. It's painted in nontoxic enamel, and the design is clear coated and fired for longevity. The cup's capacity is 7 ounces; merchant also sells a matching teapot.
Get the Painting Arts N Crafts Lavender Teacup & Saucer at Etsy for $26.52.
3. Color-Changing Lighted Showerhead
High-tech gear in the bathroom may be a little bougie, but this low-flow, 1.8-gpm shower head is also good for the environment. It’s the perfect, affordable gift for a friend who loves long showers, and is easy to install DIY. The coolest part? There are no batteries involved—the flow of water through the device is what makes the colors change.
Get the KAIREY Led Handheld Shower Head for $22.99.
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4. Pro-Quality Bakeware Set
Budding bakers and veteran patissiers alike will jump for joy when you gift them this Saveur Selects Loaf and Muffin Pan Bakeware Set. Both pieces are made with solid carbon steel that resists warping, and a Whitford Eclipse nonstick coating that is dishwasher safe. The feature we love best, however, are their broad, rolled rims that make flipping the pans to release the baked goods a cinch.
Get the Saveur Selects two-piece bakeware set at Amazon for $48.99.
5. House-Shaped Tissue Box Cover
Making minor decor upgrades around the home can go a long way to making the space yours. Gift the friend who has it all a whimsical cover for their tissue box, which is designed to look as though the tissue is a cloud of smoke coming out of a tiny chimney stack. It's nice enough that they can leave their Puffs within easy reach during Zoom meetings.
Get the Umbra Casa Tissue Box Cover at Amazon for $8.
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6. Himalayan Salt Lamp
Himalayan salt lamps are super soothing; their dim hue and healing benefits set the tone for a relaxing environment. This 7-inch lamp can be used as an accent light in the living room, or in the bedroom to help you wind down. We like that it is UL listed has a dimmer switch, so you can switch from high-energy to chill when the mood strikes.
Get the Spantik Himalayan Salt Lamp with Dimmer Cord at Amazon for $16.95.
7. Digital Meat Thermometer
Know a grill master or a meat maven? The ThermoPro TP06B grill thermometer may be just the thing for them. The device has some pretty fancy features for the price, including preset temperatures for nine types of meat based on USDA recommendations for doneness. There’s a timer, too, and a stainless steel probe with a step-down tip design for more precise measurements. All this for under $20? Sign us up.
Get the ThermoPro digital meat thermometer at Amazon for $19.99.
RELATED: The 21 Best Gifts for Cooks
8. Woven Wall Hanging
This dreamy, boho-chic wall hanging is handwoven by artisans in India. Made from an amalgam of brown and ivory wool, and featuring jute and cotton fibers suspended from a gold half moon made of durable metal, this affordable statement piece will look gorgeous on any wall in the house.
Get the White and Gold Woven Wall Hanging at World Market for $24.98.
9. Touchless Soap Dispenser
This seemingly expensive soap dispenser will look great in a friend’s kitchen or bathroom. The automatic dispenser utilizes infrared sensor technology to ensure your hand receives the perfect amount of soap every time.
Get the Simpleone Automatic Touchless Soap Dispenser at Amazon for $24.90.
RELATED: 14 Handy Products That Help You Get by Without a Dishwasher
10. Essential Oil Diffuser
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 it.
Get the HLS Store Essential Oil Diffuser at Amazon for $36.99.
11. Picnic Blanket with Carry Handle
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 $22.99.
12. Touch-Sensor Color-Changing Table Lamp
Another surprisingly affordable home decor item, this cool lamp brings color-changing illumination and calming ambience 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 $18.50.
RELATED: Buyer's Guide: The Best LED Light Strips
13. Electric Mixing Travel Mug
Upgrade your busy friend’s travel gear with this rechargeable mixing to-go tumbler. At less than $30, this cup is a stylish and functional way to make protein drinks, fruit smoothies, and more on the go.
Get the LeadNear Electric Shaker Bottle at Amazon for $26.99.
14. Glass Wind Chimes
Add a splash of color and a relaxing auditory treat to a friend’s garden with these glass pyramid bottle wind chimes, which are available in several cheerful colors. The bottom edge is wrapped with copper, which lends a touch of elegance to these chimes.
Get the Bottles Uncorked Glass Wind Chimes at Etsy, priced from $20.39.
15. Rustic Wall Sconces
Friends or family with a rustic- or farmhouse-styled home will love these Mason-jar wall sconces, and you won’t break the bank gifting them. Remote-controlled fairy lights in the jars add a special charm; the accompanying bouquets of peony flowers and eucalyptus complete the look.
Get the Homecor Store Rustic Wall Sconces at Amazon for $36.96.
16. Laser Level
For the handypeople in your life, this laser level is a sure bet. Much more affordable than some of its competitors, this tool is nonetheless packed with high-end features, including highly visible green laser beams, a rotatable mounting clamp, and the ability to self-level.
Get the Prexiso 65-foot Laser Level at Amazon for $37.99.
Prices listed here are accurate as of publication on November 9, 2022.
Don't Miss!
If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!
