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Stocking Stuffers: Best 50 Gifts Under $50
With the holiday season just around the corner, you might be pondering what gifts to give your loved ones. So to lend a helping hand, we’ve rolled up our sleeves and got down to finding prime picks for holiday presents. Even better? You don’t have to spend a lot to get a great gift they’ll appreciate. Discover the best gifts under $50…
EDC
KeySmart MagConnect Magnetic Keychain Attachment (US$6)
KeySmart utilizes the power of magnets to make your EDC more convenient through their MagConnect. This nifty little magnetic keychain adapter allows you to quickly attach or detach items from one another, making it easy to secure a variety of item combinations together such as attaching a car key fob or multitool to the rest of your keys. And never mind gifts under $50, this one sails well under the budget at $6.
Field Notes Yosemite, Zion + Acadia National Parks – 3 Pack (US$13)
Field Notes make notebooks that are ideal for daily carry. With tearproof, waterproof paper and rounded corners that slip easily into pockets, they’re great for sticking in a bag or a back pocket so you always have somewhere to jot down to-do lists, shopping lists, meeting notes, or great ideas. Plus with this pack of three US-made notebooks, you get some pretty epic covers saluting Yosemite, Zion, and Acadia National Park. All coming in at a budget-friendly price that makes them a good pick for folks seeking useful yet arty gifts under $50.
Misc. Goods Co. Playing Cards (US$15)
Need to pass the time in an airport? Looking for a quick game with colleagues during your lunchbreak or to settle in round the campfire for a relaxing night of cards? This meticulously crafted pack of playing cards is a fine choice. Made in the USA on top-notch coated playing card stock, the cards feature custom illustrations and a gold-foiled, embossed case for added flair.
Orijin Design Thinking Egg (US$16)
Being more mindful of our surroundings, slowing down and simply being in the moment can be a great help in reorganizing our thoughts and refocusing. The Orijin Design Thinking Egg is a mindfulness tool to help you do just that. It comes in four material options including Brass, Pine Wood, Howlite, and Lava. Made in Canada, it’s compact enough to slip into any pocket so it can go wherever you do.
KeySmart NanoTorch Compact LED Flashlight (US$20)
Illumination is a useful addition to any EDC setup, though some flashlights can be a little too bulky to encourage carrying them every day. The KeySmart NanoTorch solves that problem. This stainless steel flashlight offers 25 lumens and is small enough to slip easily onto a keychain. Sure, it’s not super-powerful, but it’s a super-easy way to ensure you always have illumination within easy reach.
Magpul DAKA Everyday Wallet (US$25)
Magpul’s DAKA Everyday Wallet is pretty much everything a minimalist could want in a wallet. Ruggedly built with reinforced polymer material, it will last for years of hard-wearing use while being slim enough to slip into a front pocket. The wallet offers two card slots, a windowed ID slot, and a central divider for folded bills.
Fisher Space Pen Bullet Space Pen (US$25)
Whether you’re looking for gifts under $50, $100, or more, there’s no denying the Bullet Space Pen is simply awesome. The pressurized cartridge allows it to write underwater, upside down, in extreme temperatures, and even over grease. The compact size is easy to carry in a pocket or to slip in a bag or pouch. And the durable solid brass build with a choice of finishes is guaranteed for life. Not to mention a cool storage box with a lunar landing sleeve to elevate this gift even further.
Huckberry Fish Hook Key Ring (US$28)
Many key carry options are functional but leave a lot to be desired in the style department. Huckberry figures, why can’t you have both? So they designed the Fish Hook Key Ring accordingly. This handsome, sleek design suits a range of outfits and is crafted with solid brass featuring a matte black finish and a full-grain leather accent. Whether you carry it on a belt, belt loop, pocket, or webbing, it’s a solid serving of style and functionality in one.
Handgrey “C” Series Carabiner (US$34-$39)
Bold yet streamlined and lightweight, the Handgrey “C” Series Carabiner is a great gift for those who like to make an impression with their EDC. Machined from solid Grade 5 titanium with a tumbled stonewashed finish, this carabiner brings an air of refined dependability and durability to EDC. It comes in four sizes, with a front sloping spring gate for easy access to tools and keys.
This pocket hook has a secret up its sleeve. It’s not just a stylish way to carry keys. It also features a built-in blade that stores discreetly in the frame. Constructed with anodized aluminum and a 440C steel blade, the Dapper Design Klip helps tidy up your EDC, allowing you greater flexibility with a more pared-back setup.
Filson Brass Lockback Pocket Knife (US$35)
Pocket knives are handy helpers to take care of a variety of day-to-day and DIY tasks in both urban and outdoor settings. And Filson does a great job of blending compact functionality and elegance in their Brass Lockback Pocket Knife. The small size lends itself to easy portability, while the brass handles will form a unique patina over time. The pocket knife is made in the USA and has a 2 1/4-inch blade made from high carbon stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance.
The James Brand The Hardin (US$40)
Thoughtfully designed, sleek and practical, the Hardin fits into just about any EDC setup. Drop-forged from aerospace-grade 6061 aluminum, it features a tapered design to keep items centered on the carabiner. Additionlly, its dual-compartment design provides peace of mind that items will stay securely on the carabiner while attaching or detaching it from a belt loop or webbing.
WESN Quick Release Keychain (US$48)
Rather than having to wrestle with all the items on your keychain to remove a single item, the WESN Quick Release Keychain keeps frequently used gear at the ready with a simple click. The two-part titanium keychain is lightweight yet durable. It’s an easy way to connect items to a keychain for all-in-one carry while still being able to access them in a jiffy.
Roark Revival Saigon Special Knife (US$45)
The Roark Revival Saigon Special Knife does double duty as an EDC pocket knife and a bottle opener. And it’s compact enough to fit easily on a keychain so your tools stay at the ready, whether you’re popping a cold brew after a busy workday or taking care of tasks around the campsite. The knife features a 440 stainless steel blade, with a choice of aluminum or stainless steel plated titanium handles.
Tanner Goods Minimal Cardholder (US$45)
The Tanner Goods Minimal Cardholder is for those who like their pocket carry stripped back and simple. It’s made by hand in Minneapolis using US-tanned leather, with a durable single-piece construction. The wallet features a central pocket for folding bills and a card slot that stores up to four cards.
Socks
Darn Tough Hunter Boot Sock Full Cushion (US$26)
Feet are important. Give them the love and protection they deserve with Darn Tough’s Hunter Boot Sock Full Cushion. Made with a blend of merino wool, nylon, and Lycra Spandex, these socks are moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and antimicrobial. Designed to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, the socks sit mid-calf and have full cushioning throughout for added on-the-go comfort.
Smartwool Extra Heavy Cozy Slipper Socks (US$29.95)
Ideal for chillier weather, the Smartwool Extra Heavy Cozy Slipper Socks keep your feet toasty with their blend of merino wool, nylon, and elastane. The socks have an elasticized arch and ankle support to keep them in place, with a roll-top welt for a loose, comfy fit. When it comes to great gifts under $50, these are sure to be a cozy hit.
Underwear
Patagonia Men’s Essential Boxers – 4½” (US$32)
Keeping things comfy down under is a breeze with Patagonia’s 4½” Essential Boxers. They feature moisture-wicking, breathable TENCEL™ lyocell/spandex stretch jersey, with flatlock seams and an anti-roll waistband for enhanced comfort. And since they are Fair Trade Certified™ sewn too, you can rest assured these boxers are fairly produced as well.
SAXX Sport Mesh 2-Pack (US$39.95)
Getting active requires the complete package for your package and that’s what these boxers deliver. They feature a BallPark Pouch™ for support and to prevent chafing, interior Flat Out Seams™ for added comfort, and Three-D Fit™ for 3D support around the glutes, thighs, quads and hamstrings. Plus they’re moisture-wicking and odor resistant for all-day comfort.
Gloves
Filson Full Finger Knit Gloves (US$35)
Filson keeps your fingers cozy with their Full Finger Knit Gloves. These gloves can be used as standalone gloves or as liners inside mittens for extreme cold. They’re made in the USA and have a durable ragg-wool knit that provides insulation even when wet, along with fitted rib-knit cuffs.
Hestra Basic Wool Glove (US$45)
Don’t be fooled by the name. These gloves provide premium warmth with their 80% Shetland wool/20% polyamide exterior, Thinsulate™ insulation, and brushed polyester lining. And they have knitted rib cuffs to help keep the cold at bay. The gloves are made in Hestra’s own factories with materials personally sourced by the brand.
Headwear
Topo Designs Watch Cap (US$22)
As cold weather sets in, it’s important to keep your noggin warm. Topo Designs does that with their Watch Cap. It’s made in the USA with soft acrylic yarn and is an easy barrier to thwart those wintery cold blasts.
Chrome Industries Merino Beanie (US$25)
Ready for active rides or laid-back chilling, the Chrome Industries Merino Beanie is a blend of 65% polyester and 35% merino wool. Breathable, moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating, and antimicrobial, it’s a cozy, comfy pick whether you’re wearing it under a helmet or by itself.
Carhartt WIP Acrylic Watch Hat (US$28)
Simple, straightforward, and ready to venture wherever you do, this comfy hat uses a stretchy acrylic rib-knit fabric to fit different users. It also comes in a wide range of colorways so you can match it to your personal style.
Topo Designs Corduroy Cap (US$32)
Add a little style to your outfit with this comfy cap from Topo Designs. Made with wide wale corduroy, it has an unstructured six-panel design that makes it great for easy travel packing. You can also adjust the fit so it’s just right courtesy of the webbing buckle closure.
Roark Revival Grizzly Unstructured Snapback (US$34)
Get your adventures off to a roaring start with this Roark Revival Grizzly Unstructured Snapback. Easy to stash in a travel bag, the unstructured design features ripstop cotton, an Alaska-inspired patch, and an adjustable snapback for a customized fit.
Black Diamond Spot 350 Headlamp (US$39.95)
Black Diamond’s Spot 350 Headlamp lets you light up your surroundings while keeping your hands free. It offers a maximum of 350 lumens and a choice of settings to suit different environments. Plus it’s waterproof with an IPX8 rating for added peace of mind.
Filson Watch Cap Beanie (US$45)
Keep coziness in and cold out with Filson’s Watch Cap Beanie. It’s made in the USA with 100% virgin wool that wicks moisture, is breathable, and provides insulation even when wet. The adjustable cuff also makes it easy to get just the right amount of coverage.
Patagonia Recycled Wool Cap (US$45)
There’s good vibes all around with Patagonia’s Recycled Wool Cap. It’s Fair Trade Certified™ sewn and features a blend of 60% recycled wool, 30% recycled polyester and 10% recycled nylon. This allows the cap to repel water, provide insulation even when wet, and wick moisture. An adjustable strap also enables a customized fit.
T-shirt
Patagonia Men’s Work Pocket Tee Shirt (US$39)
When it’s time to get to work, Patagonia has you covered with this tee. It’s made from a 55% industrial hemp/45% organic cotton blend and is Fair Trade Certified™ sewn. Designed to be durable, breathable and comfortable with a generous cut for freedom of movement, the tee also features a pocket for keeping essentials close at hand.
Bag
Trakke Banana Crossbody Bag (£50)
Trakke have revamped their Banana Crossbody Bag to provide better organization, while keeping its sleek silhouette. Inside you’ll find two interior pockets and a key loop, while a rear zippered pocket secures quick-access items. Handmade in Scotland using dry-finish waxed canvas, it’s also backed by a lifetime guarantee. And we confess, it’s technically over-budget when you convert pounds to USD, but for an extra $16, you get a lot of quality and flexible carry from this piece.
Accessories
Chrome Industries Bandana (US$10)
Add some Chrome style to your setup with this eye-catching bandana. It’s made with breathable, 100% cotton and comes in two colorways featuring unique Chrome graphics. Plus its affordable price tag, versatility, and distinct style provide a lot of bang for your buck when it comes to gifts under $50.
Huckberry Merino Wool Face Mask – 2-Pack (US$20)
There’s no reason face masks can’t be comfy. Huckberry’s Merino Wool Face Mask features a triple-layer construction for added comfort and shape retention. The outer and lining layers are 100% merino wool, while the inner layer is 100% cotton. The merino offers moisture-wicking, breathable, temperature-regulating, and odor-resistant benefits, while the machine-washable design allows for easy cleaning.
Bellroy Leather Case For Pixel (from US$25)
If you’re after classy protection for your Google Pixel, you’ve found it. Bellroy’s leather Pixel case features a slim design with rounded edges and is made with flex polymer and premium environmentally certified leather. It features a microfiber lining and comes in a choice of colorways and sizes.
Bandits Good Luck Bandana (US$30)
Looking for multifunctional gifts under $50 that support a good cause? The Bandits Good Luck Bandana is a fine choice that should be on your shortlist. Whether it’s worn over the head, to cover the face, or around the neck, it brings eye-catching style to your setup with its design by artist Ben Kocinski. It supports fair wages by being printed, cut, and sewn by hand at a Fair Trade Certified facility in Kolkata, India. Plus 10% of proceeds from the bandana go towards reStart KC, which is an organization helping homeless individuals and families towards self-sufficiency.
Matador Pocket Blanket 2.0 (US$30)
Blankets are great for parking your butt pretty much anywhere, though they can be bulky to carry. Not so with Matador’s Pocket Blanket 2.0. This compact blanket packs down small enough to fit in a pocket and uses a water-repellent, puncture-resistant material. The revamped design also includes corner stakes and sand pockets to help secure it in windy conditions.
Pencil cases can sometimes make it hard to access items inside. But Bellroy designed their Pencil Case with a thoughtful fold-out design, creating easy access to individual items. Pull loops on either end make it easy to open and close, while the versatile design lends itself to stationery, small tech items, and a variety of EDC essentials too.
Rumpl Beer Blanket Six-Pack (US$39)
Cold brews are inviting. Cold hands? Not so much. Rumpl has a solution on hand with their Beer Blanket Six Pack, which allows you to store six beverages in insulating sleeves, keeping drinks cold while your hands stay warm. The Beer Blanket uses post-consumer recycled materials and is easily packable. Perhaps one of the more unexpected gifts under $50, this is definitely a fun and functional one.
Bellroy Phone Case for iPhone 12 (US$40)
Protection for your iPhone 12 doesn’t have to be bulky. Instead, Bellroy takes an elegant approach with this sleek phone case made from environmentally certified leather and polymer, with a soft microfiber lining. It comes in a choice of colorways to suit your personal style, as well as different sizes to suit various iPhone models.
When it comes to quality multitool gifts under $50, this one’s hard to beat. Leatherman’s FREE range of tools is all about easy one-handed access thanks to magnetic architecture. And the FREE T2 offers eight handy tools in a conveniently portable size. With features such as screwdrivers, a blade, pry tool, and bottle opener available, you can tackle a variety of everyday and DIY tasks with ease.
Who’d have thought sunglasses would slip into gifts under $50? But good shades shouldn’t have to break the bank. And these Huckberry Weekenders don’t. But you’re still getting a durable and lightweight build, scratch-resistant polarized lenses, and a snug but comfy fit to keep them securely on your face. All in a cool, laid-back style that looks good during everyday and travel use alike.
If you’re after a bandana with a dash of dapper flair to it, consider the attractive selection of bandanas from Kiriko. The bandanas are sewn in Portland, Oregon with quality cotton cloth imported from Kiriko’s Japanese heritage manufacturer. Each bandana comes with a brass pin and there is a diverse range of patterns to choose from.
Rustico Field Notes Leather Folio (US$45)
This suave leather folio is an ideal partner for a Field Notes notebook, and in fact comes with three of them (ruled, plain, and graph). It’s handmade in Utah with top-grain leather that will develop a unique patina over time. It includes an interior pocket for cards or loose papers, as well as a rear sleeve for a pen.
Bellroy Standing Pouch (US$49)
Tired of rummaging for work or EDC essentials? Bellroy’s Standing Pouch offers a self-standing design with a wide opening and interior pockets to keep items organized and accessible. Plus it packs flat when empty, making it easy to stash in a travel bag too. This is one of those gifts under $50 that keeps on giving with its adaptable versatility for work, travel, or play.
Drinking Vessels
YETI Rambler 14 oz. Insulated Mug with Standard Lid (US$24.99)
Tough and functional, this mug is ideal for adding to your outdoor adventures. The double-wall vacuum-insulated construction protects your hands from hot or cold contents while keeping the contents insulated. The mug also comes with a standard Rambler 30 oz. Lid, both of which are also dishwasher-safe.
Stanley Adventure Pre-Party Shot Glass and Flask Set (US$40)
Whether you’re celebrating reaching the summit or kicking back in the park, this shot glass and flask set lets you and your mates enjoy a tipple together. The set includes four stainless steel shot glasses that come in their own carrying case, as well as an 8 oz. flask that holds enough to fill all four shot glasses.
YETI Limited Edition Rambler Wine 2-Pack (US$49.99)
Wine glasses and the rugged outdoors don’t go together. But these YETI Limited Edition Rambler Wine Tumblers do. They utilize shatterproof stainless steel and feature double-wall vacuum insulation to keep your wine of choice cooler for longer.
The folks at Trakke know that a wee shot of whisky goes down very well after a busy day of adventuring. Luckily, their Dram Hip Flask is compact enough to fit in a pocket, so you have your celebratory beverage at the ready wherever the adventure may lead. Each pewter hip flask is handmade in Sheffield and holds 6oz.
Travel
NEMO Equipment Fillo Elite Ultralight Backpacking Pillow (US$44.95)
Camping often involves doing without the creature comforts of home. But with the NEMO Equipment Fillo Elite Pillow you can still indulge in a comfortable night’s sleep. The ultralight pillow packs down to the size of a lime and includes an integrated valve for easy, quick inflation. It also utilizes 100% post-consumer recycled Primaloft® insulation for added cushioning and features a soft, removable, and machine-washable cover.
Trakke Linen Travel Towel (US$60)
Again, not quite in the category of gifts under $50. But it’s pretty darn close and worth being on your radar. Why? Staying dry on your travels means adding a trusty towel to your packing list. Trakke’s updated Linen Travel Towel is a solid addition to that list and uses custom-woven, waffle grid linen produced in Scotland. The natural linen fibers resist odors and are highly absorbent, while the waffle-weave makes it soft and quick-drying. Plus with its large size, you won’t be left to make do with limited drying capacity.
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