30 Pretty And Practical Gifts Under $50

When it comes to gifts, I'm eminently practical. I love giving items you can eat, drink or wear—things that will be as useful to the recipient as they are fun to give. (But don't worry—they have to be pretty, too.)

Here are a bunch of budget gifts that fit the bill, with an emphasis on Canadian brands.

Fluf Zip Pouches, $44 for a set of three

I have the smallest version of this pouch, and use it daily to corral and move smaller things like keys, my wallet, lip balm, etc. from backpack to purse. The bigger ones would be terrific for travelling. They’re made from GOTS-certified organic cotton with a water-resistant recycled PET water bottle interior.

Bathorium Midnight Superbloom Crush Soak, $30 for five 120-g packets

This Canadian bath brand makes a ton of excellent-smelling bath soaks, but I like this one for its cool hue and neroli-meets-rosemary scent.

Walmart Photo Centre 16x20 Premium Photo Canvas, $46.97

Porchlight Press Tea Towel in Anna’s Hummingbird, $28

Vancouver-based Porchlight Press has the loveliest nature prints—including the pretty, pink-throated Anna’s hummingbird, found along the Pacific coast—on this organic-cotton tea towel.

Fraiche Wine or Coupe Glasses, $18 for four

These four-packs of wine or coupe glasses, from Tori Wesszer’s Fraîche holiday collection for Walmart, would make a great hostess gift.

SHEIN Personalized Toiletry Bag, $5.49

Crywolf Rice Bag T-Shirt, $39

Inspired by a classic rice bag, this printed-in-Toronto tee couldn't be cuter.

Purdy's Vegan Hawaiian Black Salt Caramels, 16 pc, $40

I love it that vegan options are becoming more mainstream. These tasty vegan Hawaiian black salt caramels are completely free of animal products, and were a hit with my caramel-loving (and non-vegan) family.

Reitmans Long-Sleeve Top and Jogger Cotton Pyjama Set, $35

Nice pyjamas are a dependable gift, and we love the wintry, starry vibe of these ones.

AGO David Blackwood Glass Ornament, $28

Northern Watters Knit Balaclava, $48

I’ve owned the black version of this chic and practical knit balaclava for two years, and it's still as toasty and warm as the day I got it. It also hand washes well; comes in 36 colours and is knit in Charlottetown out of 100% thick, warm British worsted wool.

Arc'Teryx Mantis Waist Pack, $50

This Canadian brand isn't cheap, but it's also insanely durable and well made. This 1.5-L waist pack can be worn as a fanny pack or cross body, and is made of recycled polyester in a Fair-Trade facility. It packs a ton of features into a small space, including a key clip, a pouch for your phone and a zippered security pocket.

UNIQLO Soufflé Yarn Chunky Stole, $39.90

Marmalade X + O studs, $35

I've given Marmalade earrings (they come in a ton of shapes, from acorns to croissants) for many a birthday gift to my daughter and her friends and they're always hits. They're handmade in Toronto in either brass or recycled silver.

Apple AirTag, $39 each

If you, like me, lose everything that isn't tied to you (and even some stuff that is), AirTags are a terrific gift or stocking stuffer.

Kotn Highlands Sweater Socks, $18

Wool socks are a forever favourite gift of mine—everyone loves cozy gifts! These luxurious socks from the sustainable Canadian B-Corp are ethically made in Portugal of a blend of recycled wool, cashmere and Lyocell and come in an array of colours

Silvia Taylor Round Ornament, $20

A gorgeous handmade glass ornament will brighten up their holiday. Ontario-based glass artist Silvia Taylor makes a variety of ornament styles that come in a wide range of colours.

Sparkling Rosé, from $30 each

Bubbly pink wine never fails to bring a smile—it's the kind of indulgent thing someone isn't likely to buy for themselves, so it's a real treat. Especially so when it's crafted with care by a small Canadian winery, like Vancouver Island’s Unsworth or Ontario’s Southbrook.

Kits Aeon Sunglasses, $35

Several Chats staffers have Kits glasses, and they look much pricier than they are. A chic pair is great for cutting glare from the snow, even if warmer days are still far off.

Marimekko Oiva Unikko Plate, $38

Trust the beloved Finnish brand to bring a small hit of colour to your gift giving with this little plate (it measures 15 x 12 cm), perfect for stashing keys by the door.

Lizz Miles Cabot Trail Print, $40

Even it's grey outside, get a blast of Cape Breton sunshine with this cheery print by the Dartmouth, N.S.-based illustrator.

Appleton Estate 8-Year-Old Reserve, $41

Our creative director Sun Ngo praises this rum for its value relative to cost. "Crafted by master blender Joy Spence, it's a rich Jamaican rum with notes of spice, honey, vanilla and orange peel. It has a smooth, full-bodied finish perfect for sipping or cocktails," she says.

Everist Holiday Bonbon, $36 (on sale!)

Several of our editors are big fans of this Canadian haircare brand. This set combines minis of their ultra-rich shampoo and conditioner, as well as body wash and exfoliating body wash. It's perfect for travelling.

A Cute Houseplant, $25+

Plants make terrific gifts—and make any space look nicer. This Monstera Thai Constellation will get huge if you take care of it and has pretty, speckly leaves. Jomo ships across Canada, but you can probably also purchase at a plant store near you.

A Cute Band T-Shirt, $30

Band t-shirts will never not be cool, and musicians rely on merch sales to help their bottom line, so support a Canadian artist! Here's one cool option from Feist—but there is a sea of band merch to explore.

Sonnihaus Arc Vase, $26

This Canadian brand makes 3D printed home accessories from corn-based PLA plastic. This petite vase couldn't be prettier.

Bough & Antler Beer Glasses, $18 each

The Vancouver Island-based brand Bough & Antler has a ton of nice nature-inspired beer glasses; buy a pair and throw in a few beers for your favourite craft beer fan.

Laykhaus Cracker Mini Candle Set, $45 for four 2-oz candles

These adorably packed sets of four mini candles come in three flavours: Lakehouse (think: tree and outdoors scents); Forest (even more trees!); and Cabin (spicy, cozy scents). They're made in B.C. of plant-based soy wax.

Monos Alphabet Stickers, $20 each

Help personalize their luggage with a pair of monogram-style stickers with a plush, 3D-style feel.

Toronto’s Birds, $35

I've been having a lot of fun leafing through this book, which features more than 100 species of birds all photographed in the GTA, including the locations where they were spotted. Some good inspiration for spring migration!

Eastern Phoebe And American Robin Nest Box, $50

Made in Quebec, Action Permabitat makes a range of quality nesting boxes to help out our feathered friends (and bat houses, too!)

Barbet Mixed Pack, $38.40 for 12

Getting a mixed pack of these delicious Canadian non-alcoholic drinks would be a much-appreciated gift. This one has four of Light Wave (cucumber, pineapple, lavender); four of Love Bite (grapefruit; ginger; juniper) and four of Wild Card (blood orange; calamansi and jalapeno).

Roots Cabin World Hot Water Bottle, $38

I love a hot water bottle for cold winter nights. This one is especially nice (foxes!)