Updated on Dec 17, 2024 at 3:48 PM
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If you're panic shopping for the perfect gift to buy someone on a budget, Nordstrom is a fail-proof destination. The retailer has loads of luxurious products that you can find at affordable prices, no matter who you're in the market for. If it's a friend who always needs to borrow a hair tie, blow their mind by giving them this Slip scrunchie set that's made from the same material as the brand's cult-favorite silk pillowcase. Looking for luxe loungewear at a reasonable price? We're eyeing a pair of stylish sweater pants that they'll never want to take off. If it's a jewelry buff you're shopping for, we've found a pair of earrings that are a dupe for a designer pair that costs nearly $1,000. For horoscope lovers, you can't go wrong with a necklace that represents their zodiac sign. We even included products PS editors own and love, so you can get the full rundown on why we think they're special.
In fact, with prices this good, we wouldn't judge you for picking up a little something for yourself as well. Keep scrolling to see the 15 gifts we'd happily buy for a budget of $50 or less.
Best Hand Cream Set
L'Occitane Shea Butter Citrus Holiday Hand Cream Trio ($33)
For the hand cream lovers in your life, this trio of hand creams in limited-edition holiday scents is a must. The set includes one-ounce tubes of hand cream in kumquat, combawa, and citron kuminciana. Slather it on nails, cuticles, the backs of hands, and palms.
Best Sleep Mask
Nodpod Sleep Mask ($34)
For a twist on the traditional sleep mask, this version takes a cue from weighted blankets and applies light pressure to relieve tension and stress, blocking the light. Our editor tried it out and even converted her husband after he slept with it for one night. For more details, read her Nodpod Sleep Mask review.
Editor quote: "As someone who has always wanted a weighted blanket but never truly felt like splurging, this product is a great middle ground." — Murphy Moroney, former associate editor, Family
Best Hair Towel
Volo Hero Hair Towel ($35)
If you didn't think a towel could amass a cult following, you aren't familiar with the Hero Hair Towel from Volo. Made from incredibly soft Nanoweave material, it's shockingly absorbent and the perfect thing to wrap your wet hair in after showering. It features a strap for tucking the end of the towel into so that it stays in place and helps to cut drying time in half.
Best Sweater
BP. Oversize Cozy Mock Neck Sweater ($37, originally $50)
Soft and extra cozy with its mock-neck style, this sweater has relaxed shoulders and sleeves for a comfy feel. The slightly boxy and cropped fit makes it ideal for pairing with high-waisted pants.
Best Aviator Sunglasses
Aire Whirlpool 53mm Aviator Sunglasses ($39)
If you know someone who has been searching for a pair of retro-inspired aviators, they'll appreciate these. They come in two colors: this tortoiseshell pattern with a khaki lens and a black frame option with a gradient brown lens. Our editor tested these out and gushes about them in this Aire Whirlpool 53mm Aviator Sunglasses review.
Editor quote: "I've tried on pairs of aviator sunglasses under $20 that definitely looked their price — I blame the high-gloss shine of the plastic, the thin frames, and the all-wrong lens shapes — but these look much more expensive than they are. When people compliment them, I'm almost giddy to share the price. At less than $40, I honestly consider them a steal." — Angela Elias, contributing editor, Shopping
Best Bracelet
Kendra Scott Addison Stretch Bracelet ($40)
This stretch bracelet features rhodium-plated beads and a bar filled with cubic zirconias for a touch of bling. It's the perfect bracelet to wear alone for a delicate look or stacked with other bangles.
Best Lip Oil
Dior Lip Glow Oil ($40)
This oil delivers the shine of a gloss without the sticky, greasy feel or the drying effect some lip glosses have. This Dior option is packed with hydrating cherry oil, so lips feel nourished. It even has color Reviver Technology that reacts differently based on the moisture level of your lips for a customized color.
Best Gloves
Brushed Cashmere Fingerless Gloves ($41, originally $55)
These fingerless gloves offer a slice of luxury while keeping your hands toasty and your fingers free. They're perfect for slipping into a stocking or you can opt to wrap them up. They come in four different colors.
Best Charm Necklace
Ettika Long Zodiac Charm Necklace ($45)
This zodiac necklace is the perfect gift for someone who loves reading their horoscope. Made from 18-karat gold, it features two charms on a 30-inch chain with a lobster clasp.
Best Smart Fragrance Diffuser
Pura 4 Smart Fragrance Diffuser ($50)
Forget reed diffusers — this smart diffuser with a seemingly endless array of fragrance options takes the cake. You can pair it with your smartphone to customize the intensity levels, put it on a schedule, choose a lighting option, and more. Our editor tested it out and writes all about her experience in this Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser review.
Editor quote: "I also love that I can put my Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser on a schedule. Since our device is in our living room where my family spends the most time together, I've programmed it to diffuse a brighter, crisp scent in the mornings and a warm and soothing scent in the evenings, and then it shuts off during the day when we're all at work and school. If I'm expecting company, I'll schedule the diffuser to kick in just before they arrive so that our house smells amazing without me having to run around lighting candles. It's also a relief not to have to worry about fire hazards with my 3-year-old and 6-year-old running around — something I still get anxious about with candles." — AE
Angela Elias (she/her) is a contributing editor for PS Shopping, where she reviews everything from beauty products to kitchen gadgets, curates can't-miss sales, and creates "best of" shopping roundups. In her former roles at PS, she led the relaunch of its Latine identity and family-focused verticals, directed its Home vertical, and hosted shopping segments. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in the lifestyle space as a writer, editor, content strategist, director, on-camera talent, and publicist.