BUDGET CHRISTMAS GIFTS UNDER £50 UPDATED FOR 2023

If you're looking for budget-friendly Christmas gift ideas, you’ve come to the right place. Below we’ve rounded up our top picks for memorable gifts that don’t break the bank - updated for 2023!

Christmas, it goes without saying, always puts some financial strain on the purse strings. By the time you’ve figured out how much you’ll need to spend on various cousins, aunties, friends, and the ever-anxiety-inducing office Secret Santa, your bank balance shows you a December full of peanut butter sandwiches for dinner. 

But in this day and age, nobody should be spending so much on gifts that they have to eat peanut butter sandwiches for dinner. Not on our watch! 

That’s why we’ve made a list of affordable Christmas gifts for every budget. Read on to find our top picks!

Budget Christmas Gifts for Under £10

Ideas for… Secret Santa presents, stocking fillers, fun Christmas presents for work colleagues

The dreaded secret Santa gift exchange… we’ve all been there. You’re standing in the chocolate aisle of the supermarket trying to decide whether Simon from Marketing is more of a Quality Street or Celebrations guy, even though the only conversation you’ve ever had with him was at last year’s Christmas party when he drank four glasses of Buck’s Fizz and revealed some interesting political opinions. 

To avoid trawling the supermarket aisles picking a sub-standard gift for a person you don’t particularly like, put some fun into the secret Santa gift search with these fool-proof options. Also perfect for stocking fillers and small gifts for friends and family.

Online Cooking Class with Ann's Smart School - £9

This affordable online cooking lesson is a great little stocking filler for culinary types!

Your giftee will learn how to whip up professional-grade dishes from the comfort of their own home during this on-demand lesson.

During their thirty or sixty minute live cooking experience, they'll learn how to make delicious meals from scratch, guided by ex-MasterChef contestant & professional chef Ann Hood!

Personalised Christmas Stocking Print - £4.50

Adorable, sweet and festive, this hand-painted Christmas stocking print makes the ideal gift for the die-hard Christmas lover in your life. Customise with their family’s names for a distinctly personal touch, and enjoy the fact that this budget option makes it look like you put a lot more effort in than you really did… shh, we won’t tell if you won’t.

They can enjoy this gift for years to come as they hang it above their fire place for some tastefully festive December décor. 

Mini Whisky Gift Set - £8.99

If your secret Santa enjoys a tipple, this mini whisky gift set is a classy gift that fits snugly under the £10 mark usually set by the office. No matter their favourite brand, this gift combines three classics into one set. 

Don’t blame us if the office Christmas party starts getting distinctly more jolly…

Bee Printed Reusable Face Cloths - £4.50

This adorable gift is the perfect present for someone who is eco-conscious and wants to incorporate sustainability into their self-care routine.

Handmade from Etsy, these aesthetically-pleasing cloths will brighten up their bathroom. 

Christmas Gifts Under £20

Ideas for… Christmas gifts for friends, Christmas gifts for extended family, stocking fillers

Looking for a budget-friendly gift on the slightly higher end of affordable? Check out our selection below for gifts under £20, perfect for topping up a gift selection for your friends, family or co-workers – or for that all-important stocking filler.

Bladnoch Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting- £ 14

Another one for the whiskey lovers among us, this distillery tour voucher makes a unique Christmas gift.  

Built on the side of the River Bladnoch close to Galloway Forest Park, the distillery boasts incredible views of the Scottish Lowlands. Throughout the one hour tour an expert guide will discuss the history of the distillery, the family who built it, its production techniques, and the award-winning whiskies made on site. 

On the way your whisky-loving giftee will get to taste two of the best-selling releases, plus a new make Bladnoch spirit at the conclusion of the tour. They can also take the sample tastings home to gift or drink later. 

At the end of the experience guests are welcome to stay for a bite to eat at Cafe Melba, or enjoy the beautiful panoramic views on the lawn!

Wild Cat Island Lake Cruise on Coniston Water - £14

If your giftee is an adventurer, this Wild Cat Island lake cruise is a great, wallet-friendly gift idea to encourage their desire to wander.

Their boat ride begins at Coniston Boat Landings, where they'll board the comfortable vessel for the journey ahead. 

Setting off, the boat will trundle along Coniston Water at a relaxing pace, stopping regularly at points of interest including Torver, Sunny Bank and Brantwood. 

It’s up to your giftee whether they opt to hop off and explore, or remain on board for the duration of the trip. 

If they choose to disembark at Brantwood, they'll have the opportunity to see the former home of the Victorian polymath John Ruskin, whose legacy still lives on today. Of course, they can keep an eye out for the trip's main focus: the famous Wild Cat Island! 

The route will eventually turn around and take them back to Coniston Boat Landings, after a peaceful journey full of natural beauty. 

Lush Bath Bomb Gift Set - £19

This Lush 'Deep Sleep' bath bomb gift set makes a luxurious gift for those who deserve a bit of at-home pampering this year (so that’s everyone, then...)

There’s no need to wrap as the eco-friendly elves at Lush have done that for you. Inside your giftee will find three bath bombs intended to aid sleep and relaxation: one 'Deep Sleep', one 'Twilight' and one 'Butterball.' The perfect recipe for a twinkling bath and a good night's sleep!

Christmas Afternoon Treats Gift Set - £20

For a quintessentially British Christmas gift, this afternoon treats hamper from M&S provides your giftee with all the refreshments they’ll need to create their own lavish afternoon tea at home. 

They can tuck into an array of premium festive delights, including all butter shortbread fingers and M&S' finest cakes - not to mention the all-important tea-bags essential for any decent afternoon tea. 

Christmas Gifts Under £30

Ideas for… Christmas gifts for aunts and uncles, Christmas gifts for grandparents, stocking fillers

Moving onto the ever-so-slightly higher end of the budget, we think these gifts that fall just under the £30 mark will fool your close family and friends into thinking you splashed the cash this year…

Personalised Phone & Watch Holder - £24.95

How many people do you know whose most-said phrase is “Where’s my…[phone/keys/watch/wallet]?” 

For absent-minded giftees, this premium wooden phone and watch holder makes a neat Christmas gift that will serve them for years to come. 

La Menagerie Origami Animal Necklaces  - £24

Calling all animal-lovers… no matter what animal your wildlife-crazy giftee favours most, there’s most likely a necklace for that at La Menagerie. Shop smart with their ‘buy one, get one half price’ offer, and get two gifts in one swipe (or of course, a wearable friend for yourself.)

Made from your choice of silver or 18 karat gold, these hand-cut origami necklaces are a unique statement piece that will set your giftee apart from the crowd. With all that wrapping you’ll be doing throughout December, you’ll be pleased to know that these little guys come with their own stylish packaging for a ready-to-hand-over gift. (Or of course, you could post it straight to them!)

Barbour Carlton Beanie, Sandstone - £30

Nothing quite beats a high-quality, snuggly hat to keep the cold at bay in the winter time, and this classy sandstone beanie from Barbour will do the job nicely.

Treat your stylish giftee to this fashionable gift, made from an ultra-soft wool blend with a warm fleece lining that will serve their wardrobe for years to come.

Silent Disco Walking Tour of London with a Drag Queen - £25

This budget London gift is not one for shrinking violets!

If your giftee loves a good dance, this silent disco tour led by a drag queen makes a fun and unique Christmas gift.

They'll meet their drag queen host in West London to begin the all-singing, all-dancing silent disco tour. 

There, they'll be equipped with their own set of headphones and a colourful bib before they head out into Soho, enjoying a fabulous playlist of modern and classic pop hits. 

Your gregarious giftee will dance like nobody’s watching, and get swept up into the bustling atmosphere of the city as their fun and outrageous host leads the way. 

They can expect to party their way through Soho Square, Shaftesbury Avenue, China Town, Leicester Square and more for 90 minutes, learning fun facts and stories about the neighbourhoods. 

Christmas Gifts Under £40

Ideas for… Christmas gifts for your partner, Christmas gifts for friends

Impress your friends, family or partner with these great Christmas gifts for under £40.

The Vegan Christmas Food Gift Bag - £35

For the plant-based friend in your life or anyone you know who is trying to reduce their meat and dairy intake, this vegan Christmas food gift bag makes a delicious festive gift. This jam-packed gift box contains everything they could need for a vegan feast, from cookies to brownies, plus many more plant-based treats, all wrapped up in a recycled cotton tote bag. 

Cheese Box from Cheese Geek - £36

Going in quite the opposite direction, perhaps you know someone who is a total cheese fiend? It’s hard to go wrong with this cheese gift box from Cheese Geek, boasting 600g of festive goodness. 

The contents are a surprise - but if they've got cheese preferences, you can always specify (e.g. 'No Blue Cheese!') when placing your order.

Cocktail Making Class in Leeds - £40

There’s nothing that says Christmas quite like a festive cocktail, and this cocktail making class in Leeds will show your giftee how to shake up a storm in their own home. 

This experience will take place in a relaxed, informal environment with a small group of participants. The class is taught by a professional mixologist, and under their guidance your giftee will use a variety of spirits and mixers to create a range of delicious cocktails, busting through the jargon and discovering just how simple it can be! 

Cocktails are hugely versatile, so if they are feeling flamboyant they may want to create a colourful explosion of fruity flavours with umbrellas and sparkles, or keep it low key with a sophisticated whisky based drink. 

Whatever they choose, they’re guaranteed to come away with expert tips from a professional cocktail maker to ensure their creations come out perfect every time!

The Slide at The ArcelorMittal Orbit For 2 Adults - £33

Treat your giftee and a guest to an adrenaline-fuelled London day out with this ArcelorMittal slide experience!

The ArcelorMittal Orbit was designed by Sir Anish Kapoor for the 2012 Olympic Games, and currently holds the record for the tallest sculpture in Britain. It's conveniently located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park so easily accessible from all areas of London, and has an observation deck that boasts some of the most impressive views in the city, offering 20 miles of uninterrupted skyline. 

At the top of The Slide your giftees will be given a mat to ride down on, before the countdown begins... and they’re off! In parts the tunnel has a glass roof so they can see the artistic steel structure whipping past as they hurtle round the bends, before finishing on a 50m straight run to the bottom, where they can enjoy the Park in all its finery. Gifting this slide experience will make for what should be an exhilarating experience days for two.

Christmas Gifts for Under £50

Ideas for… Christmas gifts for family, Christmas gifts for husband, Christmas gifts for wife

Looking to spend a little more? We think these fun gifts under the £50 mark will make your partner, family and friends happy.

1966 Routemaster Dinner & Drinks Experience - £43

Treat foodie giftees to this unique Routemaster Dinner & Drinks Experience in Glasgow!

Your giftees will admire views of Glasgow through their window as they are presented with drinks. Depending on which meal option they choose, they could be sipping bubbly, wine or freshly mixed cocktails! 

As they embark on their adventure, they’ll soak up the lively atmosphere of the bus taking them through the vibrant city. Next, they’ll be served their food. Will they be feasting on home-baked, artisan pizza fresh out the oven? Maybe they’ll opt for the Mediterranean delicacy of antipasti, enjoying a selection of cheeses paired with cured meats, olives, oatcakes and crusty bread. 

There’s truly an option for every taste preference on this tour, and most dietary requirements can be catered for so nobody is left out of the fun! While they tuck into their feast, they’ll learn about Glasgow from the onboard guide offering a commentary throughout the tour. 

Pasta Ravioli Maker Set - from £58

If you know someone who is passionate about their pasta, we think this pasta maker from Amazon makes a unique gift and a fun addition to their kitchen. 

With multiple settings, they’ll be whipping up killer ravioli, life-changing spaghetti and unforgettable Tagliatelle in no time, making them the talk of dinner parties for years to come. 

Gold Metal Wine Rack - £49.50

It’s hard to believe this homey gift hits under the £50 mark, as it’s sleek design suggests a much higher price tag… 

Wine-lovers will adore this stylish gold metal wine rack. With an unusual free-standing design, this piece will brighten up their space and prove to be a classy place to store their wines. Well… it’s better than buying them another bottle of Cab Sauv, right?

Cotswolds Helicopter Buzz Flight - £45

This Cotswold buzz flight gift is a great way to give your giftee a taste of riding in a helicopter - for a fraction of the price. 

During this awesome eight-mile flight, they will fly over spectacular Cotswolds scenery for approximately five minutes.

Once they have arrived at the centre, they will check in with the ground crew and receive a full safety briefing.

They'll then board a helicopter flown by an experienced commercial pilot, where they'll experience the amazing power of a chopper as they fly over the 8 mile circuit.

Head, Back And Shoulder Massage in Brighton - £40

While the holiday season may be fun, it can also be extremely stressful. Time is ticking and everyone is rushing to find the best Christmas presents for their loved ones. Why not gift something that helps relieve that stress?

This Head, Back and Shoulder Massage in Brighton is the perfect opportunity for your giftee to take some well-deserved time off after presumably having a very busy month, and they just need a bit of pampering.

Tucked away in the charming Brighton Lanes, this spa provides a peaceful atmosphere that complements its calming music. A professional masseuse will focus on chakra balancing - an ancient Hindu understanding of energy points in the  body, as well as reducing any tense muscles and improving posture.