I Found the Best Gifts Under $50 and None of Them Feel Cheap
Amazon October Prime Day is the perfect chance to nab some under-$50 gifts that feel more expensive than they are (because normally they would be).
Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale ends tonight. Until midnight, Amazon Prime members can see discounts up to 70% off on some of the most popular gift items of the 2025 holiday season. If you were holding off until Black Friday to take care of your gift shopping, there's no need.
With the major deals available at Amazon right now, you can cross a few names off your list this week and leave less stress for yourself as the holidays get closer.
As a shopping expert who covers major sales like these, one of the best parts of a huge sales event is that it gives you a chance to grab gifts with a premium feel like smart tech or top-of-the-line appliances at a bargain price you'd normally never find them at.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
So, if you're looking for gifts that will impress without straining your budget, here are some October Prime Day deals that are under $50 (but won't be once the sale ends).
My favorite under-$50 Prime Day deals that won't feel cheap
From $120 noise-canceling headphones on sale for just $35 to 67% off DNA testing kits, there are major deals this week that double as great gift ideas this year. So you can stretch your holiday shopping budget further without your gift recipients feeling like you're cheaping out on them.
More ways to save during the Amazon October Prime Day sale
Taking advantage of these under-$50 Prime deals is a great way to score gifts (for others or yourself) that feel more expensive than they are. But you can squeeze even more savings out of each deal by using a shopping rewards credit card at checkout.
From generous cash back to elevated points earning potential, your gift shopping this season can be just as rewarding for you as it is for everyone on your list.
Related content
- How to Turn Amazon Prime Day Into a Travel Windfall
- FSA or HSA-Eligible Amazon Prime Deals You Can Shop Now
- These Prime Day Deals Also Qualify for Disappearing Tax Credits
- The Anti-Prime Deals Guide to Everyday Essentials Worth Stocking Up on at Walmart, Target and Sam's Club
-
Small Caps Can Only Lead Stocks So High: Stock Market TodayThe main U.S. equity indexes were down for the week, but small-cap stocks look as healthy as they ever have.
-
Ask the Editor: Tips for Filing Your 1040Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, Joy Taylor answers questions on preparing and filing your 2025 Form 1040.
-
Is Direct Primary Care Right for Your Health Needs?With the direct primary care model, you pay a membership fee for more personalized medical services.
-
Smart Ways to Share a Credit CardAdding an authorized user has its benefits, but make sure you set the ground rules.
-
8 Things You Need to Stop Wasting Money on in 2026Want to get your finances in shape this year? Start by cutting out these sneaky sources of waste in your budget.
-
Park Pass Shock: $100 Fee Hits International Visitors to US National ParksDiscover how the new $100 fee will impact your experience visiting 11 of America's most popular parks.
-
How AI Is Changing the Way Americans Spend on Live EventsAI bots are reshaping ticket prices, resale markets and how fans shop. Here's what it means for your wallet and how to get the best deals on concerts, sports and shows.
-
What Bilt Cardholders Need to Know as Wells Fargo Exits the ProgramA major shake-up in the Bilt Rewards program could affect your credit card, rent rewards and points strategy in 2026.
-
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for $4.99 a Month: A Closer Look at Verizon’s DealVerizon’s aggressive pricing makes Samsung’s top-tier phone tempting, but the real cost depends on your plan and how long you stay.
-
Are T-Mobile's Prepaid Perks a Home Run or a Strikeout?T-Mobile's prepaid lineup promises MLB.TV, T-Mobile Tuesdays and hotspot data. But do the perks make it worth switching?
-
23 Last-Minute Gifts That Still Arrive Before ChristmasScrambling to cross those last few names off your list? Here are 23 last-minute gifts that you can still get in time for Christmas.
