The holiday season is a joyous time, but it can be an expensive one as well. Buying gifts for family, friends (and the co-workers you like enough) can add up, and it’s tricky to find inexpensive presents that don’t look cheap. That’s why we’re here to help. We scoured through dozens of sites to find 20 of the most luxe-seeming gifts under $30. They include a versatile pitcher from Le Creuset, an editor-loved olive oil that they’ll drizzle on everything, and sweet votive candles inspired by Levain’s famous chocolate chip cookies. These fancy finds look so much more expensive than they are, and, better yet, your recipient will actually want to use (or eat) them and not just hide them away in a cabinet or drawer. Check out our favorite gift picks below, and be sure to shop early because they’re bound to sell out.
Le Creuset Petite Pitcher
Le Creuset’s adorable mini pitcher just might be as versatile as its beloved Dutch oven. Use it to warm up maple syrup and chocolate sauce for pancakes and ice cream, pour gravy on roasted chicken and potatoes, and hold milk or cream for coffee. Available in five colors, the pitcher also doubles as a small vase for flowers.
Nespresso Cafecito de Puerto Rico Pods
Nespresso Cafecito de Puerto Rico Pods
Perfect for strong coffee lovers, Nespresso’s Cafecito de Puerto Rico blend produces a bold, full-bodied double espresso with notes of dark cocoa and pepper and a silky crema on top. Beans are sourced from Puerto Rico as part of Nespresso’s efforts to help farmers impacted by Hurricane Fiona. Each sleeve includes 10 pods that are compatible with Vertuo machines.
Mornings at Levain Votive Candle Set
Mornings at Levain Votive Candle Set
The dreamy aromas of Levain’s famous cookies are perfectly captured in Snif’s candle trio, which has notes of caramelized chocolate, vanilla dough, sea salt, and walnuts. Packaged in a giftable blue box, the scrumptious-smelling votives have a six-hour burn time and will make any space feel as warm and inviting as the popular bakery.
Kosterina Original Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Kosterina Original Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Senior commerce director Abbey Stone is a huge fan of Kosterina’s olive oils, which are made from Koroneiki olives grown in southern Greece. “The Original version has an extra punch of pepperiness that makes it a good choice for dipping bread,” Abbey says of the oil, which can also be drizzled on salads, vegetable soups, and pastas. She also loves that the chic white bottle brings “Santorini vibes” to your counter or table setting.
Eden Stoneware Butter Keeper
Eden Stoneware Butter Keeper
Butter lovers will melt when they see this charming stoneware butter keeper. Decorated with a cheery botanical pattern, the crock can be stored on the countertop to keep butter fresh, soft, and spreadable at all times. Making a recipe that requires room-temperature butter? It’s already good to go! Shoppers agree that this butter keeper makes a wonderful gift—though you might want to keep it for yourself.
Schott Zwiesel Pure Crystal Whiskey Glasses
Schott Zwiesel Pure Crystal Whiskey Glasses
Designed with a wide base and narrow rim to enhance the flavor and aroma of whiskey, these elegant crystal glasses can also be used for sipping Negronis, White Russians, and other spirits and cocktails. The sturdy set is ideal for serving after-dinner drinks to guests or just unwinding solo by a cozy fire.
Jacques Torres Classic Hot Chocolate Bombs
Jacques Torres Classic Hot Chocolate Bombs
These decadent hot chocolate bombs from master chocolatier Jacques Torres are exploding with flavor. Each shell is made from a mix of Torres’ signature hot chocolate and Belgian dark chocolate and filled with mini marshmallows and sprinkles. Just add hot milk for a ridiculously rich and satisfying treat.
Naomi Bergamot & Pepper After-Cooking Hand Scrub
Naomi Bergamot & Pepper After-Cooking Hand Scrub
“This stuff really is a dream,” senior commerce writer Emily Farris says of Naomi’s hand scrub. The luxe liquid exfoliates skin with tiny pieces of volcanic rock, eliminates garlic and onion odors with bread yeast enzymes, and softens hands with olive oil esters. “But the thing that has me swooning is the fragrance: a combination of bergamot, sandalwood, and black pepper,” says Emily. “It’s subtle but feels rich.” In fact, she adds, “This is absolutely going to be my new go-to dinner party host gift.”
Global 8″ Chef’s Knife
Global 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
A chef’s knife is a kitchen essential, and this one from Global delivers high performance at a low price (nearly 80% off!). It has a sturdy stainless steel blade that makes chopping, mincing, and dicing effortless, and a sand-filled ergonomic handle that’s easy to maneuver. The razor-sharp blade is a favorite of former associate food editor Kendra Vaculin. “I love how malleable Global knives feel in my hand despite their size,” she says.
Bodum Brazil French Press
Bodum Brazil French Press
French presses are compact, affordable, easy to use, and produce a strong cup of coffee. Bodum’s 34-oz. Brazil French press is one of our favorites because its fine-mesh filter keeps out grit but allows the beans’ natural oils and flavors to come through, resulting in a bold brew with a rich mouthfeel. The Brazil French press itself is also extremely durable—our tester has owned his for two decades!
Vahdam Chai Tea Private Reserve Trio
Vahdam Chai Tea Private Reserve Trio
Vahdam makes some of the best chai you can buy, including this elegant boxed set that turns the simple act of drinking tea into an elevated experience. It comes with three loose-leaf teas—Ginger Chai, Maharani Oolong Chai, and Sweet Cinnamon Chai—each sourced from India’s finest plantations and packaged in beautiful gold tin caddies. A mix of bold and mellow blends, this trio will have tea lovers savoring every spicy sip.
Lodge 10.25″ Cast-Iron Skillet
Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
Lodge’s cast iron skillet isn’t exactly “luxurious” but it is absolutely iconic. The nonstick, pre-seasoned skillet heats quickly and evenly, and excels at frying eggs, searing meats, sautéeing vegetables, baking cornbread and cobblers, and so much more. Made without PFOA and PTFE, the sturdy, heirloom-quality skillet gets better with each use and, with proper care, will last a lifetime.
Big Spoon Roasters Carrot Cake Almond & Walnut Butter
Big Spoon Roasters Carrot Cake Almond & Walnut Butter
We love Big Spoon’s nut butters, including the nontraditional varieties like this yummy one, which pays homage to the classic carrot cake. A blend of toasted English walnuts, Mission almonds, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, maple syrup, and sea salt, the tasty spread can be enjoyed with overnight oats, apple slices, yogurt, vanilla ice cream, and, if we’re being honest, straight from the jar.
Owala FreeSip Twist Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Bottle
Owala FreeSip Twist Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Owala water bottles are this year’s must-have accessory, and the 18-oz. FreeSip Twist is so popular it’s sold out several times over. The insulated stainless-steel bottle holds hot, cold, and carbonated beverages; has a cleverly designed spout that lets you sip or swig; and its leakproof, twist-on cap features a loop for easy transport. The FreeSip Twist also comes in a range of gorgeous colors to suit anyone’s style.
Brightland Rapture Balsamic Vinegar
Brightland Rapture Balsamic Vinegar
Made with California zinfandel grapes and Triple Crown blackberries, Brightland’s Rapture Balsamic Vinegar has a zesty-sweet flavor that takes everything it touches to the next level. Use it for dipping bread, in dressings and marinades, or as a finishing touch on caprese salads and ice cream. Each bottle of balsamic vinegar is thoughtfully produced on a family-run farm in California’s Central Coast.
Mason Cash In the Meadow Stoneware Prep Bowls, Set of 4
Mason Cash In the Meadow Stoneware Prep Bowls, Set of 4
Mason Cash’s legendary mixing bowls are a staple on The Great British Bake Off, and these 6-ounce mini prep bowls are just as practical. Crafted from chip-resistant stoneware, they can be used to hold seasonings and chopped ingredients for meal prep or to serve small portions of food or snacks. Each pastel bowl is embossed with Mason Cash’s floral Meadow print and is safe for use in the dishwasher and microwave.
The Spice House Best-Selling Blends Set
The Spice House Best-Selling Blends Set
Produced by one of our favorite online spice shops, this set of Spice House seasonings is an easy way to deliver extra oomph to everyday foods. Back of the Yards Garlic Pepper Butcher’s Rub gives a burst of flavor and nice crust to grilled meats; Great North Maple Garlic adds a sweet touch to beans, yams, bacon, and popcorn; and Lakeshore Shallot & Herb instantly upgrades fish, eggs, salad dressings, and potatoes. The tasteful trio will definitely become the most reached for bottles on their spice rack.
Botanical Heart-Shaped Sugar Cubes
Botanical Heart-Shaped Sugar Cubes
Add a bouquet of flavor to tea and cocktails with these colorful sugar cubes made with petals from roses, lavender, and blue cornflowers. Each tin comes with 12 heart-shaped cubes infused with natural ingredients like lemon oil, orange peel, and bergamot. They’re the ultimate gift for your favorite sweetheart.
Maestri House LunaFro Milk Frother
Maestri House LunaFro Milk Frother
LunaFro’s frothing wand does an excellent job at creating velvety-smooth milk foam for cappuccino, but it can also be used to blend eggs, matcha, hot chocolate, protein powder, and smoothies. Besides being versatile, it’s also extremely easy to clean — just give it a quick whisk in water. The wand requires no batteries and is USB-C rechargeable, with a full charge lasting up to three months.
Fly By Jing Original Sichuan Chili Crisp, Pack of 2
Fly By Jing Original Sichuan Chili Crisp, Pack of 2
“I plow through the Sichuan chili crisp too quickly—on scrambled eggs, veggie dumplings, cold noodles, avocado toast, fried rice,” admits associate director of cooking Emma Laperruque. Made with fermented black beans, mushroom powder, seaweed, chiles, and Sichuan peppers, Fly by Jing’s chili crisp has an umami flavor and smoky-tingly heat that earned it a spot on our best list and keeps Laperruque going back for more. “One jar of Fly by Jing is not enough,” she says.
Made In Pie Server
If you’ve never had the experience of serving your holiday desserts with a hefty, well-made pie server, you really are missing out. But you can give that experience to someone else this year with stainless steel piece from Made In. A bonus: It fits right in with Made In’s timeless flatware set that Emily Farris says may be the last one she ever buys.
