60 cool gifts under $20 on Amazon that won't make you look cheap

If you’re shopping on a budget, check out these budget-friendly gifts that are so impressive.

Shopping
By BDG Commerce
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
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Gift-giving on a budget doesn’t have to mean settling for something basic. Amazon’s filled with affordable finds that are as thoughtful as they are cool — and we’ve rounded up 60 gifts under $20 that look anything but cheap. From unique gadgets to stylish home decor, these picks have serious appeal without the hefty price tag, making it easy to impress without overspending.

01This powerful pocket microscope with bright LED lights

This powerful pocket microscope attaches to backpacks and lanyards with its built-in keychain, so you can take a closer look while you're on the go. It's equipped with a powerful LED light that illuminates the object of your curiosity, and its focus knob helps you zoom in and out. It's an especially great choice for inquisitive kids who don't want to wait until science class to start exploring.

02This soft weighted blanket that still manages to be breathable

A weighted blanket is great for extra relaxation or potentially even soothing for people with anxiety, and this is a great budget-friendly option. It features clever stitching to keep up an even distribution of the fine glass beads, and the corners are also reinforced to maintain the integrity of the blanket. Despite its 15-pound weight, this blanket is still soft and breathable for comfy lounging or sleeping.

03A set of remote control covers that glow in the dark

Make the remote control much easier to find with these glow-in-the-dark covers. They’re made from soft silicone for a comfortable, nonslip grip and will protect the remote from scratches while keeping the buttons easily accessible. Once the glow starts to fade, the covers are easily recharged under any light.

04This five-pack of wool socks

These wool blend socks are a hit with reviewers, having earned a 4.6-star overall rating on Amazon. The socks are made with wool, polyester, and spandex, making them breathable, sweat-wicking, and so comfy. The vibrant vintage-inspired patterns will go with any outfit.

05These 8-in-1 pens that do so much more than write

Give the wannabe spy in your life these eight-in-one pens, which do so much more than write. Each pen is equipped with an LED light, an accurate ruler, a bottle opener, a screwdriver, and even more tools that can help streamline your daily life. With a robust aluminum material and two included ink refills, you'll be more than prepared for international espionage (or just a day at the office).

06This plush, absorbent bath mat

This popular bathroom rug — which is designed with soft chenille fabric — is highly absorbent and quick-drying. They're also backed with rubber for some extra grip, and it is is available in 21 colors and 10 sizes.

07These fine-tip journal pens that come in a colorful set of 18

Level up your journaling, calendar-planning, note-taking, and more with this big set of colorful, fine tip marker pens. Great for writing, drawing, and coloring, these pens use water-based ink for a smooth feel and minimal bleed-through. They feel comfortable in hand and boast a very impressive 4.7-star rating after over 93,000 reviews.

08This ingenious beverage cooler that uses zero ice

This ingenious beverage cooler keeps drinks cold without the use of a single ice cube. Instead, its patented design chills your soda, lemonade, or iced tea with regular water, so it's entirely dishwasher-safe for an easier clean. It cools drinks in just 60 seconds, making it an amazing choice for beach or camping trips where you might not have access to a refrigerator.

09A Morse code bracelet that sends a sweet (or hilarious) message

This Morse code bracelet sends a sweet message to loved ones, so when they look down at their wrists, they'll always be reminded of how much you care. Each bracelet comes in a classic wooden box for easy gifting, and its adjustable fit makes it a versatile gift you can give to just about anyone. From designs that say "brother" and "sister" to funny messages like "stay weird" and "partner in crime," you're sure to find the right one for that special person.

10This inconspicuous fidget toy to relieve nervous energy

Relieve nervous energy with this inconspicuous fidget toy for stress relief anytime, anywhere. Its unique and compact structure features a strong plastic body with a smooth silicone cover and ring, which you can use in conjunction with a myriad of other activities, from reading and writing to spectating at a show. Anyone who prefers to keep their hands occupied will appreciate its sleek design and wallet-friendly price point.

11This fun coffee mug you can customize with building bricks

Customize this fun coffee mug with building bricks for a burst of joy in the morning. Each mug comes with two random toys and one mini figure, which you can use to build cool structures and enact kooky scenarios, all before your first bite of breakfast. It'll hold hot beverages with temperatures of up to 100 degrees Celsius, so you can use it with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. That said, it’s not microwave-friendly, but it’s still a lot more fun than your standard mug.

12These intergalactic chopsticks inspired by your favorite film series

These intergalactic chopsticks make an amazing gift for the Star Wars fanatic in your life. You'll love their whimsical design, which features bright blue and red LED lights for a futuristic dinner experience, and their splinter-free blades, which are incredibly easy to clean. Simply press their light-up buttons to turn them on and off, and when they're in need of a little extra juice, you can replace their LR41 camera batteries.

13These tactical flashlights

With over 76,000 reviews and a high 4.6-star rating, these mini tactical flashlights cast a powerful light with five available modes and a zoomable beam. Made of military-grade aluminum, they are fully water-resistant, allowing for illumination in all kinds of weather.

14A tiny vacuum cleaner for your desk

Make quick (and adorable) work of desktop messes with the help of this mini vacuum cleaner. The nozzle suction picks up dust, paper scraps, and pet fur with ease from your work surface and, conveniently, your keyboard. Its ergonomic design makes it easy to handle and it runs on two AA batteries (not included) so you can use it anywhere.

15A luxe hand cream set in a nice gift box

Coming in a nice gift box, this set includes four different scents of hand lotion. The paraben-free formulas include nourishing ingredients like aloe, shea butter, and almond oil. “They are perfect for tucking into one's purse. The scent is marvelous, the coverage perfect and my hands stay soft longer than with other French products. The tin is cute,” wrote one fan.

16This sleek recipe book for creative chefs

Give this sleek recipe book to creative chefs who need somewhere to jot down their concoctions. At the front of the book, you'll find a cooking glossary and measurement table to help you make the most out of every recipe. You'll also receive three colorful ribbon bookmarks, which you can use to find your place again if you step away for a second.

17This hilarious tortilla wrap blanket to keep you toasty

Stay toasty (pun intended) with this hilarious tortilla wrap blanket. Its unique design will have you laughing out loud while you snuggle on the couch in its soft, warm flannel material. Its lightweight fabric is breathable enough to keep you from overheating, and when it's in need of a wash, simply toss it in the machine on laundry day.

18This wildly popular duck-shaped desk lamp

A gift found on many lists this year (and popular on Amazon as well with a 4.8-star rating overall), this squishy duck lamp is practical and adorable. It puts out a warm white glow and the brightness can be adjusted with a tap. Since it's made from a soft, yet durable silicone material, it can be carried around comfortably.

19These cult-favorite makeup-removing cloths

Effectively remove foundation, lipstick, eye makeup, and more using just water and these soft, reusable makeup remover cloths. Made of ultra fine microfiber, one side is designed for deep cleaning while the other is for makeup removal. Best of all, they're washable so you can use each one up to 500 times.

20An eyeshadow palette with 12 creamy shades

This eyeshadow palette is the perfect size to travel with and has all of the basic colors you need. It includes 12 shades in an ultra-pigmented, creamy formula that is hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin. Choose from two collections for daytime or nighttime looks.

21An electric toothbrush for gentle, thorough cleaning

This rechargeable electric toothbrush will be your new secret weapon for eliminating plaque; it has five cleaning modes plus a quadrant timer that pulses every 30 seconds so you know to switch to the next section. Eight brush heads are included, providing up to two years of use before you need to order replacements. And a full battery lasts up to 60 days, keeping charging needs to a minimum.

22A digital coin bank that tells you how much money you have

This digital coin bank turns the loose change at the bottom of your bag into an extra cushion for your bank account. Its clear LCD screen accurately displays the amount of money you've stored so far, and it accepts all US coins, from pennies to dollar coins and everything in between. If you'd like to manually adjust the total on the screen, just use the plus and minus buttons on the cover, which work especially well for larger deposits and withdrawals.

23A pair of cooling pillowcases reviewers love

This pair of pillowcases feature a special fabric that’s designed to create a cooling effect on your skin. One shopper wrote, “Yes this pillow case does stay cool through out the night. It’s soft and fits my pillow well.” Choose from three sizes and lots of colors in the listing.

24A digital thermometer that’s great for home chefs

Take the guesswork out of cooking meat with this digital thermometer. It features a stainless steel probe and an easy-to-read screen, delivering accurate temperature readings within three seconds. The thermometer also features a handy temperature chart for fish, pork, poultry, and beef to help you figure out when your meal is fully cooked.

25These cactus-shaped silicone dryer balls

Dryer balls can help your machine work more efficiently, reduce static cling, and get your clothing and bedding fluffier. This six-pack of dryer balls isn’t your average set, though. They’re made of reusable silicone in a fun cactus shape that makes them particularly gift-worthy.

26These vinyl record coasters for music enthusiasts

Music enthusiasts will absolutely adore these vinyl record coasters, which protect surfaces in a quirky way. Each coaster is made of actual vinyl, which resists rust, stains, and scratches for long-term use, and features a nonslip design that prevents slips and spills. When you buy, you'll receive six coasters, so you can keep one or two in every room of the house.

27This classic lazy Susan made of sturdy bamboo

This classic lazy Susan is a dinner party mainstay for a reason, especially considering that it rotates 360 degrees for extremely easy access. Whether you're making a delicious charcuterie board full of your favorite hors d'oeuvres or storing and organizing your spice collection, it's a reliable favorite at a budget-friendly price point. It supports up to 25 pounds, giving it a wide range of uses.

28A heat-resistant utensil rest shaped like a charming crab

With its charming crab shape, this heat-resistant utensil rest will steal the show the next time you cook. It's made of food-grade silicone that's BPA-free, so it won't rust or chip, even after years of use. As a bonus, you can pop it in between your pot and its lid to release steam while you cook rice, pasta, and anything else that requires a hotter temperature.

29This food flipper & meat hook for a more efficient barbecue

This food flipper and meat hook makes for a more efficient barbecue experience. You'll be able to flip, grip, and grab food without marking it up or losing any delicious juices, and its pigtail design makes it easier than ever to turn roasts in the oven or slow cooker. You'll appreciate its stainless steel build, which makes cleaning a breeze, and its comfortable handle, which gives you a firm grip on your food.

30This lightweight book lamp to keep reading into the wee hours of the night

Keep reading into the wee hours of the night with this lightweight book lamp. With 10 intentionally-placed LED lights, it casts a bright, even glow across the pages of your new favorite read, and you can adjust its brightness level to your preferences. You'll also appreciate its USB-C charging port, which means you won't have to replace disposable batteries in the middle of an especially riveting chapter.

31These metal meat claws that are essential for pulled pork

Home chefs will want to reach for these metal meat claws at their next barbecue. They're designed with a bear claw shape that makes for easy shredding, and their strong stainless steel material tears through meats of every texture with ease. Plus, each claw features a textured handle with a nonslip grip, so you can carry them from place to place without the hassle. They’ve also earned an impressive score of 4.7 out of five stars on Amazon.

32A digital kitchen scale for increased accuracy while you cook

For increased accuracy while you cook, invest in this digital kitchen scale, which weighs up to 11 pounds with precise results. Perfect for bakers, its sleek and compact design takes up very little space in your kitchen, making it super easy to store in drawers, cabinets, or even on countertops. You can buy it in one of six colors to best match your decor.

33This bedside storage organizer to keep your essentials within reach

Keep your book, phone, and TV remote close at hand with this bedside storage organizer. Just insert the leather flap between your mattress and bed frame for an installation process that's astonishingly simple. That way, you'll have an extra storage solution that takes up zero additional space on your desk or bedside table, making it a great choice for apartment or dorm dwellers.

34This hydrating & plumping lip oil with a smooth finish

This hydrating lip oil features a smooth finish that isn’t sticky in the slightest. With nourishing ingredients like apple water and mint extract, it moisturizes and softens lips while creating a plumping effect. Plus, its pointed doe foot applicator makes the application process incredibly simple. Over 7,500 Amazon customers gave this oil a five-star rating.

35This macrame mirror with a stylish geometric shape

With its stylish geometric shape, this macrame mirror is a stunning piece for anyone who loves a unique accessory. It's just as functional as it is stylish since its high-quality mirror lets you see your reflection with clarity. Hang it in your living room to impress guests or your bedroom for a low-maintenance piece that goes with everything.

36These curtain string lights that create magical ambiance

Make any room feel more magical with these USB-operated string curtain lights. They can be used on their own or paired with a sheer curtain and offer eight lighting modes including slow fade, twinkle, and steady on. Choose from white, multicolor, and pink lights and control them conveniently using the included remote.

37These sweet refrigerator magnets shaped like sushi

Use these sweet refrigerator magnets to put your favorite photos and holiday cards on display. When you buy, you'll receive eight magnets with hyperrealistic designs, which you can stick onto fridges and whiteboards to keep reminders within your line of sight. These make an especially great gift for foodies who are always on the hunt for their new favorite sushi restaurant.

38These freshness-saver balls that’ll increase the life of your produce

Protect your produce with these freshness-saver balls, and you won’t have to prematurely throw away your farmer’s market haul. Here's how they work: produce naturally emits ethylene gas, which these balls absorb, so fruits and veggies will last up to three times longer. Just place one of the included packets in each produce saver and toss it into your fridge or fruit bowl for maximum freshness.

39A self-adhesive light strip for a TV or computer screen

Make your favorite shows look richer and reduce eyestrain with this self-adhesive LED strip light. It comes in lots of lengths in the listing to fit various specs and can even be trimmed to fit. It’s powered by USB and has lots of color options and light modes to choose from using the included remote.

40This luxe personalized hand towel set that’s made of 100% Turkish cotton

Because this luxurious hand towel set is made of 100% Turkish cotton, each piece is astonishingly soft. Their classic design means they're likely to complement your bathroom decorations, and they're large enough for effective drying but compact enough for easy storage. The best part? You can customize them with a monogram for a personalized touch anyone would adore.

41This reversible dart game for people who love party games

This double-sided magnetic dart board is a fun, affordable starter kit, designed with safety and skill-building in mind. Featuring vibrant graphics, it offers two exciting games in one — standard darts on the front, a second game on the back. With strong, balanced magnetic darts, this board is easy to move and hang anywhere, and ensures wall-safe fun.

42This ceramic ring dish to hold your favorite baubles

This ceramic ring dish is the perfect place to put baubles and trinkets. It's made of a high-quality ceramic material that's sure to last for years and years. Keep it in your bedroom or bathroom for convenient storage while you sleep or shower; you can also store it by the kitchen sink to remove your valuables while you wash your hands. It comes in 35 different versions, so you’re sure to find a saying that rings true for you.

43These stylish gold-plated hoops with 35,000 5-star ratings

Complete any ensemble with these trendy hoop earrings. They’re plated in real 14-karat gold, so they look really expensive while maintaining a budget-friendly price tag. They’re hypoallergenic and lightweight, which makes them great for everyday wear — just ask the 35,000 five-star reviewers.

  • Available sizes: 20 MM – 50 MM
  • Available finishes: 3

44A stylish set of corner shower caddies that can hold so much

Great for housewarmings or anyone who lacks storage space, these shower caddies nestle into the corner of the tub, creating shelving where there was just blank wall. Though they stick to the wall with included adhesive, they can hold up to 40 pounds each, making them great for those huge bottles of shampoo. These sleek caddies also come with 12 hooks and a soap holder for every last bathtime accessory.

45An electric lighter that ignites without a flame

You don’t need a flame to light a candle or start a campfire — just use this electric lighter instead. The USB-rechargeable lighter works even in breezy conditions and features a long, narrow design that easily fits into candle jars. Safety features include an on/off switch and a hidden lock, helping ensure the lighter only heats up when you want it to.

46These durable camping lanterns that are super bright

This pair of camping lanterns are shockingly bright — offering 360 degrees of light. The top collapses down for compact storage and they’re durable enough to survive a 10-foot fall.

47An inflatable pillow they can take just about anywhere

Take this inflatable pillow to the beach, the campsite, or the backseat of your car; no matter what, you’ll get some much-needed R&R on the go. Its nonslip material gives you just the right amount of stability, and it's equipped with an elastic strap that keeps it in place while you travel. Plus, it's waterproof, so it'll survive all sorts of weather conditions to keep you comfortable while you travel the world.

48A silicone spatula set with ergonomic handles

This silicone spatula set comes with five differently-sized pieces for versatility in the kitchen. The spatulas resist heat up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, and their seamless one-piece design means they don't have any seams or cracks to trap leftover food. Plus, their silicone material is naturally nonstick, so they won't scratch your expensive pots and pans.

49These fingerless gloves with built-in flashlights

Whether you’re working on a DIY project or going on a nighttime bike ride, these flashlight gloves are so helpful. The thumbs and forefingers include bright LED lights that make it easier to see what you’re doing without having to hold a flashlight. They’re made from soft, breathable fabric and designed to fit anyone.

50A memory foam cushion that makes any seat more comfortable

Made from supportive memory foam, this seat cushion makes car rides and long hours spent in an office chair more comfortable. The breathable cover promotes airflow while the memory foam filling helps take pressure off your tailbone. Use the cushion on any seat, with nonslip backing and a buckle to help it stay in place.

51This ice roller with a removable, easy-to-clean head

Soothe your skin and reduce unwanted puffiness or inflammation with the help of this ice roller. The soft, gel-filled head pops off the handle so you can freeze it without taking up very much space and then wash it easily after you’re done living out your best spa-inspired life.

52A flexible phone holder that’s great for travel

Need a great gift for a frequent traveler? This flexible device holder can be attached to the airline seat in front of you or placed on a tabletop for hands-free viewing. It can hold phones, tablets, e-readers, game consoles, and books, making it easy to stay entertained on the go.

53An 8-pack of wine glasses that make entertaining guests a breeze

With this eight-pack of wine glasses, entertaining guests will be an absolute breeze. Each glass has the capacity to hold 12 ounces of liquid at a time, so you and your loved ones can refill with less frequency. You'll also appreciate their dishwasher-safe material, which resists chips, scratches, and breakage, so they're likely to last a long time.

54These bubble tea cups with leakproof lids for mess-free transportation

These bubble tea cups come with leakproof lids that make for mess-free transportation. Their wide metal straws mean they're perfectly sized for tapioca pearls, and their silicone rings are removable for an easier clean when you're finished sipping. The best part? When you use these reusable cups instead of their disposable counterparts, you reduce the amount of plastic you use, which helps take care of the planet.

55A universal socket that works with a wide variety of different screws

This universal socket works with a wide variety of different screws, making it a home improvement must-have. Based on how versatile of a tool it is, it can help with a number of repair projects, whether you're working on a car, a cell phone, or a piece of furniture. This is an excellent gift for DIY enthusiasts who are always in search of their next project.

56A kitchen utensil holder with a fingerprint-resistant finish

With its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish, this kitchen utensil holder will look amazing on your countertop. Its jumbo size means it'll hold all your spoons, spatulas, and other essential utensils, and its secure base means it'll stay upright without tipping over. If it ever gets caught in the crossfire of a stray ingredient or two, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth for an easy clean. The divider within is removable, too.

57The rechargeable selfie light that clips to your phone or laptop

Give the gift of great lighting and more flawless Zoom calls with this handy selfie light. Its silicone-lined clip goes on the top of your device and can be rotated so you find your perfect angle. There are five lighting hues and five brightness levels so it makes an impact day or night, indoors or out.

58The portable Apple Watch charger that clips to your bag

This is the handiest little magnetic Apple Watch charger. Just lay your watch on top and it’ll fully charge in three hours (although the Ultra takes five). Even better, it’s super compact and is attached to a keychain so it’s super easy to tote. It comes with a handy USB-C and USB charger for when the device itself needs juiced up.

59A rapid egg cooker for a quicker breakfast each morning

This rapid egg cooker puts the “fast” in breakfast since it helps you cook your favorite meals in no time flat. From soft and hard-boiled to poached and scrambled, you can cook up to six eggs however you like, and the whole process will take significantly less time than cooking on the stovetop. Because it only weighs one pound and takes up very little counter space, it's a smart choice for those with smaller kitchens, and it's available in eight adorable colors.

60An adjustable wrench that fits large nuts & bolts

Handypeople will no doubt appreciate this universal wrench with an adjustable jaw opening that fits large bolts, nuts, and pipes. The wrench is easy to adjust by twisting a knob, and it features a nonslip grip and thumb rest for comfort. Made from steel with a black oxide finish, the wrench is built to last through years of home projects.