23 Affordable Gifts That Look Expensive

Courtesy of Respective Brands

Whether you're in need of a birthday gift or something sweet to celebrate an upcoming holiday, our editors are here help you (and your paycheck) find a gift that's in your price range without sacrificing looks or luxury.

Below, you’ll find our guide to gifts that look like they cost an arm and a leg — but won’t break the bank. We’ve thought of all kinds of knick-knacks for your globetrotting family and friends, like stylish travel accessories (think sleek passport cases and eye masks), on-the-go beauty products (hello, Chanel lip gloss), comfy travel shoes, cozy blankets, and much more. No matter the cost, they will love unwrapping these items.

Related: 25 Travel Gift Ideas Under $25

This year, Travel + Leisure is offering its most comprehensive gift guide ever. The goal? To make sure you can find the perfect present for everyone on your list, from the coffee connoisseurs to the royal family superfans. Below, our picks for thoughtful presents that won’t empty your wallet.

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Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

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Modern Rustic Airplant Holder with Airplants

Courtesy of Amazon

Perfect for friends or family who inhabit small space. These hanging plants are lovely to look at, and come at a fraction of the price of traditional standing plants.

To buy: holder, amazon.com, $9; plants, amazon.com, $8

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City Map Glass

Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

Drinking glasses can be expensive, but this intricate city map glass transcends typical cocktail glasses in style and creativity, while being sold at a very reasonable price. Made in the U.S. and hand-etched in New Hampshire, you can get a pair of these featuring your favorite city streets for less than $30.

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $16

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Chanel Gloss Volume Plumping Lipgloss

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Yes, it’s Chanel. Yes, it’s the perfect stocking stuffer, and yes, it’s just as luxurious as it looks — with no chance of breaking the bank.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $30

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NetNeed Shopping Tote

Courtesy of Amazon

Give the eco-conscious traveler in your life the gift of this reusable cotton tote that’s 100 percent environmentally friendly.

To buy: amazon.com, $14

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Primitives by Kathy Nomad Woven Wall Hanging

Courtesy of Nordstrom

This gorgeous woven wall hanging will bring the hygge vibes of Scandinavia to any room.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $58

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B.P Morgan Mule

Courtesy of Nordstrom

The best part about this long-lasting slide trend: they’re some of the absolute best shoes to wear in an airport (read: slip off, slip on, repeat).

To buy: nordstrom.com, $40

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Cat-eye Sunglasses

Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

A pair of sunnies in the year’s trendiest shape, with four colors to choose from? You simply can’t go wrong. (We’ll take them all.)

To buy: urbanoutfitters.com, $10

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Voluspa Maison Blanc Candle

Courtesy of Nordstrom

There’s something uniquely luxurious about a scented candle of one’s own — this is the perfect gift for someone in need of a little TLC. Despite the reasonable price, this California-inspired fragrance smells just as lovely as it looks.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $19

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Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe Herbs and Rosewater

Courtesy of Amazon

After a long flight, there’s nothing like a refreshing spritz of floral-infused facial spray. Mario Badescu uses herbal extracts and rosewater to form this perfect (not-so-pricey) pick-me-up for tired, dehydrated skin.

To buy: amazon.com, $7

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Giorgio Armani Travel Perfume

Courtesy of Nordstrom

This gift is the perfect combination of feminine sophistication and affordability — not to mention that it’s totally ideal for travel.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $28

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Rifle Paper Co Globe Keychain

Courtesy of Anthropologie

This beautiful enamel gold keychain is the perfect reminder of a passion for travel.

To buy: anthropologie.com, $15

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111 Places You Must Not Miss: New York

Courtesy of Anthropologie

A comprehensive guide to can’t-miss venues and under-the-radar hangs in the city that never sleeps — all for $20? Whether this is a gift for a seasoned New Yorker or for a newcomer to the Big Apple, this guide will no-doubt come in handy during anyone’s journey through this storied city.

To buy: anthropologie.com, $20

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Morse Code Cuff

Courtesy of Baublebar

These beautiful, stackable cuffs are engraved with morse code for every letter of the alphabet — and are the perfect piece for dressing up a cozy travel outfit.

To buy: baublebar.com, $32

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Eco Lunchbox

Courtesy of Anthropologie

This set of three stackable, stainless steel lunch boxes are perfect for that person who is always on the go. Free of harmful toxins, BPAs, and all that icky stuff, these are ideal for packing your own meal for a road trip or a transatlantic flight.

To buy: anthropologie.com, $30

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Vietnamese Coffee Portable Pour Overs

Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

Two words. Portable. Coffee. This pack of five rich single-serve Vietnamese coffee packets and five pouches of sweetened condensed milk from sunny California makes coffee on-the-go easy, affordable, and downright fun.

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $15

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The Sleepy Cottage Vintage Glam Eyelashes Sleep Mask

Courtesy of Amazon

Every travel diva needs a reliable eye mask so that she can catch some shut-eye on a long flight. This handmade “vintage glam” sleep mask couldn’t be cuter — or cheaper.

To buy: amazon.com, $16

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Jenna Belt Bag

Courtesy of Anthropologie

This beautiful leather belt bag is the epitome of trendy and convenient — slip it around your waist or over a shoulder when city exploring or schlepping through an airport to make sure all those most-valued items get safely from point A to point B. Though it looks like top-tier designer work, it clocks in at just under $60.

To buy: anthropologie.com, $58

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French Slogan Wristlet Clutch

Courtesy of French Connection

This sleek faux-leather wristlet is perfect for your favorite traveler who loves to shop. Featuring French text (which translates to “free as air”), this piece adds an adorable and sleek finish to any outfit.

To buy: usafrenchconnection.com, $58

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The Pocket Tote

Courtesy of Everlane

It’s hard to find a sturdy, stylish, well-made tote for under $50. Enter Everlane’s denim Pocket Tote, ideal for anyone in your life that needs to throw everything into a bag (including a laptop — there’s space for that) and run out the door.

To buy: everlane.com, $48

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Mini Mac Lipstick

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Everyone needs more lipstick, all the time. This little lip shade from Mac doesn’t sacrifice quality for size — the mini stick packs a real punch, and certainly won’t do much damage to your wallet.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $10

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Rains Laptop Portfolio

Courtesy of J. Crew

We all know and love someone who is working no matter where they are. This elegant laptop portfolio is the essence of sensibility: it’s waterproof, has a poly-blend inner lining, clean lines, and can fit some extra folders and papers, too.

To buy: jcrew.com, $60

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Sweater Fleece Scuffs Slippers

Courtesy of L.L. Bean

Leave it to L.L.Bean to make the world’s comfiest everything — but especially slippers, and affordable ones at that. We’re quite sure anyone in your life will be delighted to slip their feet into sweater fleece, perfect for a cold winter day.

To buy: llbean.com, $40

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Nylon Cosmetics Pouch

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

It’s hard to find a designer anything at an affordable price. This chic nylon cosmetics bag is ideal for tossing all your makeup and toiletries into one compact spot — and thanks to that sturdy nylon, you know you’ll get a good bang for your buck.

To buy: bloomingdales.com, $50

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23 Gifts That Look Much More Expensive Than They Are

1 of 24

Modern Rustic Airplant Holder with Airplants

2 of 24

City Map Glass

3 of 24

Chanel Gloss Volume Plumping Lipgloss

4 of 24

NetNeed Shopping Tote

5 of 24

Primitives by Kathy Nomad Woven Wall Hanging

6 of 24

B.P Morgan Mule

7 of 24

Cat-eye Sunglasses

8 of 24

Voluspa Maison Blanc Candle

9 of 24

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe Herbs and Rosewater

10 of 24

Giorgio Armani Travel Perfume

11 of 24

Rifle Paper Co Globe Keychain

12 of 24

111 Places You Must Not Miss: New York

13 of 24

Morse Code Cuff

14 of 24

Eco Lunchbox

15 of 24

Vietnamese Coffee Portable Pour Overs

16 of 24

The Sleepy Cottage Vintage Glam Eyelashes Sleep Mask

17 of 24

Jenna Belt Bag

18 of 24

French Slogan Wristlet Clutch

19 of 24

The Pocket Tote

20 of 24

Mini Mac Lipstick

21 of 24

Rains Laptop Portfolio

22 of 24

Sweater Fleece Scuffs Slippers

23 of 24

Nylon Cosmetics Pouch

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