25 Gifts That Look Much More Expensive Than They Are

By Travel + Leisure Staff
Updated November 26, 2020
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Credit: Courtesy of Respective Retailers

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 luxe silk eye masks), on-the-go beauty products (hello, Drunk Elephant Head-to-Toe kit!), elegant stationery, cozy scarves, 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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1 of 25

Modern Rustic Airplant Holder with Airplants

Credit: 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, from $9; plants, amazon.com, $14

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2 of 25

City Map Glass

Credit: 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 just over $30.

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $16

3 of 25

Giorgio Armani Travel Perfume

Credit: 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, $29

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4 of 25

Eco Lunchbox

Credit: 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, $36

5 of 25

Vietnamese Coffee Portable Pour Overs

Credit: 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

6 of 25

Mini Mac Lipstick

Credit: 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, $12

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7 of 25

Herschel Supply Co. Canvas Tote

Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

It’s hard to find a sturdy, stylish, and well-made tote at a reasonable price. The Mica Canvas Tote from Herschel Supply Co. is just that. The durable canvas tote features comfortable shoulder straps, a zippered closure, and an internal smartphone pocket.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $50

8 of 25

Rifle Paper Co. Coin Pouch

Credit: Courtesy of Anthropologie

This travel-themed coin pouch is a must-have for your carry-on bag.

To buy: anthropologie.com, $24

9 of 25

Personalized Faux Leather Pouch

Credit: Courtesy of Nordstrom

This faux leather pouch from Cathy's Concepts looks incredibly luxurious, especially with a gold monogram, but it's still a reasonably-priced gift at just over $40.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $41

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10 of 25

Bangle Set

Credit: Courtesy of Baublebar

This set of two simple, stackable bangles is the perfect piece for dressing up a cozy travel outfit.

To buy: baublebar.com, $44

11 of 25

Banana Republic Oversized Color-block Fuzzy Scarf

Credit: Courtesy of Banana Republic

This cozy printed scarf from Banana Republic adds the perfect sophisticated pop of color to an outfit in any season.

To buy: bananarepublic.com, $58

12 of 25

Woven Surya Home Wall Hanging

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

To buy: bloomingdales.com, $30 (originally $45)

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13 of 25

ban.do Laptop Sleeve

Credit: Courtesy of ban.do

Who wouldn't want this colorful floral laptop sleeve to transport their tech in style?

To buy: bando.com, $30

14 of 25

Brooklinen Silk Eye Mask

Credit: Courtesy of Brookline

A silk eye mask will make you feel way more luxurious, whether you're spending the night in a fancy hotel or at home.

To buy: brooklinen.com, $24 (originally $29)

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15 of 25

Parker Clay Layla Satchel

Credit: Courtesy of Respective Retailers

Ethically made in Ethopia, this roomy crossbody features buttery-soft full-grain leather that’s durable and looks even better with wear.

To buy: parkerclay.com, $148

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16 of 25

Parks Candle: Cactus Flower & Fern

Credit: Courtesy of Respective Retailers

The soothing scent of Paddywax’s clean-burning soy candle is meant to evoke the Grand Canyon. Bonus: the makers will donate a portion of sales to the National Parks Foundation and the ceramic vessel can be used as a planter once the wax is spent.

To buy: upwest.com, $30

17 of 25

Lululemon Yoga Kit

Credit: Courtesy of Respective Retailers

Your favorite yogi (or anyone else who’s embraced the workout-from-wherever life) will appreciate the thoughtfulness of this all-in-one set, which includes a mat, block, and towel.

To buy: Lululemon.com, $98

18 of 25

Drunk Elephant The Littles Head to Toe

Credit: Courtesy of Respective Retailers

This collection gathers miniature versions of the cult-favorite brand’s newest launches: hair and body products.

To buy: sephora.com, $49

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19 of 25

Softest French Terry Puff Sleeve Pullover

Credit: Courtesy of Respective Retailers

Subtly puffed shoulders elevate the look of this ultra-cozy sweatshirt, which works just as well for a work-from-home look as it does for a plane outfit.

To buy: summersalt.com, $75

20 of 25

Italic Accessories and Apparel

Credit: Courtesy of Respective Retailers

It’s worth signing up for this membership site, especially if you have a lot of people to buy gifts for. For $120 a year, you get access to stylish wardrobe staples, luxe accessories, and even quality cookware at cost instead of paying a retail markup. (Many of the goods are made by the same manufacturers used by iconic brands like Prada and Tumi.) This means means scoring deals like a calfskin camera-style bag for $115 (vs. $160), a cashmere coat for $225 (vs. $595), or a sleek duffle — made by the same manufacturer Tumi uses — for $200 (vs. $395).

To buy: italic.com

21 of 25

Draper James Crystal Star Pendant

Credit: Courtesy of Respective Retailers

Unlike a lot of holiday bling, this delicate celestial necklace doesn’t feel overtly wintry — making it a slam-dunk gift for the loved one who loves a subtle sparkle year-round. 

To buy: draperjames.com, $68

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22 of 25

Device Portable Utensil Set

Credit: Courtesy of Respective Retailers

Step up your eco-conscious friend’s game with this eight-piece kit, which corrals silverware (including chopsticks!) and two metal straws into a slim, carry-anywhere case. 

To buy: amazon.com, $10

23 of 25

Apple Home Pod Mini

Credit: Courtesy of Respective Retailers

Despite its diminutive size — just over 3-inches tall — Apple’s newest smart speaker delivers impressive, room-filling sound.

To buy: apple.com, $99

24 of 25

Desmond & Dempsey Silk Eye Mask

Credit: Courtesy of Respective Retailers

Whether you’re hitting the skies or hunkering down at home, a luxe, light-blocking eye mask is one of those flourishes that makes going to sleep an occasion. Add a monogram for an extra flourish.

To buy: desmondanddempsey.com, $74

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25 of 25

Sarah Flint x Crane Stationery

Credit: Courtesy of Respective Retailers

A handwritten note is even more special when it’s penned on a beautiful card. Shoe and accessories designer Sarah Flint (a Meghan Markle fave) took inspiration from her mom’s garden to create this collaboration with the legacy stationer.

To buy: sarahflint.com, $45  

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