The Real Chic Life

We’re sharing the third and final installment of our gift guide series (you can read part 1 here and part 2 here). Today’s guide is about affordable luxuries under $50. When it comes to holiday gifting, it’s not the price tag that matters—it’s how the gift makes someone feel. Affordable luxuries are the perfect way to bring a touch of indulgence and joy to someone’s everyday life without breaking the bank. Whether it’s a little treat for yourself or a thoughtful present for a friend, co-worker, teacher, or loved one, these small splurges under $50 make anyone feel special.

Gourmet Treats to Indulge In

Knipschildt Chocolates– Who doesn’t love chocolate? This set, made by one of the top chocolatiers in the world, looks like a set of gorgeous ornaments and makes for an easy and satisfying gift.

Smith Teamaker Variety Gift Box– Tea is always a thoughtful gift. Tea lovers will appreciate Smith’s delicious blends, but even if the recipient isn’t a big tea drinker it’s always useful to have some on hand for guests. This variety box contains 12 of Smith’s most popular flavors, and they also have a special holiday assortment.

Williams Sonoma Infused Olive Oil Gift Set– High-quality condiments make cooking feel like a special occasion. These award-winning olive oil blends are cold-pressed and crafted by a family run business in Northern California.

Why They’ll Love It: Gourmet treats offer a sensory experience that feels indulgent and thoughtful. These items make great gifts for foodies and for recipients whose tastes you don’t know well.

Luxury Candles

If you read my men’s gift guide or my guide to being a Cozy Queen, then you know I love recommending candles. I’m fascinated by the way scent can elevate a space and transform your mood. Candles make great gifts, and there are many luxurious options under $50, so this guide wouldn’t be complete without them.

Thymes Frasier Fir– This candle, described as “the elegance of a beautiful, flocked tree indoors” has a cult following. Fans say the holiday season isn’t complete without this candle, and enjoy burning it all winter long.

Volupsa Baltic Amber– Voluspa is known for its beautiful scents and gorgeous vessels, so their candles make great gifts. You can’t go wrong with anything from this brand, but Baltic Amber (honeyed Amber Resin, velvety Woods and the rich incense of smoldering Vanilla Orchid) is one of their most popular scents. They also have a great holiday candle.

Diptyque Baies– Diptyque candles are known to be luxurious and pricey, but many of their most popular candles come in small versions that are under $50. This is a great way to treat someone to this iconic brand. Baies is a lovely mix of blackcurrant berries and roses.

I’m also currently burning the St. Nicholas candle by Harlem Candle Company and I love it. It smells like a delicate perfume mixed with gingerbread and holiday spices.

Why They’ll Love It: Candles create a cozy, relaxing ambiance, turning any room into a retreat.

Silk Sleep Accessories

A silk pillowcase or eye mask isn’t just about comfort—it’s about feeling pampered.

Caramel Sleep Mask– This sleep masks looks and feels luxurious and comes in a variety of colors and prints.

Silk Zippered Pillowcase– Silk pillowcases are proven to have a variety of benefits including fewer fine lines, improved skin texture, and more hydrated and manageable hair, so these make for useful gifts for home decor and beauty lovers.

Silk Scrunchies– These elevated scrunchies are gentle on hair and help to prevent breakage. They make excellent stocking stuffers.

Why They’ll Love It: Silk accessories offer a touch of elegance while improving their sleep routine.

Cozy Comforts for Winter

Quince Australian Shearling Scuff Slipper– These cozy slippers are lined with moisture wicking shearling that adjusts to your body temperature just like Uggs, but at a more affordable price point.

Ralph Lauren Polo Bear Crew Socks– The adorable Polo Bear is at peak popularity right now, and Polo Bear socks have become a bit of a status symbol. These cozy and sporty socks look great peeking out of Uggs or other winter boots.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Double Stripe Throw Blanket– You can’t go wrong with a soft, compact blanket that’s perfect for curling up on the couch or adding warmth to a bed. Barefoot Dreams is well known for their amazing cozy fabric and this throw comes in under $50 for black friday.

Why They’ll Love It: These gifts bring physical comfort and emotional warmth—perfect for the holiday season.

Beauty and Skincare Treats

Ilia Beauty the Party Set– Ilia Beauty was my first introduction to clean beauty brands, and their concealer and tinted balms are still staples in my beauty routine. This set includes a mini liquid powder chromatic eye tint, a mini multi-stick for cheeks and lips, and a full size mascara.

Rhode Birthday Duo– Rhode, the skincare and makeup brand created by Hailer Bieber, is experiencing a surge in popularity. But this celeb beauty brand isn’t just hype. I’m addicted to their peptide lip treatment, it keeps my lips moisturized better than any other product I’ve tried (I even use it for my kids). This Birthday Duo includes a peptide lip tint and a blush. They also have a fall duo set—I’d recommend sleepy girl blush and the raspberry jelly lip tint as universally flattering fall/winter shades.

Hermes Perfumed Soap– This fragrant soap bar is a small treat that’s sure to be appreciated because of the iconic Hermes branding. It cleans and delicately perfumes skin with a gorgeous scent.

Why They’ll Love It: These high-quality beauty products make daily routines a bit more special.

Accessories to Elevate Everyday Life

Stanley x CALIA 40 oz Tumbler– The Stanley x LoveShackFancy collab may be sold out, but you can still get an elevated design thanks to the CALIA collab. The tumbler’s functionality and the pretty abstract floral design can take anyone’s drinking experience to the next level.

Anthropologie City Bag Charm– Bag Charms are very popular right now, and they’re such an adorable way to personalize a bag. These City Bag charms come in several styles that represent different iconic cities around the world.

DesignWorks Gratitude Journal– A gratitude journal is a thoughtful gift that promotes daily wellness. This journal includes 196 prompts to cultivate gratitude and has a sleek, modern look.

Why They’ll Love It: These gifts blend practicality with elegance, bringing joy to everyday tasks.

Affordable luxuries are more than just gifts—they’re small, thoughtful gestures that tell the recipient they deserve a little extra joy. Whether it’s a gourmet snack, a soft throw blanket, or a luxurious candle, these indulgent-yet-budget-friendly ideas bring a smile to anyone’s face.

What are your favorite affordable luxuries? Comment below.

Xo,

Courtney