gifting on a budget: 27 amazing wedding gifts under $50 that won't break the bank

27 wedding gifts under $50 that the happy couple will love and cherish.

If you are on a tight budget, finding the best inexpensive wedding gifts can sometimes be a big challenge. The couple's wedding registry is a great place to start. Branching out from this to come up with small wedding gifts that make a big impact can help you to find the perfect wedding gift ideas for the lucky couple on your list. The amount you have to spend should not dictate the quality of the gift you choose for friends, family members, or colleagues who are planning to get married in the near future.

You may be wondering how much money to spend on a wedding gift. While it is definitely the thought that counts, staying within your budget need not limit you to candles, washcloths, or coffee mugs. Finding the best affordable wedding gifts will help you to make a positive impression even on a limited budget. In general, you can find practical $50 gift ideas for weddings and other celebrations that your recipients will use and enjoy for many years to come.

Thinking outside the box and considering the tastes and interests of the newlyweds can help you to find creative and inexpensive wedding gifts. Chances are that the wedding registry will provide you with some additional options to inspire your gift-giving process. Here are some of the most unusual wedding gifts under $50 to consider for your wedding gift-giving needs.

1. take a practical approach

Storage bins and baskets are thoughtful options for couples just beginning their lives together. Finding storage solutions that suit the style of the happy couple can allow you to give a gift that they will use and appreciate for many years to come. Sealable containers, crates, and baskets are among the most popular practical gifts for newlywed couples. For couples who are living in relatively cramped spaces, under-bed storage bags and containers are more practical options for wedding gifts under $50.

2. look for little things that matter

Even the most inexpensive wedding gifts can make a big impact if you choose them with care. If you are looking for wedding gifts in a specific price range, you can select from items that include drinkware, weighted blankets, dental care devices, and many other wedding gifts under $50. Some even cost less than $25. Even very inexpensive wedding gifts can make a big impression when grouped into affordable gift baskets. This strategy can make it easy to stay within your assigned budget. Putting together several gifts from the same category into an elegant basket topped with a bow can allow you to minimize your costs while maximizing the impact of your gift.

3. let there be light

String lights, projection lamps, and decorative novelty lamps are among the most popular lighting options for gift-giving occasions. When buying floor lamps or novelty fireplace projections, you should consider the general aesthetic taste of the happy couple. Choosing lamps or lighting solutions will allow you to purchase wedding gifts under $50 that will delight your recipients now and for many years of use.

4. adorn their walls

Inexpensive wedding gifts need not be ho-hum. Finding the perfect accents for home décor can highlight specific areas of the couple's home and can even be focal points of interior design for the newlyweds. Wall mirrors, shadow boxes, and wall hangings are among the most popular small wedding gifts for guests on a budget to consider. It is always a good idea to make sure your gift will complement and not clash with the planned décor for the couple's new home.

5. tech it up

For the technophile couple, finding the right high-tech gifts can make an impact far beyond the small cost of these inexpensive wedding gifts. Items for home automation, personal assistants, Bluetooth speakers and earbuds, and voice-activated remote controls are among the most popular choices for wedding gifts under $50. Taking the time to consider the habits and preferences of the newlyweds can help you find the right tech gifts for couples just starting out and those who seem to have almost everything. The right technology can allow you to buy magical gifts on a relatively small budget.

6. picture this

Picture frames and photo albums can showcase the special memories of newly married couples and are ideal choices for inexpensive wedding gifts that can mean a lot to the recipients. You can personalize these inexpensive wedding gifts with photos of great memories you share with the newlyweds or can deliver them as-is to allow them to create their own collection of photos for their new home. From simple and elegant wood frames to wedding frames that capture perfect moments from the ceremony and reception, picture frames are a thoughtful gift that will continue to bring joy to the happy couple for many years into the future.

7. make a splash

Towels are among the most popular inexpensive wedding gifts. Bath towel sets are available in a wide range of prices, textures, and patterns to suit just about any décor. Whether you opt for hand towels with whimsical slogans or elegant bath towels from the couple's wedding registry, you can find the perfect affordable gifts for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Matching the colors and designs of your chosen towels to the other items on the couple's registry is a great way to make sure that your recipients appreciate and use these practical items.

8. help them dine in style

Finding the perfect gifts for dining and entertaining at home can help you resolve your gift-giving dilemmas much more easily. Dinnerware collections can make it simple to manage a dinner for two or entertain a crowd. Even if you cannot afford a larger set, you can select from numerous add-on items when exploring $50 gift ideas for an upcoming wedding. A little time and thought can pay dividends in appreciation from the engaged or newlywed couple on your gift list.

9. take it outside

For outdoorsy couples with a taste for hiking or camping, finding inexpensive wedding gifts can be easy and fun. Camping equipment includes practical products like coolers, kerosene lanterns, hammocks, and many other items that can make camping out even more enjoyable for couples who love the great outdoors. Thinking about the types of activities your recipients enjoy will help you find the perfect outdoor options for giving presents on a budget.

10. get in the swim

Swimming enthusiasts will love a gift of beach and pool items as part of their wedding celebration. Beach towels, brightly colored beach chairs, and inflatables are all affordable options for small wedding gifts that will pack a big punch of excitement for the lucky couple on your gift-giving list. These inexpensive wedding gifts are the perfect solution for couples who love spending time by the pool or at the shore.

11. get cooking

Small appliances can be affordable gifts for newlyweds beginning their new lives together. Blenders, electric indoor grills, panini presses, hand mixers, toasters, and other small appliances can provide the tools to whip up gourmet meals and drinks quickly and conveniently. These kitchen essentials are affordable and practical options for wedding gifts under $50. You may even find some of these items on the wedding registry for the newlywed couple.

12. check out the gadgets

To make life in the kitchen even easier for newlyweds, kitchen tools and gadgets are great ways to fill up affordable gift baskets. Spatulas, turners, serving spoons, peelers, tongs, whisks, graters, and even can openers are practical wedding gifts under $50 that will see plenty of use in the new family kitchen. Don't forget specialty tools like stainless-steel skewers for grilling and zesters to extract maximum flavor from fruits and vegetables. These items are useful and low in cost, which makes them perfect inexpensive wedding gifts.

13. double up on comfort

One common complaint among wedding guests searching for the perfect gifts is that others have already claimed all the inexpensive wedding gifts on the couple's registry. Wedding experts note that purchasing an additional set of sheets and pillowcases can cut down on the frequency of laundry chores and allow couples to enjoy greater convenience over the first months or years of their marriage. Flat sheets, fitted sheets, pillowcases, and even flannel sheet sets can provide much-needed flexibility for couples changing their bed linens and keeping their home clean and comfortable.

14. pack things up

Luggage is a popular wedding gift. It can also be a budget-friendly option for your gift-giving journey. While luggage sets can cost hundreds of dollars, laptop cases, duffel bags, carry-on luggage, messenger bags, and backpacks can all be practical gifts that cost less than $50. Finding affordable and attractive luggage items can allow you to offer small wedding gifts that will delight the newlyweds and serve them well for many years.

15. accessorize the bath and shower

Bathrooms and kitchens can provide ample inspiration for wedding gifts under $20. Bath accessories are affordable and practical options. Consider bathroom scales, bath pillows, wastebaskets, soap trays, lotion dispensers, tumblers, and toothbrush holders designed for two. These items are useful and decorative ways to celebrate the wedding of friends and family members while sticking to your budget. Be sure to stick to the established color scheme for other bath items on the couple's registry to make these items as useful and practical as possible.

16. go with glassware

Glasses and other drinkware can be practical options for inexpensive wedding gifts. A set of champagne flutes that costs well under $50 is ideal for celebrations now and for years into the future. Beer mugs, beverage dispensers, wine glasses, teacups, coffee mugs, and drinkware sets are great $50 gift ideas that can add up to much more than the amount you pay for these items. Coordinating the glassware you choose with other items listed on the wedding registry can ensure the most cohesive look for all these items, which can make your gift even more valuable to the intended recipients.

17. serve up the perfect gift

A perennial favorite of couples and guests alike, serveware is a must for entertaining at home and can allow you to put your own special stamp on the gift you choose. In most cases, these dishes can go from oven to table with only the addition of a trivet to protect wood finishes. Souffle dishes, ramekins, pie plates, wooden salad bowls, individual casserole dishes, baking dishes, appetizer servers, cheese boards, sugar and creamer containers, cake servers, trays, and platters are all elegant and thoughtful additions that make great $50 gift ideas.

18. choose cutting-edge gifts

Knives and cutlery are practical wedding presents that will see plenty of use throughout the couple's married life. While top-end sets of steak knives will definitely exceed a $50 budget for wedding gifts, a high-quality paring knife or utility knife, cutlery set, pair of poultry shears, knife block, cutting board, cutting mats, sandwich knife, or knife sharpener can make it easy to manage food preparation tasks and create delicious meals in less time.

19. invest in elegance

Watch boxes, jewelry cleaners, and organizers for necklaces, rings, and bracelets are excellent wedding gifts for guests working with a limited budget. Jewelry and watch boxes need not be expensive. Stackable jewelry trays, for instance, can organize all types of jewelry and watches to help couples get ready for work or play more easily and quickly. While some ultrasonic jewelry cleaners may be expensive, others can make outstanding small wedding gifts that will surprise and delight the happy couple. Finally, jewelry boxes are available in a wide range of configurations and at prices to suit just about any budget.

20. take out the trash

For a practical gift that may not appear on wedding registries, consider trash cans and recycling bins as an affordable wedding gift. Metal wastebaskets designed for paper and recycling bins are green-friendly choices for environmentally conscious couples. For added convenience and improved hygiene, trash cans with a step-on pedal open easily without requiring a free hand. This can make them extremely useful for newlyweds on the go. Finally, in-cabinet or under-the-sink trash cans can create a sleek and beautiful look for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas of the home.

21. pamper their pets

Animal lovers will appreciate thoughtful gifts for pets for their home. Pet beds should be appropriately sized and offer absolute comfort for dogs and cats. Dog gates and banister shields are a great way to introduce members of about-to-be-blended pet families to each other safely and gradually. Pet playpens, dog and cat bowls, cat scratching mats, and cat climbing trees can be thoughtful gifts that will cost less than $50 to purchase for the newlyweds and their four-legged friends.

22. personalize your presents

One way to make just about any wedding gift extra special is by personalizing it with a photo, monogram or the names of the happy couple. Personalized gifts may include coffee or beer mugs, pillows, blankets, wall art, signage, drinkware, doormats, garden stones, and bath robes and towels. Garden totes and tools are also customizable for an added touch of elegance and a thoughtful way to honor the green thumbs of the couple. Dressing up these basics with a customized message can help you to make an impression far greater than the cost of personalizing these necessary items.

23. be their biggest fan

Gifts that celebrate the wedding of the happy couple are always welcome. Wedding-themed gifts may include cake knives and serving sets, a commemorative handkerchief that represents both something new and something blue, wedding date picture collage frames, photo albums, and personalized face masks for the wedding party. The latter is a great idea to keep everyone safe at these gala events. Showing your support for the engaged couple with a thoughtful gift can make their celebration even more special and memorable.

24. wake them up

His and hers alarm clocks or dual-control alarms are a thoughtful gift that the happy couple will definitely use. Most alarm clocks are electric. Some include a radio, temperature readings, or USB ports for charging phones and other electronic devices. Best of all, these small wedding gifts are affordable even if you are on an extremely tight budget.

25. delight them with experiences

Experiences are one of the most popular trends in the wedding industry. While some experiential wedding gifts can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, others may be extremely affordable even for budget-conscious wedding guests. Wine and distillery tastings, paddle surf trips, mini-golf expeditions, and zoo visits are among the most inexpensive wedding gifts. These special events, however, can create memories that will last a lifetime. When gifting experiences, it is wise to consider the cost of travel to make sure the couple will be able to use and appreciate your thoughtfulness. Choosing experiential gifts close to home can make these presents much more practical for your intended recipients.

26. cater to their caffeine cravings

For couples who can't live without their daily caffeine, coffee and tea makers, supplies, and accessories can be a thoughtful wedding gift that won't break the bank. Coffee grinders are especially appropriate for java enthusiasts. Putting together affordable gift baskets of coffee pods or tea selections will allow you to manage your spending while creating a memorable and practical wedding gift. Flavored syrups for coffee, espresso capsules, and coffee mugs are excellent, affordable additions to these do-it-yourself wedding gifts under $50.

27. lavish them with luxury

Even on a budget, you can find luxurious gifts to pamper the newlyweds. Massage and spa gifts include sleep masks, bath brushes, affordable gift baskets of skin care products, aromatherapy bath bombs and diffusers, white-noise sleep machines, neck and shoulder wraps, foot spas, and massage oils that can provide touches of luxury for newlywed couples. By giving them the gift of relaxation, comfort, and better sleep, you can help them enjoy their first months of marriage together to the fullest.

Is $50 enough to spend for a great wedding gift? Certainly. These options make it clear that you can find thoughtful and memorable wedding gifts under $50. Taking time to think about the habits and interests of the happy couple can provide the inspiration for the perfect inexpensive wedding gifts for your favorite people.