40+ gift ideas for her (or for yourself!) for $20 or less

As you know by now, I have a $20 problem. Typically, this only applies to things I buy for myself, my husband and my children. However, in contemplating the gift-giving season, I wanted to put my $20 problem to good use and provide a list of great gift ideas for her for $20 or less–based on some of my favorite things.

To some, a $20 limit on a gift may seem a bit, well, cheap–and depending on the gift, it may be. But, I have curated a list of quality items and if you are wanting to spend a bit more on the lady in question, you can mix and match.

These ideas may not be right for every gal out there because let’s be honest, that would be impossible. But, I truly feel that most girls would be happy receiving many of the things I have listed. The ideas are organized by category and if you count up all the options I’ve posted in each category, there are over 40 possibilities!

Disclaimer #1: I have provided affiliate links to each item in the description and the photos are linked as well. I may earn a small commission if you follow the links I provide, at no additional cost to you. Just a way for me to make a few extra bucks to maintain my wine-drinking habit (oh, and this blog). Thank you in advance for your support. My name is Danielle and I like wine.

Disclaimer #2: I pulled a lot of these ideas from H&M because, well, it’s my favorite store on the planet. There are some ideas from Target, Amazon and a few others, but I just can’t help it if H&M has such great stuff in my price range all the time . . . maybe that’s why I like it so much?? hmmmm . . . it should also help with your shopping. One website, one cart, one checkout. You get the picture.

Disclaimer #3: While I highly encourage you to purchase via my affiliate links, I also hope you can use this list as you shop around LOCALLY for gift ideas. As you may be aware, I recently broke my foot (read the story here) so I was not able to get out and about around town to shop. However, I hope you will–because let’s be honest, H&M and Target won’t donate to your kid’s baseball team.

Happy Shopping!

Sweater

I don’t know many girls who don’t love a warm and cozy sweater. And, chunky, oversized sweaters are all the rage right now–so you don’t necessarily need to stress too much on fit. If in doubt, ask her mom or a good friend. I like this Fine Knit V-Neck Sweater from H&M. My mom actually owns it in the brown, but it comes in 3 other colors. The v-neck helps so it is not too warm and makes it more flattering for just about everyone.

Another bonus, this sweater is also available in Plus Size HERE, for the same price!

Also, I feel like you are always safe if you buy a neutral color. She will be able to pair it with a variety of options and you don’t have to worry about offending her by buying a color she may not love.

H&M has a TON of great sweater options and while they are not all under $20, they are mostly all under $50. Here are a few more to check out:

Click HERE for additional Plus Size sweater options.

Earrings

This is a great gift for the girl who likes options. 25 options to be exact. Honestly, I don’t care if she wears any of them other than the fab hoops with the rhinestone dangle. LOVE THOSE. Ear jewelry is hot right now and for the gals who have multiple ear piercings, this is a great buy.

Looking for something more traditional that won’t break the bank? Faux diamond studs are the way to go–these are from Target. Classic, timeless and great for any age. However . . . if this is a gift for a girl you are seriously into (like your wife), don’t go faux. I’d suggest the real deal if you can afford it.

Necklace

I am all about a dainty necklace, or 2. I especially love sets because you can choose to wear all or one or mix with other pieces you already have. These would look great with that V-neck sweater I posted above. The set above is from H&M comes in three options–gold, silver or rose gold and at only $7.99 you could get her all three colors!

Here are some other options for you. I love the necklace from Lovoda because it is visually interesting (people will ask her where she got it) and you can choose the stone color. If you want to go with something a bit more personalized, have her name or an important date engraved on a cool bar necklace–like the one from Amazon pictured below (psst, they will engrave it for free–just follow the instructions when you get there).

Bag

A purse may seem like a bit of a personal gift and to be honest, THE purse is. When I say THE purse, I mean one she carries every day. The one with ALL the things. If your lady needs a new THE purse, it is best to let her tell you the exact one she wants.

However, a small bag or clutch is an excellent gift because it may not be something she thinks to buy for herself, will be put to good use for special occasions and because it won’t be used all the time, will last her for years–remembering you fondly when she does.

Gloves

Something about a leather glove takes me back in time. A time when ladies wore cocktail dresses to dinner parties, everyone smoked cigarettes and Frank Sinatra always played in the background. This is a gift that will not go out of style and that she will cherish for years–especially when the temperatures drop and her hands still look hot and feel warm.

Makeup

Makeup may also seem like a very personal gift, but I don’t think you can go wrong with a pretty palette of nudes (eyeshadows, that is guys . . . eyeshadows). These shades are perfect for just about any skin tone and are great for everyday wear.

Not sure about the shadows? Get her a bag to stash her makeup or some new makeup brushes. If she is anything like me, these are things I never replace when I should–so a gift is always a welcomed surprise.

Sleepwear

Satin pajamas are a wonderful way to make your gal feel luxurious at bedtime. These pj’s from H&M are a little more than $20, but they were too amazing not to post. The print is beautiful and if it were me, I might not ever take them off . . . okay, maybe not the best gift if you are trying to get frisky . . . but, isn’t that what wine is for? So–get her the pj’s and the wine.

Not sure your gal will like satin? That’s okay, here are some equally soft and cozy options for you. The set from JCPenney is of particular note because I am fairly confident you could wear the top with jeans and no one would know the difference.

Slippers

I don’t think these need much of an explanation. Jammies, cozy slippers and a glass of wine by the fire . . . sign me up, dude.

Blanket

Blankets are another thing that I don’t buy for myself. However, I have loved every blanket I have ever received as a gift.

Blankets are not only sensible but can also be decorative. Tossing a blanket over the back of a chair or at the foot of the bed adds a feeling of warmth to a room, and is easily accessible if your girl or her guests get chilled.

Cooking

Pinterest may be an easy go-to for recipes nowadays, but I still find value in a good, old-fashioned cookbook. This one in particular. The recipes are tried and true, there are great photos and it basically has a detailed “how-to-cook” encyclopedia. Perfect for the novice or the old-hand cook.

Kitchen gadgets are another option. I received a mandoline last Christmas and it has been life-changing–seriously. You can slice so much, super quickly and it is all uniformly cut with very little clean-up. I highly suggest having one in your gadget arsenal.

Every baker out there can always use new spatulas, especially in a variety of different sizes. And for the more advanced cook, a combo zester and cheese grater is a fun and useful gift.

Dining

I registered for plain, white plates for our wedding because they are so versatile. She can dress them up or down, use for every day or for formal occasions–depending on how she chooses to style them.

They also go with just about every style of decor, which makes them a safe and practical gift.

To step it up a bit, a set of patterned salad/dessert plates or fun printed cloth napkins are the way to go. She will love getting them out when she has the girls over for wine and cheese night–and they will love using them!

Entertaining

If your lady likes to entertain, then she needs to have a cake plate (or two) in her stash. Cake plates are not just for cakes–they can be used to display all types of food and the height helps to give her spread some visual interest.

Other serving wear makes a sweet gift for the hostess in your life. A cool cake server, wooden tray or interesting bowl will not only be useful but can double as a dinnertime conversation piece.

Drinking

We all know how much I love drinking and if your gal follows my blog, she probably does too. Having a pretty glass seems to make whatever you are drinking, taste that much better. These sleek wine glasses from Target are just the ticket and a steal–you get 4 for $19.99! Perfect for her to bust out on girls night.

If she is more of a cocktail gal, a fancy cocktail shaker is not only practical but also pretty for displaying on her bar.

Another great addition to her bar is an ice bucket to make sure those drinks are perfectly chilled and the handle makes it easy to transport (because who wants to get up during Real Housewives to get more ice?!?)

And while it may not be “proper” a stemless wine glass can also double as a cocktail glass–so it’s a great alternative if she doesn’t have a lot of room for storing multiple types of glassware.

Stationery

There is something quite nostalgic about personalized stationery. In a day and age when everything is electronic, a hand-written note certainly stands out. Your gal can use these as thank you notes, gift tags or just a sweet “hello” message to her girlfriends.

Experience

One thing you can’t put a price on is time well spent–together. Amid all the holiday hustle and bustle (or hell, just life’s hustle and bustle) it can be hard to find QUALITY time with our loved ones. So, maybe this year you skip the gifts and DO something–together.

It can be as simple as a coffee date with no kids or the weekend get-a-way that is long overdue or having everyone over for dinner and drinks.

Trust me, she will love time with you more than anything you might get her from Kay Jewelry on sale.

If you do anything in 2020, do this: spend less time looking at the screen and more time looking into each other’s eyes. Experience one another’s company. Laugh together, listen together, love together and of course, drink together~

Cheers!