Great Gifts Under $50

Picture frame, done that. Candle, ditto. Shirt and tie, he’s got plenty.

Finding a gift, the right gift, can be daunting. You want to be thoughtful but searching for something special can lead to hours of fruitless Internet searches and mall visits.

Who has time for that?

Here we’ve assembled a gift guide to rival all gift guides. But beware: You’ll likely want to order two and keep one for yourself.

 

Luci Outdoor Light
$19.95
Mpowerd.com

Luci lights were created for the millions around the world who live without electricity. They’re also great stateside. The inflatable lights go from 1” to 4.25” in seconds and are perfect for the outdoor enthusiast on your list. The adjustable strap at top makes them easy to hang. They are lightweight, waterproof and completely solar and come with three light options, from low to ultra bright to flashing.

 

Boot Socks
$24-$26
Mitscoots.com

Buy a pair of boot socks from Mitscoots Outfitters and help someone in need. With every purchase the company donates an equal-quality item. These good folks also fulfill their goal to get, give and employ by hiring transitioning homeless to package orders. Available in black or white and with the company’s signature suede accent straps, these newly offered socks are fashionable and comfortable.

Smartphone Projector
$28
UncommonGoods.com

Another fun and functional idea from the sustainable Uncommon Goods, this projector amplifies videos, photos and text up to eight times the size on any light-colored wall or white sheet (great idea for camping!). Simply slide the phone into the back of the corrugated box and let the sharing begin. Additional slots accommodate speaker hookups or a phone charger if needed.

Soft-Shell Ice Cream Ball
$39.95
LLBean.com

This has to be one of the coolest on-the-go ideas around. Make a pint of ice cream in just 20 minutes anywhere. It’s a great way to get the kids to eat berries and other fruit. Visit  LLBean.com for recipes including Campsite Cocoa, Gingerbread and New England Maple Syrup. L.L. Bean is currently offering free shipping on this item.

Toiletry Bags
$40
Seabags.com

Give a piece of Maine’s waterfront with the Anchor accessories bag for women or Black Kevlar bag for men made with recycled sails from Portland. Both are durable and machine washable. Averaging 5”x10”x5,” each bag easily fits all the basic toiletries for either an overnight stay or an extended trip.

Tank Tee
$50
Sweetskins.com

Sweet Skins is women-owned and eco-conscious. Dies are low impact and everything from fabric scraps to paper products are recycled and reused. A wardrobe staple, their Tank Tee is stylish, comfortable and organic thanks to the 55 percent hemp, 45 organic cotton combo. The downside is it comes in eight practical colors so you’ll have a tough time choosing just one.