Last-minute gift guide: 12 expensive-looking gifts for under €50

Are you struggling to find some last-minute presents for a friend or family member this Christmas? There’s no need to panic – Ciara Carroll has picked out some guaranteed winners that look much more expensive than they actually are 

Christmas time is here and we barely even have a chance to think about it anymore. If you start thinking about it in October, it’s ‘too early’ – but then before you know it, it’s too late. You haven’t bought anybody any presents and you go into panic mode, buying anything (and everything) you see. 

Allow us to steer you in the right direction. This gift guide might give you some ideas of what to buy for under €50.

Hand cream

Grown Alchemist Limited Edition hand cream trio
€48 from Brown Thomas

Founded by brothers Keston and Jeremy Muijs, Grown Alchemist crafts a vegan collection of grooming products that focus on potent formulations and choice ingredients, presented in sleek apothecary-style bottles and containers.

Purse

Fiorelli multi-coloured Roma print ‘Carmen’ dropdown purse
€45 from Debenhams

A purse is always a great present. No matter how many you have, you can never have enough. Some purses may look good but are just too small – but this Fiorelli purse from Debenhams is the perfect size for cash and cards (plus it looks good too). At just €45, what more could you want?

Jewellery

Birthstone pendant December
€40 from Newbridge Silverware

Who doesn’t love to receive jewellery? This birthstone pendant from Newbridge Silverware is both a beautiful and thoughtful gift idea – plus it can be worn with any outfit (well worth its €40 pricetag). What’s more, you can engrave something onto the pendant for an extra €10. Personal and affordable – it’s a real winner.

Scarf

My Accessories London Exclusive scarf in heritage check
€24.89 from ASOS

A scarf is always a welcome Christmas present. They can be worn in so many different ways and with so many different outfits – plus, depending on the fabric, they can be worn almost all year round. This checked option from ASOS is both stylish and cosy. A lovely gift for only €24.89 (though with Christmas coming quickly down the tracks, you may need to opt for express delivery).

Sunglasses

Le Specs ‘Beautiful Stranger’ sunglasses
€26.99 (from €50.24) from Net-a-porter.com

For the uninitiated, Le Specs design high-end sunglasses at an affordable price. Take 50% off and you’ve found the bargain of the year.

Candleholders

Small wooden lantern
€30 from M&S

Candleholders can really change the look of a room. Whether it’s a candelabra or just a tea light holder, they can give the room a homely aesthetic. This small wooden lantern can be picked up at Marks & Spencer for just €30.

Blankets

Soft blanket
€27.99 from H&M

A blanket is a great present, especially around Christmas time. Who doesn’t love snuggling up beneath a warm throw, with the fire crackling and Christmas movies on the TV? This soft blanket from H&M is €27.99 and would definitely do the job. Also available in pink.

Beanie

Phase Eight grey ‘Kayla’ knitted hat
€49 from Debenhams

Beanies are a perfect thing to get someone around Christmas time. Having a bad hair day? Pop one on and you’re sorted. Is your head cold? Grab your beanie and problem solved. What’s more, beanies can go with any outfit and anyone can pull them off. This stylish, grey knitted hat from Debenhams is €49. 

Mini duffle bag

Shell-embellished mini duffle bag
€49 from Accessorize 

This heavily embellished duffle bag is decorated with beads, shells and sequins, and it features a drawstring closure with tassel trims. There’s also a gold-tone chain strap for easy holding and an internal zip pocket to help keep your coins in one place. Perfect for any stylish friend or family member on-the-go.

Hair Accessories

ASOS DESIGN hair clips in mixed shape design with pearls
€20.74 from ASOS

Hair accessories can really make a festive party outfit – plus they’re very in at the moment. ASOS has this eight-pack of hair accessories for €20.74.

Hollywood Beauty Glow Gift Set

Hollywood Beauty Glow gift set
€35 from Arnotts and Brown Thomas 

Whi doesn’t want Charlotte Tilbury’s award-winning Beauty Light Wand and Wonderglow primer? It’s a winner for any make-up lover. “Darlings,” the make-up artist famously says. “I have bottled the Beauty Light effects from the Hollywood red carpet and I’m bringing them to you to help you create the most-glowing skin of your life!”

Real Techniques make-up brush set

Real Techniques make-up brush set
€19.99 from Shaws, Cara, McCauleys, and independent pharmacies nationwide

Make-up brushes are another great present. Using good-quality make-up brushes can really change how good your make-up looks at the end and, of course, we all want to look our best when painting on our faces. These brushes by Real Techniques are good quality and provide everything you need to do your full face.

Feature photo: Sophie Teyssier

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