Surprise Your Roommate With Amazing and Affordable Gift: Best and Trendy Ideas Under $50

The holiday season means both thinking about jingle bells and worrying about where to find money for presents. As a student, choosing gifts on a budget but still wanting to make them meaningful may be a real struggle. For this reason, we have created this helpful and actually cool gift guide, where you will find a list of affordable presents (with links attached!) for your friends! 

Today, EduBirdie will help you discover unique, affordable, thoughtful gifts! From self-care sets to creative Secret Santa gift ideas, we will share the perfect options under $50.

How to choose the perfect gift?

How do you choose a present for your friend? It can be quite a task! We would say that selecting the right present for your roommate is hard, but it isn't rocket science.

First, you need to think about everything you know about the person. It is a bit like stalking their TikTok history (but in a wholesome way). Start by thinking about their Gen Z goals. Are they dreaming of becoming the next viral baking star? Maybe a quirky apron or a self-care kit would hit the mark. If they’re all about cozy vibes, consider Christmas gift ideas like candles or throw blankets from a world market collection.

Another genius trick is to reflect on their daily habits. Are they glued to TikTok, sharing funny videos or must-haves they’ve spotted? Analyze the content they scroll through and create a personalized basket filled with little treasures showing you’ve been paying attention!

Don’t forget the golden rule of gift-giving: think practical. If you’re dealing with someone who has already “seen that all,” stick to gift ideas for someone who has everything, like a customized gift card to their favorite store or a trendy gadget they didn’t know they needed.

For roommates who love fashion, explore fashionable presents like stylish accessories ─ scarves or tote bags are perfect for campus life. Reflect on their favorite smells or remember how they spend their free time. Are they gym enthusiasts, coffee addicts, or Netflix marathoners? It doesn’t matter; there are always some gift ideas waiting to match someone’s personality.

One more pro tip: Skip the holiday stress of overthinking. Sometimes, the simplest gifts ─ picked with love ─ are the ones that stand out the most. If you are still stressed, the next list was created exactly for those like you. Choose the unforgettable present under $50 right now! 

Top 10 Christmas gift ideas for girls under $50

Let’s start with the gift ideas for girls! It may seem impossible to find something showstopping under $50… But trust us, this list surprised even us! Find the flawless gift for college girls:

1. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask $25.

This TikTok-famous lip balm hydrates, exfoliates, and leaves lips glossy for the whole day. It's a trendy pick for beauty lovers who can’t get enough cute, functional products. Moreover, the brand dropped the holiday collection, so the new pack is fully Christmasy!

1. Custom Name Necklace $23-35.

Add a bit of “Carry Bradshaw” vibes to her life with a personalized accessory that’s both stylish and meaningful. Choose her name, a nickname, or even an inside joke to create a unique piece she’ll treasure. 

1. LED Vanity Mirror with Touch Control $45.

This mirror is perfect for makeup enthusiasts or anyone who loves a good glow-up moment. It has adjustable brightness and a sleek design that’s dorm-room-friendly. Hack: It is also good for making tik-taks with Christmas lights, iykyk!

1. Faux Fur Throw Blanket $49.99.

Cozy and chic, this soft blanket adds warmth and a Pinterest atmosphere to any space. Great for Netflix nights or just upgrading the room’s aesthetic.

1. Kodak Camera FunSaver $30.

Everyone seems to be obsessed with film cameras. We totally agree with this obsession because photos end up really cool. That’s why your stylish friend will like the Kodak FunSaver!

1. Own Your Glow Kit $35.

Our favorite thing about beauty shops is that they create cute baskets with everyone’s favorite products. You can choose any basket from any shop you adore, but we personally loved this one from Sephora!

1. Aesthetic Journaling Kit $13.

Does she have her diary? Amazingly, this set includes stickers, washi tape, and a new notebook. Your mysterious friend can make her diary more artistic! 

1. Stanley Ice Flow Flip Straw Tumbler $35.

The clean-girl aesthetic is so popular that even bottles have been adapted to it. If your friend is exactly the one who likes slow mornings and pilates, make her happy with a trendy Stanley Bottle! After all, she can also take the bottle with her on her Christmas vacation to take aesthetic pics.

1. Christmas jumper $48.99.

Cozy alert! Ugly Christmas sweaters may be considered odd. But you can’t deny that everyone loves them. We think your friend will like it too! 

1. Gift card to Zara (or her favorite shop!) $25-50.

If you do not know what kind of shirt or dress your friend will adore, there is an idea for a gift. Allow her to choose herself with a gift card! 

Top 10 Christmas gift ideas for boys under $50

Let’s switch to the boys! What would your male friend like to receive for this Christmas? We do not know exactly, but we can suggest a gift for college boys:

1. Spotify or Apple Music Gift Card $25-50.

If he is a music lover, make him listen to music without ads! Music Apps gift cards would be perfect for enjoying the benefits of a premium subscription.

1. Mini Desk Basketball Game $18.

Truth be told, it is just funny.

1. Carhartt Beanie $20.

A timeless, durable accessory that suits any style. It’s cozy, practical, and trendy (and we all know it is what Gen Z loves)! 

1. Console C2 Gripz $45.

Is your friend a gamer? Then, enhance their grip strength, control, and comfort for maximum gameplay with this console!

1. Craft Beer Tasting Set $45.

This tasting set includes unique craft brews or glasses for a beer enthusiast, offering them a mini pub experience at home.

1. Wireless Charging Dock $25.99.

We all have phones that we need to charge, so this one is a total of 10 out of 10. A sleek and functional charger that powers their phone, smartwatch, and earbuds simultaneously! What can be better?

1. Christmas sweater  $35.

As soon as Skii Core becomes a new trend, it is time for ugly Christmas sweaters! Yes, we suggested the same idea for girls. But let’s be honest ─ we all love ugly jumpers, especially when they are a gift!

1. Portable Campfire $29.99.

We have some adventurous friends who want to bring campfires everywhere. If you have them, too, this one is for them. It is a cool candle that you can take anywhere with you.

1. Customizable Phone Case $20.

With a customizable case, you can show your friends that you notice what they say and love. Make the case with their favorite movie characters, memes, or memorable moments from your life! 

1. Small Popcorn Maker $45.

This one is a must for movie lovers! Check out authentic popcorn makers to add the atmosphere to their chill movie night. And if it's a college roommate gift idea, you will enjoy the small treat too!

Creative gift-wrapping tips to impress your roommate

After selecting the perfect gift for your roommate, the next step is all about presentation! Thoughtful packaging adds a personal touch and shows your roommate how much effort you’ve put into making their holiday special. Below are some creative and practical packaging tips that suit gifts for both girls and boys.

Personalize the Package

Add a handwritten note or small decorations to make it unique. You can attach:

• Mini ornaments;
• Polaroid photos of you and your roommate;
• Custom stickers or tags with inside jokes.

A gift like a self-care basket for a girl can include lavender-scented items, while a guy’s package might feature sporty themes like gym-inspired stickers.

Consider these personalized packaging ideas:

• Give some special touch to your gift;
• Basket packaging idea;
• Another basket packaging style; 
• Sweetest envelope gift.

DIY gift wrap ideas

Get creative with DIY options:

• Use old maps, newspapers, or sheet music for a vintage aesthetic.
• Decorate plain paper with doodles, stamps, or washi tape to add a personal flair.
  Look for multiple TikTok tutorials for more holiday gift-wrapping ideas, which are perfect for Christmas gifts for college students!

Odd life hacks 

• Make the package look different from what is the actual present! Let them think about what they are getting!
• Actually, wrapping gifts during Mercury Retrograde, which lasts till December 16, might lead to mishaps! Save yourself the stress by keeping it simple and doing it after.

Wrap up your holidays with thoughtful roommate gifts

Searching for the perfect gift ideas for roommate doesn’t have to be a holiday headache. We hope this guide helped you finally find things to present to your friend. Now you see – there’s something for everyone under $50. Add a personal touch by using unique wrapping styles and sustainable packaging from places like the world market. Show your love this season with a thoughtful gesture that makes your roommate feel special. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Make this holiday unforgettable!