Holiday Gifts 2018: 21 Early Gift Ideas Under $50

An omnipresent device that listens to your conversations doesn’t seem so scary when it’s this cute. Between controlling smart devices, answering nagging questions, and playing “Despacito” when things are so sad, an Echo Dot is too cool a device to pass up. The vastly improved speaker on the latest revision makes it all sound so much better.

The perfect gateway drug to that sweet smart home life. Plug any device into this wi-fi connected smart plug, and you can turn it on with your voice or from your phone. Magic! Plus, it works no matter what smart home ecosystem you’ve chosen.

Blutooth speakers are cool, but they can get pricey. The XSound Go is one of the best-sounding speakers you can get in this price range. Unwrap, connect your phone, and liven up any holiday party.

Noise cancelling headphones are a must for shutting out the world and focusing on work, your music, a podcast or just your own thoughts. These over-ear phones offer superior noise cancelling, and fantastic sound for the price.

The workout nut in your family needs a decent pair of wireless earbuds. Anker’s Soundcore line offers an expensive sound at an inexpensive price, and they can stand up to any amount of sweat on the elliptical.

Your friends and family have way too many devices, and every movie night begins with a hunt for the correct remote. The Logitech 650 is an intuitive device that ensures they’ll only need to keep track of one, no matter how many more devices they add this holiday season.

We all have that friend who’s a huge Harry Potter fan, but never got around to buying all the movies. With streaming availability being as sporadic as it is, it just makes sense to have all eight permanently on hand. In high definition, no less.

With all the hype for Kingdom Hearts 3, it’s worth going back and figuring out just what exactly is going on in this convoluted story. This package includes 6 games and 3 movies so the Square Enix/Disney fan in your life can finally understand the whole Nobody vs Heartless thing. Hopefully.

Yes, it’s weird that there are still games coming out for the Nintendo 3DS instead of the Switch, but the Pokemon fans in your life are likely still playing theirs. This mysterious entry in the franchise is just too strange for any Pikachu fan to miss. Even if Nintendo didn’t get Danny DeVito to voice the titular electric mouse.

The Nintendo Switch fan in your life is probably looking for something to play on it. Give them the best game they probably missed on the DS. A unique, fast-paced combat system and fun character customization make this an enjoyable adventure for RPG vets and newcomers alike.

For the serious mobile gamer who won’t shut up about PUBG, Fortnite, or how many emulators they have. No matter their poison, one fact remains true: Gaming on a touchscreen feels bad. This compact, portable controller will give you a leg up in online matches and make those classic games feel the way they were supposed to.

The biggest version of Super Smash Bros. yet is on its way to Nintendo Switch. As any Smash fan knows, there’s only one way to play the game: Using a controller from 2001. Why mess with perfect? Nintendo is putting out a Switch compatible version of the beloved controller on Nov. 19, making this a must-have for anyone whose ever said, “No items, Final Destination, Fox only.”

We all have that friend who spends too much time on their phone, so why not be the best enabler you can be? This high-capacity, high-speed charger lets you charge your phone multiple times on the go so you don’t need to hunt down a Starbucks with a free outlet.

Everyone knows someone that’s always misplacing things, and if you don’t, that person is you. Attach this to your keys, your phone, the remote, or anything else you lose constantly. It won’t help you stop losing things, but it will make finding them so much less tedious.

A welcome addition to any kitchen that has more uses and takes up less space than a full-size blender. Whether someone you know is just getting into cooking or is a seasoned pro, this just makes everything easier. They’ll be making their own sauces, soups, smoothies, and condiments in no time. Maybe they’ll even invite you over for dinner as a thank you.

You’d be surprised how many kitchens are without this essential piece of cookware. Cast iron holds onto heat better than anything else, and it lasts pretty much forever. The seasoning improves with every use, meaning it only makes better food the longer its used.

The perfect gift for the only one who really matters in your life: Your cat. Your feline friend deserves better than a boring single-column scratching post. Amazon has an affordable option that gives them all sorts of places to climb, sit and scratch.

It’s simple, it’s cheap, and cats go absolutely nuts for it. Who knows why this particular toy brings them so much happiness, but your furry friend will gladly chase this thing around all afternoon. It’s even cuter when they catch it.

No matter how many new TV shows come out, the best entertainment in your home is watching your cat or dog be utterly baffled by a new toy. The motorized Weazel ball moves around on its own, providing endless hours of entertainment watching a confused pet chase it all over the house.

Who says a gift can’t also be a subtle hint? We all have that friend whose home could maybe use a different smell. This diffuser slowly releases a holiday scent into the home for three months. They’ll be happier, and you’ll find it much easier to visit over the holidays.