Best gifts under $50 that feel more expensive than they are

Within minutes of lighting Tocca’s Vienna candle for the first time, the nutmeg-vanilla blend made my apartment smell incredible — it’s warm and not overly sweet. It’s long-lasting without being pungent and lingers long after you’ve blown the candle out. The cotton wick provides a nice glow that adds a touch of class to the home decor. If you’re looking for something more seasonal, the rosemary-pine scent of the Chamonix candle is another fantastic choice. Regardless of which scent you choose, Tocca’s candles are guaranteed to impress.

Some people collect diamonds, others collect stainless steel water bottles. Stanley’s new cheers and cheer line of tumblers are the perfect addition to anyone’s collection, or for a first-timer. The tumblers are durable, and I remain impressed by this version’s built-in straw and no-spill design.

There are five colors to choose from — I found the holly berry gloss’s red and gold color scheme made drinking water festive — and two of them can be personalized (for an additional fee), which is always a nice touch.

I’ve found the perfect gift for someone who loves a glass of wine: Rabbit’s white compact electric wine opener. I was instantly impressed by the sleek design, and the white and silver color scheme blends seamlessly into a kitchen of stainless steel appliances.

Not only that, but it takes the grunt work out of opening wine, which will surely make for a more enjoyable holiday (or weeknight). The design features two buttons: one for lowering the corkscrew into the cork, and another for removing it. The only questionable thing about it is its name.

Despite being mocked by Tom Wambsgans, a ludicrously capacious bag makes a great gift — especially for those on the go. In fact, I was gifted this exact tote bag earlier this year, and I’ve found myself constantly reaching for it.

It’s durable and holds so much more than I anticipate every time I use it — the zip top extends upward to create more space. The straps are sturdy, so I don’t ever worry about rips or tears, even when it’s packed above the brim.

There are a variety of colors to choose from, and you can even add your giftee’s initials for a more personalized touch. You can’t go wrong with this one, regardless of who’s receiving it.

Dash has long been known for its fun kitchen gadgets, and this is no exception. You might think, “Why would anyone need a popcorn maker?” But let me reassure you that watching the kernels pop and flow out of this little machine is so satisfying. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns (Dash recently launched a collaboration with Disney), so you can choose accordingly for your intended recipient. The clean-up is minimal, too. Be warned — one cup of kernels yields so much more popcorn than you’d think.

As the appliance costs less than $30, I’d recommend bundling this with popcorn kernels and candy.

Carbone remains one of New York City’s most notoriously difficult reservations to snag, so why not gift its newest line of sauces to someone who loves to cook? It’s easier than ever to achieve a restaurant-style meal with these sauces as the base: one jar each of bolognese, cacciatore, and fra diavolo. Add meat or seafood, let it simmer, toss in some pasta, and voila. A high-quality dish in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for an at-home date night for newlyweds or for workaholic friends.