Whether you’re holiday shopping for a hard-to-please friend or trendy teen, gifts don’t need to cost a fortune to be delightful. To help out, we put together a wide range of thoughtful gifts under $50 for all sorts of folks. Even better: With each purchase, you’ll be supporting an Indigenous-owned brand (and here are more ways to support Indigenous communities directly). And if you’re looking for even more gift options, we have gift guides from Black-owned brands, Hispanic-owned brands, and AAPI-owned brands, too.
Last year, our friends at Eater said Sean Sherman is “one of North America’s loudest voices speaking to the challenges and opportunities within Indigenous food systems.” This James Beard Award–winning book would make an excellent addition to anyone’s growing cookbook collection.
For the co-worker who’s never without a cup of coffee, here’s a light and French roast blend of beans from Native Coffee Traders. Based on the Poospatuck Indian Reservation in Long Island, New York, the family-owned and -operated roasting facility sells organic and fair-trade-certified coffee beans.
Cosmopolitan’s beauty director Julee Wilson told the Cut that this eyeliner is a part of her own beauty stash because it “doesn’t move and it goes on really smoothly.” Gift it to any friend who’s a fan of a bold cat eye.
Indigo Arrows makes home goods with patterns found on ancient Indigenous pottery and bone tools in Manitoba, including this set of two handmade, 100 percent linen placemats. It would make the perfect gift for the person who just got into tablescaping.
[Editor’s note: Indigo Arrows lists all prices in Canadian dollars, so the price shown is an approximate conversion in U.S. dollars.]
Séka Hills, owned and operated by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation in Northern California’s Capay Valley, sustainably produces wine, snacks, and other specialty foods. The home chef in your life will love this olive oil for everything from sautéing and baking to drizzling and dipping.
This beach towel, from the Seattle-based art and lifestyle brand owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe, will be a nice gift for anyone with a sunny vacation already planned. The design represents the prayer for rain.
We think the bookworm in your life will enjoy Tommy Orange’s novel, which tells the story of Indigenous people living in the Oakland, California, area. When we talked to book editors about their summer reads back in 2018, the debut novel was brought up twice.
When writer Tembe Denton-Hurst spoke to experts about the best books on environmental justice, Braiding Sweetgrass was recommended for showing the unexpected connections between Indigenous wisdom and science. Robin Wall Kimmerer, a trained botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, explores different parts of the ecosystem, like why asters and goldenrods grow well together and the spirituality of gardens.
If your recipient is a fan of Chopped, they might recognize Crystal Wahpepah, the first Indigenous chef on the show. She runs Wahpepah’s Kitchen in Oakland, California, which also sells vegan and gluten-free snack bars.
A pair of darling acrylic earrings to match any cool teen’s strawberry Crocs.
And here’s a more subtle (but just as delightful) pair handmade by Turtle Mountain Chippewa artist Jessica R. Metcalfe, featuring iridescent mother of pearl and black-rainbow shell.
For the skin-care obsessive in your life, Cheekbone Beauty CEO Jenn Harper recommends Sḵwálwen Kalkay’s products because its founder is an ethnobotanist. This face oil, made from sustainably harvested rose hips and organic sweet-almond and jojoba oils, reduces inflammation and is deeply hydrating.
Made with 99 percent natural ingredients, this Sequoia body scrub does double duty exfoliating and moisturizing skin. When combined with water, the scrub turns into a light, nongreasy lotion.
If bold is more their thing, here’s a highly pigmented eye-shadow palette complete with 30 mattes and shimmers.
A cheap-but-expensive-looking ring made with raw obsidian and brass from the New York–based clothing and accessory brand founded by Korina Emmerich.
Founded on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation in Long Island, Thunderbird Designs sells handmade jewelry by Indigenous artists, including this beaded keychain that would make an excellent housewarming gift.
Ginew, which is the only Indigenous-owned denim line, also sells a wide range of accessories, including this understated bandana. Hand-printed in Nashville, Tennessee, it features a design inspired by Ojibwe and Oneida symbols, line art, and sculpture.
A fun addition to anyone’s jewelry arsenal, designed by fashion designer Warren Steven Scott of the Nlaka’pamux Nation.
This beanie, featuring a hummingbird design, is a more interesting alternative to the ubiquitous Carhartt beanies. It’s from Urban Native Era, a Los Angeles–based streetwear brand.
For the budding environmentalist, here’s an expert-recommended book by Carole Lindstrom, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe Indians. It’s written through the eyes of a young girl who’s a part of a protest that’s inspired by the Sioux Tribe’s protest at Standing Rock.
ThunderVoice Hat Co. makes sustainably sourced goods, like covetable hats, accessories, and clothing. Gift the little one in your life this adorable onesie.
Raven Reads sends seasonal subscription boxes complete with two to three books written and/or illustrated by Indigenous authors for kids ages 4 to 9. The most recent box (which ships out winter 2023) is slightly above our price cutoff at $57, but you can purchase the subscription box from fall 2021 for just $42. It includes Fishing With Grandma, by Susan Avingaq and Maren Vsetula, The Dancing Trees, by Masiana Kelly, a journal, and counting trays by Mulberry Designs.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
