Great gifts don't need a big budget. They need to be useful, a bit clever and something the person wouldn't think to buy for themselves. Every pick below is a home or gadget find under $50. We've grouped them by the kind of person you're shopping for.

Christmas delivery: order by 28 November for Christmas delivery to Australia, the US, the UK, Europe and New Zealand. Shipping is free on orders over US$79, so two or three of these together usually qualify.

For the home cook

Rolling Garlic Chopper

The Rolling Garlic Chopper is the gadget people didn't know they needed. Pop in two or three peeled cloves and roll it along the worktop. The more you roll, the finer the garlic. No knife, no chopping board, and less garlic smell on your fingers. Small enough to tuck into a stocking.

Silicone Pot Strainer

The Silicone Pot Strainer is made from silicone and comes in a choice of colours. It's designed for draining pasta and straining sauces, and in the photos it fits onto the rim of the pot, so you don't have to juggle a full colander.

Foldable Chopping Board

The Kitchen Plastic Chopping Board folds and has a silicone drainage edge that helps liquids run off while you prep fruit and vegetables. It's easy to rinse and comes in white, green or light blue.

For the wine lover

Automatic Wine Bottle Opener

The Automatic Wine Bottle Opener is electric. It comes with a foil cutter, fits most standard wine bottles and opens a bottle in about 6-8 seconds. The transparent cover lets you watch the cork come out, which is half the fun at a party.

Crystal U-Shaped Wine Decanter

For a more elegant table, the Crystal U-shaped Wine Decanter is lead-free crystal with a 1500 ml capacity and a distinctive U shape that's easy to pour from.

Magic Chain Wine Bottle Holder

The Magic Iron Chain Wine Bottle Holder is a conversation piece: an iron chain that holds a bottle seemingly in mid-air. It's a fun gift for a home bar.

For the desk and the gadget fan

3-in-1 Wireless Charger

The Foldable 3-in-1 Wireless Charger charges a phone, a smartwatch and earbuds from one stand, with up to 15W wireless charging for Qi-compatible phones. It holds the phone upright so the screen stays visible, and comes in black or white. Check the listing for device compatibility.

Cactus USB Humidifier

The Cactus USB Humidifier is a clear 160 ml mini humidifier with a little cactus on top and a soft colour light. It runs from USB, so a laptop, phone charger or power bank will do. A cute desk gift for dry office air.

Mini Foldable Fan

Celebrating a summer Christmas in Australia? The Mini Cooling Foldable Fan is a handheld fan with a turbo dual air duct and a digital battery display. It folds onto its own stand for the desk and comes with a lanyard.

Magnetic Ratchet Fidget Toy

For anyone who clicks pens in meetings, the Magnetic Ratchet Fidget Toy is pocket-size with a satisfying magnetic, clicky ratchet action. It comes in 7 two-tone colours, in a bag or a box. (Not for under-3s: it contains small magnets.)

For the practical one

Multi-Tool LED Flashlight

The LED Flashlight with Fold-Out Multi-Tool puts a bright LED and fold-out tools in one handle, for the glovebox, toolbox or camping kit. It contains a small blade, so it's for adults only. Check your local rules on bladed tools.

LED Wrist Flashlight

The Rechargeable LED Wrist Flashlight straps to the wrist for hands-free light, with 4 modes and a digital time display. Ideal for campers, runners and anyone who's ever held a phone torch in their teeth.

Cosy Christmas glow

Snowman Night Light

The Snowman Night Light is soft silicone and rechargeable, with a warm glow or colour-changing modes. Choose the timer version if you'd like it to switch off on its own after 30 or 60 minutes.

Mini Fibre Optic Christmas Tree

The Mini Fibre Optic Christmas Tree is about 13 cm tall and slowly cycles through seven colours. It's just right for an office desk.

Christmas Window Lights and Santa String Lights

Brighten a window with a Christmas LED Window Light, a warm white shape that hangs from a suction cup (11 shapes, indoor use). Or drape Santa LED String Lights along a shelf or mantel, in a 1.5 m or 3 m length, with USB or battery power.

Stocking stuffers

Need a few small extras? The Christmas Mini Building Block Kits come in 12 festive designs, each in its own gift box (not for under-3s). The garlic chopper and the fidget toy also fit neatly into a stocking.

Order dates and shipping

Order by 28 November for Christmas delivery to Australia, the US, the UK, Europe and New Zealand. Shipping is free on orders over US$79, or a flat US$10 below that for most countries. Orders are processed in 1–3 business days, then delivered in 7–15 business days to most countries. For more ideas, browse our full Christmas gifts collection or our Trendy Gadgets.