Some people possess an innate talent for finding gifts on a budget. No matter the occasion (anniversary, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day) or recipient (wife, boyfriend, teens, in-laws), they somehow nail it every time — winning the unofficial "best gift-giver" award among those who are lucky to know them. If you're not the most intuitive gift giver, fear not. We've put together a list of the best gift ideas for under $50. These unique, budget-friendly gifts won't break the bank, and you might even see some solid discounts on them if you're lucky. Opens in a new window Credit: Uncommon Goods Acupressure Tension Release Mat For relieving tension Great for the person who loves trying out the latest alternative therapies, but is perhaps a bit squeamish around needles. Lay on it, roll it up and use it as a pillow, or even stand on it to help relieve tension built up in the body throughout the day. Buying Options $48 from Uncommon Goods Opens in a new window Credit: Crock-Pot Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Box For having a hot lunch For that person who has everything. We love this electric lunch box with an internal capacity of 20 ounces, an ideal side for a personal meal portion. Available in four different colors, the stainless steel interior can be removed and washed in the dishwasher. Buying Options See Details Opens in a new window Credit: Nisaku Hori Hori Garden Knife For those who love to garden A beloved tool for anyone who spends all their spare time in the garden. Part knife and part trowel, the stainless steel blade includes measurements so you always have a sense for depth when planting. Plus the serrated side helps tackle tough soil and weeds. Buying Options $29 from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Roku A Roku Express 4K+ For Netflix binge-watchers Mashable contributor Callum Bains called the Roku Express 4K+ a "fast, no-nonsense streaming device with a price to match." (It's our favorite budget media player on the market.) Plug it into a TV's HDMI port for all-in-one entertainment and hands-free voice control. Buying Options $39.99 from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Kasa Kasa Smart Plugs For a quick home upgrade Set a schedule for the living room lights, use the app to turn on the white noise machine in the nursery, or pair with an Alexa device to make them voice-activated. Smart plugs provide greater control over the devices within a home and are a quick and simply way to upgrade a space. Buying Options $29.99 from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: YETI YETI Rambler Stackable Mug For coffee fiends If they frequently take their coffee into the great outdoors, whether that's on their porch or on a camping trip, grab them a Yeti Rambler mug. It's dishwasher-safe and comes in tons of colors, from basic black to fire-engine red. Buying Options $30 from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Dash Heart-shaped waffle maker For cute little breakfasts What's cuter than a tiny heart-shaped waffle maker? A tiny heart-shaped waffle maker with a tiny heart-shaped waffle inside. Breakfast is about to get so adorable — especially when they realize they can make heart-shaped hash browns, too. Buying Options $19.99 from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: JBL Wireless JBL earbuds For daily commuters Who says you have to pay $300 for a decent pair of true wireless earbuds? JBL has proven time and again that it can deliver high-quality audio — and for a lot less than its competitors. These buds are available at Amazon for just a hair under $50, but you can usually grab them for a lot less. Buying Options $49.95 from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Hemlock Park A crackling wood-wick candle For candle-heads These unique candles ditch the standard cotton wicks for wood wicks, and that results in a crackling effect that will remind you of sitting around a campfire. If you're tired of the same old candles, they bring some excitement to the product category. This complex and woodsy scent uses pleasing notes of palo santo wood, myrrh, bergamot, amber, frankincense, and rosewood. Buying Options $24.95 from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Lodge Cast Iron A Lodge cast iron skillet For home chefs Cast iron skillets are the versatile workhorses of any kitchen — they retain heat tremendously well and can be used for almost any dish, from steak to skillet cookies. (They're also durable enough to be used over a campfire, if your recipient's into that.) Lodge's pans come pre-seasoned for immediate use and can last for decades with proper care. Buying Options $26.71 from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Stasher Stasher bags For eco warriors Stasher's popular reusable bags are made from heavy-duty, food-grade silicone that can be frozen, boiled, microwaved, baked, and tossed in the dishwasher. They come in myriad sizes, colors, and shapes, including snack pouches, bowls, and new "beauty bags" for makeup. Buying Options $18.99 from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Wild One / Mashable composite A Wild One Treat Pouch For dog parents "Walkies," but make it fashion. Wild One's Treat Pouch has a hidden compartment for a roll of poop bags and adjustable carrying straps that let you wear it like a crossbody bag or a fannypack. It's available in at least five colors (depending on the season) and overall super stylish — you'd never know it was made from recycled water bottles. Buying Options $44 from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: National Geographic A National Geographic Earth Science Kit For young scientists If you know a kid who goes crazy for science experiments, this STEM gift kit will delight them to no end (and make you their favorite grown-up). It comes with over 15 activities — including crystal growing, building a volcano, and unearthing geological treasures — that are both easy to follow and easy to clean up after. Buying Options $29.99 from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: LEGO A LEGO Orchid building kit For LEGO masters This bestselling kit from LEGO's Botanical Collection for adults builds into a realistic orchid with six large flowers, two newly opened buds, and a fluted pot (complete with some "bark mix" the actual plant would grow in). It contains 608 pieces, so it'll take the better part of an afternoon to assemble. No watering or pruning required! Buying Options $49.99 from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: OXO An OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker For coffee connoisseurs Starbucks gift cards are a nice gesture, but categorically lame. The Mashable's Choice Award-winning OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a better way to gift someone their next caffeine fix: "[It] pays for itself in one or two brews, and the cold brew concentrate it produces is consistently strong, velvety smooth, and richly flavorful," wrote contributor Sam Stone. Buying Options $34.95 from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Apple An Apple AirTag For forgetters This quarter-sized Bluetooth tracker works seamlessly with the Find My app, which comes pre-installed on iPhones and iPads — super convenient for anyone who's already plugged into the Apple ecosystem. If an item the AirTag is attached to ever gets lost or misplaced, its owner can pull up its last-known location on their device or ask Siri to find it. Buying Options $29 from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: AnotherStudio Houseplant ornaments For plant parents Made by the London-based design company AnotherStudio, these miniature metal ornaments are cute accessories for houseplant pots and terrariums. If you don't think your recipient would be into the mushrooms (available in brass and stainless steel), they also come in impressively detailed animal, flower, and fruit shapes. Buying Options $17.88 from Etsy Opens in a new window Credit: Hearth and Hand Cookbook stand by Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia For the home chef Cooking from a recipe you found online is great — until you have to keep touching your phone every few minutes to see it. Gift the home chef in your life this aesthetically pleasing stand to give them a much-needed kitchen assist. Built to easily hold a cookbook at reading level, it'll just as easily accommodate a tablet, phone, or 2-in-1 laptop. Buying Options $19.99 from Target Opens in a new window Credit: Piecework Puzzles A Piecework puzzle For puzzlers Mashable's most dedicated puzzle fiends swear by Piecework, which makes unique puzzles out of stunning (and intricately detailed) photos. This 500-piece puzzle won't drive anyone too crazy, but if your puzzle fan loves a challenge, check out the brand's 1,000-piece sets. Buying Options $34 from Piecework Opens in a new window Credit: PetSafe A PetSafe Bolt Automatic Laser Light Cat Toy For cat parents For senior culture reporter Christianna Silva and their feisty cat, Colby Jack, the Mashable's Choice Award-winning PetSafe Bolt "was a godsend...It works reliably, solves a problem, turns off automatically, and is virtually hassle-free." It operates in two modes, so your recipient can control it themselves or set it to a random pattern and have their cat burn off some energy solo. Buying Options $23.95 from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Vitamix personal-size blender For making smoothies Personal, portable, and extremely adorable — that's the name of the game with this 16-oz travel blender from beloved kitchenware brand Ninja. Ideal for meal prepping the night before or stashing in a cooler for a quick, on-demand smoothie, this is one of those practical gifts that quickly turns into a fun (and did we mention cute?) daily ritual for its recipient. Buying Options $49.88 from Walmart Opens in a new window Credit: Shutterfly A custom Shutterfly photo book For sentimental types Starting around $25, Shutterfly's photo books can be personalized from top to bottom with different layouts, bindings, cover finishes, stickers, and ribbons — it's like scrapbooking on steroids. If you're looking for a gift idea that'll speak from the heart and be cherished for years to come, they're guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye of any parent or significant other. Buying Options See Details Opens in a new window Credit: Le Creuset A Le Creuset Mini Round Cocotte For foodies Yes, you can gift someone a Le Creuset cocotte for less than $50 — a *very small* Le Creuset cocotte, but the point technically still stands. Made from nonstick stoneware that's safe for oven, broiler, microwave, and dishwasher use, the 8-ouncer is a nice size for individual cobblers and pot pie. It's available in colors like Cerise (pictured), Artichaut, Nectar, Chambray, Azure, and more. Buying Options $32 from Le Creuset Opens in a new window Credit: BaBylissPRO A BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Mini Straightening Iron For beauty buffs Ideal for on-the-go touch-ups, this miniature version of BaBylissPRO's premium flat iron can get as hot as 430°F. It features the exact same titanium-ceramic plates as the standard size (only these are half an inch wide), which are designed for even heating and reducing frizz. Buying Options $34.99 from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Clarkson Potter 'What's for Dessert: Simple Recipes for Dessert People' For bakers From "Dessert Person" Claire Saffitz comes this beginner-friendly cookbook with over 100 simple and efficient recipes for sweet treats. (Emphasis on "simple and efficient" — none of them require a stand mixer and only half need a hand mixer.) Entries are accompanied by beautiful retro-style photography and helpful troubleshooting tips. Buying Options $37.50 from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Annapurna Interactive 'Stray' For PlayStation gamers Available for PS4, PS5, and PC (via Steam), "Stray" is a 2022 third-person game that follows an orange tabby cat who's trying to escape a grungy cyberpunk city — and yes, you play as the cat. Mashable tech and games reporter Alex Perry described it as a stunning sci-fi adventure "with a sweet story, endearing characters, and some truly gross art design at times (in the best way)." Buying Options $39.99 from Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: LIFX A LIFX Color smart bulb For techies LIFX Color smart bulbs are vibrant and easy to install — and unlike the Philips Hue variety, they don't require a bridge or a hub to work with WiFi. Mashable contributor RJ Andersen has replaced about half the bulbs in their house with these things: "Would I recommend [LIFX bulbs] to anyone looking to tip-toe into smart lighting? Absolutely," they said. Buying Options $39.99 from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Stanley A Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler For hip sippers TikTok's favorite reusable drinking vessel is a 40-ounce, travel-friendly tumbler with a removable straw, a comfort-grip handle, and an insulated, stainless steel body that can keep drinks iced for up to 40 hours. It comes in a bunch of trendy colors, including some limited-edition ones that'll earn you some extra cool points. Buying Options $45 from REI Opens in a new window Credit: Kenneth Bachor / Mashable A Death Digital fisheye lens For amateur videographers Death Digital's fisheye iPhone lens makes it possible to recreate the unique style of '90s music and skateboarding videos with your smartphone. It earned our Mashable's Choice Award for its durable build quality and user-friendliness: "For under $50, it’s a great timeless accessory that’s small and easy to throw in your pocket," wrote contributor Kenneth Bachor. Buying Options $45 from Death Digital Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack For Nintendo Switch gamers Nintendo's premium membership tier unlocks online play, libraries of classic retro games, cloud saves, and access to select DLCs. (That includes 48 additional courses for "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" and the "Happy Home Paradise" expansion for "Animal Crossing: New Horizons.") A year-long individual plan comes in just under $50, which is easily one of the best deals in gaming. Buying Options $49.99 from Nintendo Opens in a new window Credit: Yonanas A Yonanas soft-serve machine For ice cream lovers The Yonanas is a borderline brilliant kitchen gadget from Dole that can successfully turn frozen fruit into a smooth, soft serve-adjacent dessert — a great gift for regular ice cream eaters who want to switch things up, *or* anyone who follows a vegan, keto, or dairy-free diet. Another Mashable Choice Award-winner, it "seriously impressed" contributor Michelle Rostamian. Buying Options $49.99 from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Necessaire Necessaire body wash For pampering This eucalyptus-scented body wash from the trendy brand Necessaire is the perfect "fancy-version-of-a-staple" gift. (That's also why we're suggesting the large pump bottle.) There are also exfoliators, serums, and body lotions available, just in case you want to make it a set. Buying Options $38 from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Bloomscape A high-tech mister For advanced plant care For plant parents who really go the extra mile, the Mossify Mistr sprays a "continuous fine mist" to keep humidity-favoring plants happy. Think spray bottle, but fancy: This is great for the person who likes to have a USB-compatible version of everything. Buying Options $50 from Bloomscape

Lionsgate first announced the John Wick spinoff Ballerina in 2017 and put it on the fast track to production in 2019. That track turned out to be very bumpy. The film was initially scheduled for release in June 2024 but got pushed back to this year. In the interim, John Wick co-director Chad Stahelski assumed control of the overall franchise and spent two weeks doing additional photography to enhance director Len Wiseman’s (Live Free or Die Hard) action sequences. The final trailer for the film, which hits theaters on June 6, shows off a bit of that spectacle. It emphasizes the assassin vs. assassin conflict between Eve (Ana de Armas) and John Wick (Keanu Reeves) set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4. The battles include Eve — who is trained at the Ruska Roma ballet school Wick visits in Parabellum — staving off a cleaver attack, wielding a flamethrower and an ice pick, and running a guy through with a katana.  There are cameos from Norman Reedus warning Eve that the Continental Hotel is being surrounded as well as the building’s owner Winston Scott (Ian McShane). In another sign of just how long this film has been in the works, the trailer also features an appearance by the Continental’s concierge Charon, played by Lance Reddick, who died in 2023. Hopefully the road to the recently announced John Wick 5 will be a bit smoother and faster with Stahelski at the helm the entire time.

en pointe Ana de Armas is caught in Wick’s crosshairs in final Ballerina trailer "When you think of me, you should think of fire. Risen from ashes, again and again." Jennifer Ouellette – May 13, 2025 10:08 am | 0 Credit: Lionsgate Entertainment Credit: Lionsgate Entertainment Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only   Learn more One last trailer for From the World of John Wick: Ballerina. We're about three weeks out from the theatrical release of From the World of John Wick: Ballerina,  starring Ana de Armas. So naturally Lionsgate has released one final trailer to whet audience appetites for what promises to be a fiery, action-packed addition to the hugely successful franchise. (Some spoilers for 2019's John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum.) Chronologically, Ballerina takes place during the events of John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum. As previously reported, Parabellum found Wick declared excommunicado from the High Table for killing crime lord Santino D'Antonio on the grounds of the Continental. On the run with a bounty on his head, he makes his way to the headquarters of the Ruska Roma crime syndicate, led by the Director (Anjelica Huston). The Director also trains young girls to be ballerina-assassins, and one young ballerina (played by Unity Phelan) is shown rehearsing in the scene. That dancer, Eve Macarro, is the main character in Ballerina, now played by de Armas. Huston returns as the Director, Ian McShane is back as Winston, and Lance Reddick makes one final (posthumous) appearance as the Continental concierge, Charon. New cast members include Gabriel Byrne as the main villain, the Chancellor, who turns an entire town against Eve; Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Nogi, Eve's mentor; Norman Reedus as Daniel Pine; and Catalina Sandino Moreno and David Castaneda in as-yet-undisclosed roles. The first trailer was released last September and focused heavily on Eve's backstory: Having been orphaned, she chose to train with the Ruska Roma in hopes of avenging her father's brutal death. Wick only made a brief appearance, but he had more screen time in the second trailer, released in March, in which the pair face off in an atmospheric wintry landscape. This final trailer opens with Eve looking up while directly in Wick's crosshairs. Much of the ensuing footage isn't new, but it does show de Armas to her best deadly advantage as she takes on combatant after combatant in true John Wick style. Her vow: "This isn't done until they're dead." From the World of John Wick: Ballerina hits theaters on June 6, 2025. Jennifer Ouellette Senior Writer Jennifer Ouellette Senior Writer Jennifer is a senior writer at Ars Technica with a particular focus on where science meets culture, covering everything from physics and related interdisciplinary topics to her favorite films and TV series. Jennifer lives in Baltimore with her spouse, physicist Sean M. Carroll, and their two cats, Ariel and Caliban. 0 Comments