Gift Ideas: Cheap Online Websites from Parade Picks

With Thanksgiving almost here, now’s the time to get a jump on your holiday shopping. Meredith Barnett, co-founder of Store Adore , a Web-based shopping guide, offers her favorite websites for chic but cheap gifts.

For high fashion on a low budget, All the Rage Online offers baubles and bags to satisfy any budding stylista. Many items are less than $15.

Knock Knock paper goods are presents with personality for people with a sense of humor. You’ll find fun pads titled “Note to Self” and “Great Ideas,” plus silly books of excuses, lies, and breakup lines for every occasion.

Wishingfish is another good source for quirky yet thoughtful gifts. Some of my favorites are Lego iPod speakers (above, $20), for the young-at-heart music lover; a motorized ice-cream cone spinner ($10), for the pal who likes to play with his food; and luggage tags with attitude (“Hands off my bag!”), for the savvy world traveler ($12 for 6).

Elsewares is a virtual green market of goods from companies that focus on healthy labor practices and environmental sustainability. Talk about guilt-free shopping! With items such as drinking glasses made from recycled bottles (above, $34 for a set of 4) and organic cotton onesies ($22-$30), there’s something here for everyone on your list. 

ModCloth stocks affordable, “where did you get that?” accessories and clothing—like a tweed trench-style coat (above, $80)—for fashion fiends with an indie edge.

Etsy is an artsy, online marketplace with goods from more than 100,000 registered crafters.

And at day-lab , you’ll find a treasure trove of unique knickknacks—from retro aviator sunglasses (below, $8) to square acrylic rings. Nothing on the site costs more than $30, and most items are priced under $10.