Gifts under $40

Funny, useful, beautifully designed gifts that don’t feel like “under $40” gifts.

From viral embroidered hats to kid-drawn NYC icons, this collection features our most giftable pieces — all from a Brooklyn-based, family-run brand. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, teachers, friends, coworkers, moms, neighbors, and anyone who deserves a little laugh.

Top Picks Gifts under $40

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Finding a thoughtful, funny, high-quality gift for under $40 shouldn’t feel impossible — and that’s exactly why we created this collection. Inside Joke Apparel is a Brooklyn-based small business making minimalist, embroidered hats, tees, and sweatshirts that feel personal without being cheesy. Our most popular gifts all fall under the $40 mark and include our viral hats (featured in the New York Times 2025 Gift Guide and on Cup of Jo by Joanna Goddard) along with NYC-inspired illustrations drawn by our 8-year-old son, Linus.

Whether you’re shopping for moms, friends, teachers, coworkers, birthday gifts, or just a little “you deserve this” moment, these pieces are easy to wear, easy to gift, and guaranteed to get a smile.

  • These under-$40 gifts are perfect for

    Busy moms who want something fun, practical, and easy to wear

    Friends who appreciate subtle humor and minimalist style

    Teachers who deserve something thoughtful (and not another mug)

    Coworkers who love a small gift with personality

    NYC lovers who want Brooklyn-inspired pieces

    Teens & college kids who love a good embroidered dad hat

    New parents who need an easy everyday hat

    Neighbors you only kind-of know but still want to impress

    People who “don’t want anything,” but secretly appreciate a good laugh

    Anyone who loves kid-drawn illustrations (pizza, rats, pigeons — iconic.)

    And because everything here is under $40 and ships fast, these gifts work for:

    Birthdays

    Holidays

    Teacher appreciation

    Host gifts

    Last-minute surprises

    “Saw this and thought of you” moments

  • Why These Make Amazing Gifts

    High quality without the high price (premium embroidery, soft tees)

    Funny without being loud — minimalist humor wins

    NYC-drawn & Brooklyn designed

    Fast shipping (perfect for last-minute gifting)

    One size fits most hats → eliminates sizing stress

    Kid-drawn designs bring charm + personality

    Press-approved (NY Times Gift Guide + Cup of Jo)

    People actually use them — no clutter gifts

  • Why choose Inside Joke

    Unique small-business gifts

    Brooklyn-based, parent-run brand

    Press-featured best sellers

    Minimalist style meets real-life humor

    Gifts they’ll actually use (and love)

    Under $40 across the entire collection

FAQ

What are the best gifts under $40 from Inside Joke Apparel?

Our bestselling under-$40 gifts include the “Don’t Ask Me What’s for Dinner?” hat, the “How Am I?” hat, NYC icon tees drawn by Linus (age 8), and minimalist embroidered hats that have been featured in the New York Times and on Cup of Jo.

Are these good last-minute gifts?

Yes — everything in this collection ships quickly and works for birthdays, holidays, teacher gifts, and surprise moments.

Are the hats adjustable?

Yes. All hats are soft, unstructured dad hats with adjustable straps, making them gift-proof and universally comfortable.

Who are these gifts best for?

Moms, friends, coworkers, teachers, NYC lovers, fashion-minimalists, busy parents, and anyone who appreciates a subtle joke.

Do the NYC illustrations really come from a kid?

Yes — our son Linus (age 8) drew all the pizza, rat, pigeon, pretzel, taxi, NYC, and Brooklyn icons. His work has been featured on CBS News New York and in the New York Post.