Gifts under $40

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

This is where our most giftable pieces live. Viral embroidered hats, mugs, and small things that actually get used. Easy to give, easy to love, and never embarrassing to unwrap.

Gifts under $40

As Featured In

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 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 These Make Amazing Gifts

    • 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.

Related collections