Holiday gift guide 2024: gifts to give if your pockets hurt
Everything under $50 worth giving.
Times are tough and inflation is high. You can’t leave the house without spending $100. Alas, two things can be true, and you can still give people great gifts without breaking the bank. I realize now I put a Birkin in this week’s collage, which may seem counterintuitive. Your friends will feel like you just gave them a Birkin with how great these picks are.
KITCHEN & HOME
Kitchen trinkets
I assume a lot of you, dear reader, and people on your gifting list live in apartments or homes with kitchens. In small spaces especially, replacing regular old kitchen tools from eye sores with kitschy trinkets is a great way to brighten up the room. These edamame-shaped ceramic chopstick rests ($16.50) are impressive because A) who owns chopstick rests? Very adult, very chic, and B) they’re something nobody would think to buy themselves. In the theme with food motifs, this ravioli-inspired spoon rest is only $10.
Buying someone’s coffee has a romanticism to it. It’s so attainable. You have to spot like, $8, making extremely easy to brighten someone’s day. Imagine if you could give the gift of that feeling every morning? That they’ll think of you every time they perform their ritualistic morning coffee? You could also get grounds from a local shop that has shared meaning between you and your giftee, or swap this out with Matcha if your friend isn’t a coffee drinker.
Games also fall under the category of things people don’t want to buy themselves, but would be really happy to receive. Puzzles are a very chic game to give, and brands like Le Puzz, The New Yorker, and Piecework make aesthetically pleasing options that give the effect of a coffee table book for half the cost. If anyone in your life is a puzzler, trust they would love you for this.
BEAUTY
A pack of face masks ($25) & a gua sha ($16)
Gifts that go together are so thoughtful and always make me smile. Self care is also important to remind your friends of, and this is the perfect way to set them up for success.
A gift card for a pedicure ($30-50)
I don’t have a link for this one because I would advise that you find out which local nail salon your giftee frequents. Pedicures are extremely near and dear to my heart. I get one every two weeks religiously. They are the epitome of luxury in my eyes and are another great self care practice to give. Hot tip: if you have a boyfriend in need of some hard hat work on his feet, you can pretend like you’re going together just for the fun of it!
Desert Island Duo Blush + Bronzer Stick ($36)
The Easter Bunny popped this into my basket this year, and I use it every time I do anything more than SPF on my face. Who doesn’t love a two-for-one? It’s vegan, has clean ingredients, and is cruelty free, super easy to just toss into your bag, and comes in a variety of shades. You can also tie a bow around it for presentation bonus points.
Engraved compact mirror ($24.95)
It seems like the online girlies are leaning into clutter. ‘What’s in my bag’ Instagram Stories could be mistaken for your grandmother’s pocketbook, including things like hairbrushes, vitamins, lipsticks and glosses, reading glasses, journals—serving Mary Poppins. An engraved compact mirror is the perfect gift for your friend who loves a little trinket, and is even more meaningful because you personalized it just for them.
STYLE
I know—this is technically over $50—but it was too good to not recommend to you guys. I got this Elsa Perretti-esque cuff from Madewell for my mom, and when we unwrapped it together, we couldn’t believe how real it looked. This is the best thing to give your friend who appreciates a dupe, not a knockoff. Very important distinction. Madewell has been really stepping up their jewelry game recently at affordable pricepoints (we’re talking under $50, truly), so I also recommend checking everything they have out.
I have like, three pairs of socks that aren’t just white cotton, and I hold them close to my heart. I only wear them on special occasions, and I take washing them very seriously. Quince has great ‘cashmere’ for pretty cheap, so I trust their socks to be a real crowd pleaser.
Literally who doesn’t need another scarf? I have probably seven and am constantly seeking them out. The itch just isn’t scratched. Scarves transcend all age groups and genders—anyone would be happy to receive one whether they’re your best friend or someone you met yesterday. They’re foolproof.
Bag charms
Giving the gift of trends is also a great idea because people don’t want to invest in something that may not be cool once the seasons turn. Bag charms are hot right now. Gifting them proves that you’re in the know, hip, and that you pay attention. I love this one from Anthropologie that’s giving charm bracelet ($38), these faux leather cherries ($20), or this very sophisticated and contemporary chain from Cos ($39)
Next week, I’ll be covering all types of people you need to gift. Your boss, your boyfriend, your gay friend, your roommate, you name it.
Thanks Olivia! Just ordered the puzzle for the fam!!