You know, in all honesty, I typically find gift guides useless. I mean, I’m always drawn to them and am usually like, “OMG, all these great ideas!” But then when it gets down to it, if your budget is $50, is a candle or a plaid scarf really that exciting? In the context of a well-curated spread, where everything looks so gorgeous next to everything else, I’m always ooh-la-la-ing. But pluck one thing out and…I start to second-guess. SO, I’m including a list of things I’m actually intending to buy for loved ones in my life…and all are under $100. Enjoy:
+These yeti PJs ($69), OMG. They are so funky and amazing. I need them for myself and another galpal.
+My Mom would get such a kick out of this embroidered stocking (Jonathan Adler, $85).
+OK, so throws can be one of those semi-generic gifts, but I love the coziness and on-trend-ness of this buffalo check sherpa throw ($20). And the price!!! Wut. Ideal for gifting to outer-circle friends or colleagues. Plus, imagine tying it up with a big red grosgrain ribbon. Adorbs.
+I’ve scored lots of great finds for my brother and Mr. Magpie via the Best Made Company — beautifully curated objects + tools for the manly men in your life. Stuff like these maps notebooks ($20 — my brother is a literature professor who specializes in the intersection between geography and literature) and a set of hipster-ish mechanical pencils.
+Charlotte Tilbury and Eve Lom are allll the rage right now in the beauty world. I’d love to receive this gift set ($59), as I’m sure my sisters would, or this Eve Lom ($80) kit — as shown below.
+A monogrammed, be-tasseled key ring ($55) is such a great gift — I’d never buy this for myself.
+A beautiful coffee table book with great home design inspo ($19) is great for a girlfriend. This one is at the top of my list.
+This llama figurine ($78) is AMAZING. Perfect for a fellow design enthusiast looking to style her bookshelf or coffee table.
+Less than $50 for a monogrammed leather-handled tote?! CHECK. Anything that you can get personalized instantly feels way more luxe and thoughtful than you’d imagine.
+The Southerner’s Guide to Cooking ($38) is ideal for couple friends, maybe with an order of Callie’s Biscuits.
+Cheeky napkins ($38 for 4) for a loved member of your wine club…er, book club.
+I know I featured this already, but this pillow ($68) is perfection for an outspoken, funky friend.
+I’m obsessed with Milk Bar — and reallyreally want her cookbook ($23). Perfect gift for a fellow baking fiend, OR up the ante by having Milk Bar delivered right to her door. I’ve done this for a few friends, and they do NOT disappoint. Make sure you get those b-day truffles. They kill me.
+ A monogrammed linen pillow ($95) is a super elegant gift for an in-law or traditional girlfriend.
+This spongeware pitcher (or use it as a vase with peonies!) is stunning ($98).
+Soap and lotion set (on sale for $29) — this stuff is amazing! My girlfriend gifted me a kit in the rose scent and I’m obsessed. Great for colleagues.
Seriously amazing, thank you so much for sharing these! I have already found people that most of these would apply to. I’m with you, I get so excited when I see a gift guide, but they are usually so far out there, no one would ever use most of the stuff. I would love to see more of the “manly gifts” you give to your men in your life, men I think are the hardest to shop for!
Awesome!!! Woo! Yes, several of my lovely readers and girlfriends asked for the same thing — a gift guide for guys. I’ll get that one rolling!