Gift-giving is my love language. In fact, I keep a list on my phone that I update throughout the year with ideas for my loved ones—whether it’s something they mentioned wanting or something I think they’d love. Once I know what I want to shop for the holidays, the next order of business is finding the best deal on those items. While I love a designer piece as much as the next fashion girl, I firmly believe that you can gift gorgeous items that also fit your budget.
My first stop is almost always Nordstrom. Not only does the retailer carry my favorite brands (Le Crueset, Byredo, Barbour, and more), but I don’t have to wait for a sale to score fair pricing. This year, I’m getting my holiday shopping done early, and I’ve tasked myself with spending $100 or less per person. Scroll on for the top 20 pieces I’ll be wrapping up for my loved ones.
I may be on a budget, but I refuse to buy my friends fake gold jewelry. These plated 14-karat gold studs have a diamond-like shine without the diamond price tag.
My mom mentioned wanting her house to feel more elevated, and the quickest way to make that happen is with a scent that feels straight out of a perfumery. As the name suggests, the Bougie Parumee is woody, warm, and yes, bougie.
Designer bags under $100 do exist. My sister-in-law revealed she still uses the same black shoulder bag from college, so I’m treating her to a more elevated option.
I test a lot of fragrances, but I always come back to Salt & Stone’s Santal and Vetiver scent. I love the second-skin-like aroma and that it contains moisturizing ingredients.
My cousin just moved to the East Coast and purchased her first proper peacoat to survive the winter. A classic Barbour scarf is the perfect addition to her cold-weather ensemble.
Maybe you can’t buy them that plane ticket to Iceland, but you can get them the famous Blue Lagoon mask to use whenever they want to feel transported to the volcanic springs.
A gentle reminder that the brands you think are out of your price range aren’t always. Le Crueset offers plenty of gorgeous kitchen accessories, like this tea kettle for the home chef in your life, for well under $100.
My coworker is training for a marathon, so I wanted to treat her to a little R&R. This magnesium bath soak smells divine and contains ingredients to help reduce tension and inflammation.
One gift idea is a solution to a problem. My mother-in-law didn’t even realize she was squinting every time she was driving, but I did. These stylish sunglasses will do the trick.
I am lucky enough to get sent some pretty amazing beauty products, and my niece loves to steal them from me when she visits. Oribe is her favorite, and I’m excited to help her start her beauty collection.
My brother and his wife just bought a new house, so this gilded vase will double as a Christmas and housewarming present.
As a mom-to-be, I run hot every night. My close friend is also pregnant, so I know she’ll get a lot of use out of these cool-touch pajamas that happen to be very cute.
You’ve seen weighted blankets, but what about a weighted blanket for your eyes? It’s one of those products you can’t knock until you try—and I’d wager there’s a wellness fan in your life who’s definitely down to try it.
My other teenage niece is ready to upgrade her drugstore lip glosses to something more elevated, so I’m adding my favorite balm to her stocking.
Transparently, this may be a gift for me. I’m in the process of redecorating my kitchen, and I love a pop of maroon.
My aunt’s new puppy is adorable and also a terror. My aunt is awake at all hours of the night, so I’m giving her the gift of looking rested with my favorite hydrating and de-puffing eye patches.
These adorable Le Creuset cocottes come with a matching cookbook, so it’s like two presents in one.
For a gift that won’t be regifted, I opted for these chicer-than-average gold climber earrings.
For the person on your list who’s truly stumped you, get a safe product (body lotion) with a slight twist. This luxe body cream contains 0.1% pure retinol, five hydrating peptides, vitamins, and 10% AHA, so it’s more than just a moisturizer.
And finally, a chic cookbook that doubles as decor is always a win.
