Elevated "mini" gifts below $50
Tried and true little luxuries that are sure to be a hit
This list is inspired by products I consistently reach for in my everyday life. They’re the essentials disguised as little luxuries that pepper one’s routine and home life. You’ll find that I’ve featured a few of these items in previous posts because they’re just too d*mn good. Oh, and everything is $50 or less (and mostly less).
So without further ado…
The GREAT Sweatshirt Sock - All I can say is run SPRINT, don’t walk run. I already discovered via a store visit that there’s a woman in LA who singlehandedly purchased every single pink SKU available. I may or may not be the woman who purchased every single SKU in black (just kidding, mom!). I’m hoping they do a re-stock in advance of Christmas because right now only navy and red are available (just last week cedar (camel) and black were in stock). These are my favorite “hang around the house” sock. They’re thick without overheating your li’l toes.
Slip Silk Hair Ties - TikTok (and the general internet for those of us who are “old” like me!) has taught us that the traditional Goody elastic hair ties upon which we were raised cause excessive breakage, and we need to take extra care of our strands, especially in dry weather. Slip has gone the extra mile by creating shades to match most hair colors.
Ilia Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon (also at Credo) - I’ve never been big into lip color; for some reason it makes me feel weirdly self conscious. Anyone else? So I’m always looking for more natural shades that layer nicely with a bit of my favorite Kosas lip balm. I grabbed the peachy color, “Pampas” and I’m in love. If you’re going to go all-in on gifting lip care, add the Alpyn Beauty Plumping Lip Mask to round out 24-hour care, especially for preventing chapped lips that inevitably appear in the height of winter. This is the clean beauty alternative to the Laneige product that has taken the world by storm.
Tenoverten “The Rose Wipes” Nail Polish Remover Pads - These are always in my cabinet, and always in my carry-on. This no-mess, acetone-free product will take extra precaution with your nails during this time of year. Kudos to the Tenoverten gals, as they’ve really expanded their distribution across Nordstrom, Shopbop, Bluemercury, and Hollywood’s favorite - Violet Grey.
Sidia NIRVANA: The Hand Serum - Full disclaimer - I’m not someone who likes super thick hand lotions. I would rather have something that feels lightweight so I can go about my day without leaving greasy shea butter smudges in my path. This reality, the scent, and the clean formulation are why Sidia has earned a coveted spot on my nightstand. If you’re looking for something that is a bit more thick - especially if you’re in places like NYC, Boston, and Chicago, WELEDA Skin Food is a clean and budget-friendly solution. I always take this to Palm Springs.
Saje Sleep Well - On the nights I feel particularly “wired”, I always roll this across my wrists and inhale deeply. The scents of chamomile and lavender peacefully lull me into a deep sleep. And if I’ve properly planned ahead, I will have already consumed a cup of MagnesiOm.
Misc. Goods Co Meadowland Incense - Speaking of piquing our olfactory senses, this is the perfect incense for your home. Place it in a smudge bowl from Incausa made just for the occasion. We have a bowl by Humble Ceramics, which has unfortunately decided to close shop, but you can still find some items on Mociun.
Frama Herbarium Hand Wash - Chicer than Aesop (yes, I said it and I wholeheartedly mean it). This product is just sooo pretty on a bathroom or kitchen counter. The packaging is glass, not plastic, and the scent is beautifully subtle. I also find the hand soap more nourishing than others on the market.
Hawkins New York Essential Waffle Dish Towel - Yes, dish towels are not the sexiest stocking stuffer, but, to be honest, who above the age of 27 / 30 is not always on the hunt for a dish towel that’s effective, but still looks nice after multiple washes. In walks this sexy thang! And for context, this recommendation comes on the heels of being a loyal user of this product for 3+ years.
Diptyque Sapin Mini Room Spray - This pine-scented wonder embodies the scent of Christmas. It’s nostalgia, it’s the great outdoors, it’s the giant tree in Chevy Chase’s Christmas Vacation, it’s elegant. If you think your recipient is more of a candle over room spray person, fortunately Diptyque has got you covered.
The creative inspiration for this post was a result of a fun little pattern I observed over the past 3 months. Without intention, my husband and I ended up with one “old school” photo of us in August, September, and then October. The most recent one was especially fortuitous. We were on the dance floor at a family wedding and halfway through the evening, one of the photographers casually handed me a polaroid. In keeping with this pattern, I ordered a box of polaroid film and had let my mind brainstorm the compositions. If none of the aforementioned products speak to you, perhaps an investment in a polaroid camera and some boxes of color or black & white film are just what you need to capture the most precious holiday memories.
Happy holiday-ing.
x
jz
Images | @b.g.mckay
This post contains some affiliate links. Please note that all recommendations and opinions are my own.
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Looking for a gift this holiday season? Check out last week’s post on gifts for the hostess with the mostest. And these guides all have female-founded options across capsule wardrobe fashion, luxe style, beauty, home decor, food, and general gifting
Need a gift for your favorite guys? You’ll find recommendations here and here
Read more about my morning with stylist Allison Bornstein IRL - part 1 and part 2
Packing tips for your upcoming trip can be discovered here and here for a recent trip to Paris, plus options and accessories for the beach, sunny cities like Miami, and perfect summer totes for every occasion
And if you’re a modern classics lover like me and seeking timeless pieces, you’ll love this analysis of Camille’s style from Emily in Paris, plus this and this. And if you’re a fan of denim on denim, look no further