No one on your list will guess that these holiday gifts cost less than $100
There's an art form to giving gifts on a budget that look far more expensive than they are: It starts with sourcing items made with materials that look and feel bougie, but don’t pack the pricepoint of, say cashmere (it turns out, recycled wool is just as luxe). Add a few silhouettes and brand names (Hello, Kate Spade) that are at once timeless and sophisticated (but nabbed at a killer value). Incorporate under-the-radar products that seem like they’re made just for the recipient, no matter how niche his interest (say, the vegan who loves barbeque), and opt for customization that proves the item was just made for them (a kid’s book starring the kid herself). Find these gems and a few more, ahead — all without having to spend more than $100.
From co-workers and teachers to neighbors and nieces, just about everyone welcomes the gift of a classic three-wick candle from Bath & Body Works. The trick? Winnowing selection from the outlet’s collection of more than 400 fragrances. This spiced, woodsy scent captures the coziness of winter, but is housed in a vessel designed to match modern decor long after the holiday decorations have come down.
SHOP: Bath and Body Works Applewood & Clove 3-Wick Candle, $26.50, available at Bath & Body Works
For your resident golf or tennis pro (or preppie who just loves to look the part), this classic polo shirt combines classic country-club styling with up-to-the-moment fabric tech: an ultrasoft, breathable pique with just a touch of stretch. Score it for less during the brand’s Early Black Friday Sale (November 12, 2022 through November 21, 2022), in which three or more dress shirts — or anything else on the site — can be had for 30% off.
SHOP: Brooks Brothers Men’s Golden Fleece® Slim Fit Supima® Tipped Polo Shirt, $98, available at Books Brothers
This streamlined laptop bag (available in cool, faint lilac or classic black shades) is just the thing to turn a hybrid work schedule from schlep to chic. Better yet, it’s just one of many affordable offerings at Kate Spade Surprise that looks far more expensive than its sticker price. The deals get even sweeter from November 8 to December 1, 2022, when shoppers who spend $175 or more get a free pouch bag with their purchase.
SHOP: Kate Spade Chelsea Laptop Sleeve with Strap, $89, available at Kate Spade Surprise
Where’s Waldo is so last gen. Thanks to hyper-personalized picture books produced by this UK-based bookseller, kids can now find themselves in a sea of fantastic scenes. Create an avatar that looks just like and is named after your favorite kid (or three), then watch them engage as the heroes of their own story, in which they save the multiverse, one page at a time.
SHOP: Wonderbly Where Are You? Save The Multiverse Personalized Book, $39.99, available at Wonderbly
Who knew recycled wool and other fibers rerouted from the landfill could be so soft? This blanket (also available in several tartan patterns designed in an Edinburgh studio), manages the trick of balancing sustainability with “I can’t believe it’s not cashmere” coziness. What’s more, it’s sent to recipients in tasteful (and plastic-free) packaging, so every order arrives like a beautifully wrapped gift, not some junk plunked in a box by a warehouse robot.
SHOP: The Tartan Blanket Company Recycled Wool Small Blanket in Natural Herringbone, $70, available at The Tartan Blanket Company
Intensify a cool kid-cool auntie/uncle bond by giving a pair of classic, 8-eye Docs to the stylish child in your life. This pair, modeled after the classic version for adults, features a zipper for easy dressing. While you’re shopping, why not pick up a pair for yourself? From November 23 through November 27th, select styles can be snapped up for up to 40% off.
SHOP: Doc Martens Junior 1640 Softy T Leather Lace Up Boots, $75, available at Doc Martens.
Given a 2022 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) report, which calls pickleball the fastest growing sport in America for the second year running, the court sport with the cute name is here to stay. So why not equip your favorite early adopter with a paddle upgrade? By using a paddle with a weight range that’s not too heavy and not too light, competitors can maximize playing power without dialing up wrist fatigue and elbow pain. This option (with an 8.2-8.6 ounce weight range) is also made for a longer handle for more comfortable swings and a fiberglass core for extra pop when hitting the ball. Bonus: shoppers at the site can save 40% on select sportswear pieces, including new markdowns.
SHOP: Wilson Echo Team Pickleball Paddle, $89.95, available at Wilson
Style out even the most seasoned of Disney Adults with park swag guaranteed to not be in their collection: This limited edition ringer tee, made in collaboration with Vans, combines the streetwear brand’s signature check with Disney World's original logo from 50 years back.
SHOP: Walt Disney World Ringer T-Shirt for Adults by Vans, $39.99, available at ShopDisney
Part moccasin, part slipper, part lightweight sneaker, this hybrid shoe is perfect for the laid-back Dad who makes comfortable look cool.
SHOP: Mens HEYDUDE Wally Stitch Casual Shoe in Stormcloud, $64.99, available at Journeys
There’s a reason Pixi Beauty’s On-The-Glow Blush has such a cult following. The easy-to-use sticks are packaged for travel and bring an instant healthy flush to lips, eyes, and lids. For the holidays, the brand has bundled its best-seller with a full size mascara for just $4 more.
SHOP: Pixi Beauty The Makeup Duo, $22, available at Pixi Beauty
At last, a travel bag made with all the things we would incorporate if designing an oversized tote of our own: an exterior pocket that converts into a pass-through sleeve that allows the bag to rest atop wheeled suitcases; a wide-mouth opening that keeps its structure so finding things doesn’t become a chore; water resistant lining for when that tube of travel shampoo inevitably leaks; a padded laptop sleeve; and the best part, a zipped bottom compartment for hair styling tools, shoes, dirty clothes — or nothing at all (by removing it completely, the bag becomes smaller).
SHOP: Béis The Weekender, $98, available at Béis Travel
With clusters of letters, charms and baubs, many personalized necklaces look more a jumbled mess than a statement piece. If your mom, bestie, or main squeeze is into a more streamlined aesthetic, try this simple pendant necklace, inscribed with two initials joined by a heart.
SHOP: Merci Maman You & Me Necklace, $89, available at Merci Maman
We were convinced that high thread count sheets were a luxury for high-net bank accounts — until we found this set of 1,500 thread count sheets made of a cushy microfiber that is super soft, but also wicks sweat (to keep hot sleepers cool). Through December 3, king and queen size sets (available in dozens of colors) are available for $85.
SHOP: Peach Skin Sheets Classic White King Sheet Set, $95, available at Peach Skin Sheets
With travel back in full swing, frequent flyers with a thing for delicate jewelry will be thankful for a designated place to stash that can't-leave-without-it collection of charms, rings, and chains while on the road.
SHOP: Pandora Pink Small Jewelry Box, $50, available at Pandora