Look, I get it: Gift guides can be annoying. And expensive.
So, in the interest of offering some more economical options and not just stuffing something full of affiliate links, I’ve rounded up more than two dozen things I think would make great gifts — and all of them are under $100.
These are all designy and fun — not Amazon stuff, but fun things that are well-made! I even included some items made by people I admire that are one-of-a-kind. You should support them, and other smaller makers, this holiday season.
Also, starting now: one lucky paid subscriber will be entered to win a big box of my favorite things, just in time for the holidays. Items include Atelier Saucier dinner napkins, a full-size bottle of my favorite scent by Perfumehead, skincare by Freaks of Nature, a bunch of products by Eadem (including their lip balm set), this Uni kit, a Proper electric mixer for protein powders and more.
Now, on to the under-$100 gifts I’m eyeing…
1970s Elvis Presley trading card set, $48.75: If you have an Elvis fan in your life, this would be so cute to have framed in a shadowbox for them.
Love You a Latte hat, $40: My friend Spencer makes incredible art but also really fun apparel. This hat is everything.
Alessi serving plate, $65: Begging for a pile of pasta and a dinner party.
Nickey Kehoe embroidered hand towel, $70: A stunning gift for someone who spends a lot of time in their kitchen.
Hot heart DIY, $20: How fun is this? This steel accessory was created by seam welding two sheets of metal — but the user receives the product flat packed and sealed with a secret potion locked inside. At a temperature of 200ºC, it transforms from a flat two-dimensional object into a bulbous 3D heart. It’s an art project that doubles as decor!
Dries Van Noten lipstick cases, $40 each: A little luxury.
Neon boob paintings, $65: My friend Kyle recently launched her line of neon boob paintings and they are wonderful!
Killer shark portable charger, $23: Honestly, a great gift for a teen.
Dar proyectos candle holder, $79: I love this brand (you may recognize them from a past newsletter). Everything they make is so chic and considered.
Marble candleholder, $45: Stunning, elegant and still whimsical.
Diane Keaton FIRE scented matches, $20: Did you guys know Diane Keaton collaborated on a line of scented matches?? Now you do.
Vintage Swedish ice bucket, $44: This is the chicest thing for champagne and cocktail season, right?
Vintage kilim cover with pom poms, $62.40: The absolute most fun pillow cover I can imagine.
Monster placemats, $49: These are so fun.
Cedarwood heart, $39: Made in Italy and pretty enough to display on a tabletop.
Distorted coffee mug, $50: I love the idea of gifting a friend this mug and a bag of their favorite coffee beans.
Boyz II Men “I’ll Make Love To You” Candle, $30: What more is there to say? The music-lover in your life needs this.
I need that shark phone charger for myself! I did not know Diane Keaton did scented matches! How?? What?? Did she smoke a lot of reefer? Hee hee!
i'm dead over the boyz II men candle