Happy hump day, friends!
I’m not going to lie, I think this gift guide is my favorite to put together every year because the under $25 price point is just so accessible. The holidays can be really expensive, and if you’re buying gifts for your close family and friends plus showing up to events with a hostess gift, all of a sudden you’re nearing a checking account balance of $0. (As an aside, it was because of my holiday spending last year that I decided to sign up for LearnVest to help keep my budget in check—you can read about my experience with the program here.) However, with $25 or less, you can really give someone a thoughtful gift without breaking the bank.
After scouring my favorite stores, I’ve selected 12 gifts that are $25 or less that are perfect for any gal in your life—all of which are linked below.
If I could recommend one gift on this list, it’d be Sisters First, the memoir by Jenna and Barbara Bush. Monica and I were lucky enough to attend their book talk in DC, receive an autographed copy of the book, and meet Jenna and Barbara in person. I definitely left with a girl crush on both sisters and devoured their book—it’s written as a series of short essays—in two nights. These are stories I think women (and men!) of all ages could relate to since while their life seems extraordinary in scope, day-to-day, they so ordinary and relatable. I also loved getting an inside look at the Bush family—not only their experiences in the White House, but their “normal” family memories. I literally laughed and cried my way through this book and was truly sad when I finished it!
If your intended recipient isn’t really a reader (though there is an audio book of Sisters First, just sayin’—hah!), here are some other great ideas—
I absolutely love when my friends gift me small decor items for my apartment. My friend Eileen gave me a set of coasters last year as a hostess gift at my annual cookie party, and I use them everyday and think of that wonderful evening with friends. These marble and wood ones from Target are beautiful! I also love this marble and paint splatter picture frame and appreciate that instead of a cheesy stock photo, it has a beautiful pink insert with a great message for the end-of-the-year. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with a wonderful smelling candle—this one is my all-time favorite.
I’m also loving statement earrings lately and these ball drop earrings, which come in black and white, look more expensive than they are and would be a great accessory for holiday outfits + NYE.
Something I can never get enough of during the winter is chapstick—it seems like my lips are perpetually dry. December through March, I think I average two chapsticks per room. This rose salve lip balm trio (one of my all time faves!) would be a cute gift for a coworker or as a little gift for a friend.
Gifting a cell phone case might be tough if you don’t know the recipient’s preferences, but with Nordstrom’s easy return policy, I think this could be a fun gift—especially since this Sonix case was my best buy of 2016. These cases are the perfect balance of protection and cuteness—and look especially great with gold iPhones. I have the particular pattern I linked to and always receive compliments on it!
How cute is this sugarfina rosé gummy bears carry-on cocktail kit?! I especially thought this would be great for your friends who are frequent travelers or who are nervous flyers like me. Continuing on the cocktail theme, this pineapple bottle opener and this yes way rosé ombré wine glass would be the perfect addition to any bar cart.
The most commented on item I own are my gold scissors, which I keep on my desk at work. I don’t know what it is about these bad boys, but people love them—and, added bonus, I always know which scissors are mine. These would be a great gift for a coworker or a friend who takes great pride in her desk setup.
And, lastly, is it just me, or has everyone been raving about these no-grip hair ties lately? These gold ones are so beautiful—and could be a cute gift tag on a larger gift.
I’d love to know if you have any good gift ideas that are $25 or less—or if there are any gift guides you want me to put together this holiday season! x
I’m so glad Teleties made your gift guide!! They are my favorites & the girls who founded it are total sweethearts! They are a perfect gift!
Oh yay! I am so, so glad to hear that! xo
We sold those hair ties at the store where I briefly worked and they’re great (and were constantly being purchased). Love this roundup 🙂
Thank you so much, Sarah! Glad to hear the hair ties are a hit! x
I don’t think I’ve ever called scissors beautiful, but the gold pair is beautiful. I’d love to have this statement pair on my desk.
http://www.goldclutter.com
Aw thank you! I hope you get a pair :]