The Official Style Lush Gift Guide: 125 Gifts for 25 Dollars or Less

By Elizabeth

Every year I shop for Christmas on a pretty strict budget, and every year my goal is the same - to make it look like I'm not giving people "budget" gifts. Sometimes $25 doesn't go  far, but the good news is you can make almost any gift look like a million bucks with some fancy red satin ribbon, a special gift tag (look for a Style Lush gift-tag round-up coming soon!) and some extras thrown in there - I like to fill gifts with handmade caramels or individually wrapped chocolates, cookies, clementines or lemons, stuff like that. 

So the first thing you should do is get yourself some red satin ribbon. After that, make some caramels!

1.  Caramels

 

{image credit:  allrecipes.com}

These caramels are delicious and they look gorgeous wrapped up in their little wax paper wraps.  Tied up in a cute clear bag (check Etsy or craft stores for these) with a fancy red ribbon, and maybe the recipe attached, they'd make a great gift all on their own.  But you could also put some inside this super cute:

2.  Coin Purse from Etsy

{image credit: gardencris27.etsy.com}

This would also be perfect to slip a gift card into. 

3.  Vanilla Syrup (comes with eight free vanilla beans.)

{image credit: sovanilla.etsy.com }

Tie a red ribbon around the bottle and include your favorite vanilla cookie recipe or instructions for making a vanilla latte.  You could even attach a cute cookie cutter or two. 

Or you can add it to some of the following gifts and make it a small part of a larger gift:

4.  Red Mixing Bowl from Crate and Barrel

{image credit: crateandbarrel.com}

5. An adorable Apron

{image credit:  macys.com}

6. Pot Holders

{image credit:  anthropologie.com}

If you can't afford a giant set of kitchen stuff, just grab a few extra wooden spoons and maybe a rubber spatula in a fun color - tied on top of an apron or some pot holders, they make a smaller gift seem complete.  

7.  Rain Boots

{image credit: kidskiandrain.com }

Rain boots are the kind of thing every kid needs but that no parent wants to spend actual money on, which makes them a perfect gift.  The Western Chief ones are a big hit at our house. 

8. PJ Pants For Guys:

{image credit: gap.com}

9. PJ Pants for Women:

{image credit: ae.com}

10.  Ornaments

 

 

 
{image credit:  crateandbarrel.com}

Crate and Barrel has a bunch of really cute ornaments in the $3-4 dollar range this year.  I think a great present for newlyweds or new home owners would be $25 dollars worth of ornaments you've picked out just for them.  I know from experience those first few years the Christmas tree can be pretty bare. 

11.  Herb Window Planter

{image credit: andrewsreclaimed.etsy.com }

You could plant some basil in it and tie it up with a bow, or give it with a few seed packets for the recipient to plant themselves.

12.  Jam

{image credit:  americanspoon.com}

You can find lots of home made jam on Etsy if you're not up to making your own, but I am also partial to American Spoon Fruit - this stuff is AMAZING. 

If you want to, you could add:

13.  A retro cheese slicer

and some fancy cheese.  Or some fresh baked bread.

{image credits: momastore.com, zabars.com}

14.  Crate and Barrel Mints

{image credit: crateandbarrel.com}

15.  Tweets Memo Cube

{image credit:  papersource.com}

You might want to add a few fancy pens, or:

16. Notecards, a Scientists Notebook, or some fahncy Sticky Notes?

 

{image credit: papertrailrhinebeck.com, archiegrand.jetshop.se, anthropologie.com}

17.  Calendars!

Nikki McClure 2010 Wall Calendar, 2010 Cavallini Botanica Wall Calendar, The Great Big Paper Source Calendar, The Burpee Vintage Catalog Calendar

{image credit:  buyolympia.com, papersource.com, burpee.com}

18. Anything Aveda. 

{image credit: aveda.com}

Pick out any gift set under $25 and you're good to go - and the travel sets are perfect for someone who flies a lot. 

19. Rancho Gordo Beans

{image credit: ranchogordo.com}

Last year these were one of the hits of the season - both from readers and in my own family.  I'm giving them again this year - might I recommend that you do as well?

20.  Gap Knit Hat  

{image credit: gap.com}

21.  If you have the cash, add the scarf, or give it on its own.

{image credit: gap.com}

22.  IKEA Street Rug

{image credit:  ikea.com}

This looks like hours of fun for the truck crazed toddlers in your life - you can find them all over, but the one from IKEA is the best price I've found. 

23.  Melissa and Doug Vehicles and Traffic Signs

{image credit:  amazon.com}

If you can afford it, these would be perfect to add to the street rug, or give them on their own. 

24.  Hanna Andersson Sleepers

{image credit:  hannaandersson.com}

Baby clothes don't come better made or longer lasting.  A great gift for any new parent. 

25. Target Wide Mat White Frame filled with any of these FREE botanical prints

{image credit:  target.com}

26.  Wetter Cupcake Bowl

{image credit:  roseandradish.com}

The perfect presents to fill with chocolate and caramels!

27.  Envirosax Reusable Shopping Bag

{image credit: amazon.com}

28.  I Am Not a Paper Cup Reusable Mug

{image credit: target.com}

The perfect thing to slip a coffee gift card into.  Or add:

29.  A Coffee Sleeve and a coffee gift card.

{image credit: cupkozy.etsy.com}

30. Tupelo Honey 

{image credit: farmhousewares.com}

I hear it's the best of the best, which makes it a great gift for the gourmand in your life.  Add it to some homemade bread or some fancy butter if you're giving it in person. It would also be cute to give it with this print:

31. Sweet As Tupelo Honey Print

{image credit:  YeeHaw.etsy.com}

32.  Book Plates

{image credit:  felixdoolittle.com}

Gorgeous.  And perfect for a book lover, especially if you wanted to combine them with an Amazon gift certificate, or a favorite book.  Might I recommend:

33.  The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins

 

{image credit:  amazon.com}

34.  Set of 2 Sherpa Throws 

{image credit:  hsn.com}

You could totally divide this and get two gifts in one - what a deal!

35.  Ceramic Egg Crate

{image credit: anthropologie.com}

Perfect for jewelry storage.  In fact, I'd combine it with:

36. Novia Earrings

{image credit: lushboutique.etsy.com}

37. or this Spearmint Necklace

{image credit: kategraydesignsshop.etsy.com}

or one of the other millions of pieces of gorgeous jewelry on Etsy.

38.  Country Living Red Friends Mug

{image credit:  kmart.com}

You can buy a few of these and have lots of room left in your budget to add some cocoa mix and marshmallows OR some tea and fancy sugar

39.  MOMA Color Spectrum Umbrella

{image credit: momastore.com}

40.  Mexican Mollino

{image credit: deanandeluca.com}

Give wrapped up with some mexican hot chocolate mix.  And maybe a mug.  This also makes a strangely cool baby rattle. 

41.  Pottery Barn Kids Oatmeal Bear

{image credit: potterybarnkids.com}

Free shipping, and half the purchase price goes to St. Jude's.

42.  Etch a Sketch  

{image credit:  amazon.com}

Every kid needs an Etch a Sketch. And I love the retro box. 

43.  Zippo Candle Lighter

{image credit:  zippo.com}

I hate having to search for matches or a shoddy $3 convenience store lighter every time I want to light a candle.  This Zippo candle lighter means never having to do that again!

Include a some candles, tie the whole thing up with your fancy red ribbon, and add a quote to the gift tag: I suggest: “Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”

44.  Blue Bee Box or Anthropologie Butterfly Box

 

{image credit: fclstyle.com, anthropologie.com}

This little boxes are lovely all on their own, but for the price, you could easily add:

45.  Scent Leaf Earrings

{image credit:  jewelrybar.etsy.com}

or this Chic Carnelian Necklace

{image credit: nutraj.etsy.com}

46.  Stainless Tea Kettle

{image credit:  costplus.com}

would be perfect combined with some boxes of your favorite tea.

47.  White Acorns

{image credit: henryroad.com}

So pretty I bet I'd have trouble giving them away.  But you get three, so you could always keep one!

48.  Alphabet Print

{image credit: fawnandforest.com}

I love that this is personalized with a first name - it makes it seem custom made. 

49.  Gin and Titonic Ice Cubes

{image credit:  conranshop.com}

I don't know why, but these KILL ME.  I'd add them to a fancy bottle of gin for your favorite G&T connoisseur. 

50.  Monogram Stamp

{image credit: charmingcards.com}

51.  West Elm Musical Fruit

{image credit:  westelm.com}

Ok, so it's a dollar over our $25 limit, but I have full confidence in your ability to find a discount code out there somewhere.  And these were just too pretty not to include. 

52.  Cast Metal Animals

{image credit:  westelm.com}

Also an extra dollar, but I figure the free shipping counts for something, right?

Feeling flush?  Spring for two, and they can be used as bookends.  The elephant is my favorite, for sure. 

53.  CB 2 Shadow Serving Bowl

 
{image credit:  cb2.com}

Fill with your favorite cookies, or, if you don't bake, these cookies are pretty amazing:

54.  Christmas Lights Cookies

{image credit:  flourpotcookies.com}

55.  Nikki McClure Treasure Print

{image credit:  buyolympia.com}

This is my favorite Nikki McClure print to date.  Frame it in a Target frame & mat for a perfect gift. 

56.  Crate and Barrel Snowflake Hurricanes

{image credit:  crateandbarrel.com}

Gorgeous.  Add a few candles if you want. 

57.  Classic White Cloth Napkins

{image credit: crateandbarrel.com}

Another favorite from last years list.  Perfect to add to:

58.  Napkin Rings

 
{image credit: crateandbarrel.com}

59.  A Set of Candle Sticks

{image credit: anthropologie.com}

Don't forget to include a few taper candles!

60.  Acorn Men's Moc Slippers

{image credit:  rei.com}

61.  Red Fondue Set

{image credit: crateandbarrel.com}

You can add fondue mix and marshmallows if you want. 

62.  Dishtowel Set

{image credit: williams-sonoma.com}

These are my favorite dishtowels - add a few wooden spoons and a rubber spatula in a fun color, maybe a pastry brush, and tie the whole thing up with a fancy bow. 

63.  Travel Mugs

{image credit:  crateandbarrel.com}

Such a great deal, you can afford to add a gift card to your favorite coffee shop.

64.  Lion Slippers

{image credit: sundancecatalog}

Handknit! And totally adorable. And check out that price! (Seven dollars and change.)

65.  Philosophy Winter Escape Gift Set

{image credit: sephora.com}

66.  Amy Butler's Bath Towels

{image credit:  bedbathandbeyond.com}

I am crazy about these bath towels.  Aren't they fun?  I can totally see them tied up with:

67. Fancy Soap

{image credit:  Naturallyne.etsy.com}

The only problem is this soap looks so amazing I kind of want to eat it.

68.  Gap Underpants Set

{image credit: gap.com}

Throw in some socks if you're feeling generous:

69. J. Crew Socks

{image credit:  jcrew.com}

70.  Tonka Mighty Truck

{image credit: amazon.com}

Please note, at the time I wrote this guide, this truck was $21.74, and Amazon.com has since raised the price to $32.99 for no apparent reason.  I'm still including it because this truck is AWESOMELY HUGE and I am hoping the price goes back down. 

71.  Playskool Explore and Grow Busy Ball Popper

{image credit: amazon.com}

Every kid I know is drawn to this thing like a moth to a flame. 

72.  Baby Long Johns

{image credit: redenvelope.com}

You can add embroidery to the kiester of these adorable long johns.  Might I suggest "naughty"?

73.  The Baby Bunch Lollipop Bodysuit

{image credit:  amazon.com}

Love how it comes rolled into a peppermint lollipop. 

If you want, you can add a set of the best baby socks EVER:

74.  Trumpette Baby Socks

{image credit:  amazon.com}

75.  Wanderer's Travel Journal

{image credit: sundancecatalog.com}

Add a travel guide for a country you know your recipient has always wanted to visit, or one of those satin eye mask covers for long plane rides. 

76.  Moleskine Journal

{image credit: amazon.com}

Add some nice pens or some fancy colored pencils.

77.  Anthropologie Cosmetic Bag

{image credit: anthropologie.com}

This would be fun to fill with caramels.  Or you could add:

78.  Sonia Kashuk Brushes

{image credit: target.com}

These brushes make an awesome present in its own right.  You could also add:

79.  This killer Stila Lip Gloss Set

{image credit: sephora.com}

80.  OR this L'Occitane Hand Cream Trio

{image credit: sephora.com}

81.  Baker's Bliss Measuring Spoons

{image credit:  anthropologie.com}

These would be super cute to add to:

82.  This Martha Stewart Recipe Box

{image credit: macys.com}

especially if you added some of your favorite recipes.  

Apparently it doesn't come with the recipe cards, which seems odd, but luckily, Style Lush has you covered.  

You could also add:

83.  This Sous Chef Kitchen Set

{image credit: anthropologie.com}

OR:

84.  A Cupcake Carrier

{image credit: crateandbarrel.com}

and don't forget some fancy cupcake liners!

85.  Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Care Caddy

{image credit: crabtree-evelyn.com}

Might come in handy after all that cooking. 

I'm not sure anyone but me really loves the rosewater scent, but hey, it reminds me of my grandmother. And if that's not for you, they have lots of other choices. 

86.  Peninsula Mirror Carafe

{image credit: crateandbarrel.com}

The perfect gift for a coffee snob,especially tied up with a pound of gourmet coffee.  

Or switch out the carafe for:

87.  Bodum French Press

{image credit: crateandbarrel.com}

If you want to, you can make or buy:

88.  A French Press Cozy

{image credit:  pinkdixie.com}

89.  Waterman Champagne Flutes

{image credit:  macys.com}

Lovely.  Add a nice bottle of champagne for a perfect gift.

90.  Whiteware Cake Stand

{image credit: macys.com}

Filled with cookies or candy, this would make an amazing presentation.  

Or you could add your favorite cake recipe and:

91.  Measuring Cups

{image credit:  macys.com}

which could also be nice added to:

92.  This fabulous Enameled Trivet

{image credit:  macys.com}

93.  Or take this amazing Blue Colander

{image credit: macys.com}

and add some fancy spaghetti, some gourmet sauce, maybe some overpriced olive oil or a loaf of crusty bread.  You could even add:

94.  A fancy Wooden Cutting Board

{image credit: macys.com}

95.  Gerber Infinity Ultra LED Flashlight

{image credit: rei.com}

You can never have too many flashlights in your life.

96.  Princeton Techquest Headlamp

{image credit: rei.com}

Eminently useful.  For the camper/outdoors person in your life, you could add

97.  Some Smart Wool Socks

{image credit: rei.com}

98.  Red Lion Amaryllis

{image credit: burpee.com}

Technically it's $25.95, but it ships for free. I'm counting it.  

Best present EVER for grandmothers.

99.  Seeds and Herb Snips

{image credit: burpee.com}

Perfect for the green thumb in your life.  

If you're feeling magnanimous, you can always add this cool gadget:

100.    Sunlight Analyzer

{image credit: amazon.com}

101.  Running Gloves

{image credit: sportsauthority.com}

These make a great gift for the crazed runner who has it all and is still out there running in freezing temps this time of year.  These even have a spot for a spare key.

For only $8 more, you can add a Bondi Band, all the crazy haired runners I know swear by these things.

102.  Connect Four

{image credit: amazon.com}

I'm not sure if I'm actually buying this for my son or for myself, but either way, get ready for some killer Connect Four face offs at our house this January. 

103.  Donate A Flock of Chicks

{image credit: heiferinternational.com}

This is my favorite donation to give as a Christmas gift, because instead of a vague donation made into the ether, you can actually say that you gave a flock of chicks to a family in the recipients name. 

104.  DIY Smores Kit

{image credit:  twigandthistle.com}

Something so easy and fun to put together yourself - find clear boxes at Michael's or on Etsy, and add nice chocolates, marshmallows, and some graham crackers.  Tie it all up with your red satin ribbon or some baker's twine.  Voila! Instant deliciousness. 

105.  White Ceramic Teapot

{image credit: worldmarket.com}

So affordable, you can add some fancy tea or some gourmet sugar. 

106.  Double Wall Oval Basket

{image credit: cb2.com}

My husband suggests filling this basket with beets.  Might I recommend some candles, or a romantic mix cd and a fake pashmina?  Or beets. 

107.  Japanese Masking Tape

{image credit:  happytape.bigcartel.com}

This japanese tape is the coolest stuff ever.  Choose your own colors or go for an assortment. 

108.  Taster's Choice Florida Fruit

 
{image credit: halegroves.com}

Martha Stewart approved! Plus tasty looking. 

109.  Quilted Velvet Jewelry Roll

{image credit:  potterybarn.com}

110.  West Elm Silver Box

{image credit:  westelm.com}

Perfect to monogram and fill with fancy chocolate. 

111.  Wooden Nativity Set

{image credit: artsoftheheart.etsy.com}

112. Happy Family Dinosaur Tee Shirt

{image credit:  happyfamily.etsy.com}

113.  Linen Table Runner

{image credit:  linenme.etsy.com}

114. Kid Leather Business Card Case

{image credit: unemployeddesigner.etsy.com}

You could add this to a:

115.  Passport Case

{image credit:  modcloth.com}

or the Wanderer Travel Journal listed earlier.

116.  Amazing Handspun Yarn

{image credit: clairelmilne.etsy.com}

maybe add a How to Knit Book or some knitting needles?

117.  Moravian Star Wreath

{image credit: Stjarnkraft.etsy.com}

118. Cocktail Shaker

{image credit: crateandbarrel.com}

Add some martini mix if you've got some cash to spare.  Or some fancy olives and a nice bottle of your favorite spirits. 

119.  Square Red Vases

{image credit:  crateandbarrel.com}

Tremendous.  Pop a small green potted plant in there (check your local fancy ish grocery or hardware store) and you're good to go. 

120.  3 Part Server

{image credit: crateandbarrel.com}

Great to bring to a party, filled with nuts, cheese, and your favorite fancy olives.  When the night is done you can leave it as a hostess gift.  If you're mailing it, you can't go wrong with chocolate.

121.  J. Crew Metallic Bi Fold Wallet

{image credit: J.Crew}

Perfect for you big spenders to slip a gift card into.  Or cash.  Everyone loves cash!

122.  Gordini Insulated Gloves

{image credit:  rei.com}

123.  Italian Kufra Pitcher

{image credit: surlatable.com}

Include your favorite home made lemonade recipe and this will serve as a nice reminder that winter won't be here forever. 

124.  Ribbon Candy

{image credit:  ridgeroadstation.com}

I have a serious thing for ribbon candy.  Add it to a fancy platter or give a selection right in the box tied up with your signature red satin bow. 

125.  Infinity Pepper Mill

{image credit: crateandbarrel.com}

Add some fancy peppercorns and tie everything up in a satiny red bow!

And don't forget to let me know what you decide on and how everyone likes it.

Comments

[Shin Ae]

Excellent list! I'm having fun looking it over.

Going to throw in a plug for the Hanna Andersson clothes, here, too. The things we bought from that catalogue lasted a really long time and looked great even after being washed a whole lot of times.

[jonniker]

Can I get a "HOLY SHIT!"? I thought so. Elizabeth, this is fracking FABULOUS. All of it. Thank you. Fab.U.Lous.

[Christina]

I am without words! How in the hell you pulled this together in your first trimester is BEYOND REASON! This is amazing, will pimp it in every outlet available to me.

[Carrie]

I am so forwarding this link to my husband. GREAT post!

[A'Dell]

Elizabeth! OMG! That was fantastic reading.

I saw the smore's kits at Twig and Thistle and I got my clear boxes in the mail yesterday. I can't wait to put them together. SO CUTE.

[mouthy_broad]

this list is amazing and inspiring. good job!

[bessie.viola]

I LOVE THIS LIST. And this blog. LOVE.

Elizabeth, you rock. Now off to buy, buy, buy!

[Carrie]

I posted about your amazing list over on my review blog! http://www.growingababyreviews.com/2009/11/pretty-much-most-amazing-gift-list-ever.html

[Down and Out Chic]

wow, amazing!!!

[maggie]

ELIZABETH. I saw those battleship ice cubes while Christmas shopping on Saturday and guess who I wanted to buy them for? GUESS.

[natalie]

Every single thing on this list is AMAZING. Off to buy gifts now!!

[Katie]

This is such a great list!! The Envirosax shopping bags are AMAZING, incase anyone was wondering :) And I have been hearing lately that those egg crates are great for holding jewelry.

[rebecca]

I am in LOVE with every. single. thing. on this list. Thanks!

(I'll be honest...i am going to send this to my family and tell them to go nuts picking out something for me. :) )

[bazu]

I look forward to this list every year!

[Heather B.]

I just had a heart attack because I couldn't find the tweet to get to this post and I *REALLY* wanted to see this post. Whew! Crisis averted. This is amazing.

[Heather]

Awesome list! I want it ALL. ALL of it. Thanks for some great ideas!

[Katie]

This in FANTASTIC! I normally don't have much use for gift guides but this is incredibly helpful. Thank you so much.

[Erika]

This is the best under $25 gift list I have ever seen. Seriously. Better than any tv show list or magazine that I've seen so far.

You've given me three gift ideas already and probably more to come! Thank you, Thank you!

[Danielle]

I love love love the passport case! OMg, there are so many things on this list I want! Thank you for putting this together again this year! You rock!

[mail4ajc]

You are amazing at this! I want one of everything! I bought several things off last years list and all were big hits. I ordered Rancho Gordo beans for mom and she was duly impressed.

[kat]

i went out and bought those towels. they are gorgeous. this list is not only amazing but it's also putting a dent in my wallet. Thank you!

[sarah marie p]

This list is truly amazing! I bought the birdie passport for my coworker. Sooo cute! And I really want those Anthro potholders and measuring spoons for myself. Thanks for compiling all of the cuteness!