The Official 2010 Style Lush Holiday Gift Guide: 125 Holiday Gift Ideas for $25 (Or Less!)

by Elizabeth

Welcome to the fourth annual Style Lush Holiday Gift Guide! (Here's last year's.) We're here to help you find gifts that make $25 look like a million bucks. Of course, presentation counts for a lot, and gifts with a big red satiny bow and a nice gift tag are going to look extra fancy schmancy, so get yourself a roll of ribbon and a handful of candy canes (for an extra nice packaging touch) before you start your shopping. I found plain ivory porcelain ornaments at Michaels for $1.29 each, which I think are going to make perfect gift tags this year.

And now, without further ado, here's the Official Style Lush Holiday Gift Guide:

1. Kate Spade 2011 Desk Calendar

   

{Photo credit: katespade.com}

2.  The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

{Photo credit: amazon.com}

3. Fancy Caldrea Laundry Stuff

{Photo credit: drugstore.com}

They have this line at Target, although it's not online. This is the kind of thing I would never buy for myself, but that I would love to receive. Put a few bottles in a fancy basket and tie it up with ribbon.

4. Boutique Bows Starter Set

   

{Photo credit: littlepeabows@etsy.com}

Again, something I would never buy for myself but that I would love to have -- a bow for every outfit!

5. Tinkertoys or Lincoln Logs

{Photo credit: amazon.com}

6.  Honeycomb and Honey

{Photo credit:  carusohoney@Etsy.com}

7.  Espresso Brownies with Dulce de Leche

 

{Photo credit: whimsyandspice@Etsy.com}

8.  Cozy Knitted Cowl

 

{Photo credit: charmschooljewelry@Etsy.com}

9.  Ornaments

{Photo credit: crateandbarrel.com}

Crate & Barrel has a lot of nice, reasonably priced ornaments. This is a great present for newlyweds who probably have a pretty empty tree those first few years together. 

10. Sophie the Giraffe Teether

{Photo credit:  amazon.com}

Kind of expensive to buy for yourself (you have diapers to pay for!), but beloved by babies and parents alike.

11.  Porcelain Serving Bowl

{Photo credit: target.com}

This looks way more expensive than it is. I have one and I've gotten scads of compliments on it. I had to buy mine myself, but it's one of my favorite things, and I think it would make a fabulous gift, especially filled with something fun -- tangerines? pomegranates? -- you get the idea.

12.  Butter Yellow Teapot

 

{Photo credit:  surlatable.com}

Add your favorite tea or a tea ball and tie it all up with a fancy ribbon.

13. Trumpette Socks

{Photo credit:  amazon.com}

14.  Mugs and Hot Chocolate

{Photo credit:  crateandbarrel.com}

15.  Men's Drifter V Neck Sweater

{Photo credit:  landsend.com}

Yes, this sweater is TECHNICALLY $35.50, but there are ALWAYS 30%-off Land's End coupons floating around out there. Find one and get this for $25, which is a great deal.

16.  Peet's Holiday Blend and Chocolate Covered Cherries

 

{Photo credit:  peets.com}

17.  Buy some fancy salami, bake a loaf of no knead bread, and wrap it all up with some gourmet cheese. 

{Photo credit:  deananddeluca.com}

18.  You could add a nice cutting board/knife set, if you're feeling fancy.

{Photo credit:  macys.com}

19. Or even some delicious jam. (But both of these would make nice presents all on their own, especially with a loaf of bread.)

{Photo credit:  byMags@Etsy.com}

20.  Osh Kosh Ivory Ruffle Sweater or Red Puffer Vest

{Photo credit:  target.com}

The Osh Kosh line at Target is my favorite, but it's at a higher price point than most of the other Target clothes, so I often don't put the stuff in my cart, which is why it makes a great gift. I may have already purchased this little red vest for a certain someone, and now I'm wondering who else I can give it to.

21.  West Elm Wood Tray (filled with cookies) 

{Photo credit:  westelm.com}

You can never have too many of these wood trays. Again, something I hate buying for myself, but would love to have. Fill it with homemade cookies and it kicks this gift up to the next level of awesome.

22.  Fair Isle Pom Pom Beanie (for the ladies)

{Photo credit:  gap.com}

Stripe Knit Hat (for the dudes)

{Photo credit:  jcrew.com}

Fair Isle Snowflake Sweater Hat (for the little dudes)

{Photo credit:  janieandjack.com}

Square Double Pom Pom Hat (for the little ladies)

 

{Photo credit:  parkingathome@Etsy.com}

23.  Cookie Ornament Box: I put this on this list every year because I think it's such a fun (and easy!) homemade gift idea, and I'm dying for someone to actually do it. Heck, maybe I'll do it again this year! Anyway, buy yourself one of those compartmentalized boxes of christmas ornaments and take out six of the ornaments. Fill the empty spaces with cookies, candy, or fruit. This year I'm thinking white-chocolate covered oreos, homemade caramels, chocolate-covered pretzels, tangerines, and maybe some of those pretty meringues they sell in the tubs at Trader Joes. Put the cover back on and tie it all up with a big fancy bow. 

24.  My First Duplo Set

{Photo credit:  amazon.com}

25. Melissa & Doug Slice and Bake Cookies Set

 

{Photo credit:  amazon.com}

26. Gap Men's Chris Striped PJ Pants OR

{Photo credit:  gap.com}

Aerie Women's Patchwork Plaid PJ Pants

{Photo credit: ae.com}

27.  Hanna Andersson Night Night Baby Sleepers

{Photo credit:  hannaandersson.com}

These are the best, end of story. I am always THRILLED to receive these for my kids.

28.  Gap Knit Gloves, and if you've got some extra cash, the complimentary scarf. 

{Photo credit:  gap.com}

29.  Red Chenille Plaid Throw

{Photo credit:  target.com}

30.  Fancy Aqua Lucite Necklace

{Photo credit: elizanne@Etsy.com}

31. A photograph you've taken and printed, and placed in this gorgeous White Corian Frame, from Etsy

{Photo credit:  Aheirloom@Etsy.com

32.  West Elm Mercury Birds

{Photo credit:  westelm.com}

33.  Pink Skinny Solid Silk Tie

{Photo credit:  macys.com}

34.  Summer Bug Tin Tea Set

(and if you're feeling flush, throw in the unconscionably cute Haba Felt Petit Fours.)

{Photo credit:  amazon.com}

35.  Rancho Gordo Beans Desert Island Sampler

{Photo credit:  ranchogordo.com}

Always a huge hit every year especially with the foodie types. 

36.  Here's a last minute gift idea that's always a hit -- buy or find a basket or crate and fill it with stuff you've got lying around. At our house, this would be lemons or oranges, candles tied up with a fancy ribbon, chocolates, jam or chutney that we've preserved, a bottle of wine, a few random ornaments we can't fit on the tree, maybe some nuts or granola. Whatever you have extra of and can make look cute! Add a big old ribbon and it's a fabulous gift basket that you didn't have to leave home to buy. And here's a link for some super-cute free printable jar labels, if you do have some homemade canned goodies to give away this year and want to jazz them up a little bit.

37.  Guy Wolff Paperwhite Kit

{Photo credit:  restorationhardware.com}

You can do this yourself even more cheaply with some rocks, a thrifted or repurposed bowl, and five or six paperwhite bulbs from the nursery, but I've included the links for you non-do-it-yourself types.

38.  Lands End Canvas V Neck Boyfriend Sweater

{Photo credit:  landsend.com}

39. Smartwool socks

 

{Photo credit:  amazon.com}

What can I say, dudes love socks.

And they sell super cute Smart Wool Baby Booties as well.

 

40.  Crayola Telescoping Marker Tower

{Photo credit:  amazon.com}

Add a big pad of paper and you've got one happy three year old. 

41.  Sephora Brush Set

{Photo credit:  sephora.com}

42.  Quercetti Marble Run and/or Stomp Rockets

{Photo credits:  amazon.com}

43.  Godiva Bakery Dessert Truffles

 

{Photo credit:  godiva.com}

Chocolate always makes a good gift. 

44.  IKEA Train Sets

 

{Photo credit:  ikea.com}

The IKEA trains are a great price, well-made, come in lots of different configurations, and are compatible with other wooden track sets. (Like Plan Toys)

45.  Playdoh 24 Pack

{Photo credit:  amazon.com}

I love this gift because it's a consumable. After awhile all the colors get mushed together and the stuff dries out, so new supplies are always welcome. 

46. Easy Bake Oven

 

{Photo credit:  amazon.com}

I totally didn't put this on here because I'VE always wanted an Easy Bake Oven, even though I'm a grown woman and um, have my own real oven. 

47.  First Act Keyboard

{Photo credit:  target.com}

Keeps my kid busy for hours, and I've never had to replace the batteries. Need I say more?

48.  Fisher Price Classic Record Player

{Photo credit:  target.com}

I. WANT. THIS. (For no apparent reason, but still. MUST HAVE. For, uh, the children.)

49.  Reader's Digest Complete Do It Yourself Manual.  And here's something I never thought I'd say, but this would be perfect for a new home-owner gifted with this super cute plunger from Alice Supply Company. 

{Photo credits:  amazon.com, alicesupplyco.com}

50.  Prince onesie. HAAAAAAAAA. Love it.

{Photo credit:  daisylouise@Etsy.com}

51.  Red Curled Wood Wreath

 
{Photo credit:  homedecorators.com}

Make sure to give this a little bit early so your gift recipient can enjoy it ahead of time, and add a big fancy red ribbon for hanging. 

52.  Tea Collection Leg Warmers

Don't these look chunky and warm and delicious? I really like them.

{Photo credit:  teacompany.com}

53.  Converse First Star Baby Crib Shoe

{Photo credit:  amazon.com}

So useless, and yet so adorable. Perfect gift-giving material.

54.  Crate and Barrel Snowflake Hurricane

{Photo credit:  crateandbarrel.com}

I have a SMALL one of these because it was all I could afford to buy myself last year. These are GORGEOUS in person. I am always hoping someone will buy me a few more. 

55.  West Elm Snow Globe

 

{Photo credit:  westelm.com}

I especially love the owl.

56.  Stirrings Bar Ingredients Collection (Enter code BAR20 at checkout to get a $6 discount)

{Photo credits:  stirrings.com}

and...

57.  ...you could add a nice bottle of booze, or these sassy coasters from West Elm.  (Only $11! And free shipping!)

{Photo credit:  westelm.com}

58.  AE Sparkle Fringe Drops

{Photo credit:  ae.com}

Know anyone going to any fancy New Year's parties? These would be perfect.

59.  Gap Striped Microfleece One Piece

{Photo credit:  gap.com}

60.  Pottery Barn Kids Dots and Stripes Bath Wraps

{Photo credit:  potterybarnkids.com}

61.  Martha Stewart Kids Cooking Set

{Photo credit:  macys.com}

62.  Mentos Geyser Tube, packaged up with some Mentos and a couple 2 Liters of Diet Coke. 

{Photo credit:  paper-source.com}

63.  Eco Reusable Ceramic Coffee Cup

{Photo credit:  paper-source.com}

You could add a coffee store gift card, or this adorable...

64. ...Coffee Cozy

{Photo credit: natalya1905@Etsy.com}

65.  Matrushka Measuring Cups and Spoons

{Photo credit:  paper-source.com}

66.  Envirosax Reusable Roll Up Shopping Bag

{Photo credit:  paper-source.com}

67.  Xyron Create a Sticker Machine

{Photo credit:  amazon.com}

68.  Large Aged Wooden Letter

{Photo credit:  TheShabbyChicCottage@Etsy.com}

69.  I'm Not Bored Any More Land of Nod Art Jar

{Photo credit:  landofnod.com}

70.  Horta Glasses

{Photo credit:  anthropologie.com}

You can always add a bottle of wine or champagne or sparkling apple cider, or some...

71.  Cocktail Napkins

{Photo credit:  westelm.com}

72.  Here's an idea from Martha Stewart: find a vintage tea towel on Etsy or eBay and pop it in a frame. Instant art!  I've got my eye on one from Vermont and Katherine, Australia.

{Photo credit:  Dana Gallagher}

73.  Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs Book and DVD

{Photo credit:  amazon.com}

I have always loved this book, and the movie is delightfully weird, funny, and smart.

74.  Woof Dog Treat Jar

{Photo credit:  crateandbarrel.com}

I probably don't need to tell you that this would be awesome filled with dog treats. 

75. Crate & Barrel Red Holiday Bakers

{Photo credit:  crateandbarrel.com}

Break these up into three gifts! And I think you should fill them with homemade cinnamon rolls, but that's just me. 

76.  Dinosaur Bathrobe

{Photo credit:  childrensplace.com}

Bathrobes for kids are suprisingly hard to find. I may or may not know a little boy whose mother puts his towel in the dryer every day to warm it up when he gets out of the bathtub. That little boy could really use a bathrobe. 

77.  Robot Puzzle

{Photo credit: landofnod.com}

78.  Sukie Noteblock

{Photo credit: amazon.com}

So cheap it's practically a stocking stuffer! Or add it to some...

79.  Smencils

{Photo credit:  amazon.com}

80.  Any one of a million prints on Etsy. Buy a mat and a frame at Target for an extra nice touch. 

{Photo credit:  AlisaPaints@Etsy.com}

81.  Clothbound Penguin Classics

{Photo credit:  anthropologie.com}

Nice to get someone their favorite novel, but with a fancy cover. 

82.  Nautica Soft Nappa Leather Wallet

{Photo credit:  macys.com}

83.  Target is full of adorable printed 3 Ring Binders. Fill one with print-outs of your favorite recipes for a super cheap but super thoughtful gift. 

{Photo credit:  target.com}

84.  Martha Stewart No Knit Scarf 

{Photo credit:  marthastewart.com}

Super cute and looks really easy. 

85.  Hale Groves Fresh Fruit Basket

{Photo credit: halegroves.com}

86.  Silver Napkin Rings from Crate & Barrel

 

{Photo credit:  crateandbarrel.com}

Always a very popular suggestion. Add some pretty napkins for a truly lovely gift. I also think these would be amazing paired with these: 

87.  Crate & Barrel Place Card Holders

{Photo credit:  crateandbarrel.com}

88.  Italian Ceramic Pitcher

{Photo credit:  surlatable.com}

So many fabulous colors! Maybe attach your favorite sangria recipe as a gift tag? 

89.  Crassula Succulent in Modern Ceramic Container

{Photo credit:  plantology@Etsy.com}

90.  Martha Stewart Collection Recipe Box

{Photo credit:  macys.com}

Fill with your favorite recipes, of course. And maybe include something you've cooked, too. 

9.  Wine Enthusiast Trivet Kit

{Photo credit:  macys.com}

It'd be cute to add a bottle of nice wine. 

92.  Crate and Barrel Cookie Jar 

{Photo credit:  crateandbarrel.com}

Filled with homemade cookies and with the recipe attached as a tag, maybe? Or here's some you could order if you're not a cookie-baking type:

93.  Annie the Baker Tuxedo Macadamia Nut Cookies

{Photo credit:  anniethebaker.com}

94. Also so adorable, these Martha Stewart Utensil Pot Holders and matching Martha Stewart Utensil Dishtowels

{Photo credit:  macys.com}

I think these would be both be super cute tied up with some wooden spoons and this:

95.  4 Piece Mixing Bowl Set.  What a great price!

{Photo credit:  macys.com}

96.  Maple Syrup and Snowman Pancake Mold

{Photo credit:  crateandbarrel.com}

97.  Chopstick Set

{Photo credit:  crateandbarrel.com}

98.  J Crew Tissue Tux Henley

{Photo credit:  jcrew.com}

99.  Starbursts Fave Reds 

{Photo credit:  amazon.com}

The pink and red ones are the best. Enough said. 

100.  Cookie sheets are always welcome.  A couple Commercial Jelly Roll Pans tied up with your favorite cookie recipe is a great gift. 

{Photo credit:  surlatable.com}

101. Satsuma anything, from The Body Shop

{Photo credit:  thebodyshop.com}

102.  Fiona's Candy

{Photo credit:  williams-sonoma.com}

Love that it comes with the pretty glass jar. 

103.  Wisteria Pinecone Candleholders

{Photo credit:  wisteria.com}

Don't you think these would look perfect paired with these...

104.  French Script Candles

{Photo credit:  TheShabbyChicCottage@Etsy.com}

105.  Anthropologie Little Peepers Salt and Pepper Shakers

{Photo credit:  anthropologie.com}

So Fabulous! Maybe package up with some fancy salt and pepper from your local gourmet food shop.

106.  Pottery Barn Antique Silver Wine Pull

{Photo credit:  potterybarn.com}

This is just asking to be tied onto a nice bottle of wine with a big red bow. 

107. Gorgeous blue Farmer's Egg Crate

{Photo credit:  anthropologie.com}

MIght be nice paired with the butter dish in the same stunning blue. A lot of people use these to hold jewelry though, so I also like the idea of giving it with a pair of earrings in it. Something like these:

108. Suspended Disbelief Earrings

{Photo credit:  anthropologie.com}

I also think it's nice, if you're giving a gift certificate, to give a little somethin extra, and these earrings would work for that. Say if your budget is $40, you could give these earrings and a $25 gift certificate. PLUS Anthropologie has the cutest holiday gift wrap and I always love how they package their gift cards. 

109. This Wisteria linen scarf seems like something that would be nice to travel with. Could be nice tied-up with a paperback book, some earplugs, and a sleep mask. Or with a travel guide to somewhere you know your recipient has always wanted to go. 

{Photo credit:  wisteria.com}

110.  I also like the idea of packaging up the new Taylor Swift CD with some chocolate and a magazine, and maybe even some of this...

{Photo credit:  amazon.com}

111.  Essie Nail Polish.  Make sure to include a note suggesting some quality girl time. 

{Photo credit:  jcrew.com}

112. Wisteria Bird Finial

{Photo credit:  wisteria.com}

Perfect for the person who has everything. Except a decorative bird finial. 

113.  Bananagrams and/or Apples to Apples

{Photo credit:  amazon.com}

114.  Set of 4 Apilco Ramekins

NIce to pair with some Nielsen-Massey Vanilla

{Photo credits:  williams-sonoma.com}

115.. Pip and Bean Superhero Cape

{Photo credit:  pipandbean@Etsy.com}

116. Dee Dee The Dragon Lamaze Early Development Toy (or, as its known in our house: Dinosaur Lady)

{Photo credit:  amazon.com}

117.  Butter Bell

{Photo credit:  amazon.com}

118.  Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp

{Photo credit:  rei.com}

119.  Simple Men's Shuf Slippers

{Photo credit:  amazon.com}

120.  Pottery Barn Bird Jewelry Dish

{Photo credit:  potterybarn.com}

121. Passport Cover

{Photo credit:  RogueTheory@Etsy.com}

122.  Cupcake Kit:  Recipes, Liners, and Decorating Tools

{Photo credit:  paper-source.com}

123.  Birch Bark Vase with Customized Initials

{Photo credit:  NHWoodsCreations@Etsy.com}

The initials kill me. 

124.  Robot Family Reunion T Shirt

{Photo credit:  botodesigns@Etsy.com}

125.  Pizza Stone Set

{Photo credit:  amazon.com}

And that's it! Be sure and come back to tell us what you picked out and how everything was received! And Happy Holidays!

Comments

[Jenn]

Thank you for taking the time to put this list together. I think I was able to spot something for everyone on my list! You rock!!

[Margaret Perry]

What a great gift guide! Thanks for posting my jams!

[A'Dell]

LOVE IT!

I have to say though, I have had the napkin rings (#86) for 4 years and they're all tarnished up and not so great looking now and they don't polish up well. So, I can't reco those for long term usage.

#87 though, the place card holders? THEY ARE AMAZING. They fit every occasion and you can let the CARD be the centerpiece and then your drawers don't get all cluttery with a million holders. They are so tiny and store easily and, well, I've had THOSE for 5 years and I still love them. Awesome deal, get an even dozen of them if you can.

[Marie Green]

Awesome, awesome ideas! Thanks so much for putting this together!

[Kayemgi]

Wow those scarves from Wisteria are gorgeous and for such a great price! I think a lot of ladies on my list will be getting those this year.

[Janet]

This is incredible! Thanks Elizabeth!

[maggie]

That bird jewelry dish is getting picked up today for the SIL. You always come through for SIL gifts! YOU'RE THE BEST!

[Life of a Doctor's Wife]

Okay, so my big problem with this is now I have about 30 extra people I want to buy stuff for, because so many of these things are PERFECT for people who are not normally on my holiday shopping list!

[JulieD]

I LOVE these lists! Thank you!

[Elsha]

Best gift list EVER.

[bessie.viola]

I just... I love you guys. There are approximately 15 links now open in my browser waiting for purchase.

LOVE Style Lush!

[Denise]

This is a great list! Thanks for putting it together.

[Stephanie]

Fantastic list! Thanks for putting it together.

[Katie]

Elizabeth, you are AMAZING! I see lots of things to add to my list for others, as well as my own wish list!

[Anuttierlife]

fantastic list! I <3 my smencils!

[Katie]

Thank you for this list! I remembered how much I loved last year's list and have been waiting for this year's. Can't wait to start shopping!! Love it!

[bazu]

awww, love this tradition.

[Natalie]

Elizabeth, I would like to hire you to be my personal holiday shopper. This is awesome!

[Nothing But Bonfires]

Wow, this is AMAZING. Uh, does it count if I want most of these as gifts for MYSELF?

[Meghan]

The Cozy Cowl is BOGO for $32, get one for yourself and as a gift! Thanks for the tip!

[sarah marie p]

Such an awesome list! You put so much work into this! Thanks for all of the great gift ideas! Yay!

[Elizabeth]

I already have many items picked out for myself, so yes, it's totally allowed!

[Christina]

This list is so good I'm going to allow myself to say its amazeballz! there are so many things here that are perfect for my list. Thanks so much,Elizabeth! You should totally get a bonus for this.

[matt]

what a great list of ideas - that is all my presents sorted in one full sweep. My wife is going to be in shock!!

[Rachel]

The list is awesome! Thanks for all the great suggestions.