I’ve come to realize that I loooooooathe Christmas shopping.
image via tumblr
It’s all fine and dandy when I have an idea of what to get people (or when my people aren’t difficult….MOM AND DAD) and I can either order things online or zip in and out of the mall. However when my shopping list is shorter and my list of recipients is longer, the struggle is SO real. It totally doesn’t help that this year I’ve had 2 Secret Santas sprung upon me…both of which have low budgets and are Yankee Swaps. Even MORE difficult to find a relatively neutral gift!
Here are some ideas for last minute gifts that all fall under $50. Perfect for if you didn’t realize you and your friend were exchanging gifts or if you’re stumped for Secret Santa. I may or may not be picking up a few of these over the weekend to add to my “oops I knew I was forgetting someone” arsenal. These are mostly geared towards ladies, but could easily be altered for men! (Why 9 and not 10 you may ask? tbh 9 fit better in the image…#realtalk) Happy Shopping!
1. Minimergency Kit, $22
These are the COOLEST! I keep seeing them at Chapters and think they would make an amazing gift at any time of year. This is super thoughtful for a friend who is always on the go, or for a coworker to keep at their desk. I know my friends at work and I are always in need of stain remover, nail polish remover, hair elastics…pretty much everything this little kit contains!
2. Tech Gloves, $5.90
I know it’s practically summer right now, but I swear it’ll get cold eventually. When it does, help your friends stay on their Instagram game (or Snapchat, to tell you how freezing it is outside). This pair from Forever 21 is super inexpensive and compact, and is a perfect stocking stuffer.
3. Kate Spade Bracelet, $32
I was so surprised when I saw how inexpensive this bracelet is! So chic and simple, yet the inscription on the inside makes it more heartfelt and personal. I would totally get this for my girlfriends, and I’m pretty sure any one of them would love it.
4. Portable Phone Charger, $14.99
It blows my mind that there are people walking around out there without portable phone chargers. Either they haven’t caught on to the necessity, orrrrr they’re not as glued to their phones as I am. For MOST of the population, you can never go wrong with a portable charger! You can pretty much buy these anywhere for a variety of prices…I chose this one because it’s pink and cute, but I own multiple in blue, silver, and leopard. Seriously, they’re the best and I take them everywhere.
5. Red Velvet Cupcake Wine, $14.95
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again…cheap wine is my kind of wine! This brand in particular was a HIT at my office Yankee Swap last year. For some reason, quite a few people brought this specific bottle of wine and it was stolen like crazy. I guess you can’t go wrong with booze!
6. Cozy Socks, $16.99
What would Christmas be without a practical gift? Again, still balmy outside…but soon enough it’ll be time to bundle up, and these socks from J Crew are too cute! Sure, you can buy socks anywhere. But if you’re looking to spice up your gift, a fun pattern from a nice store is a great bet.
7. Carry-On Cocktail Kit, $24.50
THESE ARE SO COOL. For the friend or coworker who travels a lot, help them relax on their flight with a little bevvy. There are a few different drinks available (I’ve seen Gin & Tonic, Manhattan and Moscow Mule) and if you get lucky, snag one of Gray Malin’s sprinkle kits. These seem to be sold out online (apparently everyone had the same idea as me), so definitely grab one if you see it! Just remind the recipient that no, there isn’t a colonial woman on the wing.
8. Anthropologie Mug, $12.00
What gal doesn’t love her initial Anthro mug? C’mon, we all have one (or multiple…). They make great gifts, but it gets tricky when doing a Yankee Swap or guessing if a girlfriend already has one. Never fear: Anthropologie makes other adorable mugs too, like these ones with quotes on them! They’re colourful and unique and will help brighten up anyone’s day (with a little help from our friend coffee).
9. Perfume Sampler, $41.00
This is the priciest item on my list, but it’s probably my favourite. These are some of my FAVOURITE perfumes…I’ve talked about the Tocca and NEST scents before, and I just recently fell in love with Tokyo Milk fragrances. Perfume is something that women often don’t buy for themselves, so it’s always a nice gift to receive. Why not cater to any and everyone’s particular scent preferences with a fun sampler? Totally affordable and the packaging is onnnn point.