In Spades

Between white elephant gift exchanges and last minute holiday parties, it’s important to have a go-to list of affordable gifts to draw from.  Here are my favorite gift ideas under $25.

1) California Dish Towel
How adorable are these U.S. of A. dish towels? I love their whimsical silk screen illustrations and hand embroidered embellishments.

2) Meyer Lemon Olive Oil
The first time I had Meyer lemon olive oil was on a trip to Palm Springs and I seriously wanted to eat the entire bottle. Fresh and zesty, it has an amazing flavor that will be the highlight of any dish.

3) Cat Eye Mask
This Japanese designer makes beautiful unmentionables you’d find in a French boudoir, and her accessories are the perfect bedtime accent.

4) Agate Trivets
These colorful trivets can be used as coasters, underneath pottery or as stand-alone tabletop accents.

5) iPhone Case
I’m an old school girl and this rotary dial phone cover takes me back. Waaay back. Back into time.

6) Dual Nail Polish
This pretty nail polish pen gives you a pop of color AND gold sparklies. Sold.

7) Zebra Dish
The cutest way to display your tiniest things.

8) Wallet
Illustrator Judy Kaufmann created this colorful wallet of famous people. Anything with a sketch of David Bowe is a wallet I want to own.

9) Floating Earrings
The optical illusion of these earrings is stunning yet understated. Every time I wear them I get compliments.

10) Slushy Maker
Pop the inner core in the freezer for 8 hours and then add your own liquid and stir. Voila! Instant slushies, milkshakes or smoothies.

11) Flavored Marshmallows
Made from sweet, magic air these pillowy confections take a cup of hot cocoa to the next level.

12) Humbug Tote Bag
Bah Humbug? Never! But a bah humbug handbag? Too cute to pass up.

I love giving accessories during the holidays because there isn’t any awkward guessing when it comes to sizes. Plus, they’re usually small and manageable which is great if you have to make room in a suitcase.  My favorites for this holiday season include wearable tech, pretty functional pieces and unconventional choices.  Happy gifting!

1) Elephant Ring Bowl
I love Jonathan Adler’s whimsical style and this cute jewelry holder makes a great fun yet functional gift.

2) Naughty & Nice Journals
The end of the year brings on lots of reflection and what better way to start the new year than with fresh naughty and nice ideas!

3) Ringly Ring
Now here’s a piece of wearable tech that I can actually get behind.  Crafted with 18K gold and semi-precious stones, this baby lights up when you receive emails, texts, calls or voicemails.  There’s never been a more fashionable way to stay connected.

4) Shearling Bag
“At least I wouldn’t skin a Collie to make my backpack”.  Ever since Dionne uttered those famous words, I’ve secretly wanted a faux fur backpack like Cher’s.  This pastel number will do just the trick.

5) Felt Hat
Want to make a playful sartorial statement?  I love this felt hat with little cat ears!

6) Italian Calf Hair Belt
It may sound expensive, but this beautiful oxblood belt will only set you back $40.  A great addition to a long cardigan, coat or looped through a pair of high-waisted skinnies.

7) Wine Colored Glasses
These glasses look good on any face shape, and the translucent bottom of the frames pull the focus up, highlighting your beautiful peepers. 

8) Oval Catchall
J. Crew teamed up with illustrator Hugo Guinness to create this quirky ceramic tray.  Use it to highlight your jewelry, or put it in the bathroom and use as a soap dish.

9) Alphabet Necklaces
I love Amsterdam based jewelry designer Sandra Turnia.  She uses everyday materials in an unconventional way to create some very unique pieces.

10) Men’s Watch from Invaluable
I love playing with masculine and feminine looks in my wardrobe and there’s nothing quite as classic and sophisticated as a men’s timepiece on a woman.  Rather than paying full retail price, I recently learned of online auction marketplace, Invaluable.  They carry pieces from around the globe, so if you love vintage finds or constantly roam estate sales, this is the place to shop.

11) Monogrammed Leather Pouches
To prevent all of the little items in my purse from getting lost, I love to have a little pouch to hold everything.  These metallic leather ones from West Elm are super durable and can be monogrammed for a personalized touch.