Note: Looking for today’s SALE post? It’s right here.
A friend who surprised you with a gift. Your new boyfriend’s sister. A colleague that rocks. When it’s time to grab a gift for someone who wasn’t initially on your list it’s critical to get a good bang for your buck. Or maybe you’re on a tight budget and want to give the best gift you can afford. Throughout this month EA will be showcasing mini gift guides covering all sorts of occasions.
Today: great girfts for under $50.
FOR THE TECHIE ON THE GO.
Almost everyone owns a smartphone these days. And almost everyone has a case for theirs. But most people don’t have a case that pulls double-duty as a small, easy-to-carry clutch for a night on the town. This hard-shell iPhone case for the 4/4s ($16, top row left) looks like a picture-frame clutch and has slots inside to carry around your on-the-town essentials while protecting your iPhone from the elements.
Protect your giftee’s digits from the elements with the Smart-Touch Gloves (now $12, top row center) from Simply Vera. They’re selling out quickly on Kohl’s website but are still plentiful in 4 different color options in stores.
FOR THE PERSON WHO ALWAYS SAYS THE OFFICE IS COLD.
I love cute winter accessories! And in an office environment the winter means I’m constantly vacillating between being too hot when the heat is on and freezing when it clicks off. So I love these super-cute animal-shaped mittens ($20, top row right) which pop their mitten tops so you can type with ease. In addition to the bumblebee they also come in a shark (hee!), a polar bear and…well, I’m not really sure what that last animal is. But it’s cute!
Then again why should your hand get all the animal fun? I’m not above wearing an adorable hat like this bear beenie ($24, second row right), which looks warm and beyond charming. If bears aren’t quite your thing the hat also comes in kitty ($24) and panda bear ($24) varieties.
FOR THE SCENT AFICIONADO.
I don’t change my perfume very often but once I tried Chloe’s Eau de parfum everything else seems to pale in comparison. The lighter floral scent and the muskier Eau de Toilette are available in a great mini-gift set ($18, second row left) that are easy to stow in the office or carry around for refresh spritzes.
If rollerballs are more your giftee’s speed, I recommend the Fresh Rollerball Trio ($36, second row center) because it includes a great mix of sweet, airy and citrus scents.
FOR THE ACCESSORIES BUFF.
A cute necklace is a safe gift for someone whose taste you’re not familiar with. I love Madewell’s Bulldog Pendant Necklace ($32, third row left) because who doesn’t love a little Frenchie frowning back at you? For the non-necklace wearer the same design is also available as a ring ($20) and stud earrings ($18).
If your gift target loves pins, brooches and the like than give them a little fluff like Anthropologie’s Ostrich Pouf Clip ($28). I like to wear these in my hair but they also look great on a blazer of as part of a cluster on a dress.
FOR THE ILLUMINATING INDIVIDUAL.
When it’s cold outside I love curling up with a good book and a sweet-smelling candle burning in the background. Effortless Anthropologie sponsor Illume has a ton of great options. One of my favorites right now are the Alexei Candle Tins ($18, bottom row left) which double as a pretty decoration. I’m partial to the Snow on Cedar scent myself. Another great Illume candle is the Good Nature Tin ($16, bottom row right) which looks right at home in a winter cabin and smells like a forest after fresh snow.
If neither of those scents hit the right mark Illume has a ton of options on their site, plus EA readers get free shipping on orders of $100+ using this link.
What gifts under $50 will you be giving this season?
