$50 and Under 2019 Holiday Gift Guide
I can’t believe Christmas is in exactly two-weeks and I still haven’t purchased a thing 🤦🏽♀️…but I’m not too worried about it because I feel like I’ve got a pretty good idea of what I’m going to get everyone this year.
Buying holiday gifts can be difficult and anxiety-inducing; especially if you aren’t sure what someone would like. I put together this gift guide to help you on your journey of finding the perfect gift without killing your pockets.
Beauty Gifts
I always find beauty gifts to be the easiest to purchase, because there are so many options. Sephora has a large variety of both affordable and high-end gift options if you want to keep it easy and simple. I’ve included a couple of other options in this guide if you want to be a bit more creative.
1. Belif Moisture Miracle Set
Skin care kits can be a bit tricky because you don’t know how someone else’s skin reacts to certain products. This Belif set is a safe option if you do want to get someone skin care products. This set contains a cleanser, moisturizer, and eye cream. These Belif products are great because they cater to all skin types, are dermatologist tested and free of mineral oils, dyes, and fragrances. I 100% advocate for this brand; my sensitive skin loves Belief products.
2. Origins Mask and Go Set
Face masks are probably the number one skin care product that people are open to testing. Someone may use the same cleanser or moisturizer for years, but there isn’t as much loyalty when it comes to face masks, which is why I think they make great gifts. This gift set from Origins contains a variety of different masks that you can test out. The masks are also a decent size so you can get a few uses out of each bottle.
3. ButterMeUpGoods Body Butter
ButterMeUpGoods is a black-owned beauty brand that has amazing skin/body care products. The body butters specifically come in a variety of fun and unique fragrances. They also come in different sizes so you can build a customized sampler gift set. I’ve transitioned to using body butters and I haven’t turned back since. They are way more moisturizing than your standard lotion or cream. Your dry skin friends will love you for gifting them body butter.
4. Sephora Crystal Facial Roller Set
If your loved one is bit more adventurous when it comes to skin care, than I definitely think you should check out this product. I can write-up a whole post on facial rollers (I love them), but to put it shortly, this tool cools and soothes the skin, and reduces the appearance of puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles. It’s a great tool, but definitely not something the average person would buy for themselves, which makes it a perfect gift!
5. KOOLORBS Makeup 21 Led Vanity Mirror with Lights
This vanity mirror is super dope, and a great gift for a makeup lover. It has magnifying properties and contains LED lights, which makes it a great tool for skincare and makeup application. It’s also not something the average person would go out and purchase for themselves, which is why it serves as a great gift.
Fashion/Accessories
I typically don’t gift actual clothing due to potential sizing issues and differences in style. I like certain items to be fitted and others to be over-sized. Also, I may find a top to be super cute, and someone may think the opposite lol. Because of those two things, for the most part, I like to gift people accessories because they are safer.
1. ASOS Cross Strap Slider Slippers
I love these slippers; mostly because they are a cross between slides and slippers. They allow your feet to breathe, but at the same time still provide some warmth. They’re stylish, have a unique color way, and the sizing of them is forgiving, so you don’t have to worry about knowing the exact size of the person you’re gifting them too.
2. ASOS Fluffy Two Tone Long Scarf with Tassels
A scarf can really take your outfit to the next level as well as provide extra warmth during the wintertime. No matter how many scarves I own, I’m always happy to purchase or be gifted another one. ASOS has some of the best oversized scarves. If you’re not into the one I posted above, search for more of them on the ASOS website. They come in a variety of styles and colors.
3. Vanessa Mooney The Zodiac Sign Necklaces
I have the Gemini necklace, and I loveeeee it! I think it’s a great personal gift. I usually stay clear of gifting someone cheaper jewelry, but Vanessa Mooney is definitely Rissy approved! I am someone who is highly allergic to different metals (I’ll break out in a nasty rash), but I’ve never had any issues with Vanessa Mooney, & I have a few of their necklaces and earrings.
FYI: The zodiac necklaces I’m referring to are $58. Don’t throw tomatoes at me lol. I do think the extra $8 is worth the splurge. You can also get 20% your first purchase which helps.
4. Jason Markk Travel Shoe Cleaning Kit
This is a fantastic gift set for the sneaker head in your life. I use Jason Markk’s shoe cleaning products and 100% recommend them. This kit comes with a gentle shoe cleanser, a mini cleaning brush, a microfiber towel, three quick cleaning wipes, and a travel case. It’s a simple gift, but also super thoughtful. It’s one of those gifts that that someone will truly make use of.
5. Inventery Leather Card Holder
I need to pick up one of these for myself, because I cannot even begin to count the amount of times I’ve lost my ID, credit cards, etc lol. I have a tendency to force everything in my pockets. If you know someone like me, consider getting them a card holder. This one by Inventery is leather and super sleek.
Home
I’m always very careful when it comes to home gifts. I find them to be the most difficult to purchase, because most people are very particular when it comes to home decor. I usually stay clear of gifts such as wall art, trinkets, certain dishware etc. because they may potentially go unused due to not fitting in with the overall design of someone’s home. I also try to not buy any large appliances/electronics (I.E. a coffee machine) unless I know for a fact that they don’t already own the item I’m looking to gift them.
1. Voluspa Maison Blanc Two-Wick Tin Candle Set
This is a pretty safe home gift. It’s a beautiful set of 3 large candles. Now, I can’t speak to the scents because I don’t personally own this set, but I will say that Voluspa candles are relatively popular, and the designs of the candles themselves are worth the purchase. I’d literally just have these chilling around my house whether they smelled nice or not because of how cute they are lol.
2. UGG® Classic Sherpa Throw Blanket in Ceramic
I don’t think I need to do much convincing with this one. You can’t go wrong with a cozy neutral-colored blanket. I know that I can never have to many of them. This one is made out of Sherpa material, and is UGG branded. I think it’s a great gift.
3. Discretion Party Game for the Culture
Taboo is one of my all-time favorite holiday and/or kickback games. Discretion is very similar to Taboo, but it features cards specifically geared towards black culture. It’s super fun and relateable, and a great gift to give someone who hosts a lot of functions in their home.
4. ASAKUKI 500ml Premium, Essential Oil Diffuser
Essential Oil Diffusers are amazing. They’re great wellness gifts. Not only do they improve the air quality and make your room smell nice, they’re also aromatherapy devices. You can diffuse different essential oils to improve your physical, emotional and spiritual health.
5. Papier 2020 Planner
2020 is right around the corner, and Papier has some dope planners that can help someone get organized for the year. These planners are perfect for someone in your life who is either super organized and loves planning, or someone who is all over the place and should maybe look into planning.
Tech
Tech gifts usually run on the more expensive side, but look no further than this section of my gift guide, because I have few ideas for some affordable options that the techie in your life will love.
1. Elago Airpods Case
If your loved one has airpods, look into gifting them a case for their airpods. As someone who has lost their airpods three times already, a case would be greatly appreciated. Elago has super cute and unique cases. I personally just purchased the one that’s shaped like a peach and I love it! That one also doubles as a keychain, so my airpods aren’t going anywhere! I recommend browsing the Elago website. They have other hidden gems on different pages than the one I linked.
2. Elago Charging Hub
While we’re still on the topic of Elago, I’d highly recommend this charging hub for someone who is Apple obsessed. It’s a super sleek hub that charges your Apple Watch, Airpods, and Iphone! It’s a great office desk or night stand accessory.
3. Google Nest Mini or Alexa Echo Dot
I think the Nest Mini and/or Amazon Echo are great gifts to purchase without having to worry whether someone already owns one. I actually own both of them. One is in my living room and the other is in my bedroom; and I’d gladly accept another for my kitchen lol! Bring on the mini smart devices!
4. The North Face Etip Salty Dog Knit Tech Gloves
There’s nothing worse than having to remove your gloves in the bitter cold just to use your phone. These gloves by The North Face are super warm and touchscreen friendly. They aren’t technically a technology product per say, but they are definitely geared towards techies.
5. Quip Electronic Toothbrush
Quip is an affordable and sleek electronic toothbrush. It’s easy to travel with, and for those with sensitive teeth/gums, it doesn’t spin so it’s not as harsh as your typical electronic toothbrush. I’m not going to lie and say it performs on par with the larger electronic toothbrushes. It has its drawbacks, but I do like it for what it is. I would say it’s a mix between a regular toothbrush and an electric toothbrush. Overall, I’d definitely recommend it as a gift!