Gift-giving is my love language. In fact, I keep a list on my phone that I update throughout the year with ideas for my loved ones—whether it's something they mentioned wanting or something I think they'd love. Once I know what I want to shop for the holidays, the next order of business is finding the best deal on those items. While I love a designer piece as much as the next fashion girl, I firmly believe that you can gift gorgeous items that also fit your budget.
My first stop is almost always Nordstrom. Not only does the retailer carry my favorite brands (Le Crueset, Byredo, Barbour, and more), but I don't have to wait for a sale to score fair pricing. This year, I'm getting my holiday shopping done early, and I've tasked myself with spending $100 or less per person. Scroll on for the top 20 pieces I'll be wrapping up for my loved ones.
I may be on a budget, but I refuse to buy my friends fake gold jewelry. These plated 14-karat gold studs have a diamond-like shine without the diamond price tag.
BYREDO
Bibliotheque Candle
My mom mentioned wanting her house to feel more elevated, and the quickest way to make that happen is with a scent that feels straight out of a perfumery. As the name suggests, the Bougie Parumee is woody, warm, and yes, bougie.
COACH
Plaza 18 Natural Grain Leather Shoulder Bag
Designer bags under $100 do exist. My sister-in-law revealed she still uses the same black shoulder bag from college, so I'm treating her to a more elevated option.
SALT & STONE
Body Fragrance Mist
I test a lot of fragrances, but I always come back to Salt & Stone's Santal and Vetiver scent. I love the second-skin-like aroma and that it contains moisturizing ingredients.
Barbour
Deanna Scarf
My cousin just moved to the East Coast and purchased her first proper peacoat to survive the winter. A classic Barbour scarf is the perfect addition to her cold-weather ensemble.
BLUE LAGOON SKIN SCIENCE
Mineral Face Mask
Maybe you can't buy them that plane ticket to Iceland, but you can get them the famous Blue Lagoon mask to use whenever they want to feel transported to the volcanic springs.
Le Creuset
Demi Tea Kettle
A gentle reminder that the brands you think are out of your price range aren't always. Le Crueset offers plenty of gorgeous kitchen accessories, like this tea kettle for the home chef in your life, for well under $100.
Oak Essentials
Dream Bath Soak
My coworker is training for a marathon, so I wanted to treat her to a little R&R. This magnesium bath soak smells divine and contains ingredients to help reduce tension and inflammation.
Le Specs
Outta Love 51mm Oval Sunglasses
One gift idea is a solution to a problem. My mother-in-law didn't even realize she was squinting every time she was driving, but I did. These stylish sunglasses will do the trick.
Oribe
Supershine Moisturizing Leave-In Hair Cream for Dry Hair
I am lucky enough to get sent some pretty amazing beauty products, and my niece loves to steal them from me when she visits. Oribe is her favorite, and I'm excited to help her start her beauty collection.
MACKENZIE CHILDS
Check Capiz Small Vase
My brother and his wife just bought a new house, so this gilded vase will double as a Christmas and housewarming present.
Nordstrom
Cool Touch Cami Pajamas
As a mom-to-be, I run hot every night. My close friend is also pregnant, so I know she'll get a lot of use out of these cool-touch pajamas that happen to be very cute.
NODPOD
Weighted Sleep Mask
You've seen weighted blankets, but what about a weighted blanket for your eyes? It's one of those products you can't knock until you try—and I'd wager there's a wellness fan in your life who's definitely down to try it.
Jo Malone London
Vitamin E Lip Balm Conditioner
My other teenage niece is ready to upgrade her drugstore lip glosses to something more elevated, so I'm adding my favorite balm to her stocking.
Addison Ross London
Bobbin Salt & Pepper Grinder
Transparently, this may be a gift for me. I'm in the process of redecorating my kitchen, and I love a pop of maroon.
Peter Thomas Roth
Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
My aunt's new puppy is adorable and also a terror. My aunt is awake at all hours of the night, so I'm giving her the gift of looking rested with my favorite hydrating and de-puffing eye patches.
Le Creuset
5-Piece Mini Stoneware Cocottes & Cookbook Set
These adorable Le Creuset cocottes come with a matching cookbook, so it's like two presents in one.
Nadri
Pisa Hoop Climber Earrings
For a gift that won't be regifted, I opted for these chicer-than-average gold climber earrings.
Nécessaire
The Body Retinol
For the person on your list who's truly stumped you, get a safe product (body lotion) with a slight twist. This luxe body cream contains 0.1% pure retinol, five hydrating peptides, vitamins, and 10% AHA, so it's more than just a moisturizer.
FRANZESE
Our Kitchen to Your Table Cookbook
And finally, a chic cookbook that doubles as decor is always a win.
Stephanie is a director on the branded content team, heading up strategy for beauty, homes, and lifestyle clients. When she's not brainstorming creative ideas for WhoWhatWear, Marie Claire, and Homes & Gardens, she's scouring NYC for the best vintage finds — always with an iced coffee in hand.