The holiday season is officially here, which means it’s time to tackle one of my favorite traditions—curating gift guides. To start things off, I wanted to share a roundup of thoughtful gifts that all come in under $100. I’ll admit, I’m biased, but I truly believe there’s something here for just about everyone on your list—whether they’re a beauty enthusiast, a foodie, a cozy homebody, or even that friend who can always be counted on for a good laugh.
This first installment is meant to cover a little bit of everything: a few pieces for the friend who loves their kitchen, a treat for the one who never skips their skincare ritual, something for your city-loving pal, and yes, even a nod to that more unconventional gift recipient. Think of it as a starting point before diving into the more specific guides I have coming soon.
And if you’re wondering, yes—there will be a dedicated guide for the hostess and the homebody tomorrow. Consider this one more of a sampler platter before we get into the specialty menus.
For the Homebody (A Preview)
I can’t give too much away before tomorrow’s deep dive, but let’s be honest: every friend group has at least one person who would rather curl up at home than venture out. For them, you can’t go wrong with something that makes their space feel even cozier—a candle with a beautiful vessel they’ll keep long after it’s burned, or a chic throw blanket that feels as much like décor as it does comfort. Affordable luxury, the kind they’ll reach for again and again.
For the Foodie Friend
Food is universal, but we all know someone who takes it to the next level. Maybe they’re always dragging you to the newest restaurant opening, or maybe they’ve perfected their sourdough starter and now casually bake bread that rivals a French boulangerie. Either way, gifts for the foodie are a delight because they tend to be both useful and indulgent. A high-quality olive oil in a bottle that looks as good on the counter as it tastes on a salad? Perfect. A set of unique spice blends that can transform even the simplest roasted veggies? Even better.
For the Beauty Lover
There’s always that person who seems to know about the “it” serum before anyone else. For them, beauty gifts are the ultimate win. A well-edited gift set is a safe bet—bonus points if it includes travel sizes for those who are always on the go. Or, if you’d rather choose something more personal, think about a luxe hair accessory, a silk pillowcase, or a beautifully packaged hand cream. These are the little luxuries most people don’t splurge on for themselves, which is exactly what makes them such good gifts.
For the Friend with a Sense of Humor
Every list needs at least one fun, slightly offbeat option. Whether you call them your stoner friend, your comic relief, or just the one who always keeps things interesting, they’ll appreciate a gift that’s playful without being useless. Quirky glassware, a cheeky coffee table book, or even a nostalgic game that you can play together over the holidays—these kinds of gifts tend to spark conversations and memories, which is part of their charm.
For the NYC Enthusiast
If you have someone on your list who is either living in New York or eternally nostalgic for it, there are plenty of creative gift options under $100. A framed map of their favorite neighborhood, a tote bag from a beloved local brand, or even a candle inspired by the city’s unique energy (yes, they exist!) will hit the sweet spot. These gifts feel personal, thoughtful, and a little bit chic, especially for the person who carries a piece of New York in their heart no matter where they live.
Why Under $100 Matters
When it comes to gift-giving, budget does matter. The beauty of sticking to this price point is that it forces you to get creative, thoughtful, and intentional. Instead of leaning on big-ticket items, you focus on pieces that feel special without being extravagant. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to give something meaningful.
A Note on What’s Next
Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing a dedicated guide for the hostess and the homebody—two categories that always deserve extra attention this time of year. From cozy luxuries to stylish entertaining essentials, it’s going to be full of gems.
And for those who may not know, I’ve also been posting on Substack recently. It’s a mix of fashion finds, personal musings, and a little behind-the-scenes from life outside the blog. While the site here isn’t going anywhere, I’m planning a refresh in the months ahead. Until then, subscribing to Substack is the easiest way to make sure you don’t miss new posts—they’ll go straight to your inbox, no spam ever, just more of the content you come here for.
Final Thoughts
Kicking off gift guide season with finds under $100 feels right—it’s practical, thoughtful, and accessible. Whether you’re shopping for a beauty lover, a foodie, a homebody, or your friend who just loves a good laugh, there’s something here that fits without breaking the bank.
Check back tomorrow for Part Two, and in the meantime, I’d love to know: who’s the hardest person on your list to shop for this year? Maybe I’ll sneak in a few extra ideas just for them.
