I Set a $50 Budget—25 Gifts for "Impossible to Buy" People
Consider this your guide to holiday shopping.
Friends! I don’t know what’s in the air, but I’m reading essays left and right (and left and right) talking smack about gift guides. Am I the only one who still enjoys them? For real! I find them to be fun, and insightful, and even though, sure, it is not at all in my tax bracket to give someone a horse, it’s FUNNY! Like please, BRING BACK JOY! There are so many gift guides online right now: some are utilitarian, others are inspirational, and many are just kind of silly. Does it sound like I’m protesting too much? I promise I’m not, I just enjoy these kinds of stories.
Part 2 of my under-$50 guide is below, and you can scroll down to it, but before we get to that…I have to ask: have you listened to my podcast Nice Talk recently? Season 2 is on fire with guests like Lena Waithe (who famously does not have imposter syndrome), Real Housewives of New York’s Brynn Whitfield (she gives a really touching update on her hair journey as a mixed race woman) and chef Alison Roman (who discusses the pressures to create content and also what it’s like to be pregnant in the public eye). I love working on this podcast so much. Getting to discuss money, power, and style with women I find interesting and admire has been such a thrill. It would mean a lot if you gave it a listen and rated and reviewed the episodes wherever you get your podcasts. Okay, on to the gift guide. Let’s get started!
With free two-day shipping you can send a dose of nostalgia to your good sis.
What a cool idea, right? A single strike can probably fill your entire powder room with a delicious-smelling scent.
For the fragrance heads on your list who happen to be looking for a new scent—put them on to Dries Van Noten.
I saw my friend Sue wearing three of these in one ear that spelled out her name and was absolutely charmed. How cute!
Who doesn’t love a silly piece of home decor?
My nephew, sister, and I played so many rounds of this game on Thanksgiving day and had an absolute blast.
They can put their hair up the French-girl way with this chic pin.
Bag charms had a big moment this year, but it’s not too late for your giftee to get in on the trend.
Ugg boots will always make a great gift, but I’m especially fond of their cold-weather accessories like the hats, mittens, and gloves.
Imagine matching slippers for the entire family’s holiday photo.
Get their word of 2025 on a bracelet for a delightful surprise.
Help the hostess in your life set the vibe with long stem candles.
Yes, they’re slightly more than $50, but I couldn’t help but add. For an under $30 option, these are great.
For both the cinephiles or sartorialists in your life. Bonus points if they’re both!
Hands down, these are among the top five most comfortable pajama sets I own.
(Shirt and pants sold separately.)
For the guy in your life who absolutely hates umbrellas.
Any TikTok lover knows about Ralph’s Coffee (and the line that’s always stretched outside the door), so give them the at-home experience.
The perfect gift for a friend who just moved into a new place.
A bottle opener chic enough to double as a sculptural necklace.
Earlier this year Biet led the Marie Claire Power Play group on a breathwork practice that truly blew people away. With these cards your giftee can experience a small taste of what we did.
The Milk and Honey 10th Anniversary Collector’s Edition is a must-have for Rupi Kaur mega-fans and new-to-poetry lovers alike.
If you’ve got a Sephora-obsessed tween in your life, I guarantee you this is on their wish list.
Socks that will actually keep his feet warm during the winter. What’s not to love! Bonus points if your splurge and get him the matching Bean boots.
My boyfriend loves this hand cream so much, he’s officially coopted mine as his own.
The best pencils out there, bar none, per executive editor Andrea Stanley.
First time reading Self Checkout? Catch up on the past few weeks.
