Gifts for Small Sentiments and Stocking Stuffers

This is by far and away the most requested gift guide this year, and I totally understand why! This has been the year of change, the year of different, the year of WTF. Some of us have dealt with significant financial hardship and may be gifting smaller, while others may be gifting more albiet smaller gifts from a distance and still others may be trying to gift easily shippable items. For these reasons and more, small and budget friendly gifts are in high demand!

Gifting the perfect something to the perfect someone can be tough at any size and budget. And I think there can be a misconception that small gifts aren’t as special. It might take a little more thought and effort, but I’m here to tell you that small sentiments can be just as meaningful as other gifts! This post will focus on gifts all under $50 that are smaller in size, with lots of sets that you can break apart and re-combine. Then, at the end, I’ll share even more ideas for gift combining to help you create some one-of-a-kind presents for those that you love (or that co-worker you only kind of like).

1. Herbal Tea and 2. An Artisanal Mug – I adore Thrive Market brand tea and this Calming blend is the perfect pairing for 2020! Organic chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, peppermint, and licorice root combine for a truly lovely sipping experience. Bonus: Thrive tea bags are unbleached, and the box they’re packaged in is recyclable and BPA-free! Snag a box and pair it with a mug like this one – at under $7 it’s a steal and can be stuffed with other goodies like healthified chocolate or a handmade ornament! If you order the tea, chocolate and ornament on Thrive, you can easily create several little mug baskets for friends, co-workers or family members. | $3.49 and $6.95 plus extras

3. Jewelry Case – One of my all time favorite sustainable brands, Sezane, carries the most beautiful travel and storage cases. I adore the feminine floral prints and how they look oh so special on a dresser but are functional too! The pretty patterns remind me of the french coutryside or super old school Vera Bradley. This makeup bag is beautiful too! | $35

4. Whimsical Pen Cup – The cutest gift for a work grab bag or secrets snowflake! I don’t know about you but where I work and what I’m surrounded by totally impacts my mood and productivity. Even when I’m in the office I have personal touches all around my desk! Pop in some of these pens or even a Starbucks gift card for a “coffee on me” with your co-worker! This is an alternative to boring office decor and totally makes me smile. Beautycounter people – this would make a great team gift, too! | $14

5. A Puzzle – I love puzzles so much and they are a great alternative to technology these days! You can find so many cool ones online (I shared others in this post) but I’ve found that Anthro and Urban Outfitters have some fun and funny options! Or check out your local toy store – I’m sure they would appreciate the business. If you have a family member that’s tough to shop for, a puzzle is a great go-to – maybe with their favorite vacation spot, TV show characters or sports team! |$28, varied

6. The Home Edit Life – A book that’s fun to read and looks great on a table? Yes please! Clea and Joanna are hysterical and anyone that loves organization and has a sense of humor will certainly enjoy their second book. Their first book is great too! | $16.99

7. Thoughtful Ornament – Ornaments are fun for friends and co-workers – even family members! You can go with a theme or make it silly – some of my favorites are this coffee cup, this camera and this croissant! Think about the person, what they like and if you have any fun inside jokes or experiences you can reference! My favorite source for ornaments by far is Sur La Table – I mean can you even handle this dutch oven?| $21, varied

8. Funny (Clean) Candle – This candle company is literally called Cancelled Plans. Can you think of a more hysterical name for 2020? Me neither! The other scents: It’s Fine I’m Fine, Remember Hugs?, Social Anxiety and Do Not Disturb, among others. | $16 but you can snag a larger size for $32!

9. Eye Mask – This eye mask is chic and excellent for any age or gender! C had a fancier eye mask on his gift guide and I had one on mine too. Why? Because they are amazing! Got a friend that’s a new mom or dad? Or someone who just needs a good ole rest? This is the perfect gift. You could pair something like this with a homemade lavender potpurri or lavender esential oil roller for a dreamy and relaxing gift! | $9.50

10. Clarity Skin Set – Got a friend or family member who is an essential worker or dealing with maskne? Or have someone on your list who just wants to step up their skin care game? This Indie Lee set is a dream and so great for pesky skin. The toner is great for all skin types and a fan favorite of mine (and my clients) for sure. You could also break this up and plop them into stockings or use them as gift toppers! | $29

11. Camp Socks – Can you ever have too many camp socks? No, you can’t. I freaking love getting socks in my stocking (socks in a sock!) and these are the best of the best when it comes to camp socks because the taller length means they do not get stuck in your boots! These are so great for dudes and dads, too! | $16.99, $19.99

12. Movie Night Popcorn Kit – I am so sad that this sold out the day after I found it! But have no fear – these small bowls, this large bowl and this stovetop popper (not in the original kit) are all good substitutions! Snag kernels from the store or this seasoning kit for a complete date-night or family-fun night at home! You could also add an iTunes gift card or amazon gift card for a super fun movie night! | Various

13. Mug Set| Hello, most beautiful mugs I have ever seen! This set is expensive, but my plan would be to buy the set and split them up for my girlfriends! Add in a nail polish (more below) and nail file (easily found at your local pharmacy or grocery), and a tiny bottle of alcohol for hot toddies and you’ve got yourself a saucy at-home spa kit! | $98 for 4

14. Chic AF Fanny – Fanny packs are the new purses and this one is by far the cutest I’ve seen! Paravel makes the chicest accessories and when I saw this two-toned beauty I knew it would go on one of my guides. Such a fun (and practical) gift for anyone who loves to walk and appreciates a fuss free accessory. | $35

15. Uplift and Brigthen Set – Another set from a clean favorite, Biossance, that is great to break apart! Snag this and split them up between friends and family – I dare you to find anyone that isn’t looking for a brightening boost these days! I love gifting skincare because so many people skimp on self and skin care. It’s the gift that keeps on giving! | $72 for the set

16. Peppermint Bark – The BEST stocking stuffer! C and I always give this to our family members on Christmas. I’ve made my own bark in the past but honestly nothing compares to the original from Williams-Sonoma! This set of four can be easily plopped into stockings or put on top of gifts. | $16.95

17. Patterned Ceramic Catchall – Is this not the cutest catchall tray you’ve ever seen? It’s kinda shaped like an eye mask or glasses case, looks a litle bit like a Goyard bag and can be monogrammed! The monogram adds $12 but honestly these trays are so pretty they don’t even really need it. I love all the different patterns! Such a great gift for a mom or MIL who has everything but would appreciate something lovely, the person who is always losing their glasses, or your workaholic friend who needs a place for all their bluelight glasses (hi hello ME). | $19

18. Spice Set – These paleo certified spices are seriously the best and come in such fun variety packs! A great gift for your picky eater, foodie friend or quarantine cook who wants to easily amp up their dishes. The blends are all organic and support a small family business! Can easily be broken up into stocking stuffers too.| $24.95

19. Mini Silicone Spatulas – We asked for two sets of these for our wedding and they are without a doubt the most used items in our kitchen! If you do not have a MINI spatula YOU ARE MISSING OUT! So good for stockings or tied on top of a package. Or as a gift allll by themselves! Ours are red (festive!) but white is classic and easy too. | $19.95 for two

20. Clean Nail Polish – Oh Olive and June, I love ya! And I don’t even do my nails that much! When I do, I want the polish to be clean and 7-free, I want cute colors and ideally I want to support a small business. This winter set has 8 fun shades, perfect for splitting up and gifting to your gal pals, sisters or other ladies in your life! It ends up being about $9 a polish, and you can keep one and the topcoat for yourself! | $72 for 8 shades and a topcoat

21. Clean Fragrance Trial Kit – My favorite clean fragrance, Phlur, has a fun trial set where you can sample three favorite scents! Fragrance is the #1 offender when it comes to endocrine and hormone disruptors in our products and as hard as it was for me to make the switch, I’m so glad I did! Phlur is completely transparent and their smells are divine! Such a treat for anyone who wants to feel a little special right now. | $18 and get $5 your first purchase here

22. AirPods Holder – I am new to the AirPods game and I gotta say I am ALWAYS paranoid I’m going to lose them! I freaking adore this little case that I can easily hook onto my purse, fanny pack, crossbody or even around my wrist on on my jacket. AND it can be monogrammed! This is 100% one of those gifts no one thinks they need but will be obsessed with 😉 | $50

23. Counter Plus Mini Skin Stars – THIS is my favorite holiday set of all! Three minis of Beautycounter’s best sellers all in one! You could gift it solo or split it up – I plan to do both. The peel and vitamin C serum have saved my skin, and I just started incororating the brightening oil! This would be a great set for moms or mother-in-laws and anyone concerned with brightening, boosting and beautifying | $45

24. Eye Revive Cooling Eye Masks – You know I am ALL about face masks…but have you ever used EYE masks? Formulated with cucumber extract and aloe leaf, these cooling masks work to depuff, soothe leave the skin around eyes feeling refreshed. I love to use them after my regular face masks because you can just blend the formula into your skin once removed. Such a treat and easy to buy and break apart! | $49 for 6

MORE IDEAS

For the Sports Fan – Snag a shirt from their favorite team over at Fanatics – they are having crazy sales right now! Roll it up into this NFL party bowl (under $10!), throw in a bag of chips, salsa and some on brand napkins and you’ve got a gameday ready gift!

For the Self Improver – I read every morning and I’ve had this daily devotional for almost 4 years! It’s a favorite and resonates time and time again. Pair it with this notebook customized with a quote!

For the Planner – A quality task planner has really changed the game for me! I use it for personal life and side hustles but C got one to use for work. What a gift to help someone stay on track come 2021!

For the Movie Lover – Similar to my gift above, get a neutral popcorn bowl and fresh kernels from the store, add in an iTunes giftcard and include a list of the top 100 movies of all time! You can easily print this here.

For the Homebody – A cozy blanket, a mini candle and a book literally about being a homebody written by the homebody queen herself, Joanna Gaines? A winning combo indeed.

For the Mental Health Maven – This beautiful self care planner is a must (I have it!) and I love it paired with this book on healing by one of my favorite inspiration humans, Alex Elle.

For the Feminist – This Cabernet and Equal Pay sweatshirt (or anything from Amy’s shop) is a favorite of mine. Add a can of cabernet for good measure 😉

For the Book Lover – This Book Club Candle, this leather bookmark, and some chocolate because, duh. They get to pick their own book, unless you have a good idea for what they like!

For the Night Owl – That friend or family member that always stays up too late? They definitely need this ice facial roller, a monogrammed mug and this preppy coffee – the packaging is just too cute!

For the Morning Person – This perfect Ralph’s Coffee Cup and a subscription to their favorite periodical or magazine.

For the Hostess – This beautiful vase can be monogrammed and would look so pretty on the table! I am obsessed with the pale pink color. Instead of wrapping it, bring it or drop it off with flowers inside!

For the Proper Pal – Does it get any prettier than a Royal Albert tea cup? Add some herbal tea from the local store and a book like American Royals. I hear it’s fabulous and the paperback version is a steal!

For the Neighbors – Homemade treats are such a thoughtful touch! Use these recipes and load up a small dish (love this set of 6 for all the neighbors!) that can be easily delivered and re-used by the recipient.

For the Baker – A set of dishtowels can be split up or kept together (these ones last FOREVER), plus a baking mix and my favorite spatulas – all from the same source! You can pick them up from your local Williams-Sonoma or get them delivered.

For the Chef – This digital cookbook, Family Meal, has 50 recipes from some of the country’s top chef’s and All proceeds benefit the Restaurant Workers’ Covid-19 Emergency Relief Fund, which supports on-the-ground efforts in the restaurant community during this challenging time. You can pair it with the ultimate classic chef apron, too!

For the Low Waster – DIY some trail mix and put it in a stasher bag – the stand up ones are my fave! Don’t wrap this in normal paper – if you need to wrap, use a reusable bag or scarf!

For the Wanderluster – A parisian mug with a croissant ornament will do – you could even add a baguette and some fresh brie!

For the Sleep Obsessed – This ethical silk eye mask (I know, I know, I’m on a big eye mask kick) is dreamy and comes in so many pretty patterns! The company is fair trade and uses ethical silk practices and donates 10% of proceeds towards fighting AIDS and Homlessness. They also make GORGEOUS silk masks! You could pair the eye mask with these BC eye masks for some pretty pampered peepers.

For the Sentimenal Sharer – Framebridge launched their first ever ornament in a beautiful gold frame! You can easily upload any photo and get this shipped ASAP! They also have a few frames under $50, like this one. These days so many of us keep photos on our phone, which makes a framed photo all the more special (especially when we are apart).

For the Big Hearted Minimalist – This delicate gold plated necklace is under $40! Lotte321 is an amazing female founded company that gives back 15% of their proceeds every month. This month they are donating to GiGi’s Playhouse – the only international network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers created to provide free life-changing therapeutic and educational programs for all ages.

SHOP THE POST