Thursday, December 7, 2017

Holiday gift guide: under $30

 It's December 7th and I will OFFICIALLY have all of my Christmas shopping done by tonight! (just a few last photo projects to finish) Phew. It took me so much longer than usual to shop this year and I blame in on our ever growing family (but having 6 nieces/nephews to shop for is SO fun) and December just sneaking up on my this year. Anyone else feel like that?

  Anyways! In case you still need to shop (or create your own wishlist for loved ones), I've round up some great gifts for under $30. Think teachers, neighbors, friends, gift exchanges, co-workers, sisters in law, etc. Lots of great ideas for just about everyone! 

  I decided to put together a smaller under $30 gift guide for kids, too! Justin and I actually don't buy our kids big gifts at Christmas (is that awful? They get so many gifts from loved ones!) In case you're in the same boat or have other little ones on your Christmas list, I've included some of our favorite smaller kid gifts. Most are unique enough that the kid on your list likely doesn't have them! Happy shopping :)

(if you do lots of shopping online for gifts, be sure to use ebates! You just search whatever site you're shopping on Ebates and they'll give you a percent back from your purchase. No catch- they just mail you a check! And if you refer a friend, you automatically get $25)



Marble photo holder with prints. I am OBSESSED with these cute (and unique!) photo holders. Handmade in Vietnam, they make a great gift for anyone. Your husband to use on his desk at work, paired with cute recipe cards for a friend who loves to cook, grandma who loves to set out family photos, or even paired with a Starbucks gift card for your favorite teacher/babysitter/neighbor. (If you want to pair it with prints, my favorites are from Chatbooks!) One holder is only $22 (or you can buy a set of 3!)

Loved mug. Maybe mugs are overdone right now? But I love this one. How fun to gift it to someone with maybe some chocolates or another treat inside as a reminder (whenever they use it!) that they are loved. This one is another favorite- and these keychains. My favorite quote!

May Designs notebook. Starting at $15, these GORGEOUS and customizable notebooks make the best gifts. I discovered them last year when on Noonday secret sister gifted me one and I was surprised by how much I loved and used it. And if you aren't on a budget, the leather folios go great with the little notebooks!

10oz tumbler. While they offer other sizes (and koozies!) I love this smaller tumbler. It's perfect for one cup of coffee or just a smaller drink. And its ADORABLE! You can customize the background, (and add a monogram for $5). Such a fun idea!

Fun planter. (with real or fake plant!) I'm still a sucker for a cute planter. If you (or the person you're gifting) doesn't have a green thumb, you can fill it with a succulent (ikea has cheap ones!) or even artificial greenery. Don't love the cute turtle? These gold planters are fun, too!

chatbooks. Make a book of photos for your bff, your husband, grandparents, or one of your annual beach vacation. Super affordable and fun to have! (Bonus: if you order TODAY Thursday, December 7th, Chatbooks will email you a $5 gift card!)

Fingerless mittens. Everyone loves a good pair of gloves. This pair is a combo of mittens and fingerless gloves which is my fav!

Noonday Collection accessories! I mean, you knew I would include my favorite Noonday items under $30, right? The Metric Cuff is a bestseller and I bought this Dancing Charm bracelet for Caleb's preschool teachers. I love how unique the Cow Horn Hoops are and they make a great gift for someone who loves funky pieces. If you want to stay clear from jewelry, I have this Haitian Leather Tassel on my leather tote and its so colorful and cute. The Huipil Luggage Tag is perfect for pairing with a gift card (it acts as a gift card holder!) or cute passport cover.

A good book. I've received books as gifts a few times over the last year and each time, its felt like a treat! Maybe people shy away from giving books because it can be a tricky gift, but I also think it can be fun. If you want a lighthearted book nearly everyone will love, The Rosie Project is my all time favorite. For a non-fiction, practical book- Emily Ley's newest has some amazing reviews!

Notecards. My favorite Etsy shop owner makes really, really pretty notecards and sells them in sets of four (or eight). So pretty! I love the idea of pairing them with some vintage stamps or your favorite pens (I like these). If you know someone who sews/knits/bakes, she also makes little tags to include with their creations.

gift cards. Why do gift cards get such a bad rap? I don't think they're impersonal at all! Target, Starbucks (or a local coffee shop!), a pastry shop, Etsy, Noonday Collection, etc ALL make fun add-on gifts!





Pull-back cars. Tyler was gifted these last Christmas and the boys LOVE them. They're big enough for them to grip, made of a soft rubber-like material, and are so fun to pull back and race on our hardwood floors. (I've found them at Target, too, if you want to see them in person!)

Poke-a-dot books. Need a fun busy book for a toddler? These are super fun and sort of a better version of bubble wrap because kids can endlessly 'poke' the dots.

Craft kits. I love everything by Alex Kids. Their sets are fun and playful, and really budget friendly. We have this Paper bag puppet kit and its so cute!

Play tunnel. We have this play tent and I've been on the hunt for an inexpensive (and condensable) tunnel to use with it. This ikea one is just the right size and only $15!

Mini lantern. The boys LOVE playing with flash lights and lanterns (and turning off the lights to do so). We've gone through 3 toy flashlights/lanterns already and I love this one for a replacement because its a great size and an even better price if it gets broken!

gift cards. Kids (and their parents!) love getting smaller gift cards to Chick Fil A, Target, an ice cream or donut shop, or even local bowling alleys!











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