Shit I Bought and Liked: The $50ish Gift Guide
Shitters! Tell me why the clock struck Nov 1 and all the influencers had their gift guides ready to go?! I don’t talk to the camera enough to be an influencer (YET), but it would’ve been nice to know!!! Anyways, not to worry, because this idea has been percolating for a minute, and what better time to bring it to life?!
The $50ish gift is a niche we’ve never focused on specifically before, but it’s the sweet spot that I’m often shopping in for friends and family, so why not give you all some really good options for the next time you’re in need (these options aren’t just limited to holiday either!)? Plus, with all the seasonal sales starting up, more things are now in the $50ish range than usual!
More gift guides are coming in the next few weeks (plus everyone’s favorite annual Black Friday shopping guide—this year’s is truly next level if I do say so myself), but in the meantime, get a head start on your holiday shopping with these picks:
Cashmere Socks (available here in mens and womens sizes). These are the ultimate little luxury now that it’s cold out—by the time the sun goes down every night, these are on my feet. J.Crew has been running a new sale everyday, so take advantage and grab some pairs to gift and some to keep for yourself.
This Polo Bear baseball hat is at the top of my personal wishlist (along with this very over-budget customizable crewneck, but that was not the assignment!). They also have adorable beanies and coffee tumblers depending on your budget/recipient.
Tech-friendly gloves. Nice gloves are an underrated gift because they’ll always get used and they’ll always be appreciated. The sale price on this cashmere option works for our purposes, but if you’re willing to stretch the budget a little more, I can personally vouch for this luxe cashmere-lined leather option as well.
A bottle of Via Carota’s White Negroni! Each bottle contains four servings, making it a great way to share a piece of New York with someone who loves the city from afar, or to help out a friend who loves a good cocktail but doesn’t always keep a home bar stocked with ingredients (me, I am the friend). The white negroni is my favorite, but if negronis aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other cocktail options too.
A silk sleep mask is a must for any sleeping beauty or frequent traveler. I can personally vouch for this one, and at this price, you should probably grab one for yourself too.
OBSESSED with these personalized cocktail napkins—they make a perfect engagement gift too.
A chic set of lip products. Depending on their vibe, I like Goop’s Lip Balm Trio, Rhode’s Peptide Lip Tints, and Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Posh Gloss + Lip Liner (06 is my personal shade of choice if anyone would like to treat me!!).
Is a luxury candle the most original gift in the world? Certainly not. But IMO, they’re always nice to receive. Especially because most are at a price point that is manageable yet still annoying to spend on yourself. Now that we’re in sale season, more options than ever are right around $50. Here are my current favorites from Jenni Kayne and Salt and Stone.
These Gap PJs have been a Shitter favorite for years now, and depending on the bottoms/color options you choose, you could end up way under budget (a first for this newsletter!).
These slipper socks have options for men, women, and kids.
SUBSCRIPTIONS. Do you know how inexpensive it is to get your friend a subscription to their favorite magazine or Substack?! A quick Google says you can get a year-long subscription to Architectural Digest for $24! Treat your Bravo-obsessed friend to a year of Peacock. Treat your celebrity-obsessed friend to Hunter Harris’s Substack. Treat your friend who needs to cut down their takeout spending to NYTimes Cooking. There is so much good content out there that’s worth supporting and sharing!
Heavy on the “50ish” here, but this set of fun coasters is one of my favorite things in my home. Here are a few other options (1, 2, 3) at different price points.
A cutie apron for your friend who’s always in the kitchen.
Good Olive Oil. Meeting the significant other’s family for the first time, or in need of a holiday hostess gift? This is a perfect pick that’s a little more original than a bottle of wine (though if you need a “meeting the parents” bottle, Scribe will never let you down). A few options: Flamingo Estate Olive Oil, Olea Pia’s mini olive oil/balsamic sampler set, and the Graza Drizzle and Sizzle set.
A handmade ceramic mug. Plus, with this sale price, you can include a gift card to their favorite coffee shop or a box of a special tea and still stay around $50! That kind of extra detail that corresponds with the original idea is a great way to make a gift feel complete.
Mini sets from buzzy brands are the perfect way to treat a friend who loves trying new products! My picks are the body care essentials from OSEA Malibu or this hair hydration sampler from Crown Affair.
This gua sha is substantial and luxurious for the skincare lover in your life.
My friend Grace got all of us these mini mascaras one year and it was such a sweet little treat/perfect stocking stuffer.
I’m obsessed with this beautiful hairbrush. To me, this falls in the category of unnecessarily pricey things that are far better to receive than to buy for yourself. The extra long bristles feel so good against your scalp—I imagine this is what pets feel like when we scratch behind their ears. And the wooden handle looks beautiful on your vanity. Really cannot recommend this one enough.
Gift cards used to be a lame gift that all but screamed that you knew nothing about the person you were giving it to, but I am old enough to realize that $50 to Sephora is an amazing present. Replace Sephora with their favorite spot for a manicure, the pricey but delicious coffee shop by their office, or anything else they consider a treat!
More gift ideas, Black Friday goodness, and collages coming your way so very soon!
xo,
Priyanka