Gift Guide: Gifts for Her Under-$25

1. West Elm Medium Metallic Cosmetic Bag ($15) // 2. Xhiliration Dotted Pajamas ($25) // 3. Chanel Nail Polishes in Vamp and Graphite ($26) // 4. Smitten Kitchen Cookbook ($21) // 5. C. Wonder Monogram Mug ($10) // 6. ASOS Gold Torque Necklace ($18)

This year, I thought I would focus more on wallet-friendly gifts.  Because while we all want to give good gifts, we don’t want to go broke (or into debt) celebrating the holidays.  Today’s post is all about gifts for her that cost under-$25.

One.  This season, West Elm is selling a line of quilted makeup bags and pouches that will make the great gifts.  This is the medium cosmetic bag (4×7.5) in the stone/silver (it also comes in black and silver).  You can also choose the larger bag (5×8) or the smaller bag, which is perfect for brushes (2×8). All of the bags are plastic lines to protect against leaky products.

West Elm is also selling a set of matching pouches to hold the rest of your items ($9-$15).  When used together, these pouches are perfect for staying organized while you travel.  And you can have any of the items monogrammed for a personalized gift.  (They’d also make a great bridesmaid gift.)

Don’t care for the metallic fabric?  West Elm also sells the pouches in velvet, stripes and chambray.

Two.  Cozy pajamas are a great gift for friends, sisters and moms.  This pair are pure adorable with gold polka dots and black piping.  I also love these multi-colored Scottie dog pjs ($24) and this cute thermal shorts set from Victoria’s Secret ($20).

Three.  I love to give Chanel nail polish as a Christmas gift for a few reasons.  First off, they make fantastic colors.  Secondly, it’s an easy gift for friends and coworkers.  Third, if you buy the polish at certain stores (Barney’s Co-Op, Saks), you can have the polish gift wrapped with the Chanel ribbon.  It just makes the gift a little more special and allows you to give your friends a designer gift.

Prefer to get more bang for your buck with an affordable nail polish set?  Sephora by OPI has a gorgeous set of greige, purple, pink and metallic champagne for $20.  And SpaRitual has a great set of four metallic polishes for $20 as well.

Four.  My Mother bought me the Smitten Kitchen cookbook, and I love it.  It’s a great cookbook for those who live in small apartments and don’t want recipes that contain dozens of exotic ingredients.  From white bean and swiss chard pot pies to baked cinnamon french toast, the recipes are fantastic.  And if you’re a vegetarian, or just like meals heavy on the veggies, more than 75% of the recipes are vegetarian-friendly.  It also doesn’t hurt that the photos accompanying the recipes are mouthwateringly-beautiful.  

Five.  These initial coffee mugs would be a great choice for a coworker or neighbor gift.  The bright colors and vibrant patterns are really fun.  I also like these Alphabet Mugs from C.Wonder for $8.  If you wanted make the gift a bit more special, I’d suggest adding a package of premium hot cocoa or tea.

Six.  A statement necklace is a great gift because unlike a ring or a bracelet, you don’t need to worry about how it fits.  This simple, modern metallic necklace would look lovely with a strapless or scoopneck dress.  I also loved this necklace with large faceted stones ($16) and this cool pyramid necklace with snakeskin accents ($23).  And if you fell hard for the J.Crew Bubble Necklace but not the price, try this Charlotte Russe Necklace for $13.

Stay tuned for more holiday gift guides.  Tomorrow, Gifts for Him Under-$25.  See you then.