Gift Guide: For the Home

Since most of my friends are now married and buying their first homes, I’ve been buying a lot of housewarming gifts as of late.  But home decor makes a great holiday gift for Mom, Grandma, the In-Laws or anyone who thinks her home is her castle.  And these gifts are all under $50.

1.  Rococo Chalkboard (Layla Grace, $36)

This awesome gift is actually a wall decal that you can write on with chalk.  Hang it in the foyer for honey-do reminders, or on the fridge for the grocery list.  As for me, I think I need one for the inside of my closet door so I can keep track of which friend borrows which piece of clothing.

2.  Knot Door Stop (Jayson, $35)

No one really buys door stops anymore, and it’s too bad.  A decorative doorstop can add a little something extra to your room and keep your two-year-old from opening and closing the door like it’s his job.

3.  Decorative Resin Coral (Set of 3, $50)

I don’t keep plants.  Partially because I only have one window in my apartment, but mostly because I never remember to water them.  Having some coral on the coffee table allows me to have something decorative and natural without worrying whether I’m going to kill it.

4.  Men’s Leather Valet (Amazon, $39)

When I was a kid, I used to watch my Father systematically remove change, pens, chapstick, receipts and all kinds of other items from his pockets.  And then all of that detritus wound up sitting on top of his dresser until the next day when he would fill up his pockets all over again.  Luckily, this leather valet can organize all of your extras and look chic while doing it.

5.  Handcrafted Bowls (Etsy, $38)

Etsy is a great place to find pottery.  The trouble is you have to sift through a lot of rough to find the diamond.  I like these bowls for their simple, earthy elegance.  Put them on the coffee table and fill them with candy or set them on a shelf, fill them with water and use them to float candles in.  Or, if you must, use them for popcorn or ice cream.