Friends, I am giddy to kick off this series! I know, I know, we all know how to give gifts. But every time I share gifts, gifting tips and tricks, new ideas, etc. on Instagram, I receive so many questions and comments on the ideas (yes, everyone says, “I know you all have been asking” but this is actually a real time ha!). Anyway, I wanted to keep gifting options open and available for everyone within five different budgets: $15, $25, $50, $75 and $100. And seven categories of gifts for different preferences and interests: flowers, candles, glassware, to sip, an experience, book(s) and a wild card option. There’s no way to cover every type of gift but the best part about having this series on both Instagram and the blog is that I can expand so much more on each ideas and alternatives for different types of people. So, let’s jump in!
FLOWERS | It is always a good time to give someone flowers. Literally, any day, any time, any occasion or non, flowers are always a good idea! For under $15, you can seriously put a smile on anyones face in this category. Between Trader Joe’s/ any grocery store and local Farmers Markets, you can find a bundle of (or two) hydrangeas for under $15, 5-stems of peonies for $10 at TJs, mixed bouquets and more. For this gift, I wanted to use a reusable item of a bud vase that a friend could use over and over and an iris stem. Lillies great affordable, giftable flowers because each stem has at least 3 flower heads and even when one dies, you can snip it and still have a few stems flourishing for weeks to come. This adorable bud vase is from The Tiny Tassel. Gift shops, specialty stores, amazon and even thrift stores will have options in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes.
CANDLES | Most people probably wouldn’t assume you could find a nice candle that a friend would like for under $15 because candles are literally so expensive but a favorite candle gift of mine is a set of fun taper candles. Most of my friends wouldn’t buy them themselves and if they do, they wouldn’t burn them which is exactly why I gift them. Especially for friends who love to host, they now have an excuse to display and burn beautiful taper candles when friends and family are around. This specific set of 4 was only $8 from Homegoods but there are SOOOOOO many options online.
BOOKS | I love being gifted books as much as the next person and I have found that giving a “how-to” or guide book is so fun for friends! My sweet friend, Alicia, wrote the best how-to guide for all things Fall. When thinking about this series, this book was one of the first items I knew needed to be part of this series. I absolutely adore this book and it is the perfect gift for someone who wants a little inspiration for new recipes, ways to decorate and Fall activities.
GLASSES | Y’all know I have a slight addition to glassware so it’s no surprise that glasses are part of this series. No matter the occasion or what the person prefers to drink, I find that there is always a pretty glass option for them made for martinis or red wine or margaritas or whatever their personal choice is. These clear rocks glasses above are 100% baccarat look-alikes. I didn’t know that when I pick them up from Marshall’s for literally $4 each but they are a dream. Heavy as heck, controls drink sweat and fits a large cube or sphere ice piece perfectly. A pair of glasses and a note or gift tag is such a nice gift for a friend and is always acceptable. Another way to upgrade or add on to this gift is with a fun ice mold. I found a 4 sphere ice cube mold for $5 last year and now it’s my favorite ice for simple drinks. This “upgrade” is probably something else a friend wouldn’t buy for themselves but would use forever if they were gifted the item.
TO SIP | I have zero shame in admitting that there was a point in life where I thought the most expensive bottle of wine was the best…and boy was I wrong. At least several times a month I’m looking to pick up a bottle for myself or a friend and looking for new favorites under $20. They key here is of course knowing your friends favorite once they show or tell you but until then, I have a few go to options in each category when I’m just getting to know a friend or hanging out with several people with different tastes. Here are my favorites: Red is always Apotheic Red Blend or Cabernet-Syrah Maison Barboulot from TJs; Sparkling is easily Decoy Cuvee or TJs Secco; and White from TJs can be Moulin Jamet Sancerre, French Fizz Le Blanc 201 or Espiral Vinho Verde. The above brut is another absolute fav and for less than $15, you can show up to a friends house and be the highlight of their week – promise!
EXPERIENCE | I’ve already said every category is my favorite but gifting experiences, from daily happiness to forever memories, have been something I’ve loved and shared for years – especially with attending college 8 hours from home and then moving throughout the southeast over the past few years. Under $15 is the easiest because who doesn’t love the gift of coffee or tea? So many times, especially in college and grad school, when I knew my friends were having a hard week, I would send a virtual gift card for Dunkin or Starbucks. iPhones make it so easy now because when you go to type a message and pull up the extra menu where you would search for a gif, there’s a button for Starbucks. In just a few seconds you can send a virtual gift card for your friend to get a coffee, tea or treat when they can. Not a coffee or tea lover? You can easily find your friends favorite bakery or ice cream shop gift card options for them to grab a treat just because you are feeling generous. Last year, I sent a few friends $15 gift cards to Jeni’s ice cream and a handwritten note just to say hello. Even something this small can go a long way 🙂
Well friends, that wraps part one of five for this gifting series! The initial posts are always first on Instagram and then the deep dives will be live here on the blog. I’ve been thinking about this series for so long and I’m pumped to see it come to life. No matter the occasion or person or budget, the important thing to note is that people will always remember how you made them feel. Doesn’t matter if the gift or gesture is expensive or large, small and ordinary, the thought will always count.
What are your go-to gifts on a small budget? I would love to know in the comments! xoxo, Azanique <3
All great ideas!
thank you so much! 💜