Gift Guide: 12 Gifts for Co-Workers Under $50

January 20, 2020November 20, 2018 by Megan Kristel

When we come up with themes for our Gift Guides, we try to think about the categories that are challenging, rather than creating some trendy/goofy/unhelpful roundup of Pinterest worthy, overpriced gifts. This year, while thinking about where we really get stumped, office-appropriate gifts were the top of our list.

Anytime I start to think of gifts, I start with a price range. For this list, we capped it at $50, with many of these recommendations floating around the $25 – $30 price range. The next thing to consider is practicality. Frankly, there are a lot of stupid gift ideas out there. I can’t stand the thought of spending money on clutter. The only exception I would make is if you find a hilarious gag gift, that goes along with an inside joke, but in that case, give it to the recipient privately instead of a formal office gift exchange.

Finally, I consider usefulness and packaging. Receiving something that is beautifully packaged makes it all the more special, especially when it’s a relatively low priced item.

Today, we found 12 great gift ideas for your office family, that will be appreciated and appropriate.

Gift Guide: 12 Gifts for Co-Workers Under $50

1. Tumbler, $30: These Yeti Tumblers are go-to gifts for me. I gave them as an end of year teacher gift with a handwritten note and gift card to Starbucks, and my girls’ teachers LOVED them.

2. Headphones, $25: Back in my cubicle days I stat with headphones on while I worked just so people wouldn’t speak to me. Open concept offices are great, but not when you need to focus. These headphones are noise canceling and only $25. They’re especially great for the gentleman in the office that you don’t really know but want to include on your list.

3. Candle, $35: Any candle by diptyque smells as gorgeous as it looks. For the fancy lady in your office, these small size of this candle is only $35, comes in chic packaging, and smells like heaven.

Related: My Go-To Hostess Gifts for the Holidays

4. Makeup Bag, $5: I had to include this $5 initial makeup bag from Target. It’s just the thing to pick up to corral smaller gifts. You can use it to create a little thank you gift for your receptionist or intern. Fill it with luxurious hand cream, gel pens, mints, chocolates or a gift card.

5. External Battery, $25: As someone who travels all the time, I can’t tell you how much I depend on my external battery when I’m on the road. Long flights and long delays drain your phone battery. Having one of these in your bag gives you peace of mind that you can always make a call, order or Uber, and stay connected.

6. Wallet, $18: Another way to gift a gift card without blowing your budget is to give it in an inexpensive wallet. This one from Urban Outfitters comes in four colors and is under $20.

7. Notebook, $25: This popular, high quality notebook is an easy, gender neutral gift anyone would love to receive.

8. Heated Throw, $43: For your office mate who is always freezing, what could be better than a cozy, heated blanket?

9. Mask, $39: Treat your work wife to a fantastic at home facial treatment. This detox mask from Caudalie is one of my personal favorites.

10. Label Maker, $21: Anyone who gives me a label maker would be my new best friend. You need to know your audience for this one, but for the overly Type A person in your office, I guarantee you a label maker specifically for their office would be the gift that keeps on giving.

11. Wine Holder, $14: For your favorite happy hour work buddy, let them indulge in a glass of wine in the bath with this suction cup wine glass holder. Take the gift to another level with a shatter proof glass, her favorite bottle of wine and some bath salts.

12. Coffee Mug Warmer, $10: When I first saw this coffee cup warmer I thought it was such a cleaver idea, then I saw it was $10 … sold. Instead of giving someone another coffee mug, give them this, or include a new mug and their favorite coffee.

My Go-To Hostess Gifts for the Holidays

January 20, 2020November 15, 2018 by Megan Kristel

Gift Guides this time of year can be laughable. They either boast insanely expensive ideas or junk that no one really wants. I thought, instead of doing one specific for Thanksgiving, we would create one perfect for any event you might have this season. Whether it’s a formal holiday dinner or a casual night your friend is hosting, these are my tried and true, go-to hostess gifts that never fail to please.

Candle, $25 with Wick Trimmer, $25: Who doesn’t love a candle, especially one that smells like the holidays. For a simple $25 gift, pick up a gorgeous candle from Anthropologie. Their packaging alone is worth the price tag, but the quality matches. Want to kick it up a notch? Include a wick trimmer and snuffer for some added elegance. I like this set from Williams Sonoma. You can not only use it, but it looks pretty sitting on a coffee table.

Scones : This is my go-to gift anytime someone is creating a big meal, and it couldn’t be easier. I love Jenny Steffens blog, Everyday Occasions. She has lovely entertaining and decor ideas. Her scone recipe never fails and is divine. I wipe this up in about 15 minutes, shape it into wedges and, here’s the trick, leave it raw so your hostess can warm them up in the morning. You can buy kraft gift boxes right from her website, include the glaze in a piping bag, and wrap in a grosgrain ribbon. It’s a thoughtful, practical, affordable and impressive gift.

Napkins, $60: If you have enough lead time, there is nothing better in my book than monogrammed napkins. Go the festive route or keep it simple with a classic white dinner napkin.

Coasters, $68: If you’re bringing a bottle of wine, consider adding a gorgeous set of coasters too. It’s an easy way to add to your gift and leave behind something your hostess will use well after the party.

Cook Like a Pro, $21 and Joy of Cooking, $23: Visiting someone who loves to cook and entertain? Then they would love a new cookbook. Go for a classic, like Joy of Cooking or a new release like Cook Like a Pro from my idol, Ina Garten.

Set of 8 Champagne Glasses, $28: I can’t tell you how many times I’ve shown up with a set of Champagne glasses and a bottle of bubbly and our hostesses opens everything up immediately. I know I break wine and champagne glasses all the time and rarely am sitting on a full set, so bringing a few more along is thoughtful and appreciated.

Rose Petal Petits Fours, $50: These little bites are as delicious as they are beautiful. You have to order them ahead of time, but you’ll love having a few in your fridge to bring to last-minute get-togethers. The only challenge is not eating them yourself. You can also have them sent directly to friends, family, and clients across the country. I guarantee you people will go crazy for them.

Boos Block, On Sale, $75 Finally, take cheese board duty to the next level by including a classic cutting board to leave behind. I like this Boos Block specifically because it of it’s shaped and you can use it after the party to sit out on your island and corral different everyday kitchen essentials.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

January 20, 2020May 1, 2018 by Megan Kristel

At this point in my life as a mother, all I want for Mother’s Day is a quiet morning to catch up on sleep, and a latte and scone from the local coffee shop in bed. If there is a Real Housewives of New York marathon to watch on Bravo, even better. I don’t want to hear bickering, or fighting over of the Xbox controller, and I want bedrooms picked up and laundry put away without having to go into international level negotiations. I’d like to not have to get dressed and rush out the door, maybe read a book in the afternoon, take a long walk and go to a low key dinner in the neighborhood so I don’t have to touch my kitchen. That’s it. Simple, easy and affordable.

Gifts are lovely too but not necessary. When my kids were little I lived for their school made presents. Especially the “all about my mom” papers that would come home, telling me that I love wine (I do), my favorite thing to do is go to Target (it’s not), and I’m 24 years old (lol).

When I select a gift for any occasion, I try to come up with something a little indulgent, thoughtful, personal and, most important, usable. We’ve done gift guides for years, but never for Mother’s Day. So this year Lauren and I decided to come up with a list of things we actually want to help inspire your wish list, because how many framed pictures of your kids do you really need?

Our Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for 2018

Pajamas, $95: I love pajamas but I only ever buy them twice a year, once at Christmas, and once in the summer, so I have something decent looking for our time at the shore. Over the years I’ve gathered a few I love, my favorites are all from J.Crew. Their vintage men wear inspired pajamas are cozy and wash well. For a few extra dollars, you can have them monogrammed. I mean, how chic is that?

Fry Pan, $194: Last year I replaced my 15-year-old pots and pans set from my wedding registry with a gorgeous stainless steel All-Clad set. It was an investment, but I love to cook and decided a few months ago I was going to learn proper technique. The set came with enough to get me started, and I like the idea of collecting pieces with time, like this 14″ fry pan. When you are coming up with a gift, think about what the recipient is into and go from there. Thoughtful gifts are often the most practical.

Bangle, $430: Lauren and I are obsessed with these enamel bangles from Hermes. Do we have them? No. Are we getting them for Mother’s Day? Also, no. But it’s nice to dream.

Short Stem Wine Glasses, $29: Such a sweet and affordable gift for mom, your friend getting married, or just for yourself. They have a charm to them that makes me want to sit on the front porch on a sunny afternoon with a bottle of rose. Obviously, opt for the monogram.

Tote, $465: This tote we featured last week has been incredibly popular and a great gift for moms in any season of life. It can be used as a diaper bag, work tote, or weekend travel bag. The options are pretty much endless.

Bath Soak, $35: For the mom who loves her nightly baths, these salts by Goop are incredible. Aside from the pretty packaging and clever names, they are also filled with all sorts of good stuff to help detoxify and hydrate your skin. Complete the gift with an extra fluffy towel or robe and some much need alone time.

Hairdryer, $399: As someone who has spent a small fortune on a hairdryer, I’m here to tell you they are worth every single penny. I bought my T3 several years ago, and now Dyson, (yes, the same as the vacuum), has come out with an even better option. If you have long, and/or thick hair, the process of blow drying can be incredibly time consuming. These power dryers cut that time in half, are lightweight, packable, and are high quality, so you’ll have them for years and years.

Cookbook, $18: Nothing is better than a cookbook you can read in bed like a magazine and who better to spend time with than the always lovely Joanna Gaines. Personally, I wish she would write a book on how to have five kids and still kick it at business, but I’ll settle for her fried chicken receipe while I wait.

Wool Lounger, $95: From our new favorite brand All Birds, it’s a slipper and a casual shoe all in one. Throw them on to take the kids to school, walk the dog, pick up your mail, even go to the grocery store and not be embarrassed when you run into someone you know. Leave them by your back door so you can slip them on and go.

Sandals, $80 A little leopard print in your look is always a good thing and these J.Crew flat sandals are perfect for summer. Pair them with jeans and a cute tee shirt, or wear them with a bright sheath for a night out. Also available in a go-with-everything neutral color tan.