We’d all love to lavish our friends and family with the over-the-top gifts we feel they deserve, but that isn’t usually financially realistic. The good news: It doesn’t take credit card debt to show our loved ones we care.
A card and a thoughtful gift, like the ones in the above slideshow, will go a long way. It’s all about finding the right gift for the right person, meaning that a bacon-and-egg patterned pair of slippers might make your dad LOL, but would make mom wonder WTF. Ditto for a cocktail bomb or a basil tree. Check out the slideshow for some inspiration for even the most difficult name to cross off your holiday shopping list.
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The Best Budget Holiday Buys
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Mixologi
Bellini Blush, $11 at My Drink Bomb
It's the holidays, so forget bath bombs — gift a drink bomb to your stressed-out friends. Just pick their favorite cocktail flavor bomb and all they have to do is drop it into a glass of their favorite spirit. The brand also makes bombs for kids to add to club soda.
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WindowBox.com
Basil Seed Kit in Bamboo Container, $21.97 at WindowBox.com
Not only is this a fun gift for anyone who loves to cook, it's the gift that keeps on giving as it'll save money on future basil purchases (every little bit counts!). The kit includes organic seeds that can be grown inside the container without chemical pesticides or fertilizers. The whole container is constructed from natural materials with a nontoxic lacquer finish. Mint, oregano, lavender, chive and parsley kits are also available.
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Coco + Carmen
Lulu Grace Sunglasses, $22 at Coco + Carmen
Cheap sunglasses usually look, well, cheap. Not so with these stylish shades.
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Joe Coffee Company
The Daily - Specialty Instant Coffee, $18 at Joe Coffee Company
New York-based, Danny Meyer-backed Joe Coffee Company recently launched instant coffee and as you might guess with a man like Meyer involved, it's not your grandmother's instant.
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Dripkit
Guatemala Aguas Altas, $15 at Dripkit
Dripkit is another awesome coffee innovation that is especially great for anyone who travels frequently and struggles to find a good cup of joe when on the move. It's basically a small flexible brewer that comes flat and opens to fit on any size mug. It's pre-filled with grounds weighted out for a cup and you just open it, pour hot water and you have a fresh cup wherever you are. And it tastes amazing.
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Real Men Buy Flowers
Bouquet, $59 and up at Real Men Buy Flowers
Real Men Buy Flowers is a new startup that offers curated bouquets for birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day and more. The idea is that it simplifies the flower giving experience. The bouquets are beautiful (and beautifully packaged), ship quickly and include a custom note.
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Fuzzy Babba
Bacon & Egg Slipper Sock, $13 at Fuzzy Babba
Everyone can use cozy slippers when the temperature drops, and Fuzzy Babba offers a ton of low-price options for every personality.
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Goddess Garden
Aromatherapy Bracelet, $19.86 at Amazon
It may not be as glamorous as a bangle by Hermes, but this aromatherapy-infused bracelet is the perfect mood lifter.
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IOttie
ION Wireless Fast Charging Pad, $44.95 at iOttie
Everyone has that friend who is always running on 2 percent battery. Put them out of their misery with this fast wireless charging pad.
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Economy Bathrobes
100% Turkish Cotton White Terry Kimono Bathrobe, $26.49 at Robemart
Bathrobes are like razors — usually needlessly overpriced. Not so with all the cozy options from Economy Bathrobes.
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Pommery
Pop Champagne, $10.95 at Sherry Lehmann
Pommery was the first champagne house to offer mini champagne bottles in 1929 when the son of Louise Pommery wanted to bring a portable bottle of champagne to keep in his bag and drink straight from the bottle when he went hunting (guns and alcohol, sounds like a brilliant idea … ). Today you can get these adorable mini bottles to bring as a fun, Instagrammable host or hostess gift.
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Coby
Waterproof Shower Speaker, $16.99 at Amazon
Could there be a better budget gift for the karaoke lover than this waterproof shower speaker?
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Energy Muse
Get Creative Crystals, $19.95 at Energy Muse
Crystals are big right now and it's no wonder why. We can all use more positive vibes. This particular set of crystals is said to "enhance your creativity and increase your drive and confidence."
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Bella
Hands-Free 4-in-1 Electric Spiralizer With Recipe Book, $22.06 at Amazon
Make healthy foods like zucchini and apples more fun to eat with this quick, rotating, four-blade system, which is easier to use than a handheld spiralizer.
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Chef'n
Small Self Watering Herb Planter, $19.99 at Chef'n
This ceramic self-watering herb pot keeps soil moist from below with self-regulating wicks, making it an ideal plant for anyone who is short on time or has been cursed with a black thumb. Plus, it's cheaper and lasts longer than flowers.
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Rabbit
Suction Stones, $20 at Rabbit
This set contains two "stones" that suction to the bottom of your glass to keep drinks cold without any dilution. It's a great buy for anyone who takes their whiskey or white wine seriously.
