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2017 Gift Guide: Under $50

When you think about all the people you ideally want to get gifts for – parents, in-laws, siblings, relatives, children of relatives, friends, best friends, your boss, co-workers and colleagues, your next door neighbor, that person who did you a favor that one time, your child’s teacher, your mailman who always greets you, etc. – it can add up quick! While a meaningful card or box of chocolates will never go out of style, here’s a list of gift ideas that also go a long way for a small price – they’re all under $50!

Minim Cards by Joe Doucet, available at Areaware \\\ $10
Not your grandma’s bridge set of playing cards. This regulation playing cards set has a minimalist design and geometric, reductive versions of the four suits.

Origiami Concrete Coaster by Havelock Studio \\\ $23
This origami-inspired coaster doesn’t even look like a coaster with its graphic surface. You can gift it in a set or paired with a bottle of wine but I think any design lover can appreciate this unique gift by itself too.

Aydry & Co. Mini Tin Candles \\\ $12
This LA-based brand handcrafts their candles with organic and vegan ingredients so you can feel safe giving these away. They come in a variety of enticing scents like Japanese Yuzu, Bohemian Brunch and Champagne Brunch.

2018 Stendig Calendar, available at Need Supply \\\ $38
A perennial favorite amongst design-loving gifters, the iconic Stendig Calendar designed in 1966 by Massimo Vignelli is an example of lasting modern design. Pro tip: the pages double as wrapping paper at the end of the year.

Raw Gem Stone Dish by The Pursuits of Happiness \\\ $40
Inspired by marble, terrazzo and gemstones, this sweet little dish is a designated place to store rings, trinkets, bits and bobs.

Portofino Pouch by Lee Coren \\\ $34
I can’t imagine anyone not loving this handmade, vegan suede pouch, perfect for storing credit cards or cosmetics.

SPRZ NY EAMES T-Shirt from Uniqlo \\\ $15
While I wish I could afford an Eames chair for everyone I loved, I think this graphic t-shirt from the Uniqlo SPRZ NY x Eames Office collaboration is the next best thing.

Concrete Planter by Nystrom \\\ $39
Help improve the air quality in their home or at their desk with this modern planter. Add a succulent or plant and you’ll save your loved one a trip to the nursery so they can enjoy this gift immediately.

Together Freunde bowls by Brian Giniewski \\\ $45
We love Brian Giniewski’s signature drippy coated ceramics. He’s curated specially selected sets in his TOGETHER shop and to make it even more tempting, these sets ship for the price of one item!

Amazing Scissors by Present & Correct \\\ $24
These scissors are indeed amazing because they double as rulers, circle templates, and angle measurer. A modernly kitschy but useful gift for an office mate.

Prompt Cards by The School of Life London \\\ $15
I really enjoy following The School of Life’s Instagram because they always provide a look into their truly thoughtful products. They create tools that help develop your emotional intelligence in a variety of themes, such as Confidence or Career Crisis.

I’ve mentioned these next two in my last Under $50 Guide but they are reliable favorites in my book for year-round gifting so I’m mentioning them again!

Keychain by Various Keytags \\\ $15
Fun fact: last year I got Jaime one that said “Orchestrator of Awesome.” These little guys make for a cheeky gift and the best part is that you can customize them to fit your recipient!

A 3 Month Temporary Tattoo Subscription from Tattly \\\ $50
The gift that keeps on giving. While a kid would get a kick out of this present, Tattly’s collective of designers and artists make awesome temporary tattoos that even adults would enjoy.

As the Senior Contributing Editor, Vy Yang is obsessed with discovering ways to live well + with intention through design. She's probably sharing what she finds over on Instagram stories. You can also find her at vytranyang.com.