7 fab christmas gift ideas that won’t break the bank

I had high hopes for posting a bunch of holiday gift guides but I’ve been so overwhelmed with trying to figure out what I’m getting my own family and friends that it’s just not going to happen this year.  I think Christmas is the perfect time to get carried away wasting money on things that you normally would never buy someone just to have a gift to give, which is why I’m always freaking out over trying to find unique, meaningful items for everyone.  It’s exhausting.  This year, I’ve decided to keep it simple and so, instead of gift guides I am posting some of my favorite items to give friends and family – some of these I’ve given time and time again.  Most are on sale right now and all of them are super affordable!

My Atlantis clam shell is my favorite decorative accessory, going on almost a decade now!  It’s on sale right now over at ZGallerie and I think it would make an amazing gift for the home decor afficionado, lover of the beach or anyone who appreciates pretty things!  I’ve used mine to hold everything from fishing floats and pine cones to Christmas ornaments and, this year, clementines, and it makes an equally lovely statement on its own.  One of my favorite gifts to give (and get, of course!)

I love, love, LOVE a preserved boxwood wreath but they can be pretty pricey.  This 22 incher by Smith and Hawken stopped me in my tracks on a jaunt to Target a few weeks ago and at $45 you just can’t beat the price OR the size! I hung mine by a navy and white striped grosgrain ribbon in my entry and it will be a welcome pop of color and interest once all the Christmas decorations are put away!  It also comes in a smaller size for $20 here.

A Boat, A Whale and a Walrus is one of the most beautiful cookbooks EVER; I included it in one of my holiday gift guides last year and it’s become of one of my favorite gifts to give since!  The photos are absolutely gorgeous, the recipes delectable, but what I love most is that it reads like a story by chef and restauranteur Renee Erickson.  This is THE perfect gift for the hostess or cook in your family or circle of friends!

A tortoise ice bucket is my latest obsession for hosting during the holidays; I use it to chill wine or as a makeshift vase and it even looks chic on its own on a bar cart or tray.  I found mine at Furbish Studio; I’ve had it out on my kitchen counter in a little bar setup for the holidays and and it makes me giddy every time I look at it! 

I don’t think you can ever go wrong giving a beautiful coffee table book; whenever I’m in doubt as to what to get someone, nine times out of ten this is what I end up giving.  With Amazon Prime, you can have them delivered to your door in less than 48 hours, making this the perfect last-minute gift idea!

I love to give barware essentials because, let’s face it, the holidays are all about celebrating and having fun with family and friends and, for most of us, that includes a cocktail or two!  Gold-rimmed stemless champagne flutes, a brass anchor bottle opener and Drunken Sailor coasters are lovely, witty and classic!

A set of beautiful, blue and white Chinese bud vases makes a great stocking stuffer or, pair it with a gardening or entertaining book for your loved one who enjoys having fresh blooms in the house.  I found mine at TJ Maxx, but Wisteria has a gorgeous set of four for $35 with an additional 25% off with code DECEMBER25.

What are some of your favorite gifts to give again and again??