Gift Edit 2024

This $23 Vintage-Inspired WFH Essential “Adds So Much Character”

Written by

Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer based in New York City who covers interior design and lifestyle content. She is constantly on the hunt for eye-catching pieces to add to her space and believes that a home is never truly finished being styled.
Blair Donovan
Blair DonovanSenior Editor of Style at Apartment Therapy
As AT’s Senior Style Editor, I cover the latest interior design trends, expert decorating ideas, and must-see home products. Whenever I’m not keeping tabs on the next TikTok “core” or buzzy IKEA collection, I’m most likely reading, online shopping, or looking for the best tacos in New York (recs are encouraged).
Alyssa Longobucco
Alyssa LongobuccoContributor
Alyssa is a freelance writer, editor, and stylist living in New York. When she's not diving into the latest in food and home decor, she's restoring an 1820s farmhouse in the Hudson Valley alongside her husband and son.
published Nov 13, 2024
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Pretty wrapped present in brown paper, brown ribbon, dried flowers
Credit: Erika Layne

This feature is part of Apartment Therapy's Gift Edit, our editor-curated collection of gift ideas. Need more inspiration? Check out all our guides here.

There’s a certain thrill in shopping for amazing gifts that won’t break your budget. Not only can budget-friendly buys help you stick to your shopping budget, but saving a few bucks here and there may also allow you to treat more loved ones (or yourself) throughout the holiday season. Don’t worry, though — there are plenty of little luxury gifts that look way more expensive than they actually are, so you can spoil your sibling, partner, or BFF with a great gift that they’ll love (all without them knowing you saved a bit of cash).

Whether you’re shopping for Christmas, Hanukkah, a birthday, or the holidays, you’ll find the perfect gift (or two!) below. From a charming WFH essential to a silky eye mask, our picks are stylish, functional, and, best of all, budget-friendly. At these prices, you might want to treat yourself, too.

1 / 24
Anthropologie
$23.00

Shopping for a coworker or pal who is leveling up in their career? This clever mouse pad could be just the thing to brighten up their workspace. Modeled after a vintage rug (complete with fringe trim!), it’s a luxe and colorful alternative to a traditional mousepad and will bring a cozy feel to their desk.

2 / 24
Quince
$19.90

Soft, silky, and surprisingly affordable, this night mask is the perfect little luxury gift that won't break your budget. It comes in a ton of colors so you can grab one for everyone on your shopping list.

3 / 24
Mark & Graham
$39.99
was $69.00

There are few things worse than losing an earring in your gym bag or arriving to a far-flung vacation only to find that your necklaces have wound themselves into a tangle. With this budget-friendly travel jewelry case from Mark and Graham, everything will stay safely in place whether your giftee is hopping on an airplane or catching the subway to a workout class. Bonus: With dozens of colors and optional embossing, personalizing it to their tastes is easy.

4 / 24
Amazon
$39.99

Spring may feel far off at this point, but you can guarantee your favorite gardener is already planning for next year. This stylish seed binder is a great alternative to keeping all their packets in a shoebox or storage bin and improves their organizational efforts, too. Inside, they’ll find plastic sleeves, with individual pockets perfect for housing packets of vegetable or flower seeds.

5 / 24
Urban Outfitters
$18.00

This mushroom-shaped candle from Urban Outfitters could pass as vintage decor — but it’s just under $20! The blue pattern is timeless, but there are a handful of other colors and prints to choose from.

6 / 24
Quince
$29.90

There’s no denying that a tech-forward Apple watch provides valuable information — especially for wellness-focused users — but it’s not always the easiest piece to match to a work aesthetic or special occasion attire. With this inexpensive (but chic) gift from Quince, they can disguise their tech with a fashion-forward acetate watch band that comes in a variety of hues, including mint, cream, and tortoise.

7 / 24
Amazon
$19.99

These mugs look thrifted from an antique shop, but they're actually just $20 on Amazon. Contributor Sarah Magnuson has gifted them to everyone she knows because they're gorgeous and versatile for coffee, overnight oats, and even as serveware.

8 / 24
Paddywax
$20.00

This brass wick trimmer looks way more expensive than its $20 price tag lets on — in fact, you could pair this gift with a candle and still stay under $30. The fun-to-use accessory helps prolong the life of candles for an even, soot-free burn — not to mention it’s an instant decor focal point.

9 / 24
West Elm
$29.00

Have a friend that's always on the go? Encourage them to take some time for self-care with this plush and stylish towel. Made from 100-percent Turkish cotton, it's lightweight yet perfectly cozy for drying off post-bath or shower. Pro tip: Pair it with a jar of bath salts or soothing body oil for a true spa-like gift they're sure to appreciate.

10 / 24
Jayson Home
$24.99

Transport them to Paris or London, no passport needed, with one of these books from U.K.-based travel and style magazine Cereal. At $24.99 a piece, the not-your-average-guidebooks feature a visually packed rundown of dining info, historic sights, and much more. Best of all, they elevate any coffee table or bookshelf in an instant.

11 / 24
Amazon
$14.99

These brass Amazon frames are one of my very own favorite luxe-for-less home purchases. They add instant vintage charm to any tabletop. Available in a range of sizes, all under $20, they’re perfect for pairing with a black-and-white photo (hello, newlywed gift!) or a cool print or postcard. Either way, I'd suggest sizing up to get that pressed-glass "floating" image effect.

12 / 24
CB2
$6.00
was $7.95

Your pal who's always counting down the hours until cocktail o'clock will fall hard for this vintage-inspired coupe glass that looks stunning displayed on open shelving. Ribbed glassware never goes out of style, and you can gift a pair for less than $15. That's a win-win in our book!

13 / 24
Etsy
$26.00

Help give one of their succulents a stylish home with this stunning vase inspired by the female form. It will add some life and personality to any shelf or windowsill and comes in seven finishes.

14 / 24
Ballard Designs
$24.00
was $30.00

Step aside, matchbooks or rechargeable lighters — there’s a new elegant candle accessory in town. This hand-blown, 7-inch-tall cloche includes a built-in striking surface and 120 long matches, kept in place with a cork stopper. It’s easily refillable once you’ve run out, or the vessel can simply double as a decorative object on its own.

15 / 24
Uncommon Goods
$20.00

Encourage them to store candy or loose change in style. Reminiscent of the plastic baggies from school lunch days, this sculptural piece is perfect for the apartment dweller who loves weekend trips to the MoMA or adding a bit of whimsy to their decor.

16 / 24
Amazon
$9.99

Not sure what to give the friend who has everything? This statement-making candle happens to be super Insta-worthy. If they display it on a metal dish or under a glass cloche, it'll look like a million bucks ... but no one has to know you only paid $12 for it.

17 / 24
Material
$28.00
was $35.00

Who doesn't have a cutting board that's seen better days? This practical and colorful gift will brighten up their countertop and come in handy time and time again. Bonus: It's made from recycled plastic kitchen scraps and renewable sugarcane for a purchase that you can feel good about.

18 / 24
Uncommon Goods
$40.00

No outrageously expensive outdoor pizza oven needed to get the tasty wood-fired treatment. This eight-inch, cast iron pizza maker whips up mini pies on the grill in just 10 minutes. Count on an at-home backyard pizzeria for just $40.

19 / 24
CB2
$24.95

Unsure what to get that person who has everything? You can't go wrong with a versatile tray that will come in handy in just about every room of the house. Substantial marble trays often don't come cheap, but this one is just $25.

20 / 24
Amazon
$25.99

For the bibliophile or coffee table book collector, consider a design-forward acrylic book stand that lets them keep their favorite spread(s) on display. The compact, transparent cross frame hardly takes up much space, so photography or art books can shine on any tabletop and double as decor.

21 / 24
Amazon
$9.99

A handy rule of thumb: Items made from glass often look more expensive than those that aren't. This pretty mug is the perfect example. It sports an intriguing vertical ribbed pattern and comes with its own wooden lid that doubles as a coaster. Grab it in the standard clear color, or opt for a festive amber or delicate pink shade. The mug is perfect for eggnog and hot chocolate season.

22 / 24
CB2
$19.95

Everyone needs a trusty vase to keep on hand if someone stops by with a bouquet of flowers, and this CB2 find is one of the best. Its ridged texture adds so much visual intrigue, and it's petite enough to fit into apartment-sized kitchen cabinets when not in use.

23 / 24
Paloma & Co.
$30.00

Instead of just getting any old bowl for your decor-obsessed friend this holiday season, opt for this hand-blown Italian glass bowl. It's more special knowing that it's handmade, and it's definitely a statement piece.

24 / 24
Rifle Paper Co.
$20.80
was $26.00

When scanning the journals at Barnes & Noble, don't be surprised to find notebooks of all varieties — bound in leather, embossed with old-world patterns, or even plain — for up to $50 or more. This fabric-covered journal by Rifle Paper Co. looks just as good with its colorful floral print, and it won't break the bank. It also lies flat and has its own bookmark, so it's a win in all categories.