I’m going to fess up about a weakness over at tea & oranges. We struggle with the under-$50-gift-category. I’m not trying to be an asshole when it comes to buying, but real estate in the shop is limited and I’m pretty rigid about staying ‘on topic’ with respect to our product mix. The truth is, a lot of the things out there that are under $50 (whether it be jewelry, scarves, bags) are poorly made and not meant to last. I would rather not fill that space than fill it with something I don’t stand behind.
My goal this year was to have a small selection of gifty things that are $50 and under that I really believe in. They are things that are not really a part of our typical product mix, but I like these as gift things because either
- They’re consumable. We’re ridiculously fortunate to be needing very little, so I do like to give gifts that can be used up.
- They’re things that you can do with family. Games and activities, I like things that are designed for light-hearted moments with loved ones.
Gifty things? Here we go!
We sold Le Puzz last year. I’m the type of gal that can get lost in a black hole puzzle for 3 straight days, but it’s the best when my husband or one of my kids joins me with a cup of coffee or a half-eaten sandwich in hand and helps piece together a few spots.
I love Le Puzz. These images are all shot with a real camera (no AI here, just good/hard work), in which they create elaborate sets with their quirky collections. The puzzle pieces are substantial and each puzzle piece is unique, which is an important characteristic if you’re a puzzle person like me. The images are quirky AF. This year’s highlights are “Me-ow Time” (cat in a bath) and a live action recreation of Dogs Playing Poker. Pull these babies out and feel your troubles melt away. (all the le puzz images are courtesy of the brand)
You can wallpaper the world with scented candles. I like these because
- They’re $32
- They’re made in New York State
- It’s a woman-owned-run-and-operated business
- They smell really nice
The company caught my eye with their Oakmoss & Amber scent, a personal favorite. We have a nice selection at the shop. Tomato & Mint is here to remind us that summer will always come again, while Teakwood & Tobacco smells very handsome.
A repeat offender for holiday fun, these delicious chocolates are made in France and have beautiful, artful and fun packaging. Since chocolate is in my Top 5 List of Favorite Things I Consume Daily, I will tell you this stuff is yummy and beautiful.
Their Advent Calendar exceeds our $50 limit here (it’s $75) but it’s worth mentioning because it is OVER THE TOP gorgeous and it's quite big. The chocolate inside is kid and adult approved.
I started using Kate McLeod’s lotion bars last year b/c I will try any product seems to eliminate a plastic bottle. These products are legitimately very moisturizing (while also eliminating the plastic), and I say this as a 46yo woman with Raynaud’s who is always cold and takes long, very hot showers and has very dry skin in the winter.
Dani suggested we get some of their Pebbles - they are solid shower/bath oils and they are cleansing and moisturizing at the same time. Really really lovely. The Kate McLeod products are pure pleasure to use. (images courtesy of kate mcleod)
A favorite family activity growing up were our family poker games. Or Gin Rummy. Or Go Fish. We played cards. Playing cards by Art of Play are beautiful and give you something to do with a sibling, a spouse or a kid. Beautiful, art-inspired and they encourage us to just be with the people we love. I like the Odd Bod cards the best, they’re just silly.
Here's the link to all our little gifts.
Other Ideas? Here’s a few.
- Go Shopping At Your Local Bookstore. I have so many books that have rearranged my view of the world. Picture books, children’s books, or just something that moved you. Lots of people I love are getting Melissa Elder’s book of Poetry called the Mundane from me this year. Heartfelt and humorous, I feel like I’m reading an adult version of Shel Silverstein in this book of poems. My favorite local bookstore is Little City Books in Hoboken. It is filled with treasures.
- Olive Oil. I’m olive oil obsessed, it goes on everything, and I am not ashamed that I now buy very bougie olive oil. Personally we consume Zimm’s Organics at the house most of the time, but our friends over at My Love Story currently have a gorgeous olive oil worth trying! Oh, olive oil is also on my Top 5 List of Favorite Things I Consume Daily (3, 4 and 5 are eggs, soup and coffee, not necessarily in order of preference, in case you were wondering).
- Kirti Sheoran’s Ceramics. If you need something special that is also functional, I highly recommend you check out Kirti’s newly redesigned site. Kirti has a truly unique artistic approach to her ceramics and her pieces fit into our daily lives with ease.
